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Identifying Needs-Based Issues for New eXtension Communities of Practice

To date, eXtension has been identifying and developing new Communities of Practice (CoP) through three approaches: 1) voluntary applications from content areas, 2) needs-based calls to Extension Directors/Administrators, and 3) through successful proposals submitted through various CSREES competitive grant programs (e.g., Specialty Crops Research Initiative (SCRI), Agriculture Food Research Initiative (AFRI), etc.). In an effort to expand our approaches to identify appropriate CoP's that are relevant to the Extension system, we are conducting this survey of Extension field faculty/educators.The purpose of this survey is to engage all Extension field faculty/educators in identifying issues/topics they feel may be appropriate for developing new CoP's. So we are extremely interested in your input and response to this survey.The survey should take about 5 minutes to complete. Please be assured that your response is anonymous and will never be associated with your name.Thanks in advance. Please complete the survey by Friday, May 29, 2009.To learn more about eXtension, go to http://about.extension.org/

1. In which landgrant institution are you employed?

  • Click on the down arrow and then your landgrant institution

    • (Each Respondent could choose only ONE of the following options:)
    Response Total % of Total Respondents %
    Alabama A & M University 0
    		0%
    Alcorn State University 0
    		0%
    America Samoa Community College 0
    		0%
    Auburn University 0
    		0%
    Bay Mills Community College 0
    		0%
    Blackfeet Community College 1
    		0%
    Candeska Cikana Community College 0
    		0%
    Chief Dull Knife College 0
    		0%
    Clemson University 0
    		0%
    College of Micronesia 0
    		0%
    College of the Menominee Nation 0
    		0%
    Colorado State University 7
    		3%
    Cornell University 0
    		0%
    Crownpoint Institute of Technology 0
    		0%
    Delaware State University 0
    		0%
    Dine College 0
    		0%
    Florida A & M University 0
    		0%
    Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College 0
    		0%
    Fort Belknap College 0
    		0%
    Fort Berthold Community College 0
    		0%
    Fort Peck Community College 0
    		0%
    Fort Valley State College 0
    		0%
    Haskell Indian Nations University 0
    		0%
    Institute of American Indian Arts 0
    		0%
    Iowa State University 0
    		0%
    Kansas State University 0
    		0%
    Kentucky State University 0
    		0%
    Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College 0
    		0%
    Langston University 0
    		0%
    Leech Lake Tribal College 0
    		0%
    Lincoln University of Missouri 0
    		0%
    Little Big Horn College 0
    		0%
    Little Priest Tribal College 0
    		0%
    Louisiana State University 0
    		0%
    Michigan State University 0
    		0%
    Mississippi State University 0
    		0%
    Montana State University 22
    		11%
    Nebraska Indian Community College 0
    		0%
    New Mexico State University 3
    		1%
    North Carolina A & T State University 0
    		0%
    North Carolina State University 0
    		0%
    North Dakota State University 0
    		0%
    Northern Marianas College 0
    		0%
    Northwest Indian College 0
    		0%
    Oglala Lakota College 0
    		0%
    Ohio State University 0
    		0%
    Oklahoma State University 0
    		0%
    Oregon State University 25
    		12%
    Pennsylvania State University 0
    		0%
    Prairie View A&M University 0
    		0%
    Purdue University 0
    		0%
    Rutgers, State University of New Jersey 0
    		0%
    Salish Kootenai College 0
    		0%
    Sinte Gleska University 0
    		0%
    Sisseton Wahpeton Community College 0
    		0%
    Sitting Bull College 0
    		0%
    South Carolina State University 0
    		0%
    South Dakota State University 0
    		0%
    Southern University A&M College 0
    		0%
    Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute 0
    		0%
    Stone Child College 0
    		0%
    Tanka University 0
    		0%
    Tennessee State University 0
    		0%
    Texas A&M University 0
    		0%
    Turtle Mountain Community College 0
    		0%
    Tuskegee University 0
    		0%
    United Tribes Technical College 0
    		0%
    University of Alaska 3
    		1%
    University of Arizona 23
    		11%
    University of Arkansas 0
    		0%
    University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff 0
    		0%
    University of California 9
    		4%
    University of Connecticut 0
    		0%
    University of Delaware 0
    		0%
    University of District of Columbia 0
    		0%
    University of Florida 0
    		0%
    University of Georgia 0
    		0%
    University of Guam 4
    		2%
    University of Hawaii 9
    		4%
    University of Idaho 23
    		11%
    University of Illinois 0
    		0%
    University of Kentucky 0
    		0%
    University of Maine 0
    		0%
    University of Maryland 0
    		0%
    University of Maryland, Eastern Shore 0
    		0%
    University of Massachusetts 0
    		0%
    University of Minnesota 0
    		0%
    University of Missouri 0
    		0%
    University of Nebraska 0
    		0%
    University of Nevada Reno 15
    		7%
    University of New Hampshire 0
    		0%
    University of Puerto Rico 0
    		0%
    University of Rhode Island 0
    		0%
    University of Tennessee 0
    		0%
    University of the Virgin Islands 0
    		0%
    University of Vermont 0
    		0%
    University of Wisconsin 0
    		0%
    University of Wyoming 34
    		16%
    Utah State University 15
    		7%
    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 0
    		0%
    Virginia State University 0
    		0%
    Washington State University 15
    		7%
    West Virginia State College 0
    		0%
    West Virginia University 0
    		0%
    White Earth Tribal and Community College 0
    		0%
    Total Responses: 208
    0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

