View Poster Application

Kitchen Table Conversations for Ohio Women in Agriculture at the Farm Science Review

Extension Education

Nanette Neal
Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator
The Ohio State University Extension
Owensville

Abstract

The program aimed to increase educational opportunities for women in agriculture throughout Ohio. We accomplished this task by working with women farmers, our Ohio Women in Agriculture team, and extension professionals to identify the needs and wants of the target audience. Kitchen Table Conversations (KTC) is a creative twist that uses an informal and conversational approach around the farmhouse kitchen table that is supported by peer-to-peer learning and fosters a learning network environment. Educational topics are geared around key and controversial topics of the given time. Strategies to educate the audience have transformed from virtual in 2020 and 2021 to hybrid in 2022, with three sessions each year, to in-person in 2023, with six sessions as a “progressive kitchen table” at six topical sites during the Farm Science Review. We utilize multiple teaching methods, embrace a safe harbor environment, and encourage audience participation. Through these teaching strategies, we have reached 144 individuals in the program over four years. The change in presentation styles and marketing has allowed an increase of 73% in participation from 2020 to 2023. These educational activities were marketed in 2023 through multiple channels such as email (1010 members), social media (1200 followers), blog postings (372 posts), personal contact, flyers, and brochures. The program participants indicated that the information gained was far more valuable for their operation and helped increase productivity, mental health, and marketing. However, the participants' increased knowledge is a more valuable indicator of success as they reach out to Ohio Extension professionals during the year and participate in other OSU Extension Ohio Women in Agriculture Learning Network events and programs.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

Click to view Poster

Authors: Nanette Neal, Heather Neikirk, Sarah Noggle, Beth Scheckelhoff, Amy Stone, Dee Jepsen, Bridget Britton
  1. Neal, N. Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45160
  2. Neikirk, H. Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 44646
  3. Noggle, S. Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45879
  4. Scheckelhoff, B. Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45875
  5. Stone, A. Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43615
  6. Jepsen, D. Program Leader Ag Safety and Health, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43210
  7. Britton, B. Behavioral Health Field Specialist, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43210