Virginia Cooperative Extension Research Articles

An Evaluation of a Cooperative Extension Internship Program

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the Virginia Cooperative Extension internship program from the perspective of student participants and their supervisors. Three focus groups were conducted with internship supervisors from the summer of 2019. Student survey data was used to identify concerns from the student perspective to inform the supervisor focus group questions. In addition to the questions, a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis was also used to collect qualitative data within the supervisor focus groups. Findings suggest areas of strength that can be used in marketing as well as opportunities for program improvement.

A feasibility study of the community health worker model for garden-based food systems programming

Underserved communities, including those of Black, Indigenous, and people of color, experience unequal access to food systems resources and pro­gramming. Community health workers are lay pub­lic health workers from underserved communities who provide basic health services and culturally sensitive education while bridging social services and community needs. The objective of this study was to determine if a community health worker model was feasible to deliver garden-based food systems programming with underserved Black, Indigenous, and communities of color for Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE). Twenty-nine indi­viduals from different programming areas and positions within VCE participated in semi-struc­tured interviews using video-conferencing (Zoom) in 2021. Interviews were coded and ana­lyzed with thematic analysis. The study found that the com­munity health worker model is feasible for garden-based food systems programming for VCE. Themes identified include the fit of the community health worker model for VCE, cultural humility, and logistics. The community health worker model has potential to expand culturally relevant food sys­tems programming and increase inclusion in VCE. Garden-based food systems programming with a community health worker model may create opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The community health worker model is fit to advance the community well-being values of VCE through inclusive food systems programming. Food systems community organizations can use this study as a template to evaluate potential new community health worker positions for expansion of inclusive food systems programming.

Opportunities for Competency Support of Virginia Cooperative Extension Professionals at the Colleague Stage

Opportunities for Competency Support of Virginia Cooperative Extension Professionals at the Colleague Stage

THE RELATION OF AGE TO OUTCOMES IN THE DIABETES LIFESTYLE CHANGE PROGRAM CONDUCTED BY VIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

Abstract The National Diabetes Prevention Program established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promotes the implementation of an evidence-based lifestyle change program (LCP) to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. The LCP is a 12-month program with 26 lessons covering topics on healthy diets, increasing physical activity, managing stress, and coping with triggers, among others. It includes weekly goal setting, food, and physical activity tracking, and group support. The goals of the program are 5–7% sustained weight loss and 150 minutes of physical activity weekly. Little is known about the real-world effectiveness of the LCP in different age groups, particularly in older adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of age on LCP outcomes (weight loss, average physical activity, program attendance) conducted by Virginia Cooperative Extension from 2017 - 2022. Among 191 participants enrolled in the LCP, 141 (73%) completed eight or more sessions and 56% were above 60 years of age. Results show there was a significant direct relationship (coefficient=0.05, p=0.001) between age and weight loss percentage. Participants older than 60 had significantly (p=0.03) higher average physical activity (215 min per week) compared to those under 60 years old (161 min per week). In addition, participants above 60 had significantly (p=0.03) higher attendance (22 sessions) compared to those under 60 years of age (19 sessions). These findings suggest that targeting different age groups and intervention delivery methods can improve program outcomes.

Cooperative Extension’s Capacity to Address Food Insecurity by Supporting Food Recovery Organizations

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) educators are uniquely positioned to support the food recovery organizations (FROs) which address hunger-related needs resulting from food insecurity. Based on an online survey to measure how VCE educators have engaged with FROs and their experiences, respondents who previously supported FROs did so across multiple programming areas, and those who had not indicated an interest while also experiencing barriers. Respondents also reported the need for context- and audience-specific resources particular to the spectrum of food recovery. Addressing barriers and resource needs through a transdisciplinary eXtension Food Recovery Community of Practice may support educators in doing this work.

P037 Current Food Resource Management Skills Predict Interest in SNAP-Ed Education During COVID-19

BackgroundCOVID-19 and related restrictions presented numerous challenges to individuals, communities, and nutrition education programs.ObjectiveTo better understand how nutrition education programs, like SNAP-Ed, might target eligible clients during COVID-19 by assessing interest in nutrition education by baseline behaviors.Study Design, Settings, and ParticipantsLow-income adults, ages 18+, in Virginia. A cross-sectional online survey using Qualtrics panels was conducted March-April 2020.Measurable Outcome/AnalysisSurvey questions included socio-demographic information, questions about food resource management practices (i.e., menu planning, using grocery shopping list, cooking at home), physical activity levels, and access to nutritious foods within their community, based on current adult SNAP-Ed evaluation instruments used in Virginia. Descriptive statistics were computed for all survey questions. Chi-square statistics (set a priori at α=0.05) were employed to examine associations between interest in programs and current practices.ResultsThere were a total of 1,408 survey respondents from across Virginia. Results showed that interest in education programs were significantly associated with: SNAP participation within the past 12 months; using a grocery shopping list; cooking the main meal at home; meal planning; and regular physical activity.ConclusionsThe findings characterize individuals with interest in potential SNAP-Ed programs and can be used to help inform and tailor program recruitment and marketing. Additional research is warranted to examine modality and dosage of interested individuals, in addition to recruitment and retention rates of individuals referred to existing SNAP-Ed programs from a survey of this nature.FundingUSDA Virginia Cooperative Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education, Virginia Department of Social Services-Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