    2. Given the overall scope of your Extension work, what are the top three issues/topics that would be useful for eXtension to address through a CoP that would assist you in your work?


  • Please enter your top three issues/topics in priority order (first, second, third), in the following text blocks

    Number 1 issue/topic
    • Renewable Energy Extension
    4-H SET programing
    Food Preservation/Living Sustainably
    Community Development
    Coping with boom and bust economics. Determining the Wyoming "we" want by building long term sustainable economic and development choices.
    volunteer development
    Water issues awareness.
    pesticide application
    Nutrition
    Food allergies/ and related diseases

    also include economic impacts of special diets
    poverty
    invasive species - #s are increasing every year
    Prevention of Obesity
    A need for a centralized area for extension documentation and training curriculum.
    sustainable energy
    Sustainable Agriculture
    Health issues of low income populations, especially nutritional problems
    Production pracitices for the various crops grown.
    alfalfa
    wheat
    corn silage
    Community Leadership
    Financial Education
    preschool nutrition/physical activity
    Community Development
    School-based nutrition education
    civic engagement
    Invasive weeds
    Horticulture

    CoPs are not useful in my work
    Obesity Prevention
    entrepenuers/small business owners
    Multi-party, multi-interest conflict resolution at community level, also known as public issues education. This includes facilitation skills to plan and manage these processes.
    Sustainable living/addressing climate change
    improved range management
    In a very isolated rural area of a county with a very low population, that has high unemployment, working with 4-H youth/volunteers and town/county leaders to address issues of concern.
    Nutrition
    Health issues
    Transitioning work style/culture into cop.
    Financial priorities - Surviving the economy (unemployment, balancing budgets, controlling expenses)
    Sustainable Community Economic Development
    Program impact evaluation
    Nutrition
    Early detection of invasive plants.
    Standardized evaluation tools to measure 4-H activities and events and their relationship to development of life skills.
    Invasive species of insect, disease, weeds that impact food crops
    Managing a county 4-H program
    Marketing Extension
    Conservation Agriculture (no-till, direct seed)
    Invasive species
    Consumer horticulture pest management
    sustainable production of landscape plants (nursery crop production)
    Woody biomass utilization for energy and bioproducts.
    Gardening- geographic specific
    Selection and Management of Cattle and Processing Carcasses for a Grass fed beef market
    Financial Management, especially Debt management and investments
    Volunteer Development
    Nutrition
    Environmental gardening and landscaping, particularly water-efficient and low pesticide use--home gardeners and green industry
    4-H and Youth Development.
    Food Preservation
    Community Developement, including economic development in small rural towns
    Having enough staff to do what needs done. Split assignments ain't cuttin it
    Pasture Rental Rates for Small Acreages

    Public Land Grazing Issues
    Personal Financial Management -
    Adult Education



    Urban Issues Related to Environmental Health (pesticides, water quality, airborne pollutants)
    Pest Management of crop groups, production systems (e.g. irrigated, dryland)
    Volunteer Program Management
    Irrigation/water conservation
    I believe that extension as a whole has a big role in communication with the public about contentious issues. Is this a place where a CoP could be created?

    How to save money while shopping: for food, household items, cell phones, cars, vacations, hotel rooms, leisure activities, etc.
    biostatistics
    Food Safety
    Best practices for troubled financial times: Basic financial control, budgeting, credit,debt, estate planning and recoping retirement savings losses.
    Small acre grazing management
    engaging youth and training them for sustainable careers
    aquaculture (just recently approved as a new CoP)
    diversity/inclusiveness
    Marketing
    Rangelands, active vegetation management
    Obesity (child and adult). In rural communities, working families and economic constraints leave young children learning nutrition and health habits from TV or movies. The schools have too much on their plates to take responsibility for teaching children nutrition. Then these children grow up to have children of their own and ignorance is generational. Families need education that addresses all ages.

