New Technologies for Ag Extension 2022-2023 Yearbook

The New Technologies for Ag Extension 2022-2023 Yearbook documents dozens of projects funded through the New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) program, a cooperative agreement between USDA NIFA, Oklahoma State University, and the Extension Foundation. The goal of NTAE is to incubate, accelerate, and expand promising work that will increase the impact of the Cooperative Extension System (CES) in the communities it serves, and provide models that can be adopted or adapted by Extension teams across the nation. The 83-page publication - presented in a lively magazine format - shares how these grant projects improve human, environmental, and community health. It contains an overview of the NTAE program, which has supported nearly 75 Cooperative Extension projects and program teams over four years. Using illustrated feature articles and Q&As, the publication shares innovative Cooperative Extension work across the U.S., from technology to composting to youth development to health and equity. In addition, the publication shares information about the vital work undertaken by ECOP’s Program Action Teams. The projects showcased in this yearbook reflect the diversity and breadth of Extension disciplinary work and programming. Through these feature stories and Q&As, readers will gain deeper insights into some of the Cooperative Extension System’s most innovative, exciting projects, including the lessons the teams learned, the projects’ significance for Extension in a broader context, and what lies ahead for the teams.

2022-2023 YEARBOOK

Grant projects improve human, environmental, and community health.

PUBLISHED BY

Welcome. This 2022-2023 yearbook is a publication of the New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) program. It celebrates the accomplishments of teams of Extension professionals from all over the country that received funding for their projects from the NTAE grant, a four-year grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA), in partnership with Oklahoma State University (OSU). It also covers the NTAE program in general and its administrators at the Extension Foundation (EXF). The projects showcased in this yearbook reflect the diversity and breadth of Extension disciplinary work and programming. Through these feature stories and Q&As, you will gain deeper insights into some of the Cooperative Extension System’s most innovative, exciting projects, including the lessons the teams learned, the projects’ significance for Extension in a broader context, and what lies ahead for the teams.

4 WAYS TO USE THIS PUBLICATION.

PUBLICATIONS

Editorial & Evaluation Julie Halverson Dr. Rose Hayden-Smith Heather Martin Design & Production Dr. Rose Hayden-Smith Ellen P. Krugel Heather Martin

1. BE INSPIRED . Follow the models in this guide to reach new and existing audiences in your community. 2. ADVOCATE. Show this publication to your Extension Director and talk about how to to use it to enhance your Extension’s public outreach. 3. SHARE. Share this publication with potential community partners who could help you create new programming. 4. GIVE FEEDBACK. Did this publication to inform your Extension work? Share what you’ve learned with us by emailing: contact-us@extension.org.

© Extension Foundation Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommer- cial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). Published by Extension Foundation. Citations for this publication may be made using the following: Kansas City: Extension Foundation (2022). New Technologies for Ag Ex- tension (NTAE): 2022-2023 Yearbook (1st ed). ISBN: 978-1-955687-40-9 This work, ISBN 978-1-955687-40-9 is supported by New Technologies for Agriculture Extension grant no. 2020- 41595-30123 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this pub- lication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

We are thrilled to share the remarkable work featured in this publication with you.

Sincerely,

Beverly Coberly, Ph.D Chief Executive Officer

Ashley Griffin, MS Chief Operating Officer (Interim)

Website extension.org

Contact Bryan Cave LLP One Kansas City Place

1200 Main Street, Suite 3800 Kansas City, MO 64105-2122

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Contents. 6 NTAE Overview INCUBATION projects 10 Overview 12 Project Briefs ACCELERATION projects 20 Overview 21 Community Seminar Series University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Extension 22 Breaking the Cycle

EXPANSION projects 62 Overview

PROGRAM ACTION teams 78 Overview

40 Una educación sobre la educación Iowa State University Extension

My Hometown is Cool West Virginia University Extension 63

INDEX 80 Acceleration and Expansion Team Member Names

69 Coordination, Capacity Building & Community Engagement University of Massachusetts Amherst Extension 44 Because We Can North Carolina State University Extension

University of Nevada Extension 27 Building Grantsmanship in Underserved Communities Southern Rural Development Center 28 Buy, Cook, Eat Local Penn State Extension

64 Leveling Up New Mexico State University Learning Games Lab 70 Pollen Power Nebraska Indian Community College

They Can Do Hard Things Utah State University Extension

Creating a Composting Culture Utah State University Extension

Out of the Mines West Virginia State University Extension 32

52 Teaching Money Matters West Virginia University Extension 56 Seguridad de Pesticidas University of Nebraska Extension 58 Well Water 101 University of Minnesota Extension 61 Pollution Prevention & Wastewater Phytoremediation Delaware State University Extension

35 Alabama Master Naturalist & Underserved Communities Alabama Cooperative Extension 36 Community is Our Jam University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

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NTAE Overview.

Publication Support.

