Final report for SNE20-011-PA
Project Information
Problem and Justification. Adults, including farmers, learn best when they participate in relevant experiences and utilize practical information in ways that make them feel respected and valued. Farmers also prefer learning about issues concerning agriculture and natural resource conservation from other farmers, and participatory learning techniques provide them an opportunity to share experiences as they problem-solve complex agricultural issues with peers. However, many Agricultural Service Providers (ASPs) are unfamiliar with such teaching tactics and are unsure how to incorporate them into their typical subject-based Extension programs. Although the majority of ASPs are highly educated and skilled in specific agricultural disciplines, many have minimal training in education methodology, especially as it relates to adult learners. A lack of focus on approaches that engage adult learners are leaving farmers unengaged and unsupported when attending programs that teach information that could help them manage agricultural sustainability.
Solution and Approach. This professional development program educated 20 ASPs in Pennsylvania about better strategies for engaging farmers with participatory learning techniques during facilitated on-line and in-person activities and discussions that increased their knowledge and familiarity about adult education strategies. Through this program, 20 ASPs learned about adult education techniques by engaging with prepared materials focused on various concepts. Eight online activities and two in person trainings and discussions focused on the material’s subject matter to help them incorporate multiple participatory learning techniques into 20 sustainable agriculture outreach programs (one program per ASP) that they hosted for 400 farmers. To minimize the need for extra meeting and travel time, project activities were incorporated into existing team meeting schedules and program areas, so they are compatible with ASP’s current commitments. The state coordinator, subject experts, and peer groups helped them apply newly learned techniques into their programs. Four-hundred farmers who participated in the activities hosted by ASP participants had opportunities to share their own experiences during meetings that provided them with chances to interact with other farmers, professional advisors, and educational materials. Stronger peer-collaboration during events focused on addressing sustainability issues on farms collectively benefited all participant’s abilities to improve critical thinking skills, receive social support, and effectively gain knowledge.
Over three years, agricultural service providers will improve their knowledge and abilities to use participatory learning techniques during facilitated on-line (6) and in-person (3) activities and discussions that increase their familiarity with adult education strategies. Continuous engagement with topic experts, peer groups, and at annual symposiums will further increase ASPs knowledge about participatory education. 20 Agricultural Service Providers incorporate learned strategies into 20 separate meetings for 400 farmers in order to create co-learning opportunities where farmers and agricultural partners can examine and problem-solve complex sustainable agriculture issues together.
Agricultural Need. Pennsylvania has 53,157 total farms and assuming some overlap in practices, nearly 40 thousand have harvested cropland and 18 thousand raise cattle and calves (USDA NASS, 2017). The commonwealth produces 193 million bushels of corn, soybeans, and small grains and 8.1 million tons of forage annually (USDA NASS, 2017). The importance of field and forage-based cropping systems to the Pennsylvania farming community necessitates that educational programs exist to help farmers comprehend and navigate complex sustainability concerns around issues like crop and nutrient management, soil health, pest control, and changing markets.
In-person meetings are an important outreach method that agricultural service providers (ASPs) use to address sustainability issues with crop farmers. Face-to-face gatherings are often cited as farmers’ preferred outlets for learning (Arbuckle, 2012; Comito et al., 2017; Franz et al., 2010) and an internal survey of 360 Pennsylvania crop producers stated they prefer short regional meetings (data not shown). Between January and March 2020, 20 Agronomy Extension ASPs hosted over 100 meetings with farmers and will host approximately 30 additional events throughout the rest of the year. Unfortunately, ASPs expressed concern about farmer engagement due in part to a lack of consideration for best adult education strategies (Bell and McCallister, 2012; Grudens-Schuck et al. 2003; Franz et al., 2010). Adults, including farmers, learn best when they participate in relevant experiences and utilize practical information in ways that make them feel respected and valued (Karge et al., 2011). Farmers also prefer learning about issues concerning agriculture and natural resource conservation from other farmers (Borrelli et al., 2016; Comito et al., 2017; Grudens-Schuck et al., 2003; Franz et al., 2010) and participatory learning experiences provide opportunities to examine and problem-solve complex issues together.
