Farm to School is a program that connects local and regional foods and other farm products to school meals, develops school gardens, and develops other types of Farm to School experiential learning programs for K-12 students. Since Farm to School began in the mid-1990\'s, Farm to School programs have been developed in all 50 states and Washington D.C. The National Farm to School Network has estimated that almost 12,500 schools are involved with Farm to School, and that during the 2011-2012 school year, 5.7 million students were reached through Farm to School programs and activities. Research to date investigating Farm to School has primarily focused on food system and school system stakeholders including school nutrition directors, food distributors, farmers, school teachers, students, and principals. Not as much research has explored Cooperative Extension\'s role in Farm to School. Farm to School programs are one method for Extension professionals to support community food system development while addressing pressing social concerns related to agricultural viability and public health. Drawing on reasoned action theory and social movement theory, the purpose of this study was to explore food system change through an analysis of Cooperative Extension\'s role in the Farm to School movement. In this two-phase explanatory sequential mixed methods research study, the behavioral intentions/behaviors of Cooperative Extension professionals were analyzed. Additionally, the goals, strategies, and knowledge production of Cooperative Extension professionals participating in the Farm to School movement were explored. Data were collected through an online survey distributed to Extension professionals in eight states. A total of 931 Extension professionals completed the questionnaire resulting in a 48 percent response rate. Data were also collected through a state-based case study that explored Ohio State University (OSU) Extension involvement and leadership in the Ohio Farm to School Program. The case study included 21 interviews with OSU Extension professionals and Farm to School program partners. Regression models were developed to explore which behavioral intentions are statistically significant in explaining Extension participation in the Farm to School movement. Results show that past participation in a Farm to School training program, knowledge about Farm to School, attitude towards Farm to School, perceived social norms towards Farm to School, and perceived behavioral control towards Farm to School are positively associated with participation in the Farm to School movement. Drawing on Stevenson, Ruhf, Lezberg, and Clancy (2007), qualitative analysis found that OSU Extension professional\'s goals for the Farm to School movement were primarily related to food system transformation and inclusion, and their strategies were primarily related to connection. Drawing on Eyerman and Jamison (1991), qualitative analysis also found that OSU Extension professionals were producing primarily organizational knowledge through participation in the Farm to School movement. Additionally, qualitative analysis found that Cooperative Extension Systems are home to several Farm to School movement intellectuals. This study concludes with a discussion of recommendations for Cooperative Extension participation in the Farm to School movement, recommendations for Farm to School program partners, and recommendations for future research in Farm to School. / Ph. D.

Farm enterprise diversification is an important tool for agricultural producers with respect to risk management. As agricultural producers in Virginia look to prepare their farm businesses for the new millennium, they are increasingly considering non-traditional enterprises and activities for their farms. As producers add new enterprises, they encounter challenges to develop new skills and gather adequate information for their new activities. Virginia Cooperative Extension has the task of providing producers with timely and useful research-based information. As both producers and Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and specialists prepare for the challenges of the changing face of agriculture in Virginia in the next generation, a mutual understanding of the key factors and motivations for enterprise diversification is necessary. This study investigates the key factors, motivations, and information needs of seven diversified farms in Virginia. The implications for producers and Cooperative Extension are outlined, and recommendations are made for Virginia Cooperative Extension, lenders, and agribusiness. / Master of Science

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the Junior Master Wellness Volunteer (JMWV) program on select positive youth development (PYD) outcomes among program participants. These outcomes included Competence in health literacy, Connection, Contribution, Character, and Confidence. Research questions were (1) Does participation in the JMWV program improve participants’ Competency in health literacy? (2) Does participation in the JMWV program improve participants’ perceived ability to Connect with and Contribute to their community? (3) Does participation in the JMWV program improve participants' perceived Character or ability to engage in and understand their community? (4) Does participation in the JMWV program improve participants’ perceived self-efficacy (Confidence)? (5) Does participants’ delivery of the service component of the JMWV program relate to their perceived Connection, Contribution, Character, and Confidence? Secondary data from the Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension were analyzed to determine the JMWV program's effectiveness on PYD outcomes. Data included responses to matched pre-tests and post-tests (n = 93), matched pre-surveys and post-surveys (n = 108), and activity reports forms (n = 50). Paired t-tests were used to examine the differences in Competence as measured by the pre-test and post-test scores and changes in other PYD outcomes as measured by the pre-survey and post-survey. Analysis, including paired sample ttests, indicated that JMWV participants had a statistically significant improvement in all four of the PYD outcomes in this study. A correlation analysis also indicated a positive but weak relationship between the reported number of service hours completed as part of the JMWV program and perceived Connections and Contributions (r = -.340, p < .05), Character (r = -.340, p < .01), and Confidence (r = -.307, p < .05) after the program. JMWV participants improved in Competency, Connections and Contributions, Character, and Confidence. The number of hours spent engaged in community service marginally contributed to improvements to select PYD outcomes. This study adds to the evidence that the JMWV program results in PYD.