Over the course of one year, project leaders and teams are coached to identify new possibilities for their work, enhance their team dynamics, strengthen their planned impact, and evaluate, document, and promote their accomplishments. CES teams rarely have access to these kinds of services—at least not simultaneous- ly—and with this kind of robust support, their projects are more likely to be better-resourced and more sustainable. Another segment of groups receiving NTAE support are the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy Program (ECOP) Action Teams (PATs). PATs focus their attention on pressing societal matters with potential for advantageous outcomes through organized, sys- tem-level leadership within Extension programming. Learn more about the PATs and their work here.

The Extension Foundation loves to help Extension professionals tell their stories. NTAE has provided funding for our editors and content creators to partner with teams to produce more than 50 digital publications, including how- to and process guides, toolkits, and project reports. The topics explored are as varied as Extension work. These publications share knowledge gained, best practices, and information about models that Extension professionals can replicate in their work. Publications can be viewed online in a Flipping Book or downloaded as a PDF. Each one is registered in a national CES registry and shared via “Connect” and social media. The Foundation surveyed publication users in 2022 and found that • 60% of respondents indicated that publications increased their awareness of new projects, processes, or program delivery models a lot; • 68% of respondents came away with new ideas for their Extension work; and • 41% of respondents shared the publication with others.

NTAE Scope. Land-grant universities from 20 states were represented in this year’s NTAE grant projects.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The goal of the New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) grant is to incubate, accelerate, and expand promising work that will increase the impact of the Cooperative Exten- sion System (CES) in the communities it serves, and provide models that can be adopted or adapted by Extension teams across the nation. In 2019, EXF received a subaward from Oklahoma State University to fund a wide range of CES activities, includ- ing projects that address environmental protection issues; broadband access and equity; diversity, equity and inclu- sion; rural and urban economic development; and more. EXF has delivered funding to and worked with nearly 75 teams since 2019, through a comprehensive, competitive annual grant cycle that includes the following: • application mechanisms and support • pre-award informational and consultative webinars • application review panels • award distribution • post-award mentorship from experienced Extension directors and administrators (Catalysts) and subject matter and technical support experts (Key Informants)

With this NTAE subaward, EXF has also supported work beyond team projects, using its technological expertise to do the following: • Create an online public-facing question-and-answer system. • Develop a first- and second-generation AI Chatbot, “ExtensionBot,” to rapidly connect the public to CES resources across the nation. • Build “Connect,” a closed social media network for land-grant university (LGU) professionals, bolstering col- laboration and enabling members to access resources and participate in communities of practices (subgroups). • Launch a national repository of CES programs and re- sources, in an effort to reduce the duplication of work system-wide. • Stand up and provide support for nearly 100 websites. NTAE projects are led by CES staff or faculty who are embedded in local communities. They receive one of three levels of funding: incubation, acceleration, or expansion. (For details about each project level, see pages 10, 20, and 62.)

The Extension Foundation (EXF) was formed in 2006 by Extension directors and administrators. EXF partners with the Cooperative Extension System (CES) through liaison roles and a formal plan of work with ECOP to increase system capacity while providing pro- grammatic services, and helping Extension programs scale and investigate new methods and models for implementing programs. EXF provides professional development to CES professionals and offers exclusive services to its members.

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Catalysts

EXF Finance & Administration Arielle Smith Comptroller Brenna Kotar Contracts and Operations Manager

Dr. Jimmy Henning Extension Professor, former Director of Cooperative Extension Service, University of Kentucky Dr. Charles Hibberd Retired Dean of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dr. Rick Klemme Former Executive Director, ECOP Dr. Dyremple Marsh Retired College Dean, Research Director, and Extension Administrator, Delaware State University

Dr. Dawn Mellion Retired Vice Chancellor, Southern University Cooperative Extension Dr. Scott Reed Emeritus Vice Provost for University Outreach and Engagement, Oregon State University Dr. Chuck Ross Retired Director of Extension, University of Vermont Dr. Fred Schlutt Retired Vice Provost for Extension and Outreach, University of Alaska Fairbanks Ellen P. Krugel Graphic Design Mark Locklear Technology Solutions Heather Martin Publishing & Graphic Design Melanie Pugsley Marketing, Communications & Engagement Hellina Tadesse Partnerships & Development Aaron Weibe Marketing, Communications & Engagement

Barbara Adams Bookkeeper Kim Santoro Grants Specialist

EXF Technology Solutions Mark Locklear Technology Solutions Aaron Weibe Marketing, Communications & Engagement Kenny Elston WordPress Engineer

Other technologists who contribute to NTAE efforts are Deb Weitzenkamp and David Warren, Oklahoma State University/Extension Foundation. In addition, Edu- works Corporation is a valued EXF partner in delivering technology solutions for NTAE projects.

EXF Key Informants

Tira Adelman Program Management Karl Bradley Leadership Development Ashley Griffin Publishing & Evaluation Julie Halverson Evaluation Megan Hirschman

Our library never closes.

Check out the Extension Foundation virtual bookshelf for the latest Extension research and program development across the country.