59 Producer Certification in Mobile Processing: Mitigating Lack of Access to Sheep and Goat Processing in Virginia

Abstract To market sheep and goat meat products directly to consumers, producers need to have access to a state/federally inspected facility allowing for the resale of meat. Producers in central, southern and eastern Virginia have limited access to these facilities, experience scheduling delays, and require long transport to harvest animals at available facilities. Successful funding by a USDA grant allowed Virginia State University to design and build a mobile processing unit (MPU) to enhance marketing opportunities for Virginia’s small ruminant producers. To assist in developing a model for MPU launch, a survey of small ruminant producer’s current processing needs and the perceived use and benefits of the MPU was conducted. A link to the online survey (Qualtrics) was emailed to all Virginia Cooperative Extension agents for distribution to their small ruminant clientele and left open for responses for 2 weeks. There were 110 responses; majority were sheep producers (54%) and most respondents had 25 or less breeding females (59%). Thirty-four percent currently marketed meat products directly to consumers and 60% utilized state or federally inspected facilities in the state. Most respondents (43%) processed only 5 animals/year with processing mostly in September - November (46%). A high number of respondents (76%) had experienced scheduling delays in processing over the last year and almost all (94%) indicated the urgent need for additional processing facilities or access to a MPU in their county. Additionally, 65% were willing to learn to harvest and process their own sheep and goats if they could have access to a state/federal inspected MPU. Due to these responses, a MPU Certification Program was launched with the model of training producers to be their own butchers and leasing them the MPU to harvest under custom, state, or federal inspection. The program has 5 modules and covers all aspects of MPU operation and hands-on training on its use.

Stopping Smokeless Tobacco Use: A Call to Action

In the United States, single smokeless tobacco use continues to increase in conjunction with the dual use of smokeless tobacco and other nicotine products. Problematically, much of the tobacco prevention literature and funding inundates tobacco users with smoking tobacco information while neglecting to provide them any information about smokeless tobacco. Meanwhile, American tobacco companies continually market new and dissolvable tobacco products targeted at non-smokers. New data suggests that smokeless tobacco use is, also, increasing in West Virginia and, in order to address this increased use, the West Virginia Extension Service recently partnered with the Division of Tobacco Prevention in the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources to develop a comprehensive spit tobacco curriculum for West Virginia students between third and sixth grade. This article details the development and assessment of the spit tobacco prevention curriculum and the resulting report from the initial pilot of the program. The curriculum was piloted across six counties with the participation of schools, after-school programs and 4-H clubs. After implementation, survey results demonstrate that youth have increased awareness of the health effects of smokeless tobacco. Throughout the article, we explore West Virginia's Cooperative Extension Service's response to this emerging public health issue and release a call to action for the National Cooperative Extension Services to join us in spit tobacco prevention.

Identifying Key Constructs and Measurements to Assess the Situation Analysis Reports

Every five years, unit offices of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) must submit a situation analysis (SA) report. The purpose of the SA report is to identify the current issues at the local level to develop future educational programs. The primary objective of this study was to develop a methodology that could be used to assess the quality of SA reports in Virginia. We have evaluated 196 SA reports from VCE to begin development of an assessment. Results of testing of the tool identify areas for continued development.

Creating a Workplace Culture of Preventive Health: Process and Outcomes of the Colon Cancer\u2013Free Zone at Virginia Cooperative Extension

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the USA, yet is highly preventable and detectable at an early stage through screening. Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) implemented a worksite colon cancer awareness program to increase colorectal cancer screening rates and preventive lifestyle behaviors among its employees. The Colon Cancer–Free Zone program is designed using best practice principles of worksite health programs and includes information sessions covering the topics of colorectal cancer, screening guidelines, insurance coverage, and preventive lifestyle behaviors. It is conducted in a campaign format that includes a strategic communication strategy targeting relevant screening barriers and facilitators, peer champions, and incentives. The program was implemented with VCE employees statewide utilizing a web-based system for the information sessions, and resulted in broad participation, a significant increase in screening self-efficacy (4.15 ± 0.64 vs 3.81 ± 0.76, ρ = 0.006), changes in diet and physical activity (50% and 40% of participants, respectively), and a 20.6% increase in the employee colorectal cancer screening rate. A Colon Cancer–Free Zone toolkit was developed for use by Extension Agents to implement the program at worksites in their service communities.

