scholarly journals Identifying important skills and competencies needed for new Florida agriculture extension agents

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 61-71
Author(s):  
Alicia Halbritter ◽  
Marcelo Wallau ◽  
Matt Benge ◽  
Cheryl Mackowiak

The onboarding needs of Extension agents is a topic continuously discussed and researched, yet overwhelmed agents persist, suggesting that there is a missing link. We undertook a study to determine the competency training needs of newly hired agricultural agents in Florida. Two assessments were performed. First to identify main agriculture skills and competencies for new agriculture Extension. Those competencies where then classified into main domains and interviewees were asked to rank in order of importance in each group. Data were collected via an online survey of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agents working under the agriculture program area. Agents needed training in specific agricultural competencies related to every-day work activities such as soil sampling, diagnostic skills, educational resource utilization, and relationship building. Although we assume that, based on job requirements, newly hired agents will enter Extension with such knowledge, results suggest an agriculture specific training is needed to meet the onboarding needs of new agents. Our study identified the priority needs for developing an onboarding program that establishes a level of standard knowledge. Those findings will serve to enhance onboarding training for new Extension professionals.

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-23
Author(s):  
Emma Cannon ◽  
Chandler Mulvaney ◽  
Erin Harlow ◽  
Tiare Silvasy ◽  
LuAnn Duncan ◽  
...  

The Victory2020 Garden Community Program was established by faculty members within the University of Florida (UF), Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) in Marion and Columbia County Extension offices. In response to COVID-19, the purpose of the program was to provide online-mediated programs that could be completed at the desired pace of the participants, while promoting a self-reliant, science-based approach to learning about home food production through gardening. Due to food insecurity rates in both Marion (14.4%) and Columbia (15.2%) counties ranking above the statewide average in Florida, an immediate need to provide educational resources on becoming self-sufficient in growing one’s own food became increasingly important due to nationwide supply-chain shortages (Feeding America, 2020). 2,548 participants representing 43 states and six countries were provided access to eight learning modules hosted by Canvas, an online tool through UF. Participants were provided a package of free seeds, including corn, squash, cucumber, and cowpea to plant their Victory2020 Garden. A purposeful online community was established by extension agents in Marion and Columbia counties to facilitate quality discussion and growth, culminating in over 225,000 total impressions. The findings of the program revealed that 88% of gardening households began eating more fruits and vegetables while 73% are embracing new food safety techniques in both the garden and kitchen. Primary investigators and co-pi's recommend an implementation of a program timeline to benefit the participants through diverse, online learning options. Continued programming addressing mental health, nutrition, and gardening is recommended across extension programs nationally.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liora Tuchman ◽  
Ida Williams

The purpose of this study was to examine if going to sleepaway camp before the age of 16 was a factor that reduced levels of homesickness in first-year students at the University of Florida. In this study, the researcher sent out an online survey to first-year students at the University of Florida through social media, email, and text message. The questions asked the participants about both college and camp experience and asked the participants if they attended sleepaway camp before the age of 16. The results show going to sleepaway camp had a minimal effect on homesickness levels in first-year students at the University of Florida, but attending sleepaway camp had a positive impact on “college experience.” These findings provide implications for future research by showing factors of the camp experience that help in the college experience. Ultimately, discovering if there is a connection in attending sleepaway camp and a positive camp experience will not only help the students themselves but also the camp community and parents of children who attend sleepaway camp.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 920
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Pufahl ◽  
Jaison Nainaparampil ◽  
Carol A. Mathews

The Center for Arts in Medicine at the University of Florida (UF) partnered with the UF Center for OCD, Anxiety, and Related Disorders to develop a storytelling program for individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and their families. Over ten weeks, participants shared stories regarding their experiences with OCD and engaged in theater and storytelling exercises. In collaboration with each other and the facilitators, participants workshopped and transformed their stories into a cohesive theatrical performance. Participants performed in front of a live audience and engaged in a post-show discussion with the audience, which focused on the diagnosis of OCD, stigma regarding the illness, and the benefits of the program. Program members participated in a post-program focus group and completed a qualitative and quantitative online survey. Participants reported improved understanding of their OCD, more acceptance from family and friends, less shame and guilt related to their OCD, and more confidence about sharing their OCD stories. Although the program was not designed to be therapeutic, participants also reported therapeutic value. Preliminary findings of this study suggest storytelling programs can lead to a reduction in both self-stigma and community stigma; improvement of understanding of the lived experience of OCD by families, loved ones, and clinicians; and facilitation of interpersonal connections.