Partnerships & Development Dr. Rose Hayden-Smith Publishing & Digital Engagement Molly Immendorf Professional Development & Impact Collaborative

Megan Hirschman Partnerships & Development Regan Emmons Climate Partnership and Development Specialist Dr. Jason Weigle Project Manager EXF Program Action Team Liaisons

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“We created the Incubation phase to nurture teams to think through their ideas, plans, audiences, and intended outcomes. Like fuel for a rocketship, the Incubation phase gives time, space, and support to take off!”

—Molly Immendorf, EXF Design Strategist & Incubation Program Lead

The Impact Collaborative The Extension Foundation’s Impact Collaborative is an EXF signature program that provides a unique opportunity for Extension teams to create meaning- ful results at the local level by increasing Extension’s organizational readiness and capacity for innova- tion and change. The Impact Collaborative process uses a unique skills-based curriculum—the Innova- tion Skill-Building Experience—to help Extension professionals think about program development in a new way, sparking ideas, increasing innovation, and turbocharging project implementation. As part of New Technologies for Ag Extension’s work, EXF’s Impact Collaborative convened a national three-day project acceleration summit in January 2023 focusing on climate resiliency. The summit’s aim was to raise awareness about climate resilience and catalyze capacity to increase pro- gramming in the communities that Extension serves. At the event’s conclusion, a Summit Showcase pro- vided an opportunity for participants to share their project or program with fellow participants.

130 Participants 28 New project and program teams 34 Land-grant universities represented 28 Key Informants working as team consultants on topics such as stakeholder engagement; program development and evaluation; marketing; engaging in difficult conversations; diversity, equity, and inclusion; renewable energy opportunities; and more; daily “team time” for participants to collectively work on projects with coaches keynotes and speakers from United States Department of Agriculture and United States Department of Energy

Incubation projects

EXF awarded $5,000 Incubation project awards to 19 teams in year four of the New Technologies for Ag Extension grant program. Incubation projects are still in the idea and pre-planning stages, so the winning teams used their funding and access to EXF expertise and resources to create pilots for their projects. These teams received hands-on support from the beginning, working with EXF team members to complete their NTAE application and to create a unique value proposition.

Throughout the year, they had access to a variety of training and development sessions and other resources, including the following: • a customized Impact Collaborative program and team development process that included mentors, Key Informants, and focused cohort events • training in the Impact Collaborative Innovation Skill-Building Experience workbook and activities in the Fall Summit • the Impact Collaborative Summit in January 2023 • the NTAE Incubation Spring Summit, “Next Steps and Beyond: Taking your Incubation Project into the Future” During both summits, teams were given resources to move their projects forward and access to mentors trained to facilitate the Impact Collaborative process.

= Team members discuss their projects.

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A Program Team for Multimedia Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Outreach

Digital Ambassador University of Missouri

THE TEAM Alison Copeland, Deputy Chief Engagement Officer, University of Missouri Joe Lear, Broadband Consultant, University of Missouri Wayne Prewitt, Regional Director, University of Missouri Noah Washburn, Statewide Extension and Engagement Specialist, University of Missouri

THE TEAM Wayne Buhler, Professor and NC State Extension Pesticide Safety Education Specialist, North Carolina State University Paul Curtis, Professor and Department Extension Leader, Cornell University Daniel Frank, Director of Pesticide Programs, Virginia Tech Alma Galvin, Director of Community Training and Engagement, Migrant Clinicians Network Marie Hallinen, EPA IPM Coordinator, Environmental Protection Agency Ronda Hirnyck, Extension Specialist, University of Idaho Janet Hurley, Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Joellen Lampman, IPM Specialist, Cornell Stephen Vantassel, Vertebrate Pest Specialist, Montana Department of Agriculture

North Carolina State University University of Idaho Virginia Tech Texas A&M Migrant Clinicians Network Cornell University Montana Department of Agriculture

The goal of the “Digital Ambassador” program is to increase affordable, equitable broadband access and reduce tech- nology adoption hesitancy in communities across Kansas. Using the Master Gardener model, the team will recruit and train volunteers (Digital Ambassadors) to help community members access high-speed internet, teach them to use on- line applications, and help them obtain computing devices. Right now, the team is ... • developing curriculum; • identifying rural and urban pilot sites; • seeking funding to support the work; and • looking for partners to help them with outreach and education.

MENTOR Trudy Rice, Kansas State University

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 The “Multimedia IPM Outreach” project promotes integrated wildlife damage management practices that yield multiple benefits, including reduced pesticide use, increased eco- nomic sustainability, and a healthier environment. The project focuses on developing resources and building relationships to empower individuals and facilitate problem-solving. The team’s goal is to create an online course for Extension educators, providing access to information and tools that build local expertise to address human-wildlife conflicts and effectively manage wildlife damage. Right now, the team is … • developing a survey to conduct an information and resources needs assessment of Extension educators and agents; and • looking for individuals to review the needs assessment.