The role of the Extension educator remains important in guiding educational interactions among farmers and affiliated stakeholders (Grudens-Schuck et al., 2003; Franz et al., 2010). However, applying participatory learning strategies is often difficult for many ASPs who are unfamiliar with such tactics and unsure how to incorporate them into existing subject-based, Extension programs. The majority of ASPs are highly educated and skilled in specific disciplines, but many have limited to no training in education methodology, especially as it relates to adult learners. ASPs recognize these shortcomings and 20 agronomy ASPs explicitly asked for more professional development about adult education strategies in team in-service post-evaluations (data not shown) and conversations. One notable comment stated, “Not having an education degree, it is nice to learn about different teaching styles and ways to run workshops. Any sort of education professional development would be great for the whole group.” Another ASP commented, “I liked [the speaker’s participatory learning] concept and am interested in developing discussions for agronomy topics and pesticide education.” Further evaluations revealed that the ASPs are less interested in the theoretical aspects of adult education and more interested in learning approaches they can apply directly to farmers.
Proposed Solution. Through this program, 20 ASPs learned about various adult education strategies by engaging with prepared materials. Online and in-person discussions of the materials assisted them to apply participatory learning techniques into sustainable agriculture outreach programs that they host with farmers. The state coordinator, subject experts, and peer groups helped them apply newly learned techniques into their programs. Offering resources and financial support while tailoring project milestones of a stated area of interest into ASPs ongoing responsibilities lessened the burden of professional development responsibilities. Four-hundred farmers participated in project activities and experienced deeper engagement and peer-collaboration during events focused on addressing sustainability issues on farms.
ASP Interest. Twenty Penn State agronomy Extension ASPs expressed high interest in education about participatory learning techniques in meeting evaluations and team discussions that sought their input about professional development activities. To minimize the need for extra meeting and travel time, project activities were incorporated into existing team meeting schedules and program areas over 3-years, so they were compatible with ASP’s current commitments. An online learning center and discussion recordings allowed ASPs to participate at their convenience. In-person trainings were incorporated into 2 existing team in-service workshops. Eight schedule-compatible discussions were identified by ASPs. Twenty ASPs incorporated the participatory learning techniques they learned into 20 farmer-focused meetings that they host, reaching 400 farmers. Financial support was only be provided to ASPs who participated in project activities and evaluations. The state coordinator supported ASPs by preparing necessary resources, connecting them to experts, and preparing evaluations and other materials that they use in programs.
Advisors/Cooperators
- - Producer (Educator)
- (Educator)
- - Technical Advisor (Educator)
- (Educator)
- (Educator)
- (Educator)
Educational Approach
Recruitment
Thirty-five Extension ASPs who previously expressed interest in participatory learning strategies were invited to attend an online orientation that described the project’s opportunities, expectations, and incentives. Twenty interested ASPs opted into the project and continued through a 3-year, educational program designed to complement the existing team’s structure, ongoing activities, and individual program areas. Working within the existing team framework and including digital resources reduced the time and travel obligations and lessened the likelihood that professional development activities overwhelmed ASPs beyond their existing commitments. ASPs who did not opt into the project still remained involved in training at 2 in-person agronomy meetings. Any educational resources and materials that support the ASPs learning were provided by the project.
Participating ASPs hosted at least one farmer event (total 20) where they chose a sustainable agriculture concern to address using participatory learning strategies. Each ASP will received financial support for related meeting expenses including materials for demonstrations, technical equipment, or travel costs. ASPs participated in 5 discussions on the online learning platform, 5 face-to-face digital discussions, 2 in-person trainings and completed all follow-up surveys and evaluations to receive funds. All necessary resources, materials, and evaluations, including those to be used with farmers, were prepared and facilitated by the state coordinator in order to reduce the work burden of ASPs.
Education
This professional development program’s educational approach incorporated online and in-person resources providing ASPs flexible options for building skills together with peers. Because the project’s intention was to strengthen ASPs approaches to adult education, they must also engage as adult learners. Therefore, multiple participatory learning strategies were incorporated into all activities as a way of increasing ASPs knowledge about various techniques that could also be used with farmers. Activities were organized and facilitated by the state coordinator with assistance from topic experts.
Digital learning center. Using software common in college courses (e.g., Canvas), a learning center served as a platform for a discussion board and space to organize and share articles and videos. Materials in the learning center were organized into 6 topic areas (draft curriculum) that highlight teaching approaches that directly apply to agronomy programs. ASPs had unlimited access to learning center resources. The learning center housed recordings, meeting reports, and follow-up discussions.