    Horticulture
    Mechanical Weed Control
    Water quality and conservation in the landscape
    Urban Forestry
    Grant writing with CSREES
    Arthropod management at confined animal facilities
    business/industry energy efficiency including food processing and storage, vehicle maintenance practices
    Best management practices for perennial crops against virus diseases
    Sustaining the Family Farm/Ranch
    invasive weeds
    Best Management Practices in Lawn and Landscape and Fertilizer, Pesticides, Water Conservation
    Nutrition, health & wellness
    small farm economic viability
    biofuels
    Small and beginning farm management, particularly for livestock. Much of the available information does not apply to small farms and it would be useful to develop appropriate resources.
    Entomology (right now it is partially incorporated in other COPs
    Childhood Obesity
    Agricultural Water Management
    Landscape Design
    Homeowner wise use/application of pesticides

    Basic Family & Business Finances
    Pest management
    energy
    invasive plants and animals
    Rural Development

    Invasive Species Issues - bakcground, importance to society, cost to society, links to specific pests
    Gathering State growers in the nusery and floricultural industries. Effective Diseae preventing and good plant growth practices.
    Early childhood education
    Poverty/Hunger
    Management of soil quality/soil organic matter
    Non-Timber Forest Products marketing, managment and manufacturing.
    family finance, healthy meals on a budget
    Financial management and analysis
    Web delivery of extension information
    Healthier Americans through good nutrition and healthy active lifestyles.
    Stretching Your Food Dollar
    insect identification and control
    I do not use eXtension and have only logged on once.
    Financial Education and tips for money in hard times
    alternative energy
    More in-depth information on waste handling systems, feed management to address nutrient issues, etc.
    Food safety

    Integrated Pest management
    How to educate youth about natural resource use and management.
    Working with Local County Governments (many states have some type of program that assists with training for county commissioners and clerks/recorders.
    Insect Identification with GOOD photos
    Urban Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and methods
    Finance Education
    1. Current budget shortfall;
    Incorporating evidence-based programming in existing youth development programming
    Camping and other Outdoor Adventures
    Farm Estate planning
    native plant education
    Wildland fire
    Teaching Experientially or Experintial methodologies.
    4-H Professional Development
    Local market development
    Housing and Energy Issues
    learner-centered teaching techniques
    Alfalfa Management
    Youth Development
    I'm a 4-H Educator, so dealing with the topics of Youth Development is significant. Particularly, leadership and recruitment
    Food Safety
    The high cost of energy (space heating, transportation and sustainable communities) in rural Alaska and need for dependable renewable energy sources
    Leadership for the common good



    nutrition
    Rangeland Management
    Crop pest and disease
    agricultural biodiversity
    New/Small Acreage Owner Education

    Kids & Technology
    Energy Development
    Single parent families
    Use of social media to help spread the word about extension.
    Growing/Buying food Sustainably.
    Recruiting young adults to farming careers
    youth Development
    growing organic food
    Organic gardening and farming
    4-H and youth development providing hands-on experiences and opportunities.
    Plant education
    Leadership
    Alternative agricultural practices for wheat and forage production.
    1. Youth Development
    Nutrition education / healthy lifestyle information - particularly for those on a budget or low-income
    Upland water impacts from land use.
    Sustainability Education
    Volunteer Development
    Agriculture
    advancements in IPM
    irrigation water saving measures
    alternative crops
    Recruitment and Retention of Volunteers
    (American) Indian Country Extension
    Forest Health and Community Wildfire Risk
    Native American issues
    Aquaculture
    Healthy Lifestyles, Obesity and Physical Activity
    Board Training/Governance
    Gardens, Landscapes & Lawns
    Funding for volunteer efforts (example: volunteer water quality monitoring)
    Home Horticulture
    Community Forestry
    Youth Development
    more base funding
    Health Enhancement Programs for Rural Elderly
    Sustainable agriculture
    Alternative Agriculture - "food" crops as opposed to "food ingredients", high tunnels, uncommon varieties and species, whether animal or plant (i.e. chinese vegetables, meat goats, poultry, free-range, etc.
    Nutrition and Physical Activity
    More regional monies
    Drinking water
    nutrition
    Equine Sciences

    Surviving these economically stressful times
    Finding time for writing and publication
    nutrition specific questions, for example: is glucosomine stored in the body?
    Nutrition/food safety
    water quality
    sustainability
    economy - uncertainty of income

    small acreage management
    Rual youth development
    Interpersonal relationships
    update on new technology such as web tools or social medias
    Range and Pasture Management
    Food Safety
    Agricultural biotechnology
    Financial Management
    In the current economic environment general practices and guidelines are changing.
    Physical Activity/Exercise

  • Number 2 issue/topic
    • Beef Cattle Finances
    Nutrition on the layman's level
    Planning and Implementation
    Increase the availability of low cost affordable "transitional" housing alternatives for energe impacted areas.
    evaluating program impact
    horticulture
    Food Safety
    Child nutrition/ and related diseases

