The federal Manufacturing Extension Partnership assists small and medium-sized enterprises in modernizing production. The Cooperative Extension Service could provide complementary and collaborative programming, especially in rural areas, by expanding its clientele, working with university-based technology transfer initiatives, and supporting the…

Innovation diffusion theory, the basis of Extension agriculture outreach, has been criticized for favoring wealthy farmers and increasing economic inequities. The field has not kept pace with developments in the theory. Ways to improve include tailoring communications to all categories of farmers, encouraging use of appropriate technology,…

The Watershed Stewardship Education Program (WSEP) is a multidisciplinary Oregon Extension designed to help watershed councils, landowners, and others work effectively together on water management. Components include practical, easy-to-use educational materials, training in effective collaboration, a Master Watershed Stewards program, and advanced…

A workshop was conducted to train 51 Montana extension specialists in the use of the National Extension Parent Education Model. Participants reported better working knowledge of the model and greater confidence in their ability to design and evaluate programs using it. (SK)

Data from a continuing education needs assessment survey of 342 forest resource managers were compared with attendance records from workshops. Findings showed that only a small percentage of survey respondents who indicate an interest in a topic will actually attend a program on that topic. Additional tools should be used to assess continuing…

Includes "Building Home Businesses in Rural Communities" (Loker et al.); "Home-Based Business...A Means to Economic Growth in Rural Areas" (Bastow-Shoop et al.); "Business Not As Usual" (Millar, Mallilo); and "Economic Options for Farm Families" (Williams). (SK)

Reports a study of the extent that informal support systems might compensate for lack of formal services in rural retirement communities. Demonstrates working with local Extension offices to identify study committees, gather information, perform research valuable to Extension workers, and provide information helpful to the rural population and…

Discusses the use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) as an approach used to help supervisors understand individual differences in styles, how such differences might influence how others respond to them and how they view the actions of others. Analyzes preferences of 67 county extension directors and discusses MBTI use in extension programs.…

A study found that extension educators held membership in twice as many nonextension professional organizations as in extension organizations. They published research articles more frequently in agricultural periodicals than in extension or general periodicals. They perceived a need for more collegial activities, research opportunities, and…

The Caring for Planet Earth program addresses concerns and misconceptions of Oklahoma youth about the environment. A school enrichment curriculum reinforces the environmental content of the exhibit at the state fair. Pre-/posttest results verify it is an effective method of educating culturally diverse audiences about environmental issues. (SK)

As Irish farm households face difficulty remaining viable, the state-funded agricultural advisory service is beginning to charge for services and is suffering from a hiring freeze. Other rural development extension services are emerging and the role of traditional extension is being reevaluated. (SK)

A survey of 67 participants in a leadership development program (85% response), interviews with 7 program directors, and 6 focus groups of program alumni revealed the following results of participation: more willingness to challenge the status quo and take risks, broader perspective on leadership roles and responsibilities, improved problem…

"Black box" evaluation considers program input and outcomes (what) without considering process (how and why). A broader approach to evaluation based on implementation process theory explores the social system context of programs and provides information useful for improving them. (SK)

A Travis County (Texas) survey of 1,270 landowners received 480 responses. Most respondents expected a large decline in agricultural land use and an increase in use for endangered species and wildlife habitats. Most were interested in educational programs but were unaware of provisions of the Endangered Species Act. (SK)

Cooperative Extension organizational values systems include personnel values, process values, and product (program) values. The values systems are the basis for making program decisions and a source of professional satisfaction if the values are congruent with beliefs. (SK)