KEYWORDS broadband access, digital equity, digital literacy, technology adoption, volunteer development

Building Capacity to Address Broadband Access and Digital Skills

MENTOR Molly Soeby, North Dakota State University

North Carolina State University (NCSU) Extension The “Building Capacity” project aims to ensure broadband access and digital literacy for all North Carolina residents. Extension educators will become digital equity agents, using a statewide digital toolkit to provide training and support in communities. The program focuses on rural ar- eas, aging populations, limited English proficiency learners, youth, and families. By bridging the digital divide, NCSU Extension will help residents EARN, LEARN, and BE WELL in the digital world. EARN: Develop remote work skills, be able to find a job online, or improve farm productivity using digital practices. LEARN: Acquire new skills or certifications. BE WELL: Use technology to connect with health care, family, and friends for social and emotional support. Right now, the team is … • developing a digital toolkit; • looking for partners to help them build a robust toolkit; and • seeking funding to support their work, including hiring digital equity agents.

KEYWORDS human-wildlife conflict, integrated pest management, IPM, needs assessment, online course, virtual education, wildlife, wildlife damage

THE TEAM Kenneth Sherin, Broadband Access and Education Coordinator, NCSU Cintia Aguilar, Latino Programs Manager, NCSU Louie Freeman, County Extension Director, NCSU Travis Hoesli, County Extension Director, NCSU Liz Mauney, 4-H Youth Development, NCSU Scott McCollum, Web Services/Extension Information Technology, NCSU Roberto Rosales, Farm Worker Health and Safety Educator, NCSU Heather Schaffer, County Extension Director, NCSU

Reimagining InterConnectivity Between Langston University and Selected Oklahoma Historical Black Towns: Model for Expanding Diversity and Opportunities in Food and Agriculture Langston University

Langston University makes a concerted effort to provide opportunities that enable veterans to return to school and earn college degrees. These opportunities also help con- nect veterans with their community, other veterans involved in agriculture, and resources to help them transition to agricultural careers. THE TEAM Joshua Davis, Extension Associate, Langston University Newton Nyairo, Assistant Professor, Langston University Willard Tillman, Community Based Partner Wesley Whittaker, Dean, Langston University James Arati, Program Leader, Langston University

MENTOR Kittrane Sanders, Extension Agent, North Carolina Extension

MENTOR Trudy Rice, Kansas State University

KEYWORDS agriculture, agricultural education, community development, workforce development, workforce preparation, veterans

KEYWORDS aging, broadband access, digital equity, digital literacy, health, job skills, limited English proficiency, rural, senior citizens, workforce development, youth development

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2022-2023 YEARBOOK | EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE

Show Me How Resource Library

Nourish and Flourish University of Minnesota

FarmerTech

Cultural Competencies for Municipalities

University of Maryland The Maryland Department of Agriculture recently began transitioning required grower compliance processes to an online format. This is creating challenges for some farmers. “FarmerTech” is an interdisciplinary Extension program that aims to increase digital literacy in the agricultural commu- nity. Teen mentors will be trained using a research-based 4-H curriculum and will then teach farmers the digital skills they need to know. One measure of success will be increased online submissions by growers, increasing their revenue and improving their environmental protection. Teen mentors will develop leadership and public speaking skills. Right now, the team is … • partnering with agencies and community-based organizations; and • seeking funding for a four-year project. THE TEAM Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins, University of Maryland Erika Crowl, Agricultural Educator, University of Maryland Mark DeMorra, State 4-H STEM Specialist, University of Maryland Santana Mays, 4-H Educator, Animal Science, University of Maryland

One in five Minnesotans experiences mental illness each year; people living in poverty are disproportionately affected, with a strong link among food insecurity, stress, and depression. Accessing mental health services is often a challenge for low-income populations and people of color, compounded by a lack of insurance, mental illness stigma, and difficulty finding providers. The “Nourish and Flourish” team (from their institution’s Extension SNAP-ED team) is creating conversation guides for use by community support program staff with their clientele, to spark conversation about healthy lifestyles and mental health. Right now, the team is … • creating conversation guides; • collaborating with mental health and community support organizations; and • seeking partners to pilot and test the conversation guides. THE TEAM Abby Gold, Health and Nutrition Extension Specialist, University of Minnesota Kanko Akakpovi, SNAP-Ed Regional Health & Wellness Coordinator, University of Minnesota Chad Bolstrom, Community Member, Vail Uptown Clubhouse Director Melissa Jansma, Doctoral Student, University of Minnesota Rachel Jones, Health and Wellness Coordinator, Universi- ty of Minnesota Kelly Kunkel, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Alissa Perteet-Jackson, Doctoral Candidate, University of Minnesota Sally Sales, Community Member, Health & Wellness Manager Mary Schroeder, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Kate Welshons, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota

Lincoln University Evidence indicates that community engagement de- creased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The “Show Me How” project is developing an application and kiosk to increase re-engagement with underserved communities in the post-pandemic period. Using mobile technologies will enable easy, no-cost, on-demand access to user-friendly Extension resources (including videos, fact sheets, and other publications). The multidisciplinary Extension team will partner with other 1890 institutions and public libraries in this effort, which aims to promote thriving communities. Right now, the team … • is organizing resources; and • has developed a pitch for funding. THE TEAM Callie Newsom, Area Educator, Youth Development, Lincoln University Felicia Anderson, Regional Educator, Lincoln University Stephanie Cobian, Writer/Editor, Lincoln University Sarah Eber, Nutrition and Health Program Coordinator, Lincoln University Susan Jaster, Farm Outreach, Lincoln University Mariann Wright, Regional Coordinator Assistant, Lincoln University Anon Anderson, Area Educator, Agriculture, Lincoln University

West Virginia University The “Cultural Competency in Municipalities” project part- ners with West Virginia cities and towns to provide educa- tion and cultural competency outreach. The project aims to build understanding and awareness of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, ensuring that West Virginia is a welcoming place to work, live, and play. This program builds individual awareness by providing a developmental continuum for committed organizations to better understand equity and inclusion. The team works with partner orga- nizations to create customized and collaborative training experiences for nonprofits, employers, and communities. They strive to reach people where they are, while encour- aging them to look further. Right now, the team is seeking … • funds to expand the work; • collaborators; • pilot sites; and • partners who are interested in developing multistate collaborations for future USDA-NIFA grants. THE TEAM Tony Michael, Extension Professor, West Virginia University Adeola Agunade, Extension Specialist, West Virginia University Denis Scott, Extension Professor, West Virginia University

MENTOR Angell Jordan, Southern University

MENTOR Tira Adelman, Extension Foundation

KEYWORDS agriculture, digital equity, digital literacy, economic devel- opment, farmers, intergenerational, leadership develop- ment, producers, technology, technology adoption, teens, youth development

MENTOR Bekah Sparks, Mississippi State University

KEYWORDS community development, cultural competency, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, DEI, DEIA, organizational development, training

KEYWORDS applications, digital equity, digital resources, library, mobile technology, resources, rural, technology, technology adoption

MENTOR Angell Jordan, Southern University

KEYWORDS basic needs, depression, equity, food, food insecurity, health, health access, healthy lifestyles, low-income, mental health, nutrition, poverty, SNAP-ED, stress

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2022-2023 YEARBOOK | EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE

Developing Climate Relevant Content for Extension Programs

Climate Smart Landscaping University of Florida, Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) There is a lack of climate change programming for hor- ticultural professionals, even though ornamental growers and urban landscapes are vulnerable to extreme weather events. The “Climate Smart Landscaping” certification program will address this through an online collection of programming and resources focused on increasing climate change awareness, reducing emissions, and promoting resilient landscapes. The team hopes to reach landscapers, nurseries, and other green industry professionals. Right now, the team is … • seeking assistance in developing online resources for the program, including a carbon footprint calculator; and • looking for suggestions for published resources targeting the green industry to include in their online library. The Team Yvette Goodiel, Sustainability and Commercial Horticulture Agent, University of Florida, IFAS Ryan Klein, Assistant Professor, University of Florida, IFAS Henrique Mayer, Commercial Horticulture Agent, University of Florida, IFAS Hamutahl Cohen, Commercial Horticulture Agent, University of Florida, IFAS

Seeing Yourself in the Future

High Plains Alternative Crops Conference

West Virginia University The “Seeing Yourself in the Future” project addresses critical issues around workforce development. This curriculum— currently being piloted—provides human skill development, career exploration opportunities, and hands-on application for middle school students. It aims to equip West Virginia students with the skills that employers want their employees to have and to empower them to make informed decisions about their future. The pilot curriculum is based on a series of successful career exploration and career readiness lessons previously delivered as standalone workshops. The project team believes that the program will build individual and community prosperity and hopes to see it scale nationally. Right now, the team is … • seeking partners to pilot the program across the nation. THE TEAM Lisa Ingram, Assistant Professor, West Virginia University Sabrina Bea, Extension Instructor, West Virginia University Alyson Carozza, Visiting Instructor, West Virginia University Susan Gamble, Professor, West Virginia University Megan Kruger, Evaluation Specialist, West Virginia University Jamie Mullins, Assistant Professor, West Virginia University Jodi Smith, Associate Professor, West Virginia University

Oklahoma State University Agricultural producers face challenges adjusting to chang- ing conditions in the market and the climate. The High Plains region—encompassing parts of eight states—is facing de- clining irrigation capacity, which will affect the sustainable cultivation of the region’s more traditional crops. The “High Plains Alternative Crops Conference” team is conceptual- izing an event that will convene experts to talk to producers about low-water-use alternative crops. The talks will pro- vide information about production, management, economic viability, and the market, helping producers gather the information they need to make decisions about what crops to grow. Ultimately, the conference will build agricultural resiliency in the region amidst dwindling water supplies. Right now, the team is … • seeking funding for a pilot conference. THE TEAM Sumit Sharma, Assistant Extension Specialist, Oklahoma State University Jourdan Bell, Associate Professor, Oklahoma State University Josh Lofton, Associate Professor, Oklahoma State University