    Will the economy effect schools ability to address this problem?
    environmental impacts due to extreme population growth
    impact of military buildup on the environment - there will be a dramatic increase in population in a relatively short period of time
    Food Security
    A Resource map that identifies similar services that is available to the community. This will help develop collaboration and efficiency.
    community leadership/development
    Soil Conservation
    Prevention of obesity and diabetes through physical activity combined with nutrition
    Production practices for small livestock production.
    beef
    sheep
    poultry
    Board Governance
    Meal planning and food preparation skills (for in home cooking)
    breastfeeding/lactation
    Leadership Development for Adults
    Program Evaluation
    policy education
    Weed management in agronomic crops
    Arboriculture
    CoPs are not useful in my work
    Child care
    agritourism
    Managing and facilitating public participation to work on tough issues.
    Creating local food systems/food security
    ranch profitability/sustainability
    How citizens can work with the government regarding harvesting and grazing of US Forests.
    Obesity
    Financial issues
    Strategizing support for tenure credit from web-based publication.
    Financial priorities - Maintaining a retirement plan for the future
    Youth at Risk
    Marketing Extension
    Health
    Develop decision support tools to assist land managers, farmers and ranchers with management of weeds/invasive plants.
    Recruitment of new 4-H members and leaders. Best practices in recruiting organizational leaders to start new 4-H clubs.
    Efficient use of water in agriculture and landscapes
    Working with & managing volunteers
    CoPs that address clients not served by county offices (i.e. Metropolitan and younger non-Extension users who are more likely to use the web but unwilling to go to a county office.)
    Carbon in soils
    diagnosis of problems
    Green Industry pest management
    Sustainable maintenance of managed landscapes
    Entrepreneurship education
    vegetable gardening, community gardening
    Information on Sheep Production
    Hot topics in nutrition...there are so much misinformation in the general media and online today. A way to answer/refute some of the issues.
    Financial Resources
    Food Safety
    Organic gardening
    Marketing of our services to the community.
    Gerontology
    Irrigated pasture management
    economic development. Need jobs but also need decent housing to tie them here when they get the jobs
    Cost of Production for livestock Producers
    Youth Financial Literacy
    Relevancy of Extension to Urban Audiences
    Relevant and interactive CoPs dealing with priority issues that affect stakeholders in Colorado and other states. To date I have not seen much in eXtension that is actually relevant to or useful for my program or stakeholders; we are still doing our own thing and will continue to do so.
    Commissioner education
    Youth livestock
    Water quantity and quality
    Low-cost, healthy recipes
    Outreach effectiveness evaluation
    We're seeing and increase in gardening and food preservation
    Revegetation of disturbed lands from natural gas exploration
    youth employment
    western water issues
    parenting education
    Communication
    Crops, alternative crops for short growing period
    Diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Our community has had limited education in the past in prevention and management. And there are very few health professionals who do outreach or education. Ext is the sole source in our counties of health education.
    Agricultural sustainability
    Compost Teas and organic fertility
    IPM in the landscape
    Forest Management (General)
    Understanding relationships between Extension, 4-H and grant funded programs.
    Organic management options for arthropod pests of poultry and livestock
    farm energy efficiency
    Best management practices for grapes against virus diseases
    Local food based system
    agriculture profitability
    Food Safety
    developing effective training programs for new and potential farmers given limited extension staff and time
    energy
    Livestock waste management, particularly for small farms or farms without land for manure application.
    Community Service and Engagement
    Increase in Type II Diabetes rates due to overweight/obese numbers increasing
    Water Quality
    Tropical Plant Materials
    Organic gardening - organic control of weeds, insects, and diseases
    Use of Blogging for family & Business
    Small farm development
    financial management
    Farmland Conservation methods and tools
    Commodity Agriculture development
    Urban Integrated Pest Management
    --Household
    --Structure
    --Residences
    --Public space
    Gathering State Growers interested in New products. Growers preferences for new tropical crops.
    Parent education
    Family disfunction (unhealthy relationships, life
    Managing intensive grazing under irrigation
    Cultural and Historical site protection in Natural resources management areas. This covers the private and public lands that are managed for forest and range products.
    children and family issues
    Comparing the costs and benefits of risk management alternatives available to producers for price, production, total revenue risks.
    Podcasting
    Nutrition, food safety and health quackery and urban legends over the Internet have people hopping constantly.
    Weatherization
    ag related microenterprises
    I do not use eXtension and have only logged on once.
    food preservation
    organic gardening
    More in-depth information on air quality and the new regulations.
    Consumer behavior and attitudes
    Product/Process Development
    Management of Field crop Diseases
    New techniques in helping youth understand and appreciate agriculture.
    Urban IPM, including plants, weeds, entomology and disease.
    Home Canning/Food storage
    Diagnostics of plant disease, insects, and plant ID
    Health including nutrition and exercise
    reduced availability of subject matter specialists
    youth gang prevention
    Expansion and Revue for Program Development
    Cereal grain fertility management
    Forest management for private landowners
    Community building
    Volunteer Mangement
    Home gardening/self sufficiency
    Financial Management Issues
    assistance for food pantries and food banks regarding safe storage practices and when to discard food
    Forage Management
    Natural Resource Stewardship
    This topic is broad enough to embrace a lot of the science and animal projects, and interface with our School of Natural Resource Sciences. There is a lot of interest from new leaders in this topic.
    Food Preservation
    A safe, reliable food supply, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables including traditional foods (wild plants).
    How to support intergenerational community develop.
    nutrition for low-income
    Livestock Management
    Horticulture
    plant - soil nutrient cycling
    Rural Entreprenuership (sp!)
    Community Asset Mapping
    business viability/creation
    Individual and family resilience
    Use of technology to improve teaching in extension.
    Feeding low-income populations.
    Asset transfer from long time farmers to new, young farmers
    bio terriorism
    understanding the importance of plants to life
    teaching people to be self-supporting, self-sufficient.
    Sustainable lifestyles, teaching people to learn cooking skills and food preservation that has not been passed down by a parent or grandma. Understanding energy costs of processed food.
    Youth awareness of plant materials
    Energy
    Weed management in the nursery industry.
    Community-based youth programs
    Financial management - particularly issues and information for low income populations (there's plenty on retirement planning which does NOT address the needs of low income audiences
    Design/accountability from the above
    Land Use Planning
    Youth Development
    Native American Issues
    Healthy lifestyles - diabetes, heart disease, alcohol abuse....
    Working with indigenous peoples
    Methods of approaching Native Americans to build partnerships, volunteers
    Funding for core programs...not necessarily grant funding
    American Indian tribes
    Youth and the role of natural resource systems in quality of life
    Volunteerism
    Water reuse
    Community Development- engaging community in responding to community issues
    Community Planning
    Fruit & nut tree production
    Building communication/collaboration opportunities within extension. Not just locally, but through multi-state efforts.
    Climate Change/Natural Resources/Sustainability
    Restoration of Forests and Woodlands
    Volunteer Development
    more and easier to obtain grant funding
    Enhancing Offender Reentry and Reducing Recidivism in Rural Communities
    Integrated pest management
    Horticulture - gardening, edible landscaping, xeriscaping
    Financial Resource Management for Low Income and middle income
    More across the board publications.
    water quantity and sustainability - with a focus on groundwater
    unwanted horses
    Animal Sciences
    Surviving these economically stressful times
    Balancing promotion and tenure needs with outreach and engagement needs
    environmental health questions, such as do I have molds and how do I get rid of it
    Finacial Management
    invasive plants
    small acreage landowner resources
    job loss - unemployment
    weed control
    livestock
    Technology
    teaching tools and techniques including writing for different audiences
    Livestock Production
    Food Systems
    Organic farming
    Food Preservation
    More people are canning meat than I have seen in 25 years. As a result of this increase in canning some very old canners are beginning to surface. Safety is an issue.
    Substance Abuse

