The Tuesday Letter
Agricultural Experiment Station & Cooperative Extension Service
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
(Vol. 18 No. 32)
IN THIS ISSUE...
WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
Some of you may have seen a recent news release titled something like "Study shows corporate imprint in ag research" as was in the Topeka Capitol Journal on June 7. The article was also in the Manhattan Mercury about that same time. The article is drawn from a report put out by a group called Food & Water Watch. The report is entitled "Public Research, Private Gain: Corporate Influence Over University Agricultural Research."
Another article in The Chronicle of Higher Education, entitled "As Beef Cattle Become Behemoths, Who Are Animal Scientists Serving?" was published on April 15, 2012. This article was written by Melody Petersen, a former New York Times reporter. You'll note at the end of the article that she is an investigative reporter who has previously written on the influence of pharmaceutical companies in getting society onto prescription drugs.
These articles might seem to be attacking Land-Grant Universities and the integrity of research and education in the public interest. I'm not presenting these articles to agree or refute the information. Instead, what this exemplifies is the ease at which information that affects us all can be so easily distributed to the public through internet technology.
As any such information gets into the cyber world, what is Extension's role in a world where fact or fiction on issues of importance to our work may get posted and go viral through the social networks? One thing for certain, getting into an on-line argument will likely not accomplish anything positive. Credentials are important from an integrity perspective, but tend to get lost in such disagreements in cyber space.
I'd first suggest the importance of understanding facts in all circumstances, and, to avoid jumping to conclusions without further information. The access to information far exceeds anyone's ability to know
the integrity, authenticity, and purpose of the information. Purpose often drives how a message is presented. Sourcing the information first to find out everything one can with respect to purpose, authenticity, and integrity can be valuable when seeking answers to questions that arise. Are the statements being made meant to be fact? Do the statements represent the broad understanding, or are they meant to represent a minority view? And, is a response necessary?
Within KSRE, we do have a group of Communications faculty who make it their area of expertise around "risk and crisis communication." They are trained to help assess importance, intent, and consequence of responding to such potentially controversial or highly emotional communications. Often times, such articles may not go so far as to require any type of public statement. In that case, I go back to making certain I find as much information as possible with respect to the source, author, intent, and desired response with respect to the article and its content to be able to answer the occasional questions that arise. I always make certain to provide the most factual information available, and to use resources that will stand the scrutiny of integrity. Integrity is something we hold dearly as a core value of K-State Research and Extension.
If you are inclined, I'd enjoy your thoughts with regards this message. Have a great week! --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu
NEBRASKA LIVESTOCK JUDGING CLASSIC
The 17th Annual Nebraska Livestock Judging Classic, a regional livestock judging contest for youth, will be held in Kearney, Nebraska on Saturday, June 16, at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds. Eleven classes to judge will be offered: five beef, three swine, two sheep classes and one goat class used as a tie-breaker only.
The registration fee is $15/person. Pre-registrations are due Thursday, June 14, or teams/individuals may register the day of the contest on-site. A printout of results, lunch, banquet meal, and prizes are included with the registration fee. During the banquet the top five individuals in each species, the top five individuals in reasons, the top five individuals overall and the top five teams will be recognized, with over $2000 in prizes and awards in both the junior and senior divisions.
If you have any questions about the event, feel free to contact Brian Bosshamer at the Buffalo County Extension Office, 308-236-1235, or bbosshamer1@unl.edu. More information, including online registration, is available at http://www.unl.edu/nljc. --Daniel Moser dmoser@ksu.edu
DESIGN FOR LEARNING 2013 - SAVE THE DATES!
Have you heard about the ten minute rule that includes chunking, shifting, hooking and repeating? Individuals who participated in Design for Learning have, and here is what some recent class members said about the course: "I previously had a tendency to try to pack too much information into a program. I have been making a conscious effort to select a few major ideas and do a better job of imparting that knowledge well." "At a recent workshop I taught I focused on engaging the learners and gave them an opportunity to share what they knew." "We planned our course with more break time, less lecture and more varied types of learning experiences.
Kansas participants in 2012 include: Kristina Snyder, Tina Remig, Chris Petty, Brandi Nelson, Amy Lorenzen, Denise Dias and Bruce Chladny.
Design for Learning is a hands-on learning opportunity to help Extension faculty design creative and effective educational experiences. North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas are cooperating to offer Design for Learning to extension professionals in the four states. Five learning sessions are conducted using Adobe Connect.
The 2013 dates are January 18, February 1, February 15, March 1, and March 15.