Each topic had a corresponding digital discussion (e.g., Zoom) twice per year (6) throughout the project. Digital discussions were recorded. Prior to each discussion online, ASPs viewed materials and responded to two topic-related thought questions on the discussion board where they also interacted with posts from peers and experts. Thought questions and meeting discussions focused on how the topic related to farmer education and its implications for agricultural sustainability. Through this process, ASPs engaged with new concepts and consider their impact on existing programs. Two additional conversations were scheduled as needed.
In-service workshops. Learning center activities were enhanced at annual team in-services where ASPs collaboratively evaluate common Extension meeting structures to determine how participatory learning strategies improved farmer education. Focused on one meeting type per in-service, ASPs used techniques like games, word webs, or facilitated group discussions to examine and discuss existing meetings. Participation in the exercises helped ASPs develop their confidence to integrate new teaching styles into familiar meeting formats.
ASP participatory farmer meetings. ASPs incorporated various teaching strategies into meetings with farmers throughout the second and third year of the project. ASPs chose the meeting topic(s) and program strategy(s) based on the needs of farmers in their regions. Various strategies became apparent to ASPs throughout the program and included hands-on activities or networking events. ASPs were encouraged to form peer-groups to troubleshoot ideas and plan meetings. The state coordinator assisted them to connect with appropriate experts as needed.
Teaching and Learning symposium. ASPs had the option to participate in regional conferences related to participatory learning to increase their interactions with others involved in the discipline. Activities included Penn State’s Teaching and Learning Technology Team Symposium and activities with other Northeast SARE State projects.
Information, resources, and curriculum design developed in this program enhanced an emerging network of resources and personnel within SARE, Pasa Sustainable Agriculture and Penn State who are passionate about improving participatory learning strategies for agricultural education.
Milestones
35 ASPs attend an online orientation that describes the project’s opportunities, expectations, and incentives. 20 ASPs will opt into the project and continue through a 3-year, educational program designed to complement the existing team’s structure, ongoing activities, and individual program areas.
35
100
October 31, 2020
Completed
September 24, 2021
The state project was introduced to a broader group of ASPs beyond the 35 in Agronomy in order to provide greater access and support across the Extension community and among farming practices. The project was first introduced to administrators, followed by program team directors, who introduced members in various ag topic areas (agronomy, natural resources, horticulture, animal ag, economics and community) to the project and invited them to opt in. A project overview was provided to potential participants with an email that briefly explained the project and invited them to attend an online discussion with the state coordinator to further discuss the project opportunities, expectations, and incentives, with an opportunity for Q&A. The project overview was also recorded and made available to interested ASPs who could not attend the live sessions. Interested ASPs opted into the project by completing an online commitment form in Qualtrics. ASPs who were not involved with Extension were contacted directly by the state coordinator, and invited to participate, but that was actually only a single local non-profit.
NESARE20 Project Description for Invite
The concept of participatory learning was well received by administrators, team leaders, and ASPs who were enthusiastic about the program and identified farmer engagement and adult education as areas of great need among educators who work with farmers.
20 ASPs opt into project and sign a commitment form that outlines project opportunities, expectations, incentives including qualifications to receive payment to host farmer workshops. (Requirement summary: ASPs must participate in 5 discussions on the online learning platform, 5 face-to-face digital discussions, 2 in-person trainings and complete all follow-up surveys and evaluations to receive funds).
20
25
October 30, 2020
Completed
October 01, 2021
A total of 25 ASPs opted into the project and agreed to the minimum project commitments necessary for compensation. Representation was distributed across topics in agriculture including:
Sustainable Ag 2 participants, Food Systems 1 participant, Community development 2 participants, Agronomy 3 participants, Watershed management 5 participants, Ag finance 2 participants, Animal science 7 participants, and Vegetable systems 3 participants.
20 Agricultural Service Providers complete 1 in-person interview with the state coordinator prior to hosting an event with farmers to evaluate each ASP’s experiences teaching sustainable agriculture using participatory learning techniques and where they seek further support to assist farmers.
20
16
October 31, 2023
Completed
October 20, 2023
After completion of the program 16 Ag Service Providers met with state coordinator to plan engagement activities with farmer clients. Due to attrition, many ASPs were unable to complete the program. Interviews took place by email, phone, zoom and teams chat to speed up the process due to shortened timeline. By discussing ideas, ASPs were able to brainstorm creative methods of implementing new learning techniques into their farmer programs. This was especially helpful for ASPs that had not used any of the techniques presented to find stepping stones to get to higher level farmer engagement.