  • Number 3 issue/topic
    • Small Acreage Development
    Healthy Lifestyles
    Socio-economic studies
    Cost of development to local government. What scenarios are going to result in a net loss of revenue to local government and what alternatives do local governments have to mitigate these losses.
    volunteer recognition
    ranch profitability
    4-H/Youth
    Senior nutrition/ and improving quality of later life

    econonic impacts of dwindling resources
    health
    lack of pesticides available for use on insects & diseases of tropical fruits & minor crops
    Information and data from the community is lacking.
    learning center
    Water Conservation
    Education approaches that are effective in adult learners
    Insect identification
    Family Financial Management
    Developing life skills in youth of all ages and income levels
    maternal/child health
    Economic Development
    Cultural competency
    leadership development
    Weed management for the home/small acreage land owner
    Xeriscape - Water Wise Gardening
    CoPs are not useful in my work
    Child Development
    alternative energy(solar, wind, hydro)
    Building community alliances and collaborations.
    Positive youth development
    grazing management
    Food Security
    Food Safety
    Food Safety - Food Preservation and other cost effective methods
    Progamming for Native Americans
    Working with ADHD youth
    Food Safety
    Eradication technology development and training.
    4-H outreach, After-School, School Enrichment, etc.
    Sustainable food production systems
    Working with community partners
    Energy use in Agriculture
    pesticides
    Volunteer management
    Sustainable methods to control pests (insects and diseases) of landscape plants
    Documenting impact of Extension work
    sustainable landscape practices for the commercial green industry
    Pasture and Hayfield Management
    Aging in Place
    Time Management/Prioritizing
    Low Carbon Footprint gardening
    Bugs! We need better, quicker entomological resources to answer the ever incoming questions.
    Learner-centered educational methods
    Youth development related to increasing interest in the sciences
    Horticulture weeds, pests and disease
    Community Development
    Integration of Nutrition & Family Extension with Ag & Forestry Based Extension Programs
    Develop specific CoPs that actually bring together resources and address issues for specific groups like commercial producers of vegetable crops like onion and row crops like dry bean.
    Conflict resolution
    Home Horticulture
    pesticides - use, misuse, IPM
    Living lean/surviving on less money
    Assistance with marketing programs to reach target audience
    Irrigated forage crop management for hay and pasture production
    seafood - benefits and risks
    poverty/families at risk
    Public Relations
    Forages, for short growing season in arid regions
    Manpower. Volunteers are wonderful and can do many things in the community. But there is a limit to their capacity. One faculty must be supported by several paid assistants to address the needs of scattered regions who have had little access to education.
    Organic pest management
    Soils and plant nutrition in the landscape
    Ornamental Horticulture
    Understanding how to engage established county programs with grant funded programs.
    Arthropod management for pet animals
    I know the Home Energy COP is developing - and that would have been my first choice for hot topic.

