There are many competencies necessary for success as a 4-H agent. The 4-H Professional Research, Knowledge, and Competencies (PRKC) Model organizes competencies into six domains: (a) Youth Development, (b) Youth Program Development, (c) Volunteerism, (d) Partnerships, (e) Organizational Systems, and (f) Equity, Access and Opportunity (National 4-H…

Describes the use of paraprofessionals by the Missouri Extension Division to relieve professional Extension workers of the small chores that take up so much of their time. (AN)

This study was designed to investigate changes in farming and to look at how farmers adapt to diverse changes in and around their farms in the province of Esfahan, Iran. It is part of a larger project aimed at developing a job competency profile for agricultural extension instructors (AEIs). One hundred and two farmers who had previously followed…

Using the Delphi technique, expert Extension educators identified and prioritized those workplace issues they believe will be the most important to attract, motivate, and retain Extension educators/agents over the next 5 to 7 years. Obtaining and then utilizing a talented, highly motivated workforce during a period when many will be retiring will…

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of innovation diffusion under group-oriented and individual-oriented extension. Current theoretical notions of innovation diffusion in social networks shall be briefly reviewed, and the concepts of "search" and "innovation" vis-a-vis "transfer" and…

This leadership education evaluation study explored the leadership development outcomes of potential county extension directors and the ways to improve the program. The leadership education program aimed to improve participants' leadership abilities in understanding self, building relationships and managing resources. The analysis of quantitative…

Iraq, formerly known as Mesopotamia, is the birthplace of agriculture. The recent war and instability have significantly impacted the country's agricultural production and knowledge support systems. To support revitalization of the Iraqi agricultural system, the USDA funded a consortium of five U.S. universities (Washington State University,…

Speaking to a meeting of national program leaders, the Extension Service administrator points out that as an educational institution and as public employees paid from taxpayers' money the extension service has an obligation to serve all segments of society within the framework of its responsibilities. Questions raised involve whether equal…

A study determined the computer anxiety levels of 522 Extension agents in the Southern region (96 percent). Over half of those surveyed felt anxious about using computers. (JOW)

Agents in Ohio Extension 4-H Youth Programs (n=98) identified using, supervising, and recognizing volunteers as the most important of nine volunteer management competencies. They perceived themselves somewhat competent in most of these areas. (SK)

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to determine institutional commitment to sustainability by examining Natural Resource Extension program inputs, activities, and participation. Design/methodology/approach: A document analysis of Natural Resource Extension planning and reporting documents was conducted to provide contextual and historical…

College graduates are entering the world of work with record levels of school-related debt despite being generally unprepared to face the financial challenges of life after college. Findings from a needs assessment survey of financial topics of interest to college students and staff/faculty and preferences for how the information should be…

A retirement readiness seminar was held for Maryland Extension staff members in April, 1974 in which they discussed such important aspects of retirement as legal concerns, finances, use of time (travel and employment), and hospitalization. (Author)