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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #159021
Title: AGRICULTURAL-ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMING IN PENNYSLVANIA: INCREASING CREDIBILITY AND RELEVANCY OF EXTENSION

Author
item ISHLER, VIRGINIA - PENN STATE UNIV.
item DODD, ALYSSA - PENN STATE UNIV.
item MEINEN, ROBERT - PENN STATE UNIV.
item MIKESELL, BOB - PENN STATE UNIV.
item Weld, Jennifer
item ABDALLA, CHARLES - PENN STATE UNIV.
item MARTIN, GERALD - PENN STATE UNIV.

Submitted to: Journal of Extension
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2006
Publication Date: 8/20/2006
Citation: Ishler, V., Dodd, A., Meinen, R., Mikesell, B., Weld, J.L., Abdalla, C., Martin, G. 2006. Agricultural-environmental programming in pennyslvania: increasing credibility and relevancy of extension. Journal of Extension. 44(4). Available: http://www.joe.org/joe/2006august/a7.shtml

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Environmental protection is one of the most critical and complex issues facing our nation. Many audiences --farmers, governmental officials, conservation district staff, and concerned citizens-- have questions about animal agricultural water quality and air quality impacts, farm-level management requirements and options, and changing environmental policies. In response to this educational need, the Penn State Cooperative Extension Dairy and Livestock Nutrient and Environmental Education Days (NEEDs) program was scheduled for seven locations across the state from September, 2003 through March 2004. The NEEDs program is unique for several reasons. First, it aims to increase the understanding of linkages among phosphorus and water quality impairment, air quality, community concerns, changing federal and state policy, and farm-level management tools to reduce environmental risk. Second, the program provides time-sensitive information as Pennsylvania nutrient management and water quality regulations change. All stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the policy process as opportunities arise. Third, the program is specifically targeted toward conservation district and USDA-NRCS staff, a non-traditional audience for extension. Finally, the comprehensive program was developed in cooperation with (and includes instructors representing) Dairy Alliance, the PA Environmental Agricultural Conservation Certification of Excellence, USDA Agricultural Research Service, and the departments of Dairy and Animal Science, and Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at Penn State. Early indicators suggest the interdisciplinary and collaborative effort is increasing the visibility, credibility, and relevancy of extension's mission throughout the state. For example, the PA State Conservation Commission is marketing the program as an opportunity for continuing education credits for state-approved nutrient management planners. To document knowledge changes, participants are asked to answer a 15 question pre and post questionnaire. A follow-up post-card, sent to participants three months after the program, will be used to document actions taken as a result of the program.