    community gardens
    Best management practices for emerging and/or exotic virus diseases of importance to national biosecurity
    energy issues such as wind, biodiesel, ethanol, etc.
    Financial Management
    agricultural community and organizational development
    Swine production and management. This important, but there are other resources available on the web.
    Healthy Nutrition that is affordable
    Irrigation
    Nutrition Concepts
    Less toxic options (not necessarily organic) for pest control
    Basic Nutrition for Individuals
    Oil seeds and bio-fuels
    water
    Irrigation efficiency
    Non-commodity agriculture development
    IPM in Public Housing
    Gathering large sectors of the Hawaii AGricultural community. Solve problems for amny sectors of agriculture in Hawaii. Land use, water rights and , etc.availability, taxes, transportation
    Coping with family financial downturns
    Childhood obesity
    Cover crops/green manure management
    Sustainable managment of native plant understories in commercial forest and private forest lands.
    nutrition and cooking
    Standardization and integration of decision aids driven by databases.
    Distance education / teaching
    Sustainability through raising, harvesting, and preserving our own food, locally.
    Food Preservation
    community development
    I do not use eXtension and have only logged on once.
    family topics
    cultural competence (diversity)
    Information on greenhouse gases as related to agriculture, and where the new regulations are likely to take us.
    Risk Communication
    Management of Urban lanscape Pests and Diseases
    New programs to interest youth in Science and Technology.
    Urban/Rural interface.
    Plant diseases and plant identification
    Diagnostic methods
    Marriage and Parenting
    population shifts from young family dominated population to a senior society and the need for shifts in educational needs.
    Farm business management
    Citizen monitoring
    Volunteer development
    4-H Risk Mangement
    Noxious weed control
    Leadership Development Issues
    adapting housing for elder adults
    Alfalfa economics
    Citizenship
    Technology, engaging in public issues
    Remote Native Alaska villages need ways to be actively involved in the cash economy (primarily through utilization of natural resources) or learn how to exist outside the cash. economy. This is an issue in many Native American communities.
    Systems Thinking
    physical activity
    Forest Management
    Livestock nutrition and handling
    climate change and agriculture
    Rural Transportation and Telecommunications
    Sustainable Food Systems
    job creation
    Train-the-trainer to mobilize volunteer services
    Food preservation.
    We need a way of setting up farm to retail customer systems: including the development of the value-added product, the packaging and marketing, and the distribution of the product.
    horticulture
    yard maintenance without pesticides
    teaching nutrition to all income levels.
    Nutrition and Food Safety-
    variety triles of garden produce
    Urban Horticulture
    Maintaining jobs and a viable workforce in the community.
    Youth/Adult partnerships
    Kinship care
    Renewable Energy education
    Fund development
    Healthy Lifestyles
    physical activity ideas to get youth and adults off the couch and moving
    alternatives to fast foods
    Disparity in grant opportunities
    American Indian tribal communities
    Community social, economic, and cultural viability for rural natural resource dependent communities
    healthy lifestyles
    Seafood safety
    Working with Native American Communities to improve quality of life
    Leadership
    Direct Farm Marketing
    Adequate and appropraite methods for information transfer to the public.
    Fire Education
    Forest insects and diseases
    Professional Development
    more support from legistlature
    Human-Animal Bonding for Disabled and Disenfranchised Community Members
    Weed ecology and management
    Marketing of Agricultural Product - Co-ops, direct marketing, CSAs, on-line
    Being a wise consumer of Internet/computer-based information
    Fewer people trying to be experts in areas where they have minimal knowledge.
    water quality and sustainability - with a focus on watershed
    economics
    Science, Engineering and Technology
    Surviving these economically stressful times
    Building program capacity by adding new positions
    Small Acreages (rural living)
    specialty crop production
    economic development
    credit/debt issues including foreclosure/bankruptcy
    pasture management
    conflict resolution
    Sustainability
    advertise our programs
    Weed Management
    Farm to Plate
    Water
    Food Storage
    Water storage is 50 gallon containers is a common practice. How often do you rotate & what is the best method to sanitize the container.
    CHildhood Obesity

