Kitchen Table Conversations
Agricultural Issues
Nanette Neal
Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator
The Ohio State University Extension
Owensville
Abstract
The program aimed to increase educational opportunities for women in agriculture throughout Ohio. We accomplished this task by working with women farmers, our Ohio Women in Agriculture team, and extension professionals to identify the needs and wants of the target audience. Kitchen Table Conversations (KTC) is a creative twist that uses an informal and conversational approach around the farmhouse kitchen table that is supported by peer-to-peer learning and fosters a learning network environment. Educational topics are geared around key agricultural issues and controversial topics of the given time. Strategies to educate the audience have transformed from virtual in 2020 and 2021 to hybrid in 2022, with three sessions each year, to in-person in 2023, with six sessions as a "progressive kitchen table" at six topical sites during the Farm Science Review. We utilize multiple teaching methods, embrace a safe harbor environment, and encourage audience participation. Through these teaching strategies, we have reached 144 individuals in the program over four years. The change in presentation styles and marketing (lead author 100%) has allowed an increase of 73% in participation from 2020 to 2023. These educational activities are marketed through multiple channels such as email (1010 members), social media (1200 followers), blog postings (4 posts), and personal contact. Additionally, flyers and brochures were shared through email with OSU Extension professionals (~570 employees) to distribute to their local audience and venues. The program participants indicated that the information gained was far more valuable for their operation and helped increase productivity, mental health, and marketing. However, the participants' increased knowledge is a more valuable indicator of success as they reach out to Ohio Extension professionals during the year and participate in other OSU Extension Ohio Women in Agriculture Learning Network events and programs.
Authors: Nanette Neal, Heather, Sarah, Beth
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Nanette Neal Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45160
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Heather Neikirk, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 44646
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Sarah Noggle, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45879
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Beth Scheckelhoff, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45875