A Model for Recruiting and Training Youth Development Volunteers in Urban Areas

A model for recruiting and training volunteers for 4-H Youth Development Programs in urban areas was designed and evaluated. Utilizing a formal course at a community college to recruit and train volunteers, the model was effective in developing and enhancing their skills. As part of their course requirements, volunteers applied their skills by implementing a science literacy program with elementary-age children in after-school settings. Their efforts were effective; participating children\u27s science process skills showed significant improvements. Academic and community service credit served as rewards for volunteers\u27 participation

Does Adding an Extra Educational Intervention Add Value? The DairyBeef Train-the-Trainers Program

Extension educators seek to facilitate change among their clientele through educational programs. However, some programs are more effective than others. In this study, a half-day trainers program in dairy quality assurance moved individuals from one stage of learning to another (evaluation to learning or to gaining experience). However, the addition of a single follow-up reminder and additional materials to help trainers teach more effectively did not result in greater use of the program materials to instruct dairy producers. Somewhere between a single reminder and multiple interventions lies a useful compromise to ensure adoption of training messages and taking action

Methods and microbial risks associated with composting of animal carcasses in the United States

Composting is an alternative method of carcass disposal in those situations when conventional methods are inadequate. With proper maintenance and monitoring, carcass composting systems can be safe and efficient with minimal environmental impacts. Importantly, proper composting eliminates many pathogens and may reduce levels of carcass contamination with spore-forming bacteria, prions, and other pathogens

Knowledgeable, Ready, Able - A Comprehensive Extension Agro-security Information Program for the Livestock & Poultry Industries

eXtension, Iowa State University, University of California-Davis, University of Maine, Michigan State University, Cornell Universit

Animal Ambassadors…4-H teens learn to lead science program for kids

To improve science literacy among school-age children in the United States, educators must receive effective training and support, and children must be engaged in science at a young age. Animal Ambassadors is a science-education outreach program of the UC School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medicine Extension, which focuses on the awareness and understanding of animal-related concepts and emphasizes important critical thinking and life skills. Through a collaboration with UC Cooperative Extension's San Luis Obispo County Youth Development Program, an Animal Ambassadors research project showed positive outcomes relative to interrelated goals involving teen training and youth science literacy

Methods and microbial risks associated with composting of animal carcasses in the United States

Composting is an alternative method of carcass disposal in those situations when conventional methods are inadequate. With proper maintenance and monitoring, carcass composting systems can be safe and efficient with minimal environmental impacts. Importantly, proper composting eliminates many pathogens and may reduce levels of carcass contamination with spore-forming bacteria, prions, and other pathogens.This article is from Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 234, no. 1 (January 1, 2009): 47–56, doi:10.2460/javma.234.1.47.</p