    3. Would you be willing to participate in a CoP if one formed around the issues/topics you listed?

    Please select one response for each issue/topic
  • Issue/topic 1

    • (Each Respondent could choose only ONE of the following options:)
    Response Total % of Total Respondents %
    Yes 133
    		66%
    No 21
    		10%
    Don't know 47
    		23%
    Total Responses: 201
    0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
    Please select one response for each issue/topic
  • Issue/topic 2

    • (Each Respondent could choose only ONE of the following options:)
    Response Total % of Total Respondents %
    Yes 106
    		54%
    No 28
    		14%
    Don't know 61
    		31%
    Total Responses: 195
    0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
    Please select one response for each issue/topic
  • Issue/topic 3

    • (Each Respondent could choose only ONE of the following options:)
    Response Total % of Total Respondents %
    Yes 95
    		52%
    No 31
    		17%
    Don't know 55
    		30%
    Total Responses: 181
    0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

    4. If you have any additional comments or suggestions, please provide them in the text block below.


    Nationally the west is visualized from two very different perspectives that are quite opposites of each other. The west is recognized for its vast recreation amenities, a place to preserve pristeen beauty. On the other hand, because of the vast open space which is precious to those who live there, the west represents an opportunity to construct and maintain the communication/energy infrastructure to provide the energy needs of the nation. Both ends probably cannot be met without some mitigated sacrifice to each. A strong community of practice must be built on the needs of those who live in the community and not on the needs of those who have some dillusional picture of what another community should be.
    unsure of the commitment to participate in a CoP - would need to know that before agreeing
    Many people that participate in nutrition education are facing issues such as food allergies, child hood diseases, and poor quality of life in their senior years. We need to find a way to better serve their needs.
    none
    I think there is a tremendous need for community development activities in both rural and urban neighborhood settings.
    The reason that CoPs are not useful in my work is that the FAQs and 'articles' posted on CoP sites regarding topics concerning me are of unknown validity.

    The 'peer review' process that I have participated in as a reviewer is not even close to the peer review process undertaken by scholarly journals. It is peer-editing and peer rubber-stamping.

    I can't in good conscience base recommendations to my citizen clients on notes posted on-line that lack attribution or that make no reference to any actual scientific research.
    I would not be able to provide subject matter expertise for any of these topics, but as the head of a county Extension office, these are clearly our most pressing needs. I would do whatever I could to facilitate development of these CoPs.
    In the midst of a changing economy, a teachable moment is presenting itself. My class sizes have quadrupled. People are "hungry" for information on how to adapt to their income (or lack of income). As an educator, I am excited to help them do this...and more. We should not just stop at the information that is going to help them in their current situation but also help them to plan for their financial future...in an innovative way.
    Because we are already understaffed, eXention will be utilized more if it is a resource, not yet another way to take up more of our time. Keep it simple and usable.

    Thanks
    Why don't you - Extension service and USDA - just use plain language in your documents, publications, and interactions. Communities of practice and other types of this jargon fail to get your message across to people who could use your information, whether they are professionals or homeowners.
    I know a new CoP is forming around issue 1. I've marked 'don't know' for being involved however, because of too many other demands on my time - and the link to number 3. Specifically, it's hard for me to see where Extension can play a role in biomass utilization and thus I fear we will spend LOTS of time on the topic and won't get much 'bang for our buck.' I am part of the Entrepreneurship CoP. Lastly, issue no. 3 is obviously an internal/administrative issue for Extension professionals.
    might be interested in participating but we have bneen asked to do so much with so littel help that these extra chores are WAY down on the priority list.
    Thanks for the opportunity to provide input.
    I hope that eXtension can become more of a working resource and tool to help specialists like myself and stakeholders throughout the U.S. CoPs and their leaders and members need to be much more interactive, instead of just existing as another entity in eXtension that looks good to administrators of the project but does little to help us do our job in our respective state or region.
    I've signed up to participate in two CoP's already. However, I have found it difficult to understand my role and whether I should participate in these CoP's. In other words, I haven't found a niche in them and so I'm uncertain how I would fit into a new CoP. eXtension seems to have its own jargon that makes it difficult for me to understand really what's going on in the CoP's.
    Before I would commit to anything I'd need to know: the time commitment, timelines, is it scholarly?, is this activity/tool recognized by the "Academics on Campus" who will determine whether I get promoted or not?
    This may seem outside my role as Operation:Military Kids Project Coordinator but I think it is a major social issue, would attract youth, and would help extension and 4-H access national funding for such projects.
    I'm a member of the newly formed freshwater aquaculture CoP
    Sometimes CoP topic areas seem to divide the work up so fine that there are too many and some combining could be done. Having too many could mean you use up peoples' willingness to be involved in CoPs without covering all of the areas that eXtension should cover.
    Sometimes county extension offices seem far removed from the general campus and college environment. How do we bridge that gap?
    A list of existing COPs would be useful on this survey form introduction.
    None at this time.
    We have legistlation pending at the state level (waiting for Govenor's signaturre) that will require all commercial landscape professionals applying fertilizer to obtain a BMP certification in Florida by Jan 2014 ... this will require training statewide of up to 100,000 landscape professionals around our state.
    It would be nice to know what are the requriements of participating in a CoP.
    Although I am an "agricultural productivity" extensionist, the really critical issues for myself and my colleague are focused around economics andcommunity development issues.
    Up to this point...I certainly feel like I am giving a lot more to my eXtension COP than I am recieving. It is difficult to justify the time I am spending on eXtension relative to the other opportunities for my time.
    It is very useful just to know who else is interested in these areas.
    Grouping of Landscape Designs according by Themes.
    eXtension needs to be flexible in its approach developing CoP. Many states already have EXCELLENT on-line resources that already produce a lot of traffic.