Identifying Needs and Implementing Organizational Change to Improve Retention of Early-Career Agents

Retention of agents is important for the growth and stability of Cooperative Extension. A study of early-career agents in Virginia Cooperative Extension identified specific areas in which organizational change could be made to improve agent fit in the organization and long-term retention. As a result, numerous changes have been made, particularly associated with existing agents but also in work with prospective agents. Although this article relates specifically to Virginia, the challenges and solutions identified may be relevant to other programs and to national professional development organizations.

Double‐Crop Soybean Response to Potassium on Mid‐Atlantic Coastal Plain and Piedmont Soils

Core Ideas Soil K at 0‐ to 15 and 0‐ to 30‐cm depths were excellent in predicting double‐crop soybean relative yield.Double‐crop soybean required more fertilizer K to maximize yield than current recommendations.Fertilizer‐K rate can be reduced if recommendations are made based on 0‐ to 30‐cm than 0‐ to 15‐cm depth.Double‐crop yield response to fertilizer K depended on soil K but not on wheat straw management.Straw management may not be an issue in recommending fertilizer K based on soil K at 0‐ to 30‐cm depth. Potassium fertilization research on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] double cropped with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is lacking. We characterized double‐crop soybean response to fertilizer K across 22 Coastal Plain and Piedmont sites with and/or without wheat straw removal during 2013 to 2015. Mehlich‐1 soil‐K concentrations at 0‐ to 15‐ and 0‐ to 30‐cm depths were better in explaining relative yield variability (r2 = 0.80), defining critical soil‐K concentrations that ranged from 40 to 75 mg K kg−1 for 0‐ to 15‐cm and 36 to 66 mg K kg−1 for 0‐ to 30‐cm depths, and identifying K‐deficient sites (100% accurate) than soil‐K concentration at 0‐ to 60‐cm depth (r2 = 0.48; 56% accurate). Critical soil‐K concentration at 0‐ to 30‐cm depth did not change with wheat straw management, but slightly increased at 0‐ to 15‐cm depth when straw was removed. The R2 leaf‐K concentration with a critical range of 20 to 23 g K kg−1 was better (75% accurate) in diagnosing K deficiency than V5 plant‐K concentration (50% accurate) with a critical range of 17 to 23 g K kg−1. Double‐crop soybean required 33 to 119% more fertilizer K than Virginia Cooperative Extension recommendations for ≤50 mg soil‐K kg−1 at 0‐ to 15‐cm depth, but 6 to 55% less fertilizer K for similar soil K concentration at 0‐ to 30‐cm depth. Wheat straw management should not be an issue of concern for fertilizer‐K recommendations based on soil‐K concentration at 0‐ to 30‐cm depth for double‐crop soybean production on Coastal Plain and Piedmont soils.

Lessons from Virginia Cooperative Extension A glance at its structure and function

Virginia Cooperative extension is a part of US cooperative extension system operated through Virginia State University and Virginia tech with the support of federal, state and local governments. The structure and function of the Virginia extension has changed to serve the people in changing time, need and space. Unlike other countries, Virginia cooperative extension system is very unique as it provides complete package of extension services to the society guided by the Federal Government of USA. Through its multi-dimensional, multi-structured, and multi-leadership approach, it serves the society in many innovative ways. It provides almost all kinds of advisory services, training, demonstration and support with respect to crop and animal husbandry, industry, weather, safety and human health. In this manuscript, we made an attempt to bring these services before the world. It is based on a review of literature from books, papers, Virginia Cooperative Extension website, and personal discussions and observations. The paper reveals that Virginia tech is an important agent of Virginia extension system with a vast network to educate and train people of the society for sustainability of environment, agriculture and human health that have demonstrative utility for other countries of the world.

Assessment of the Impact of Viticulture Extension Programs in Virginia

The study discussed in this article assessed the impact of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) on the Virginia wine grape industry. An online survey was developed and administered to members of the Virginia Vineyards Association. The results indicate that the resources and recommendations VCE and Virginia Tech have provided have been beneficial to Virginia grape growers, although growers who operate larger farms, produce wine commercially, or have higher levels of viticulture training are less likely to benefit from the relevant programs. Growers operating near where the programs are often delivered and those with higher levels of experience have benefited the most.

Perceptions of the Role of West Virginia's Cooperative Extension Service in Tobacco Control Coalitions.

