The 21st century has brought with it unforeseen challenges and influential trends that will have significant impact of the livelihood and wellbeing of Georgia residents. Extension personnel within Georgia can extend their mandate by identifying issues that represent present and near-present threats and use these issues to inform programming and…

New communication methods and technology continue to emerge and evolve -- as do societal trends -- making it paramount that Extension professionals stay abreast with the preferred communication channels of potential clientele. By being aware of clients' preferred communication channels, Extension professionals can increase the number of…

There has been a dramatic shift in how people engage with agriculture over the past 50 years in the United States, leading to little interaction between consumers and the farm. Despite extension initiatives to communicate with urban consumers about agriculture, the disconnect between consumers and agricultural producers continues to grow. Research…

Rural stress is the physiological reaction brought upon by internal and socioeconomic stressors characteristic of rural residents. This type of stress is exacerbated by the complex issues facing rural populations and serves to inhibit the growth of vibrant, resilient communities. The current study sought to construct and validate an instrument…

Using social media is an inexpensive, innovative approach to supplementing direct education provided by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). Focus group research was conducted with EFNEP paraprofessionals (n = 33) and participants (n = 39) to inform the development of a social media presence for the program. Although…

Corn clubs played an important role in improving agriculture at the turn of the 20th century. Corn clubs were local organizations consisting of boys who cultivated corn on one acre of land under the supervision of a local club leader. The purpose of this historical research study was to document the organization, operation, and outcomes of corn…

In Georgia, the Extension Service uses several ways to create an awareness of wildlife-related enterprises--news meida, television, slides, meetings, short courses, and conferences. (EB)

A survey of limited income farmers in Georgia indicates that they are younger and more educated than their predecessors and have increased their contacts with county extension agents. (LRA)

The Georgia Community Development Program is a medium of agricultural extension teaching involving community improvement. The chief difference between the Georgia program and those in other Southeastern states appeared to be in the areas of sponsorship and awards schemes. A survey of recognized leaders in 16 rural communities in the Atlanta and…

Rural economic development requires local consensus and a coordinated effort by community leaders and the public at large. In 12 rural Georgia counties, the University of Georgia is implementing a Rural Revitalization Initiative (RRI) that emphasizes collaboration of public officials and private individuals across disciplines, professions,…

In recent years, service programs targeted for Georgia's rural communities have decreased proportionately in relation to those intended for the state's rapidly expanding population centers. At the same time, erosion of traditional manufacturing industries and an adverse agricultural economy have decreased the ability of rural communities to…

A study was conducted to measure the role perceptions of the Georgia Extension Service in rural counties as viewed by three relevant sample groups: members of voluntary associations, leaders of the Harris County community, and professional County Extension Service personnel serving rural counties. Mailed surveys were answered by 69 voluntary…

Based on surveys in 1957 and 1960 in six Georgia counties, this study evaluated an intensive educational program by the University of Georgia, and investigated attitudes and other factors related to farmers' use of fertilizers. Respondents were ranked by amounts of plant nutrients applied per acre in 1957 and by fertility per farm. Findings…