20 ASPs who opt into project report participation in project activities including online discussions, face-to-face digital discussions, and in-person trainings to State Coordinator who tracks participation in project activities to provide funding to 20 ASP eligible participants to host farmer workshops.
20
16
October 31, 2023
Completed
July 31, 2023
In 2022, due to attrition of ASPs and Advisory group members, there has been some turnover in the original cohort, but mostly to the benefit of the project reaching new ASPs representing other fields of agriculture including pesticide education. Participants have connected to the online course platform.
16 of the 25 original participants were able to successfully attend at least half of the 6 original sessions offered, plus two bonus sessions. Many were very active in posting experiences to the online platform and encouraged each other to try new instructional methods.
6 Project Advisory Group members attend an annual virtual meeting with state coordinator to become acquainted with each other and discuss the project concepts and ASPs’ interests and learning goals (Year 1, 2021), discuss previous year’s plans, ongoing topics, and any challenges ASPs are facing (Year 2, 2022), and ongoing topics and any challenges ASPs are facing as well as future opportunities for outreach and engagement about participatory learning with farmers (Year 3, 2023)
6
6
January 31, 2023
Completed
July 31, 2023
In 2021 (year 1) the state coordinator contacted advisory group members (6) to introduce them to the project by sharing the introductory video and recruitment documents identified in Milestone 1. Those available were then invited to an online discussion with state coordinator. Advisory group members provided some feedback and thoughts about initial project set up and approaches and overall concepts and experiences using adult education and participatory learning techniques. Similarly, to Extension leadership, the project idea was well-received and the importance for more adult education strategies was identified as an area of high need in agriculture outreach programs.
In 2022 (year 2) the advisory group had their annual meeting to discuss course format, review needs survey of the ASPs, list topics and agree to participate in different aspects of the training from development to evaluation. Advisory group was sent welcome packets of resources to assist with online facilitations.
In 2023 (year 3) very few advisory members were still involved with the project mostly due to attrition. Reports were sent, but few responses came back. One advisory member transitioned to a key individual to assist in presenting the suggested training.
30 Agricultural Service Providers (includes 20 ASPs plus 10 Agronomy Extension Specialists) participate in 1 in-person “Global Café” activity during an in-service workshop to examine how participatory learning strategies can be incorporated into field days and farm walks to better meet farmer’s educational needs (Year 1, 2020). 1 in-person “Building your own Vehicle” activity during an in-service workshop to examine how participatory learning strategies can be incorporated into break-out sessions at conferences to improve active engagement with farmers (Year 2, 2021). 1 in-person “Unpeeling the Onion” activity during an in-service workshop to examine how participatory learning strategies can be incorporated into half and full-day workshops that focus on navigating farmers through problem solving (Year 3, 2022).
30
35
November 30, 2022
Completed
November 30, 2023
October 26 2020 (year 1) - In response to COVID-19 Social Distancing requirements that restricted in-person gatherings for ASP and Extension events with farmers made it necessary to pivot for online learning. Instead of the "Global Café" proposed, we hosted a 2.5-hour online session with a guest speaker focused on "Engaging Audiences in Online Learning." In which the guest speaker discussed important methods for engaging audiences and lead a group of Agronomy educators through activities that can be done in the Zoom online platform for facilitating group conversations (e.g. break out rooms) and peer learning through discussion. Topics for this session focused around what people would miss in in-person gatherings with suggestions for mimicking similar scenarios online. 35 ASPs attended this session.
November 18 2021 - Agronomy educators agreed to participate in a "Global Café" to demonstrate a facilitation technique used to create shared learning between specialists and educators which can be practiced between specialists or educators and farmers in future programs. 26 educators and specialists participated in this session. Exchange of agronomic research and educational opportunity proved a valuable secondary achievement of the session.
"Unpeeling the onion” activity was conducted virtually at the Agronomy Educator Team Meeting to reveal new ways of reaching farmer audiences in programming. The activity was insightful but future activities require more time. Many could not see activities like this contributing to their instruction. Those that took the online course were more likely to use similar strategies than those not exposed to the same rigor of adult learning techniques showing a need for some foundation or strong “why” for ASPs to implement new teaching methods. Lecture prevails as “it has always been done this way”.