University of Illinois Extension educators in Illinois are eager to integrate more climate-related information in their work, but they are con- cerned about conveying this complex information accurate- ly in their communities. In response, the “Climate Relevant Content” team is developing a suite of online trainings for Extension educators working on climate change issues. The trainings will include climate change science, terminology, disciplinary specific content, how to communicate climate change science, and considering climate change within the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. There will be a focus on taking immediate action. The team hopes the train- ings will build confidence and knowledge about climate change among Extension educators, equipping them to have an even greater impact in the communities they serve. Right now, the team is … • interested in connecting with Extension professionals from other states. THE TEAM Duane Friend, Extension Specialist, University of Illinois Eliana Brown, Extension Specialist, University of Illinois Trent Ford, Illinois State Climatologist, University of Illinois Shibu Kar, Assistant Dean, University of Illinois Karen Winter-Nelson, Extension Specialist, University of Illinois

MENTOR Karin Bump, Cornell University Emerita

MENTOR Steve Hadcock, Cornell University

MENTOR Cheryl Newberry, Oklahoma State University

KEYWORDS agriculture, agricultural education, agricultural production, alternative crops, climate change, cropping systems, eco- nomic development, education, farmers, irrigation, markets, producers, resiliency, sustainability, water management

MENTOR Jessica Beckendorf, University of Wisconsin

KEYWORDS certification, climate, climate change, climate change education, extreme weather, green industry, horticulture, landscape, ornamentals, nurseries, online education, professional development, resilience, training

KEYWORDS career exploration, career development, career readiness, economic development, workforce development, youth development

KEYWORDS climate, climate change, community development, diver- sity, equity, inclusion, DEI, DEIA, online training, resilience, science communication, science literacy

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2022-2023 YEARBOOK | EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE

Creating a Multistate Meat Consortium for Producers Tuskegee University

Box Elder County Junior Livestock Course Utah State University There is a need to provide consistent and effective information for youth livestock program participants. The “Box Elder County Junior Livestock Course” would provide an easily accessible online course that would teach material in a consistent and streamlined way. The course would be piloted with 4-H and Future Farmers of America participants in Box Elder County, with a goal of scaling the program statewide. The project team hopes to waive the course fee, making it accessible to all youth. THE TEAM Ashley Longmore, Extension Assistant Professor, Utah State University Katelyn Barsnick, Extension Assistant Professor, Utah State University Marci Borg, 4-H Program Coordinator, Utah State University Ryan Larsen, Agribusiness Specialist, Utah State University Cheyenne Reid, Extension Assistant Professor, Utah State University Kelsey Romney, Career Readiness Specialist, Utah State University

Interoperability Challenges in Ag Tech University of Missouri

MENTOR Karin Bump, Cornell University

The “Creating a Multistate Meat Consortium for Produc- ers” project will encourage small-scale meat producers to increase their profit margins by finishing their animals. In addition, focus groups will provide an opportunity to learn what farmers need, what their interests are, and what Con- gress may need to know. Based on focus group conversa- tions, educational seminars and hands-on workshops will be developed. THE TEAM Clarissa Harris, Research Instructor/Associate in Meat Science, Tuskegee University Frank Abrahamsen, Research Assistant Professor, Tuskegee University Rui Chen, Assistant Professor, Tuskegee University

Innovations in AgTech are increasingly dependent on big data that is distributed across multiple systems and machin- ery. No standard for this data exists, creating accessibility, data translation, and storage challenges. Creating data synergies will expedite the development and adoption of new technologies, as well as balance the need for sustain- able food production with the need for farmer profitability. Increased adoption of technology will also improve diversi- ty in the agricultural workforce, by enabling certain tasks to be done remotely. THE TEAM Jack Marck, Managing Director, gener8tor John MacMullen, Executive Director, The Midwest Big Data Innovation Hub at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications Maria Palombini, Director, Global Business Strategic Initiatives, IEEE MENTOR Kittrane Sanders, Extension Agent, North Carolina Extension KEYWORDS agricultural production, agricultural technology, big data, data, digital equity, digital literacy, economic development, farmers, producers, technological innovation, technology, technology adoption, workforce development

KEYWORDS agriculture, animal science, education, farmers, markets, market competition, meat production, producers, small- scale producers

The Future of Mentorship: Creating Pathways for Professional Mentorship within Cooperative Extension University of Missouri

THE TEAM Matthew Pezold, Labor and Workforce Development Specialist, University of Missouri Dr. Amy Patillo, Workforce Development Specialist, University of Missouri Karl Bradley, Extension Foundation

This project team hopes to develop a framework for and plan to implement a mentorship program across Coopera- tive Extension, using the Extension Foundation’s network and Connect social media platform. The “Future of Mentorship” program will enable Extension professionals to find and connect with discipline-specific and responsive mentors. Strategic mentorship has the potential to increase proficien- cy in Extension programming, leadership efficacy, organi- zational commitment, and overall job satisfaction. Research indicates that mentors play an instrumental role in the career progression of diverse talent; this program will create new pathways to access responsive and representative mentors.