This study determined the attitudes of part-time and full-time beef producers in southwest Virginia toward the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service and their assessment of the methods used by the agency in disseminating information to its clientele. Descriptive research design was utilized for this study. The population consisted of 1202 beef producers located in Carroll, Grayson, Russell, Washington, and Wythe counties in southwest Virginia. Beef production is their main source of farm income. A random sample of 300 beef producers was systematically selected for the study. Based upon the percentage of annual gross income from beef production, the producers were categorized as part-time and full-time producers. Data were collected by use of a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher with assistance from a panel of experts. The instrument was divided into three parts; part one was used to obtain background information, part two (Likert-type scale) was used to measure respondents' attitudes, and the third part was used to measure respondents' assessment of the methods of disseminating Extension information. Mailed instruments were returned by 201 producers (67%) in usable form. Information collected from the survey instruments was transferred to the computer and analyzed via the SPSSX program at the Virginia Tech Computer Center. Statistical procedures used in analyzing the data included frequencies, measures of central tendency, an independent t-test, and the Pearson Product-Moment Coefficient of Correlation. Six research questions were used as a guide for analyzing and reporting the data. The following major conclusions were reached: (1) that both parttime and full-time beef producers possessed a slightly unfavorable attitude toward the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service beef cattle program; (2) that both part-time and full-time beef producers had a slightly unfavorable attitude toward the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service overall agricultural program; (3) that both part-time and fulltime beef producers possessed a slightly unfavorable attitude toward the qualifications of the local Virginia Cooperative Extension Service agricultural agents; and (4) that both part-time and full-time beef producers assessed the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service methods of disseminating information to farmers as more effective than ineffective. / Ed. D.

The Virginia Cooperative Extension Service is considering a set of procedures to evaluate agent performance. In an attempt to help this consideration process, this study was undertaken to investigate the standards of the Performance Review, Analysis and Planning (PRAP) system. Adaptations of the FRAP system have been utilized by Extension organizations in other states. However, validation procedures have not been conducted by those states. Because of the history and concerns of the Cooperative Extension Service in Virginia, this research effort focused on the effects of race and gender in assessing the level of performance described in the PRAP standards and the relevancy of the standards to the job of an Extension agent. Also studied were the effects of program area, position, and employment location of the rater. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used in the study. The sample for the quantitative portion of the study consisted of the Virginia Extension field staff population. An eighty-three percent (83%) instrument return rate was experienced. The qualitative portion involved twelve field interviews with agents in two of the six Extension administrative districts. The PRAP standards were found to be relevant to the job duties and responsibilities of Extension agents in Virginia. Furthermore, no significant differences were found by program area, position, or geographic location of employment. Significant statistical differences were found by gender and race. Qualitative evidence was found to support the race differences, however, differences by gender were not found in the qualitative data. / Ed. D.