    To change that success to fit into eXtension makes little sense. How can eXtension serve my outreach needs as opposed to current mindset that wants me to serve eXtension mission.
    Due to the losss of commercial timber production opportunities on most federal and state lands the managers are looking for other sources of income. These non-timber forest products have provided forest community families with food, medicinals, fungi as well as needed cash income when logging is not there.
    We need to develop a way to link the community of professionals that are working with these products.
    any home economics related topics would benefit me and my county!
    I don't necessarily know what is involved in participating in a CoP. Many of these things are already available. I do think it's important to ID the best for use on the CoP.
    Make the emails concise and to the point not the long emails that are currently being sent for areas of practice.
    Would have been nice to see a list of the existing CoP's at the beginning of your survey to ensure that people don't suggest a topic that is already a CoP.
    So far I haven't found the site all that useful. When I have had a questions I haven't been able to really find the answer there
    Hard to know what's involved and time commitment if your involved a COP. Perhaps a job description would help for both participants, and if there is a leader.
    We actually already have a COP for my #1 priority and I am participating.
    It is difficult to find the time for national involvement when local issues are so demanding of our time. The timing of program development is critical for field staff involvement.
    Many grants require multi-state involvement of working teams. We need to establish some for the forages.
    Extension professionals in other states deal with these issues. Alaska's extreme climatic conditions, varied infrastructure, distance between communities and cultural differences make it difficult to fit lessons from other parts of the US to Alaska's situations.
    Have tried to use eXtension a few times, and found it to be less than useful.
    It would be good to see a list of current CoPs; there are a lot and more added all the time and I'm not familiar with all of them.
    kristinw@email.arizona.edu
    We have a cadre of successful, expert farmers in our area. They have a difficult time against international competition. Especially when inexpensive ammonium nitrate is discouraged by the Homeland Security Department, yet other countries can still use it. In 2008 speculators in the commodity markets created uncertainty and high input costs to the detriment of farmers and food producers. I blew off steam here. My comments are not particularly relevant to my career.
    The pendulum is swinging back and the need to consider the earth's resources has people thinking more about better lifestyles with less processed materials. However the skills to cook or preserve food is missing due to the movement towards fast food and prepared meals. People are also tired of the constant drive to address only nutrition issues. They all know they need to eat better, but there is so much information about what is really good and what is hype, that many get tired of hearing about it.
    See following two links for existing online content that should be integrated with eXtension: http://www.indiancountryextension.org/index.php and http://myice.arid.arizona.edu/
    Administrative contact Joe Hiller University of Arizona jghiller@cals.arizona.edu
    I work with all of these topics locally and have attracted significant funding through grants and contracts. That funding employs three individuals who assist in making these programs highly successful.
    I already participate in the CoP of Issue/topic 1.
    I feel that working through extension with the idea that we are a "collective entity" will help us to engage others and leverage resources to create outstanding programming.
    There are many many aspects of water that need to be addressed to support our communities - - basic aspects such as rain water harvesting and water conservation can be readily addressed by most. More scientifically demanding topics, such as domestic well issues [quantity and quality] must be reviewed and technically accurate prior to presentation to the public. There have been a number of instances of inaccurate information being presented to the public and an apparent lack of technical review prior to publication. This is of concern as it reflects poorly on our University - I believe the underlying issue is a perceived 'lack of control' on the part of the counties if they include campus Extension staff. There is a reason that in the professional world, people who work in the world of water are licensed to practice - Extension needs to honor the reality that some topics require special technical expertise and coordination with others that may be outside their counties may be necessary.
    It is hard to get agents involved with these dicussions.
    I wish that we didn't have to have a user name and password to use the site. When you forget you can't get in so I got discouraged and just went to some other web site.
    These are questions in which I refer to my specialists in the state, I do not feel that I am knowledgable enough to answer the questions.
    I already participate on the Rangelands CoP and Beef Cattle CoP
    I currently have proposed a CoP in agricultural biotechnology for a AFRI CAP grant and will proceed if it is funded.
    These are issues that I have been dealing with. However, I am in the process of retiring.