MENTOR Bekah Sparks, Mississippi State University

KEYWORDS accessibility, animal science, broadband access, digital literacy, diversity, equity, inclusion DEI, DEIA, online education, livestock, youth development

MENTOR Cheryl Newberry, University of Missouri

KEYWORDS career development, diversity, employee retention, equity, inclusion, accessibility, DEI, DEIA, leadership development, mentorship, professional development

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IN BRIEF

Community Seminar Series University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Extension University of Illinois Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute THE IMPETUS Accessibility to health information online has empowered people to care for them- selves and their families. But the amount of inaccurate (even dangerous) information on the internet has skyrocketed since the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a public health challenge. THE WORK To further develop the Community Seminar Series (CSS), a model for sharing trust- worthy, research-based health information with the general public. University of Illi- nois Extension launched the CSS in 2020 and has been refining and expanding it ever since. A collaboration between U of I Extension and U of I’s Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute (IHSI), the CSS is not only an effective way to educate the public—on such topics as vaccine science, brain health, habit change, and the health risks of sitting too much—”it’s a novel way of engaging with students majoring in health fields,” says NTAE Catalyst Chuck Hibberd. The students develop the content, with coaching from Illinois Extension pro- fessionals, and present the seminars—also with mentoring from Extension educators. “The CSS also is an excellent way for stu- dents to learn about Extension work,” says Chelsey Byers, Extension specialist and

CSS coordinator, “and to further the land- grant mission to make Extension research accessible, engage the public, increase science literacy, and improve health and wellness in a community.” WITH NTAE GRANT SUPPORT This team formally assessed engagement in the CSS and its research dissemination, presented at the 2023 National Exten- sion Health Outreach and Engagement Conference, and developed recommen- dations for how to expand the CSS reach, improve effectiveness and adoption, and streamline data collection. THE VISION The team hopes to increase the range of seminar topics, the number of attendees, and the diversity of the audiences. They also want to offer in-person seminars, to deepen engagement among university researchers, community centers, and other community organizations. They hope other land-grants will adopt the CSS model, outlined in the “Community Seminar Series Playbook.” Says IHSI Program Coordinator Maxwell Wallace, “The Playbook offers expertise, knowledge, and structure to deliver a program that resonates.”

Seminar Engagement (since 2020) 21 Extension educators 33 student presenters 9,500+ Zoom participants 3,500 recorded webinar views

Acceleration projects

EXF chose 16 teams (one of which is not profiled in this section) for a $10,000 Acceleration award in year four of the New Technologies for Ag Extension grant program. Acceleration project teams may have already piloted their program, developed a curriculum, or entered another stage of early implementation.

These teams worked with Catalysts, Key Informants, and other EXF experts to do one or more of the following: • evaluate their program’s content and outcomes • create a marketing plan and materials for their program • document and create a publication about their process and/or progress and outcomes • develop their collaboration skills • participate in digital engagement planning webinars • plan the next phase of their project

See the Community Seminar Series team members on page 80.

2022-2023 YEARBOOK | EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE

EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE | 2022-2023 YEARBOOK

“The true measure of success is to break the abuse cycle, … rather than being held down by the past. Heart & Hope offers families an opportunity to reach for a brighter future.” — Tyler Ingram Elko County District Attorney

We sat down with Woodbury, who coordinates Heart & Hope, to learn more about the program and the team’s experience with NTAE. How has the NTAE grant made a difference in your program this year? It has been truly transformational. We started out looking for support to write a curriculum for young kids and teens and revise promotional material. And then, every time we met with an Extension Foundation Catalyst or Key Informant, we discovered a new way to promote and deliver our ma- terial, too—ways we had not considered or did not have the resources to do on our own. The EXF team supported us in developing well-designed, eye-catching print/digital promotional material. In addi- tion, they helped us write and fine-tune a case statement to share information about our program with stakeholders and potential funders. With their help, we also updated our program website, making it more engaging by using a chatbot to check for program qualification, online forms to streamline the registration process, and a listserv to grow our program partners. We’re delighted to use these new tools to promote Heart & Hope and reach more families as we gear up to expand statewide and nationally. Working with Karl Bradley, the Extension Foundation’s lead- ership specialist, allowed us to develop our leadership skills further and incorporate the components of highly effective teams. The leadership training expanded our capacity to build stronger connections with internal stakeholders, such as our College Communications Team, which is helping us promote the program in ways we had not accomplished in the past. ➤

the Cycle Extension program helps families build resilience after surviving domestic violence.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that one in four children is exposed to domestic violence in their lifetime. Julie Woodbury has met some of these children and their parents. As educators with University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Woodbury and her colleagues founded a program called “Heart & Hope” to provide a safe place for domestic vio- lence survivors to learn skills for creating healthy home en- vironments. Woodbury remembers one mom, in particular,

who had an aha moment during one of the sessions. “The mother said to me, ‘My daughter’s tantrums are not random to make me mad. They may stem from what she experi- enced. Now I want to respond to her tantrums differently.’” When survivors like this mom and her daughter have resources, skills, and support, they are more likely to break the cycle of violence, Woodbury says. That’s the purpose of this research-based program. Since its inception in 2015, Heart & Hope has served 46 families in Elko, Nevada. The program team has big dreams for the future, including scaling Heart & Hope across the state and the nation. So

they applied for a National Technologies for Ag Exten- sion (NTAE) Acceleration grant to connect with Extension experts nationwide who helped them think differently about what program messages to share, with whom, and how in order to reach a wider audience. The team plans to expand to Las Vegas, Nevada’s largest urban center, to learn how the program may benefit diverse groups, including low-income, minority, and LGBTQ fami- lies and hopes to train 10 staff and serve 30 adults and 50 children in the first year.

EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE | 2022-2023 YEARBOOK

2022-2023 YEARBOOK | EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE

Program Evaluation

“Domestic violence is pervasive throughout our society and has devastating conse- quences. The Heart & Hope team brings com- mitment, dedication, professionalism, and the desire to succeed in addressing this issue. I am confident that this intervention program has the potential to become an exemplary regional or national Extension program.”

What are some of the out- comes you’ve seen and how do you report them, given your program’s sensitivity? The mother I mentioned previously in this interview learned to connect the dots among domestic violence expo- sure, children’s development, chil- dren’s behavior, and helpful parenting responses to guide her child. As a result, she had a new understanding of and greater empathy for what her daughter experienced and how it might still impact her, even after they left the domestic violence situation. Three generations of that family par- ticipated in Heart & Hope and were able to establish a strong foundation upon which they could thrive and have hope for a positive future. In the years after their participation, the grandmother even donated to the program. The daughter became a program volunteer and then a pro- gram staff member. Her story made tangible the hopes and dreams of the program. We plan to publish evaluation results in Extension reports and in journal arti- cles—but whenever we collect, aggre- gate, analyze, and report, we do so in ways that maintain anonymity. ➤

dynamics and respond with kindness, understanding, empathy, patience, and encouragement, then participants feel supported to make changes in their lives. Community partners are essential for Extension work. Developing and maintaining community partnerships is a great way to sustain community programs. Our program staff learned the value of partnerships early on. These partners refer families, donate meals, provide meeting space, pay for taxis, and give holiday meals and gifts to families. Program partners show program participants that they are not alone and that the community supports them on their journey toward a positive future. Another lesson we’ve learned through the NTAE grant cycle is the impor- tance of clear communication. Other Extension teams considering adopting Heart & Hope will benefit by incor- porating teambuilding and frequent opportunities to reflect on the team development process.

We’re also shifting our ideas about technology. Until now, our program staff relied on print material to pro- mote and deliver the program. We struggled to enter the technology space for many reasons, including limited staff, knowledge, skills, and time. Incorporating technological components, including chatbots, Google forms, and social media, has sometimes seemed overwhelm- ing. It’s been challenging to decide how and where to start. With what we’re learning this year, these tech- nological improvements are becom- ing part of our program plan. Finally, Rose Hayden-Smith, a Key Informant in publishing for the foun- dation, provided great feedback and encouragement in the devel- opment of our children’s curriculum facilitator guide.

Data collected between 2017 and 2021 indicate that the program is having a positive impact. Adult participants reported increases in their use of these positive parenting practices: • coping skills and stress management • maintaining healthy relationships • having hope for the future • strengthening family relationships • using child development resources • opening up communication with children • using positive guidance strategies • modeling emotional competency • problem solving and conflict management

What can you share with Extension educators who may want to adopt this program? Extension professionals know to begin with needs assess- ment and literature reviews to place the right program in communities at the right time. Extension educators con- sidering Heart & Hope or another violence prevention/ intervention program will best serve their communities by first understanding the local statistics and existing programs that address domestic violence. For a good reason, most domestic violence-related programs and services focus on crisis services. Heart & Hope is different because we focus on education for families after or out of crisis. A critical early step is identifying partners to support the launch of a new program and getting their buy-in. Train- ing staff and volunteers on the complexities of domestic violence work is also vital. It takes a victim multiple attempts before successfully leaving an abuser. They choose to stay for many reasons—children, finances, employment, fear, etc. When program staff understand these perplexing

What surprised you the most this year?

— Dr. Dyremple Marsh NTAE Catalyst

Aaron Weibe, the Key Informant in communications and marketing, asked us where program participants learn about Heart & Hope. After some analysis, we learned that the majority of participants find out about us through community agencies such as the Division of Child and Family Services, the Family Resource Center, and local domestic violence ad- vocates. This information helped us understand the value of partnerships with community agencies as well as the impor- tance of well-designed, eye-catching program flyers. This information also highlighted a gap in our promotional plan: a need for digital promotion. NTAE had the experts, knowledge, skills, and time to support program staff in this area. We were happy to learn that Aaron could assist us in making Heart & Hope easier to find in a Google search and use analytics to determine how many people search for the program. This will be extremely valuable to us as we promote our next session.

See the Heart & Hope team member names on page 80.

EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE | 2022-2023 YEARBOOK

2022-2023 YEARBOOK | EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE

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