A translational gap exists between the development of an evidence-based health promotion intervention and its eventual implementation in the intended setting. This lack of translation impacts the uptake of health promotion interventions within delivery systems such as the Cooperative Extension Service (Extension). Within this system, Extension educators serve as the intermediaries addressing needs in the communities in which they are employed with support from Extension health specialists. Previous research has shown that educators utilize other peer educators and specialists to learn and adopt health promotion programming, but these studies are over two decades old (e.g., missing technological advances such as Internet and social media) and often focused on a single state Extension system. The purpose of this research was to understand how evidence-based health promotion intervention information is shared within Cooperative Extension by 1) identifying information sources and channels of Extension specialists and educators while 2) identifying the characteristics of an intervention that aid in the adoption and uptake of these health promotion interventions. The first mixed-methods study aimed to identify information sources and channels used by Extension educators from a national sample and learn their preferences for information delivery. Results of this study (Manuscript 1), identified specialists as the key information source Therefore, the second study (Manuscript 2) focused on Extension health specialists' preferences for information sources and channels while also 1) determine how specialists communicate with educators 2) preliminary thoughts on a dissemination intervention. The final study (Manuscript 3) explored the intervention characteristics that are both educator and specialists deemed most important to their adoption decision-making process. The results of this dissertation inform the development of a dissemination intervention to bridge the translational gap across Extension. The information sources and channels used and trusted by both Extension educators and specialists are highlighted in this work. Additionally, specialists have given insight for consideration for an online repository that can be used on demand to both facilitate the adoption and uptake of health promotion interventions as needed by Extension Educators. / Doctor of Philosophy / A translational gap exists between the development of an evidence-based health promotion intervention and its eventual implementation in the intended setting. This lack of translation impacts the uptake of health promotion interventions within delivery systems such as the Cooperative Extension Service (Extension). Within this system, Extension educators serve as the intermediaries addressing needs in the communities in which they are employed with support from Extension health specialists. Previous research has shown that educators utilize other peer educators and specialists to learn and adopt health promotion programming, but these studies are over two decades old (e.g., missing technological advances such as Internet and social media) and often focused on a single state Extension system. The purpose of this research was to understand how evidence-based health promotion intervention information is shared within Cooperative Extension by 1) identifying information sources and channels of Extension specialists and educators while 2) identifying the characteristics of an intervention (e.g., duration, dose, cost) that aid in the adoption and uptake of these health promotion interventions. The first mixed-methods study aimed to identify information sources and channels used by Extension educators from a national sample and learn their preferences for information delivery. Results of this study (Manuscript 1), identified specialists as a key information source Therefore, the second study (Manuscript 2) focused on Extension health specialists’ preferences for information sources and channels while also 1) determine how specialists communicate with educators 2) preliminary thoughts on a dissemination intervention. The final study (Manuscript 3) determined the intervention characteristics that are both educator and specialists deemed most important to their adoption decision-making process. The results of this dissertation inform the development of a dissemination intervention to bridge the translational gap across Extension. The information sources and channels used and trusted by both Extension educators and specialists are highlighted in this work. Additionally, specialists have given insight for consideration for an online repository that can be used on demand to both facilitate the adoption and uptake of health promotion interventions as needed by Extension Educator.

New food processing technologies are needed to create safe, high-quality food products that are still considered "fresh" by consumers. Despite the numerous benefits attributed to 'food processing', consumers continue to perceive the term negatively. Consumer acceptance of foods processed with different technologies generally increases when factual information is provided to the consumer. Educators working within Cooperative Extension are a resource for public dissemination of food information. By working directly in the community, Extension educators often cultivate positive relationships with local clientele. Therefore, Extension educators can dispel myths related to food processing technologies and deliver science-supported information to the general public. Consumer knowledge, perceptions, and purchasing intentions associated with both conventional and emerging food processing technologies were assessed through a nationwide telephone survey administered by Virginia Tech's Center for Survey Research Center. A similar version of the telephone survey was disseminated in an online format to Virginia Extension agents. An additional section of the online survey served as a needs assessment for educational materials related to food processing technologies. A grounded theory methodology was used for qualitative coding in both surveys. Approximately 67% of consumers expressed concerns towards the term "processed foods." The majority of Extension agents (67.4%) expressed concerns about foods that had been processed, citing additional ingredients, preservatives, and additives; safety; and health implications. Both the consumer and Extension agent groups were more likely to be supportive of light-exposed foods to enhance food safety and quality, in comparison to gas-exposed foods. Although agents may be familiar with some food processing technologies, they may not have the resources to understand the scientific mechanisms for which a technology is able to increase food safety. Consumer education regarding emerging technologies is necessary to anticipate potential consumer concerns; however, agents still lack resources and information about existing and frequently used food processing technologies. Educational interventions are needed to provide information to consumers and increase their acceptance of new and currently used processing technologies so that the food industry can effectively target emerging issues related to food. / Doctor of Philosophy

