State Cooperative Extension Service Research Articles

Raising Awareness of Assistive Technology in Older Adults Through a Community-Based, Cooperative Extension Program

The Fashion an Easier Lifestyle with Assistive Technology (FELAT) curriculum was developed as a needs-based, community educational program provided through a state Cooperative Extension Service. The overall goal for participants was to raise awareness of assistive technology. Program evaluation included a postassessment and subsequent interview to determine short-term knowledge gain and longer term behavior change. The sample consisted of mainly older, married females. The FELAT program was effective at raising awareness and increasing knowledge of assistive technology, and for many participants, the program acted as a catalyst for planning to or taking action related to assistive technology.

The Nature of Organizational Learning in a State Extension Organization

Our complex and rapidly changing world demands a more nimble, responsive, and flexible Extension organization. The findings from a study involving interviews across a state Cooperative Extension Service paint a picture of organizational learning in Extension. Four key dimensions of learning surfaced. Of particular importance are the application of a model for organizational knowledge creation and the characteristics of transformational organizational learning for innovation. Recommendations focus on actively supporting organizational learning, developing ways to tap the vast knowledge and skills of Extension professionals, and institutionalizing means to transfer learning.

Survey of Master Gardener Use of Native Plants in the Southeastern United States

The Master Gardener program is a volunteer horticultural training and an educational outreach program developed and managed by state cooperative extension services. Previous research in the southeastern United States revealed that landscape architects and contractors are increasingly using native plant materials in their projects and this often exceeds regional plant availability. A survey of green industry in the region showed supply is driven by consumer demand and education. To determine if native plant demand is encountered by plant purchasers other than landscape architects, this study evaluates the interest level and market use of native plants by Master Gardeners of six southeastern states. A web-based survey was developed, and Master Gardeners were invited to participate by their state Master Gardener coordinators. The survey included questions on how Master Gardeners use native plants in their home landscape, how they best learn about them, the species they have purchased, and their interest level. A total of 979 Master Gardeners completed the survey. Results revealed that this particular consumer group is enthusiastic about native plants and supports the landscape professionals' claims that marketing for native plants could improve if plants were available at more retail outlets, by having more types (herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees) and species for sale, and by offering greater quantities of plants.

Extension: Object of Reform, Engine for Innovation

Extension activities are being pulled in many directions, and are being called on to respond more effectively to the needs of farmers to produce and to forge links with markets. In the USA, for example, State Cooperative Extension Services have a variety of purposes in urban areas and operate in cooperation with other government agencies. Thus extension services, while concentrating on production agriculture, especially via privatized and private extension-type service companies, are simultaneously broadening out to include new purposes and a new clientele. While extension's role is straightforward in contract farming and other commercial ventures, such is not necessarily the case with public sector extension. Its structure, organization and operating system may differ from country to country, even from region to region. Nonetheless, whether in the private or public sector, a major concern for extension is to operate in the context of agricultural innovation systems (AIS) so that new knowledge is applied and used. A key objective in reforming extension, as argued in this paper, is to make it a better instrument, or engine, for the promotion of innovation, the dissemination of knowledge and the facilitation of development.

The Farmer and the Atom: The Iowa State Cooperative Extension Service and Rural Civil Defense, 1955–1970

The Farmer and the Atom: The Iowa State Cooperative Extension Service and Rural Civil Defense, 1955–1970

The Cooperative Extension Service System: Response and Educational Resource in the Field of Stress and Families

Educational materials and programs disseminated through the Cooperative Extension Services in each state serve as resources to help people understand stress and to reduce their stress levels. This meta-analysis references information provided by the Cooperative Extensions Services that can be accessed by anyone in any state: educators, practitioners, general public. The Cooperative Extension Service systems “extend” their resources, solving public need with college or land-grant university resources through non-formal non-credit programs (USDA CSREES, 2004). Reports from Cooperative Extension Service indicate work with audiences in stress topics primarily related to 1) parenting; 2) divorce, separation and co-parenting; 3) grandparenting and aging; and 4) joblessness, disaster and trauma. Finding that information is often difficult as contact information for each state Cooperative Extension Service appears to vary from state to state and county to county. An attempt to remedy this is the impending develop...

“Mightier than Missiles”: The Rhetoric of Civil Defense for Rural American Families, 1950–1970

Abstract During the Cold War, physical and cultural distance from major metropolitan areas did not preclude farm and rural families from taking part in civil defense preparations. In the early 1950s the evacuation of civilian populations from urban areas and military targets served as the basis for federal and state civil defense programs. By the late 1950s and early 1960s, however, as the dangers of fallout shaped the public discourse, rural areas were no longer considered safe from an attack. Throughout this period, the Federal Civil Defense Administration (FCDA), in conjunction with the USDA and State Cooperative Extension Services, launched campaigns to educate farmers on their roles as providers of food and as budding atomic scientists. The rhetoric of these programs reinforced the notion that rural Americans contributed not only food and raw materials to the American economy, but also served as the moral backbone of a democratic nation. Such language placed farmers and rural residents on the front lines of the Cold War.