In an extension unit inservice on “Leadership” similar principles were taught. Many educators and specialists still identify their preferred learning method (lecture) as the best learning method. Perhaps this feeling limits participation in exploring new methods. Future work should explore disruption of the “status quo” include research data before introduction of new methods to scientists serving as ASPs. Those in the online course were more likely to be open to new methods, perhaps by choice.
30 Agricultural Service providers attend a final in-person workshop to share their different approaches for incorporating learning strategies into farmer educational outreach programs discussing their successes, challenges, and interests for future programming. Learning topics, themes and outcomes from project surveys and evaluations are summarized and presented to the group.
30
September 30, 2023
Incomplete
Due to changes in timeline because of COVID, an extension was requested to complete this action, however, the organizing entities and speakers both left their current positions and the October 2023 event was cancelled. Successes of the program were shared by some at a December 2023 extension unit inservice after the scope of the grant.
20 Agronomy Educator ASPs, review 2 sets of prepared materials, per year (total 6) and respond to 6 topic-related thought questions on a discussion board in an online learning center prior to virtual discussions featuring the same topics. Documents and thought questions are prepared by the State Coordinator in collaboration with an Adult Education expert in order to introduce ASPs to specific teaching approaches that can be directly applied to agronomy programs .
20
27
July 31, 2023
Completed
July 31, 2023
The digital learning platform was established as a classroom in Microsoft Teams. Learning materials were added as various files and ASP participants engaged in conversations using the platform's class notebook in the collaboration space. The program was expanded beyond Agronomy to all ASPs working with farmers.
A small percentage of ASPs and Advisory members who initially struggled with access to the platform, were able to overcome the initial obstacles. The majority engaged in introductions and accessed preliminary course materials. Due to Zoom fatigue there was a desire to take a pause in the course, during which there was also some attrition of committed ASPs. The course was relaunched with a welcome packet to ASPs to reduce computer fatigue by providing paper resources. 24 educators and specialists were enrolled in 2022.
During 2023, 16 educational posts were created garnering comments including suggestions, personal experiences and other resources in the form of 66 ASP post comments. 8 sessions were attended live by an average of 8 ASPs totaling 68 combined training hours of participatory adult learning.
20 Agricultural Service Providers attend 6 facilitated, face-to-face virtual discussions each year, featuring the same topics presented in the online learning center. Web-based conversations will give ASPs an opportunity to discuss how ideas presented in the discussion board can be related directly to agronomy programs with their colleagues and adult education experts.
20
27
July 31, 2023
Completed
July 31, 2023
Advisory members gave input on a new set of topics given feedback from the cohorts second survey send in July-August. *Results of the initial survey of participants was lost in the State Coordinator transition.
24 educators and specialists were enrolled in 2022.
During 2023, 8 sessions were attended live by an average of 8 ASPs totaling 68 combined training hours of participatory adult learning. Recorded sessions were made available as well as thorough notes and resource links in the online platform. 16 educational posts were created garnering comments including suggestions, personal experiences and other resources in the form of 66 ASP post comments.
10 of the 20 participating Agricultural Service Providers attend Penn State’s Teaching and Learning Technology Team Symposium in State College, PA as an opportunity to engage with a wider community of professionals involved in participatory learning.
Note: these meetings may be substituted by any collaborative educational opportunities offered for ASPs through Northeast SARE on Adult Education in the region.
10
5
April 30, 2022
Incomplete
Due to the pause in the course development, the participants were not able to take advantage of this opportunity. Instead all 20 were offered to attend in 2023. The state coordinator attended virtual sessions offered in 2022. Two ASPs attended the Penn State Teaching Symposium in 2023 virtually and two attended in person.
10 of the 20 participating Agricultural Service Providers (different from 2022 cohort) attend Penn State’s Teaching and Learning Technology Team Symposium in State College, PA as an opportunity to engage with a wider community of professionals involved in participatory learning.
Note: these meetings may be substituted by any collaborative educational opportunities offered for ASPs through Northeast SARE on Adult Education in the region.
10
4
April 30, 2023
Incomplete
The symposium set for Saturday, March 18, 2023. Alternative events will also be considered that meet this same rigor.
3 ASPs and 1 State Coordinator were able to attend the Saturday session in-person or virtually. In recent years, interest in attending events outside of the work week has greatly dwindled with the focus on work-life balance. After this session in March of 2023, we decided to pivot and offer additional virtual sessions in place of attending an in-person event.