Reducing employee turnover through retention practices is an area of great interest to employers who depend on a highly skilled workforce. In recent years, Cooperative Extension has experienced the loss of many local agents/educators due to resignation and also retirement incentives offered as a cost saving measure to manage reduced funding. Due to the type of work, the training needed, and the small pool of qualified applicants, it is important to pay attention to the retention of newly hired Extension workers. Prior research suggests a linkage of factors that can predict the likelihood of new employees' intention to quit. Human resource practices including recruitment & hiring, compensation & benefits, training & development, and supervision & evaluation are items that can directly influence the level of job satisfaction of new employees as well as their level of commitment to the organization. The level of job satisfaction and organizational commitment can, subsequently, predict an employee's level of intention to quit. This paper will share findings of research conducted in the fall of 2010, which included 480 Extension agents/educators, representing 12 states in the Southern United States. The study targeted employees with less than six years of employment and investigated human resource practices that influence intention to quit. Findings indicate a significant relationship between perceptions of human resource practices and intention to quit, mediated by organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Accordingly, the research has important implications for the management of Cooperative Extension and anyone working in or preparing to work in related fields. / Ph. D.

This study is an assessment of the New Extension Agent Training (NEAT) program in Virginia. Although new Extension agents have exceptional subject matter training, they often lack skills needed to be effective Extension professionals (Bennett, 1979). The NEAT program provides a way for new agents to receive hands-on experiences that will facilitate a smooth transition into their respective roles. There is currently no specific data that has the NEAT program. Therefore, an evaluation of the program by its participants to determine its importance and effectiveness may be utilized to enhance the effectiveness of the NEAT program. The survey utilized to collect data in the study was developed by the researcher. The instrument was put on a website where participants could access it during a given time frame. The population consisted of new Extension agents, training agents, and administrators who participated in the NEAT program and are currently employed by Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE). Participants were asked to rate the importance and effectiveness of the NEAT program in facilitating new Extension agents' growth in a series of goals needed for a new agent to be proficient. These goals were then divided into eight competencies as outlined by National Policy Statement on Staff Training and Development (1968). Participants were asked to provide demographic information and suggestions that would be useful in designing future programs. Data were analyzed using SPSS. The data showed that communication was rated the most important competency while human development was considered the least important. The data related to the ratings of effectiveness of the NEAT program in relation to the eight competencies also demonstrated that respondents rated communication as the most effectively taught competency covered in the NEAT program, and human development as the least effectively taught competency. Significant differences among ratings by position in the NEAT program were measured at the 0.05 alpha level. Significant differences were observed both between new Extension agents and Extension administrators and between Extension training agents and Extension administrators were in the importance of a selected competency and the effectiveness of the NEAT program in teaching the some of the competencies. / Ph. D.

Minimal research has examined the interrelationship between motivation, place attachment, and the need to belong in a residential camping environment. The purpose of this study was to better understand the role of place attachment and the need to belong in facilitating 4-H Camp Graham campers and counselors interest in returning to residential 4-H summer camp year after year. All participants included in this study were at least 18 years of age, graduated from high school, former 4-H members, and attended 4-H camp for at least two consecutive years. Three camping clusters participated in focus group interviews for a total of 21 participants. A fourth camping cluster and participants unable to attend their designated focus group, were invited complete an online survey. Overall, campers and counselors were primarily motivated to return to camp each year due to the relationships, memories, and sense of belonging formed at camp. While nature and location played a role in the camp experience by providing a secluded environment free from outside influence, these attachments were secondary. Attachment to camp grew over time and participants valued the camp experience highly and tended to choose camp friendships and the camp experience over other opportunities. Longevity at camp influenced the strength of attachment. This research suggests that intentionality in these areas of staff training and program planning are critical to camper and counselor connection to camp. Additionally, this research provides tangible evidence that points to the value of sharing the residential camping experience with potential funders and parents. / Master of Science in Life Sciences