"Mightier than Missiles": The Rhetoric of Civil Defense for Rural American Families, 1950?1970

During the Cold War, physical and cultural distance from major metropolitan areas did not preclude farm and rural families from taking part in civil defense preparations. In the early 1950s the evacuation of civilian populations from urban areas and military targets served as the basis for federal and state civil defense programs. By the late 1950s and early 1960s, however, as the dangers of fallout shaped the public discourse, rural areas were no longer considered safe from an attack. Throughout this period, the Federal Civil Defense Administration (FCDA), in conjunction with the USDA and State Cooperative Extension Services, launched campaigns to educate farmers on their roles as providers of food and as budding atomic scientists. The rhetoric of these programs reinforced the notion that rural Americans contributed not only food and raw materials to the American economy, but also served as the moral backbone of a democratic nation. Such language placed farmers and rural residents on the front lines of the Cold War.

Restructuring State Major Programs to Address Performance-based Budgeting and Issues Programming

To remain competitive for federal and state funding, state cooperative extension services must proactively incorporate issues programming and performance-based budgeting. State major program (SMP) design teams, which provide linkages between clientele groups and the research base, must conduct needs assessments to adjust to this new atmosphere of accountability. A case study illustrates how one Florida SMP (FL107, vegetable production, harvest, handling and integrated pest management in Florida) restructured its design team to become more flexible and proactive to target a wider range of outcomes. While still in the implementation phase, this model has already resulted in improved communication within the organization, better addressing extension needs at county level while facilitating reporting at the state level.

Wild turkeys and agriculture damage: Real or perceived thresholds and tradeoffs

Author(s): Miller, James E.; Tefft, B. C.; Gregonis, M.; Eriksen, R. E. | Abstract: Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) populations have been restored and enhanced through introductions and reintroductions in 49 of the 50 states to huntable populations within the last 30 years. Populations are presently estimated to exceed 4 million birds within the United States. In many states, wild turkey habitat includes woodlots interspersed with agricultural lands, and some of the highest known population densities of wild turkeys are found in such areas. This paper will report on existing research, examining perceived versus actual damage caused by wild turkeys. It will also provide information based on a recent survey of biologists from the State Fish and Wildlife Agencies, State Cooperative Extension Service wildlife specialists, and USDA-APHIS/Wildlife Services personnel across the United States who receive reports of both perceived and actual damage by wild turkeys to a diversity of agricultural crops. It will attempt to: examine the human dimensions aspect of landowners and managers toward thresholds of tolerance; the economic and recreational user benefits of maintaining high populations of wild turkeys, which utilize a diversity of habitats including agricultural lands; and the values placed on recreational use and enjoyment of the wild turkey resource. It is expected that future interactions between wild turkeys and agricultural crops will continue as will efforts and alternatives to prevent damage, explore the tradeoffs, and resolve potential conflicts for the benefit of agricultural producers and the wild turkey resource.

Collaboration between University and Schools Provides Nutrition Education for School Based Personnel

LEARNING OUTCOME: Viewers of this poster will comprehend a model for successful collaboration resulting in nutrition education of school based personnel. School textbooks in this state do not yet incorporate the Food Guide Pyramid, current Dietary Guidelines or information on the Nutrition Facts label. Therefore, a need existed to provide curriculum to meet this gap in knowledge as well as to train teachers in the most up-to-date nutrition information. In keeping with the spirit of USDA's Team Nutrition, a grant was awarded to this state's Cooperative Extension Service by the state Department of Education through its NET program; the grant allowed for inservice training of school-based personnel in grades K-12. Interested school based personnel submitted applications to the NET Coordinator who after screening them, sent to the EFNEP Coordinator. This training included topics mentioned above as well as training in the “Exploring the Food Pyramid with Professor Popcorn and Hooked on Health” interactive curriculum which utilizes these topics. Teams of Extension Educators provided the training to their local school personnel. The NET grant provided initial funding for up to 125 school personnel to receive inservice training which included the curriculum used, displays, food models, and demonstration foods. Over 137 elementary and secondary teachers, food service directors, and school nurses participated over a 11 month period. Evaluations were completed by inservice participants and by the educators providing the inservices. These evaluations indicate that learning had taken place, updating the nutrition knowledge of the school personnel. Initial followups indicate that the materials are being utilized effectively by the majority of participants. This project aptly demonstrated the Extension Service acting as a resource for local school personnel.

Steps to Success in Producing an Educational Videotape

LEARNING OUTCOME: Estimate resources and plan procedures necessary for production of high quality videographic educational aids. In site-based observations of students in quantity food preparation laboratories, hand washing was found to be the leading sanitation deficiency (average rating 3.1 on 5-point scale). Resources available to produce a training videotape targeted specifically for hand washing included the videographic unit of a state cooperative extension service. Steps involved in production were: script development, review and editing; review of file tapes for usable footage; securing permission to use selected sites; selecting and rehearsing student actors prior to filming each scene; reading the script on to a master tape; preparing text and graphics to be integrated with visual images; selecting and editing visual images and matching them with spoken text; adding title, logo, credits; selecting background music; duplicating the master tape. Total time involved was 300 labor hours to produce a 10-minute finished tape. Total cost was $9980.00. To date, approximately 900 tapes have been distributed free of charge. A survey of viewers (n=50) resulted in a mean satisfaction rating of 4.2 (1=not helpful to 5=very helpful). We concluded that successful video training tapes must be professionally produced, but this undertaking requires knowledge of the procedures, attention to detail and abundant resources.