20 Agricultural Service Providers complete an annual online survey (3) that assesses the quality of information presented as well as the digital and in-person techniques used throughout the program. The surveys will also allow ASPs to provide anonymous input and requests that will be used to enhance the ongoing program.
20
8
December 31, 2023
Completed
November 30, 2023
In 2022 a baseline survey was conducted to restructure the course based on changing needs of ASPs re-engaging in-person and shying from online content post-pandemic. The survey indicated participants would prefer in-person but were extremely busy getting back to the office. The course was adjusted to a 6 week program with two optional sessions at the end.
In spring of 2023, a survey was conducted to assess the success of the first three virtual sessions. 5 ASPs (n=7) indicated in an open-ended questionnaire that the course was exactly what they hoped for. All had very positive comments. The only regret was lack of time to attend all sessions. We added one additional Adult Education session and 2 other sessions to the curriculum to accommodate those busy schedules. We also provided recordings or alternate learning opportunities such as books and podcasts for further learning.
In fall of 2023, we assessed the overall success of the program with a final survey. The survey used the requests from the mid-term survey to assess the progress toward requested curriculum. Of the 11 course objectives, participants found 95% (n=8) of the topics to be very effective, with the remainder somewhat effective. A few of the highest rated objectives included new teaching approaches, tools for effective teaching, and creative inclusive environments, among others. Comments from ASPs included "This class fundamentally changed my approach to teaching adults for the better" and "Was a very good use of my time, and I've already had a chance to implement a lot of the new skills from the course."
20 Service providers submit results from evaluations collected from 400 farmers who attended meetings where participatory learning techniques were incorporated to determine how effective the teaching approach was in helping them feel engaged with the topic and with other meeting participants during the session.
Results will include their likeliness to adopt a learned sustainable agronomy strategy or to seek assistance from other meeting attendees after the workshop.
400
20
417
8
October 31, 2023
Completed
November 30, 2023
As of November 30, 2023, five ASPs reported reaching 417 farmers at 7 events in the 6 months following course completion. However, seven ASPs reported using newly discovered adult learning strategies in events throughout 2024 with an estimated impact on 2,600 farmers. One ASP reported about the success of the new techniques with farmers "They not only get to learn from me and my team, but from each others' experiences which may differ from mine."
In post evaluations collected by ASPs, farmers shared their excitement to participate in a different way (rather than lecture). "They were very positive with people saying they will adopt new practices on their facilities and that they really liked the interactive components."
Milestone Activities and Participation Summary
Participation Summary:
Learning Outcomes
In a post-course survey, ASPs indicated the course was 95% (n=8) very effective of covering the objectives selected by the ASPs in the beginning of the course including:
- Engaging adult learners online
- New teaching approaches
- How to structure programs
- Reasonable learning outcomes
- Learn current andragogy (adult learning) philosophy
- Create positive learning environments
- Increase positive emotions at programs
- Increase engagement at programs
- Events set-up for participatory learning
- Tools for effective teaching
- Create engaging presentations
In sessions with farmers six ASP's practiced the following engagement techniques:
- Think-pair-share
- Audience discussion
- Sharing experiences (story telling)
- group hands-on activities
- jigsaw method
- ordered sharing
- live polling
- flipped classroom
- small group online discussion
- using chat features
ASPs reported farmers reactions to the new techniques:
- "Sooo much engagement! Great comments orally and on eval. Made me proud."
- "They were definitely more engaged than a typical lecture"
- "Very much enjoyed and responded to this"
- "there was more participation from most"
ASP's reported excitement for more similar programming in the future:
- "This type of learning should be accessible to all extension educators, especially those who lack formal backgrounds in teaching."
Performance Target Outcomes
Performance Target Outcomes - Service Providers
Target #1
20 Agricultural Service Providers become more familiar with specific participatory learning strategies and each host an individual program (20) that addresses specific sustainable agriculture concerns with farmers where they incorporate at least one participatory learning technique in a meeting structure to improve farmer engagement reaching 400 total farmers.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 14 |
8 courses were taught by 5 ASPs to 417 farmers before November 2023. 8 ASP's plan to teach 2,600 farmers in 2024.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 417 |
| Activity | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consultations | 2 | 15 | 18 | 35 |
| Online trainings | 1 | 1 | 11 | 13 |
| Published press, articles, newsletters | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 |
| Tours | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Webinars, talks and presentations | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 |
| Workshops and field days | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
One online survey was conducted with ASPs in fall of 2024 to provide the information above. 24 ASPs received the request for information, 14 were eligible to complete the course and receive grant funding to change practices. 10 ASPs benefited from course supplies and educational tools. 8 ASPs completed the end-of-course survey. Barriers to ASPs not completing the survey included: intent to complete survey once more data was available after their farmer activity, which may have happened outside the scope of the grant. Also, funding available from other sources at the time limited participation and a need for funding from SARE. Many participants reportedly used the teaching methods, however did not report as they did not use the funding. Funds were therefore turned back to SARE at the end of the project.
