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B. B. Karisch, M. S. Gadberry, M. K. Mullenix, B. M. Nichols, C. M. Holland, D. L. Fernandez, D. Hancock, J. M. B. Vendramini, 020 Southern Section Extension Forum: strengthening Extension programs across the Southeast, Journal of Animal Science, Volume 94, Issue suppl_1, February 2016, Page 10, https://doi.org/10.2527/ssasas2015-020
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Abstract
The Southern Section Extension Forum was held in Ardmore, OK in August 2015. The objective of this two-day conference was for state and regional area Extension specialists to network with industry and producers to discuss current issues related to the development and delivery of forage-livestock programming within the southeastern region. This Forum was well attended by 49 total participants from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. Topics included preparedness when working with news reporters, marketing programs, program evaluation, and quantifying program impact. There were also a series of panel discussions focused on new agent training, industry perspectives on Extension programming, and funding challenges/opportunities. With all 24 survey responses indicating yes or maybe, participants felt the information presented would be useful in Extension programming. Participants were asked to rate topics and speakers on a Likert-type scale, where 1= poor and 5 = excellent. Participants rated the talks on interviews with media and marketing programs and services with highest topic scores, both at 4.38 ± 0.72. The lowest score of all topics was 3.52. Participants indicated that the program length of 2 half-day sessions with an optional tour was ideal for the program (19 of 24 responses), and that the program should be repeated every 2 or 3 years (11 and 10 responses, respectively). Presentations were the preferred format for content delivery, and ranked first by 10 out of 23 responses; however open response indicated a desire for more panel and open discussion. Program attendee demographics indicated that those in attendance were primarily focused on beef cattle (19), followed by forage (8), small ruminants (4), equine (3), dairy (2), and swine (1). The majority of attendees (58%) focused on general management and nutrition. The time in current position for attendees ranged from 2 months to 30 years, with an average of 8 years, which helped facilitate high-quality group discussion across varying levels of experience. Attendees indicated a planned adoption or increased adoption of social media in Extension programs. Overall the forum was well received and considered a success by attendees.