Concepts reinforced in Design for Learning include: • Understanding adult learners • Organizing and designing content • Creating an effective learning environment • Selecting appropriate teaching tools • Teaching for transfer • Assessing learning outcomes
Sessions are 1 1/2 hours long and take place from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. CST. --Margaret Phillips margaret@ksu.edu
OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER ABROAD WITH CNFA
In May, we hosted a representative of CNFA from Washington, D.C. on the K-State campus. CNFA was founded on the principle that empowering people economically gives them the tools and confidence they need to change their lives. CNFA is committed to providing economic opportunities to entrepreneurs in developing countries, where far too many people live in poverty and enterprises often fail simply because they do not have the tools they need to succeed.
CNFA's mission is to stimulate economic growth and improve rural livelihoods in the developing world by empowering the private sector.
Our visitor wanted K-State Research and Extension to know there are volunteer opportunities for us and Kansas farmers with CNFA. To see what opportunities are available, please go to their website:
http://www.cnfa.org/farmertofarmer/the-cnfa-approach.
CNFA's program provides opportunities for U.S. farmers, agribusiness professionals and other agriculturists to contribute to democracy-building and the development of market economies by sharing their expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs across the globe. Volunteers share their knowledge in a wide range of agricultural and support fields, including crop production, food processing, financial management and business planning, marketing, cooperative/organizational development, livestock production, finance and rural credit and agricultural insurance.
Why volunteer with CNFA? For volunteers, the experience can represent a profound cultural immersion and the opportunity to have tangible, direct, face-to-face impact. CNFA's volunteers often keep in contact with their hosts, building relationships that last well beyond the scope of an assignment. CNFA covers all expenses, arranges your travel, matches you with the right host and provides all logistical support in country. Travel is for weeks, not months, and can be worked around busy schedules.
Please consider volunteering with CNFA or tell others about this exciting opportunity. --Steven Graham sgraham@ksu.edu
BIOMASS TO ENERGY WEBINARS
There is much interest in developing ways to harvest, collect, and transport biomass for use as energy. Once this material is collected, a number of ways to utilize it for energy exist. A webinar series has been put together to explain some of the ways the biomass can be utilized for energy.
The third presentation in this “Biomass to Energy” will be presented by representatives of Konza Renewable Fuels of Meriden, Kansas. The topic for this presentation will be on Torrifaction. This presentation will be Friday, June 29, 10 to 11 a.m. CDT.
How To Connect:
Start connecting 5 minutes prior to the start time. You need a computer with Internet access and speakers. At the meeting time, copy and paste this URL into your browser to enter the meeting: https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/agenergy/.
At that URL you will find a login page. “Enter as a Guest” with your name, and business or institution and click “Enter Room.” The audio portion of the meeting will be come through your computer speakers. Any time before the meeting you can visit the following URL to confirm your ability to connect: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/testconnect/.
If you missed the first two installment of this web series, they have been archived and are available for viewing at your convenience. The first webinar, “Biomass for Commercial Heating,” can be viewed at http://learn.extension.org/events/510. The second webinar, “Thermochemical Conversion to Biomass Fuel,” can be viewed at https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/p28gqm69z9z/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal. --Ed Brokesh ebrokesh@ksu.edu
MARIE'S PICKS . . .
This week my picks come from a summary of
the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas
(SHICK) program compiled by Sarah Taylor, Sedgwick County; and Carol Young,
Financial Management Specialist:
In
2011, K-State Research and Extension agents and trained volunteers offered
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) educational programming,
which saved Medicare beneficiaries the highest annual amount reported in the
last six years. The state's seniors saved thousands of dollars by comparing
plans, making informed decisions, and changing coverage.
*A River Valley
Extension District client was concerned because her Medicare Part D plan was
ending coverage of three medications, and her husband's health issues involve
large out-of-pocket expenses. Through education and counseling, they enrolled in
a different plan that covers the drugs and will save $6,102 in out-of-pocket
costs for 2012.
*In Marshall County, one
client saved $86,667.09 - even while paying a 67 percent penalty above the
premium, the deductible, and drug costs. Through the educational program, 10
people learned they were eligible and applied for Extra Help (Low Income
Subsidy/Medicare Savings Program).
*A Sedgwick County man
qualified for the low-income subsidy provided through Social Security and
Medicaid, but the pharmacy he needed to use didn't recognize the plan in which
he was automatically enrolled. After learning more about options, the man found
he could change plans, saving $9,000 a year. --Marie Blythe mblythe@ksu.edu
ASK THE OEIE EVALUATOR: CONNECTING THE DOTS BETWEEN PROGRAM PLANNING AND EVALUATION
In
Extension sometimes we hear about the importance of program evaluation for program
planning and overall program development. However, often it is not clear how
program evaluation relates to this process. In this installment, we will
discuss when and how program evaluation connects to the program planning
process.
Q:
How are program planning and program evaluation related?
Sometimes we think
of both program planning and program evaluation as “must dos” – we do them
because someone says we should. However, both activities are essential
components of the program development process and help to achieve program improvement.
Program evaluation is valuable at a number of times in this process and for
different purposes.