Current and future agricultural meteorology and climatology education needs of the US extension service

A national system of extension programming that meets the basic meteorology needs of all agriculture with additional regional programming for particular crops is needed. Such a national system could be developed to optimize the capabilities of Federal and State agencies, and private sector entities. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and State Cooperative Extension Services should be lead agencies in this system by designating agricultural meteorology as a programming area and providing leadership for state programs. The agricultural industry needs educational programs to improve the use of existing meteorological information and to prepare to use new information and technologies as they become available. Many agricultural producers and related agribusiness managers lack a complete understanding of the data analyses and forecast products that are now available. They do not know how to access these products or how to apply them in their management systems. Agricultural producers need to learn how to use weather-driven models as a component in their daily decision making. Extension personnel should work cooperatively with research counterparts and private sector agricultural meteorologists to improve linkages that bring agricultural weather information to the agribusiness community.

EDUCATING THE RURAL PUBLIC ABOUT SAFE DRINKING WATER1

ABSTRACT: From 1984 to 1987, the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service conducted 40 safe drinking water clinics for more than 3000 rural homeowners. The clinics were developed to provide homeowners and farmers with information on managing their private water supplies. Four of the clinics were evaluated using a mail survey. By using a four part mailing, response rates of 63 to 77 percent were achieved. Based on the evaluation results of the four clinics, 11 of the 14 objectives dealing with information value, knowledge gained, and actions taken were met.

Customize Your Diet for Your Body Design; Customize Your Diet for an In-look; Customize Your Diet—Are Food Fads in Tune with Style?: Baker, M.J. et al., 1973, Extension Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Washington DC 20250, 8 p. sheets for photocopying, 4 p. programmers guide. For availability, contact your State Cooperative Extension Service or ES-USDA, 4-H Office, Washington, DC 20250

Customize Your Diet for Your Body Design; Customize Your Diet for an In-look; Customize Your Diet—Are Food Fads in Tune with Style?: Baker, M.J. et al., 1973, Extension Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Washington DC 20250, 8 p. sheets for photocopying, 4 p. programmers guide. For availability, contact your State Cooperative Extension Service or ES-USDA, 4-H Office, Washington, DC 20250

The Role of the Federal Extension Service as it Relates to Pest Control

First, I would like to report briefly about the flow of agricultural chemical information from the National level. Since the inception of the Miller Bill in 1954 the Federal Extension Service has been assembling, analyzing, interpreting, evaluating, refining and disseminating available agricultural chemicals information. This includes information pertaining to pesticides, feed additives, food additives, color additives and veterinary drugs. Special emphasis has been placed on distributing pesticidal registered uses compiled by the Pesticides Regulation Division of the United States Department of Agriculture and pesticidal residue and tolerance information obtained from the Food and Drug Administration of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Of course, this is regulatory information—not recommendations. Because the registered uses or so-called “salmon or pink sheets” are very useful, every means at our disposal is used to quickly obtain, duplicate, and send these to the States. It is recognized that a delay of a few days on this can create problems for State Extension specialists. Information is obtained from many other governmental agencies, industry, various associations, and other organizations at the National level. For example, the Federal Register Weekly Report is compiled each week. This is an attempt to flag or call attention to important items relating to chemicals in the Federal Register. Up-to-date information is obtained from State Experiment Stations, State Cooperative Extension Services, State Departments of Agriculture, and other State agencies and redistributed to each State Cooperative Extension Service. Information includes publications, news releases, kits, exhibit materials, films, slides and other items concerned with agricultural chemicals used on farms, in the garden, and in the home. Each extension entomologist is encouraged to send 70 copies of new or revised entomological publications to our office. A copy is sent to each extension entomology location in the States. Letters of transmittal that list these publications are sent to all extension entomologists, full or part time, and to Heads of Departments. Those that do not receive copies of publications may order them from the State involved by referring to the letter of transmittal. Close to 100,000 different pieces of material arc sent each year from our office primarily to the State Extension Agricultural Chemical Contact.

HEALTH PROBLEMS IN RURAL AMERICA

A recent survey by the AMA Council on Rural Health of health educators and home economics leaders in 44 State cooperative extension services indicates that water pollution and sanitation are the primary rural health problems. Assurance of an ample supply of uncontaminated water for family and farm use is an increasing problem, not only in rural fringe areas near suburban developments but also in the more remote farm areas. Smaller towns have had less experience in dealing with such problems and are less likely to have well-developed planning and zoning programs. In addition, in many instances they fail to enforce existing zoning regulations without fully considering the consequences of such laxity. The need for health education was the second most urgent problem highlighted in the AMA survey. Health education can keep the people alert to medical developments and encourage the wisest use of these advances. Education can also develop willingness