An Iowa extension survey of 869 farming clients who received one-on-one consultations showed that nearly half made operational changes and/or saved money using on consultants' recommendations. Only 2% were not satisfied with the information received. Although extension largely uses group methods, the substantial effectiveness of individual…

A Texas extension survey identified core competencies of outstanding extension educators. The competencies are similar to the characteristics of emotional intelligence, qualities needed in the 21st century workplace. (SK)

Agricultural producers in Nevada who enrolled in a tax management program (n=33) rated their knowledge of 6 business management tools higher than 36 nonparticipants. Although nonparticipants reported lower financial management knowledge, they were not interested in attending Extension classes nor in home study or the Internet. (SK)

Fit 2-B FATHERS is a parenting-skills education program for incarcerated adult males. The goals of this program are for participants to have reduced recidivism rates and a reduced risk of their children acquiring criminal records. These goals are accomplished by helping participants become physically, practically, and socially fit for the demands…

Interviews with 16 extension leaders and focus groups with 61 county faculty/chairs were used to assess Oregon State University Extension's climate toward diversity. Findings revealed dimensions that were supportive (openness, awareness, commitment), defensive (restrictive academic criteria, language barriers, lack of financial resources), and…

U.S. Department of Agriculture-sponsored cooperative extension systems and university programs offered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development may find themselves in collaboration or conflict as both expand urban outreach activities. A case study in Des Moines, Iowa, illustrates how collaboration can occur and redundancy…

Six African American women administrators described barriers they faced and factors that helped them break the concrete ceiling within the 1890 Cooperative Extension System. Personal and professional characteristics, such as balancing work and family, positive thinking, and a leadership style based on spirituality influenced their success.…

Cooperative extension has a long-term history of delivering family life education. Further, the organization has developed numerous research-based resources and undertaken statewide initiatives in marriage and couples education. Most promising of all is the work of a group of extension specialists to create a practical, research-based curriculum…

"Grandparents University", a program planned and sponsored collaboratively by the University of Wisconsin--Extension Cooperative Extension Family Living Programs and the Wisconsin Alumni Association, was designed to enhance the relationship that exists between the grandparent and grandchild. In July of each year, grandchildren between…

"Extending Education" focused on national education goals of readiness for school and retention until graduation and on strategies outlined in the American 2000 plan. The formal education system helps young children acquire basic knowledge and competencies. However, national educational goals identified needs for: (1) greater linkages…

The Cooperative Extension System (CES) is a national model which demonstrates the cooperation, collaboration, and partnering among/between local community resources. It is a publicly funded, nonformal, lifelong educational system designed as a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the land-grant universities. The…

This cooperative extension bulletin provides basic information about credit cards and their use. It covers the following topics: types of credit cards (revolving credit, travel and entertainment, and debit); factors to consider when evaluating a credit card (interest rates, grace period, and annual membership fee); other credit card costs (late…

Alabama has serious economic and social problems, and the situation is worse in rural areas and small towns than in urban areas. The solutions to the problems of small communities must be found within the communities themselves. Sustainable communities are those that aggressively manage their destiny, based on a realistic and well planned vision.…

Strategic planning (SP), which has been used since the 1960s by business and industry, is now being used by schools, municipalities, universities, and even churches. SP is a process designed to assist groups in developing a custom-designed plan to meet the specific needs of their own organization or community. The following are five important…

The intervention of the United States government in agriculture in the 20th century is an explainable response to basic characteristics of agriculture: unpredictability, immobile resources, technological changes and disproportionate supply and demand factors. The concentration of large benefits among relatively few producers and diffusion of costs…