A form of
evaluation called a needs assessment can help kick off program planning
by identifying the programmatic needs of your audience. Through a survey,
document review, focus groups, or interviews with members of your target
audience or other key informants, you can learn the most common and/or most urgent
needs of your constituents. The KSRE Program Prioritization process
includes a needs assessment approach that solicits information from the public
and analyzes this information for priorities in each of the program areas.
As programs are
being developed or implemented, a formative evaluation can gather
information as they proceed for purposes of improvement or increasing program understanding
among implementers. For example, a brief demographic survey that participants
complete when they register for the program can help the program implementer
determine if the target audience has been reached and, if not, what adjustments
could be made right away to capture that audience. Observational evaluation
methods, such as those conducted with the aid of a checklist or simply by
noting participant behaviors, can also help program implementers determine the
level of participant learning and consider the need for mid-course corrections.
A formative evaluation focuses on understanding the process of the program and
often looks to how that process may be improved.
The form of
program evaluation we typically think of as “evaluation,” is sometimes called a
summative evaluation because the data gathered and analyzed is often
about the end of the program. A summative evaluation can seek to identify the impacts
or outcomes attributable to the program. In Extension, we often
administer surveys to participants to discover the new learning, awareness, or
attitudes participants gained through the program. After their initial
participation, we may also follow up with participants with a brief phone call
or other method to determine the impact of their learning on their behaviors.
We may also evaluate the impacts and outcomes of a program through other
sources of data, such as records of crop yields or new business start-ups in a community.
Ultimately,
program evaluation may be used to inform a new cycle of program planning. By comparing
the achieved outcomes to the desired outcomes in a summative evaluation, we can
inform our planning and decide if the program requires adjustments. Coupled
with the results of a formative evaluation, we may also recognize the processes
of the program that facilitate or frustrate outcome achievement, and may be
built upon or minimized or removed. The positive results of a program evaluation
may also be disseminated to important stakeholders to secure new or additional
funding for a program, and thereby, benefit future programming.
Questions
about evaluation? Contact Amy Hilgendorf, aehilgen@k-state.edu,
785-532-5538; or Mandi Peters, mpeters8@ksu.edu,
785-532-1651; at OEIE. --Amy Hilgendorf
KANSAS OUT-OF-SCHOOL CONFERENCE - OCTOBER 2
The Kansas Out-of-School Conference,
co-sponsored by Extension 4-H and Kansas 21st Century Community Learning
Centers, has been scheduled for Tuesday,
October 2, 9:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m., at the Sedgwick County Extension Education
Center, 7001 W. 21st. Street N., Wichita.
The Kansas Out-of
School Conference provides an excellent opportunity for sharing and networking
with professionals that are planning, organizing and facilitating educational
activities for out-of-school youth participants. This one-day event highlights
hands-on curricula that adapt easily to any out-of-school setting. If you are interested in organized
afterschool activities, residential and day camps or summer recreation programs
we have resources for you! Registration form is available on the 4-H Website,
Kansas4-H.org under “What’s Hot.” For more information, contact Beth Drescher,
drescher@ksu.edu. --Pam Van Horn pvanhorn@ksu.edu
CALL FOR EDUCATIONAL DISPLAYS FOR THE KANSAS OUT-OF-SCHOOL CONFERENCE
The Kansas Out-of-School Conference is searching for
interesting, easy-to use educational programs and activities that promote
hands-on learning for youth. We are
looking for educational displays of curricula and resources that inspire youth
to become active learners and can be easily adapted to out-of-school settings.
Educational displays will be set up all day for viewing
by participants. They do NOT need to be
staffed, but can be if you choose. Educational displays should highlight resources that can enhance
out-of-school programming and/or hands-on learning. Each educational display will receive one 8 foot
table and two chairs.
Educational display proposals are due by July 15, to
Beth Drescher, 7001 w. 21st St. N., Wichita, Ks
67205 or email to drescher@ksu.edu. Please include your name, address, email,
phone, title and brief description of your display. --Pam Van Horn pvanhorn@ksu.edu
MAY EXTENSION AGENT PERSONNEL CHANGES
Kendra Baehler, 4-H Youth Development Agent in McPherson County, changed her name to Kendra Hopp on April 28, 2012. Her email address is now khopp@ksu.edu.
Amy Jordan, Horticulture Agent in Lyon County, resigned effective May 11, 2012.
Meghan Davidson, 4-H Youth Development Agent in Cherokee County, changed her name to Meghan Loverude on May 12, 2012. Her email address remains the same.
Kylee Harrison, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent in Seward County, began employment effective May 13, 2012. Her email address is kharrison@ksu.edu.
Sarah Laib, 4-H Youth Development Agent in Shawnee County, has transferred to the State 4-H Youth Development Office effective May 13, 2012.
Carmen Stauth, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent in Kiowa County, resigned effective May 18, 2012. --Stacey Warner swarner@ksu.edu
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