Utilizing Tools and Techniques to Improve the Impact of Agriculture Service Providers

Since Covid 19 there have been more challenges connecting  with agricultural producers.  We see less in person participation and an increase in the desire for hybrid options that offer more flexibility for the participants schedule.  Many of our extension staff have expertise in their field but do not have the knowledge associated with educational techniques. To aid in developing this proposal I surveyed our new personnel to see what additional training they needed to be more comfortable and confident in their position and utilized data gathered from the conclusion of the previous professional development program. The data collected indicated the need for additional training in the following areas: understanding  AI and how to utilize it in extension, techniques from for presenting information that is heavy in data, using technology for farmer outreach, teaching methods for adults, and tools for reducing anxiety when presenting or facilitating a program. The importance of developing those skills is prudent to increasing the impact our extension team can have on the sustainability of our producers.  The goal of this training would help develop their knowledge of adult education, while also building an understanding of how new technologies like A.I., new presentation tools/ methodologies can assist in building the knowledge, acceptance, and implementation to a larger and more diverse population producers.  Developing these skill sets within our ag service providers assists them in being more effective with producers.  The more knowledgeable and confident the ASP is the more likely the farmer clients and community are to trust the information being shared.

  Extension staff serve a diverse population of farmers including BIPOC and LGBTQ.  Our extension agents serve everyone in our communities.  In Delaware, we have many farmers growing various vegetable crops and animals that focus on the needs and desires of the BIPOC community.  Agricultural census data indicates there are over 700 commercial poultry growers, 2,000 plus small flock growers, and over 2,000 farmers growing crops and vegetables.  We have growers from different cultures, backgrounds and levels of experience.  This training would impact those growers by improving the skills and expertise of ASP's as they serve those communities.  Learning how to use tools like AI can assist in program development, better understand a topic, or possibly give different approaches or challenge the developers knowledge of the topic being explored and learned so that information can be used to solve challenges facing the agricultural community.  As engagement changes, understanding different techniques to connect with producers will increase outreach potential and number of individuals benefitting from the shared information.  This may include how to better use hybrid education techniques, making of videos, and better content presentation.  This better allows us to meet people where they are.  Often times, much of the research done can be dense with data and statistical information, it can be challenging to present this type of information and keep the audience engaged.  Techniques will be taught to help keep the audience engaged and increase impact and adoption.  

Another area indicated by the survey was the need for more team building opportunities and awareness of program activities of other extension professionals.  To address this, a three day, two night field trip has been planned to Rutgers.  This trip will allow for team building, program sharing, and increase the opportunity to collaborate between programs to better serve the farming community.  This field trip also will build knowledge and awareness of other growing systems (agrivoltaics), observe their research facilities and projects, and the opportunity to learn about challenges facing other ag service providers in our region.  This will allow for the  exchange of experiences and solutions to current and future challenges.

Five, $1,000 stipends will be awarded so that an individual participant can attend a conference that develops a skill or increases their knowledge and expertise.  The participant will be required to share what they have learned and how it will improve their ability to better serve their clientele from attending the program with the other ag service providers. Once this information is shared, the group will discuss how this information could benefit their engagement with growers.

Project Leader, Georgie Cartanza, Poultry Extension Agent, SARE State Coordinator, University of Delaware.  

Dr Alyssa Koehler, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Plant Pathology, University of Delaware

Nate Bruce, Farm Business Management Specialist, University of Delaware

The project team has different areas of expertise, including poultry production, plant pathology, and farm business management. These individuals have the ability to collaborate and manage a program that increases the knowledge of participants while also connecting the synergies and challenges of different aspects of agriculture.  Through there different experiences, backgrounds and connections, program material will be developed to reach the intended goals of the professional development grant.  This will be my first opportunity to be a project leader on a grant. Both Dr. Koehler and Nate Bruce have been project leaders on numerous grants.  Letters of commitment are included to share there support and additional expertise for this grant.