Despite the fact that the consequences of tobacco use are well identified and known, it remains the single most preventable cause of disease and death in the United States. In West Virginia alone, the adult prevalence of cigarette smoking is 26.8%. This study researches the perceptions of the Cooperative Extension Service’s involvement and role in county-level coalitions that address tobacco use in West Virginia. The research findings provide practical areas to increase the role of the Extension Service in these vital efforts to save lives, reduce economic hardships on families, and reduce the health-care burden on the state government.

What’s in Your Water? Development and Evaluation of the Virginia Household Water Quality Program and Virginia Master Well Owner Network

Approximately one-fifth of Virginians (about 1.7 million people) rely on private water supplies (e.g., wells, springs, cisterns) for their household water. Unlike public water systems, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not regulate private systems. As a result, private water system owners are solely responsible for system maintenance and water quality but are often unaware of common issues and lack access to objective information. We report on the development and evaluation of the Virginia Household Water Quality Program (VAHWQP), an ongoing Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) program that provides affordable water testing and education about private water supply system maintenance and groundwater protection. A companion capacity-building program, the Virginia Master Well Owner Network (VAMWON), provides training to volunteers, agency collaborators, and VCE agents who support the goals and objectives of the VAHWQP by conducting VAHWQP drinking water clinics and other outreach efforts. Program assessment findings indicate that VAHWQP drinking water clinic participants regard this programming favorably and are taking recommended actions. We discuss the program assessment framework and continued efforts to improve these programs to achieve long-term behavioral changes regarding water testing and system maintenance, which will yield safer private water supplies and improved environmental stewardship.

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Nutrition Education Program Assistants: A Leverage Point for Collecting Authentic Program Data

Extension administrators and educators wonder why low-income audiences refrain from participating or underparticipate in educational opportunities. This may be due to a gap between administrator or educator views of program participation barriers versus the lived experience of low-income audiences. Virginia Cooperative Extension worked to bridge this gap in perspectives by using Nutrition Program Assistants as a leverage point for recruiting and gathering authentic data on program participation from low-income individuals. Even though program assistants rarely serve in this role, their connection with low-income clientele and groups that serve them is invaluable for gathering authentic program data.

Cost-benefit analysis conducted for nutrition education in California

Documenting the cost-effectiveness of nutrition education programs is important to justify and determine expenditures and ensure continued funding. A cost-benefit analysis was conducted using the program demographics and food-related dietary behavior of participants enrolled in California's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), based on methodology developed by Virginia Cooperative Extension. The initial benefit-cost ratio for nutrition education in California was 14.67 to 1.00. Several sensitivity analyses were done to estimate the effect of changes in key variables. The resulting benefit-cost ratios ranged from 3.67 to 1.00, to 8.34 to 1.00, meaning that for every $1.00 spent on nutrition education in California, between $3.67 and $8.34 is saved in health care costs. These results bolster the argument that nutrition education programs are a good investment and funding them is sound public policy.

Crown Rot of Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis Caused by Phytophthora cactorum in Virginia

In early July 2004, a severe crown rot of Canaan fir (Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis Fern.) was reported to the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Frederick County Office, and subsequently to the Virginia Tech Disease Clinic in Virginia Beach. One thousand five-year-old Canaan fir transplants (approximately 11 mm in caliper and 31 cm high) had been purchased from a tree nursery in Oregon and planted in the field in Frederick County, VA, in April of 2004. The field site had not been cultivated for 4 years after an apple orchard had been removed in 2000. By mid-May, needle browning had become serious, affecting the lower crown first. By August, transplants had suffered 40% mortality. Basal stems of affected plants were obviously discolored. Root and basal stem samples from several infected plants were then cultured on PARP-V8 agar on three different dates. Phytophthora sp. isolates were recovered from all stem samples but none from the roots. These isolates produced a large number of papillate sporangia that were caducous with short pedicels. Abundant oogonia with paragynous antheridia formed oospores directly on isolation plates within 7 days. The isolates were keyed as P. cactorum (2). This identification was confirmed using a single-strand-conformation polymorphism analysis of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-1 (4). It appears that the source of inoculum was P. cactorum associated with the previous apple crop, since Canaan fir from the same transplant lot planted in a nearby field without a history of apples remained healthy. P. cactorum has been reported to cause root rot of noble fir (A. procera Rhedo), Pacific silver fir (A. amabilis (Dougl.) Forbes), and Shasta red fir (A. magnifica var. shastensis Lemm.) in the Pacific Northwest (3). It has also caused crown rot of Fraser fir (A. fraseri (Pursh) Poir.), noble fir, white fir (A. concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl.), and balsam fir (A. balsamea (L.) Mill.) in Michigan (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. cactorum attacking Canaan fir. Canaan fir currently is a recommended Christmas tree species for areas where Fraser fir does not do well due to root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. This study suggests that such a recommendation must be used with caution. Growing Canaan fir trees in P. cactorum-infested soil could result in devastating crop losses as reported in this note.