Responsible forest management provides ecological, economic, and societal benefits. Sustaining these benefits in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas depends on the forest management practices of 821,000 family landowners who own 32 million acres of forestland. This study uses an innovative network-building approach to support family forest landowners (FFLs), particularly underrepresented ones, by connecting them with professionals through facilitator teams established in each state by an advisory board. This network-building strategy provides supportive networks for FFLs, fostering trust and connections within a more extensive and diverse FFL community. This network encourages cooperative, communication-centered technical support to FFLs within essential landscapes to enhance forest management practices and promote certification.
This study explored the challenges faced by agritourism operators in South Dakota and examined their coping strategies. Through in-depth interviews with 17 agritourism operators, four major challenges were identified: lack of business knowledge and skills, government regulations, time constraints, and financial concerns. The coping strategies adopted by operators demonstrated their adaptability and resilience. The findings suggest that Extension can play a vital role as an educator, facilitator, and advocate in supporting agritourism development. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of agritourism growth in South Dakota and provides valuable insights for Extension and other organizations involved in supporting agritourism.
We held a symposium to exchange lessons from U.S. and European experts on how Extension can be best designed to support adoption of digital agricultural innovation. We highlight 10 tips for an Extension audience in the United States: (a) ensure connectivity between all actors involved in agricultural innovation, (b) utilize the private sector, (c) advocate for adoption costs, (d) shape an enabling digital ecosystem, (e) create a service, not just a technology, (f) update Extension agents' digital skills, (g) support farmer-led innovation, (h) capture everyday farmer practices, (i) monitor and evaluate progress, and (j) offer long-term support.
Parental incarceration is consequential for children. Outreach strategies can maintain parent–child relationships during incarceration. The Literacy Link connects parents in jail and prison with their children through two strategies: a dialogic reading workshop and a recorded book reading program. Over 3 years, we implemented these strategies with parents in jails and prisons located in 12 counties. We surveyed parents and the caregivers with whom children live during their parents' incarceration. Parents reported improvements in attitudes and confidence related to reading aloud. Most parents and caregivers reported that these strategies provided a connection between parents and children during incarceration.
Programs that encourage personal growth, community connections, and civic engagement are even more essential as digital technology and virtual platforms disconnect residents from communities. The University of Connecticut People Empowering People (UConn PEP) program is one option. It strengthens individuals and communities through a 10-week facilitated program, hosted by the community, and taught by UConn-trained facilitators. UConn PEP has expanded to other states, was translated to Spanish, Arabic, and Portuguese, and three other countries expressed interest in offering the PEP curriculum. Programs such as this are an area for continuous expansion as Extension adapts to the changing needs of audiences.
