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AN "EERA" FOR EXCELLENCE IN PROGRAM AND EDUCATOR DEVELOPMENT

Extension Education

Jeff Fisher
Extension Educator
Piketon

Abstract

\r\n Decreased Extension funding necessitated  reorganization of program delivery through creation of Extension Education and Research Areas (EERAs). The Ohio Valley EERA is comprised of ten counties in south-central Ohio staffed by five Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) Educators. Quarterly meetings determine program needs, delivery, specialization, and applied research.  Educators are required to deliver “Signature Program” education at the county level. This EERA took a new approach and switched emphasis from programming in agronomic crops, crop insurance, and farm programs to collectively work on forages which better reflected the need in our EERA and utilized our expertise.  Collaboration with an Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, allowed the educators to conduct applied research in forage management, heifer development, and environmental concerns on grass based livestock operations. Subsequent field days were held to report and demonstrate research initiatives. One project example utilized annual forages to extend the grazing season, reduced the need for stored forages, and provided an emergency source of forage.  In this demonstration, 41 crossbred heifers grazed a rotation of oats, turnips and rye over a 58 day period. Heifers gained 1.29 pounds/day. Variable feed costs averaged $1.18 per head/day which is significantly below industry average for replacement heifers. This project demonstrated how to synergistically reduce costs with heifer development and forage production. Educator specializations have been developed in farm management, marketing, and technology. This enhanced programs for clientele and improved recognition of ANR educators as specialists in signature programs and innovators in program delivery within the EERA and beyond. 

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: J.C. Fisher, D.A. Dugan, J.F. Grimes, D.A. Mangione, C.R. Stephens
  1. Fisher, J. Extension Educator, The Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45661
  2. Dugan, D. Extension Educator, The Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45121
  3. Grimes, J. Extension Educator, The Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45661
  4. Mangione, D. Extension Educator, The Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45601
  5. Stephens, C. Extension Educator, The Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45631