Is Extension Still Reaching Stakeholders? An Assessment of Minor Crop Producers’ Educational Needs and Use of Cooperative Extension Services

Abstract

Stakeholder engagement is critical for extension education to fulfill the land-grant mission of extending the university to the public. A survey of a stratified random sample of minor crop producers in Oklahoma determined how and from whom producers obtained crop production information. Findings indicated the land-grant university remains relevant and is accomplishing its mission of extending research-based knowledge to its intended audience. Field days were the most frequently attended event and a majority of the producers worked with university personnel to learn about new production practices. Most producers (67%) used Cooperative Extension Service (CES) to obtain crop production information; however, many other sources were also used, including crop consultants. Extension specialists were contacted; however, extension educators had not sufficiently engaged stakeholders to assess their preferences of receiving educational programs and materials, indicating producers seek deeper knowledge than what is provided by county educators. It is recommended that the university continue to host field days and workshops for producers and CES educators continuously strive to engage minor crop producers and devise relevant workshops, programs, and publications which address their preferred method of receiving information from the land-grant university.

Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources in the U.S. Midwest: A Review and Analysis of Challenges and Future Opportunities

“…Ludwig (2002) states, "…most U.S. Extension systems are stuck… drifting between a diminishing rural society and the urban transformation." Despite its accomplishments, some people believe extension is becoming extinct (Ahmed and Morse, 2010;McDowell, 2004;Bull et al, 2004;King and Boehlje, 2000;Franke-Dvorak et al, 2010). In a real sense, extension's survival is threatened (Ruen, 2013).…”