Performance Target Outcomes - Farmers
Target #1
Use of sustainable practices (lesson vary by course)
334
Not reported (University or Non-Profit best management practices vary by crop and farm type)
ASPs used poll everywhere, qualtrics and paper surveys to verify practice adoption. Since this grant was focused on improving educational delivery and not specific practices, a variety of practices were reported adopted. A baseline was not created prior to implementation, but ASPs reported 30-60% adoption rates prior to the intervention. After using new teaching methods, this increase to 60-100% adoption by participants
Additional Project Outcomes
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | $0 | $160000 | $160000 |
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Though there were few new collaborations and grants reported, more sustainable learning and teaching methods are being incorporated into existing programs and grants including study circles, breakfast meetings and hands-on-field days. Penn State also secured funding through SARE to continue and build on this work through on-farm research.
"This class fundamentally changed my approach to teaching adults for the better." - ASP #1
"I have simplified presentations and got down to brass tacks, and learned that less is more; the most important thing is that they learn something and take it home to use it, not sharing how much I know. Invaluable." - ASP #4
Incorporating adult learning into on-farm demonstration and research initiatives. Expanding this work beyond a small cohort was a wish of the ASPs "This type of learning should be accessible to all extension educators, especially those who lack formal backgrounds in teaching."
SARE Outreach
SARE information was available at project field days and presentations as well as made available through Penn State Extension listserves and newsletters. In particular, the state coordinator exhibited and sponsored many activities and shared SARE outreach materials and information at:
Exhibits at
- Farming for the Future Conference, Pennsylvania Association Sustainable Agriculture, State College, PA. February
- Penn State Ag Progress Days, State College, PA. August 2021-2023
- Pennsylvania Women and Agriculture Network Conference, State College PA, December
Note that 2020-2021 SARE outreach was reported in NEPA17-001 for which the state coordinator (Borrelli) had a no cost extension. Briefly, the farming for the future conference was held online in 2021 and Northeast SARE sponsored an online digital forum as well as a sponsored newsletter article featuring farmer grants and the overall farmer grant program. They did not participate in Ag Progress days and the PA Women and Ag Network Conference did not occur. Additionally, State Coordinator responded to approximately 50 phone calls and emails related to SARE grant and resource questions.
In 2022, state coordinator exhibited at the following events:
- Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Conference, Lancaster, PA
- Ag Progress Days, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA
- Northwest Grazing Field Day, Tionesta, PA
- Tioga Women in Ag Workshop, Wellsboro, PA
In 2023, state coordinator exhibited at the following events:
- Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Conference, Lancaster, PA
- Western Pennsylvania Grazing Conference, Clarion, PA
- Penn State Extension Equipment Demo Day, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA
- Ag Progress Days, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA
- Northwest Grazing Field Day, Tionesta, PA
Coordinator presented about SARE grant and resource opportunities at the following events:
- 12/8/22 "Funding opportunities through SARE," Tioga Women in Ag
- 2/10/23 "Funding opportunities through SARE," Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Conference
- 6/16/23 "SARE Fellows and other SARE programs" Pennsylvania Association of County Agriculture Agents PACAA Picnic
Coordinator published the following news items:
- Northeast SARE 2023 Grant Webinar Recording Available, Penn State Extension Website
- New Pennsylvania State SARE Coordinator, Penn State Extension Website, Facebook Page, Twitter "X"
- Deadline Approaching for Farmer Grants, Penn State Extension Website, Field Crop News, Farms.com and Ag Law Weekly Review
Coordinator also assisted on site for the PBS filming of SARE special in Pennsylvania.
Served on the grant review team for research and education grants in the Northeast.
Recieved information about SARE grant programs and information resouces:
| Audience | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service providers | 15 | 30 | 40 | 85 |
| Farmers | 20 | 76 | 402 | 498 |