EDIS ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry L. Tillman

FloRunTM ‘331’ peanut variety was developed by the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, North Florida Research and Education Center near Marianna, Florida.  It was released in 2016 because it combines high yield potential with excellent disease tolerance. FloRunTM ‘331’ has a typical runner growth habit with a semi-prominent central stem and medium green foliage.  It has medium runner seed size with high oleic oil chemistry.


EDIS ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja C. Crawford ◽  
Christa L. Kirby ◽  
Tycee Prevatt ◽  
Brent A. Sellers ◽  
Maria L. Silveira ◽  
...  

The University of Florida / IFAS South Florida Beef Forage Program (SFBFP) is composed of county Extension faculty and state specialists.  The members, in conjunction with the UF/IFAS Program Evaluation and Organizational Development unit, created a survey in 1982, which is used to evaluate ranch management practices.  The survey is updated and distributed every 5 years to ranchers in 14 South Florida counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Polk, and Sarasota.  The responses are anonymous.  


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelsey Hayward ◽  
Sabrina H. Han ◽  
Alexander Simko ◽  
Hector E. James ◽  
Philipp R. Aldana

OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to examine the socioeconomic benefits to the patients and families attending a regional pediatric neurosurgery telemedicine clinic (PNTMC).METHODSA PNTMC was organized by the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery of the University of Florida College of Medicine–Jacksonville based at Wolfson Children’s Hospital and by the Children’s Medical Services (CMS) to service the Southeast Georgia Health District. Monthly clinics are held with the CMS nursing personnel at the remote location. A retrospective review of the clinic population was performed, socioeconomic data were extracted, and cost savings were calculated.RESULTSClinic visits from August 2011 through January 2017 were reviewed. Fifty-five patients were seen in a total of 268 initial and follow-up PNTMC appointments. The average round-trip distance for a family from home to the University of Florida Pediatric Neurosurgery (Jacksonville) clinic location versus the PNTMC remote location was 190 versus 56 miles, respectively. The families saved an average of 2.5 hours of travel time and 134 miles of travel distance per visit. The average transportation cost savings for all visits per family and for all families was $180 and $9711, respectively. The average lost work cost savings for all visits per family and for all families was $43 and $2337, respectively. The combined transportation and work cost savings for all visits totaled $223 per family and $12,048 for all families. Average savings of $0.68/mile and $48.50/visit in utilizing the PNTMC were calculated.CONCLUSIONSManaging pediatric neurosurgery patients and their families via telemedicine is feasible and saves families substantial travel time, travel cost, and time away from work.


1978 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-71
Author(s):  
John Heins

This represents an extract from the handwritten minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the American Association of Public Accountants, Monday, May 27, 1889. The extract is the Report of the President John Heins. This version, in typewritten form came to the attention of researchers at the University of Florida in 1971.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler Hamby ◽  
W. Paul Bowman ◽  
Don P. Wilson ◽  
Riyaz Basha

Abstract Context Medical students, especially at osteopathic medical schools, have limited research exposure. Systematic instruction in research, supervised by qualified mentors, could motivate osteopathic medical students to pursue research in their careers, thereby increasing the number of future clinician-scientists. Recruiting and retaining suitable research mentors are crucial to sustaining such programs, but this task is also particularly challenging for osteopathic medical schools. Objectives To assess mentors' experiences in a voluntary student-mentor medical research program. Methods An online survey was sent to 76 university- or hospital-based participants who previously mentored 219 medical students between 2014 and 2019. The questionnaire consisted of 13 items with responses in checklist, five-point Likert scale, and categorical multiple-choice formats, assessing motivation for participation, satisfaction with the program, and interest in future participation. Data were analyzed descriptively, and responses from mentors at the university and hospital were compared using univariate logistic and ordinal regression analyses. Results Among 70 (92.1%) mentors who responded to the survey, 61 (87.1%) reported being motivated by a desire to help medical students learn research. Forty-nine (70.0%) mentors indicated that furthering their own research productivity was a motivation, and hospital-based mentors were statistically significantly more likely to endorse this source of motivation (OR=2.02; 95% CI=1.18–3.45; p=0.01). Most respondents were satisfied with the quality of the students' work (59 [84.3%]) and with the program (59 [85.5%]). However, 46 (65.7%) suggested the program could be enhanced by requiring medical students to be physically present in the clinic or laboratory for a minimum amount of time. Importantly, most (58 [84.1%]) mentors reported that they would be interested in participating in future mentored research programs. Conclusions Mentors were motivated to participate in the voluntary research program for both altruistic and professional reasons. Since most mentors reported being satisfied with the program, it is likely they would participate in future mentored research programs. Our results suggest that mentors viewed this voluntary research program as mutually beneficial.


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