INTEGRATION OF VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING INTO BEEF CATTLE PRODUCER AND EXTENSION AGENT EDUCATION
Extension Education
Ashley Edwards
Assistant Professor and Livestock Specialist
LSU AgCenter
Alexandria
Abstract
In-person events such as field days and workshops are historically fundamental to demonstrating hands-on management techniques and fostering communication with livestock producers. However, when faced with the inability to hold events during the COVID-19 pandemic, extension agents turned to alternative platforms for continued communication with producers. LSU AgCenter agents hosted a live webinar entitled “Sustainability during Turbulent Markets” to bring cattle producers information on management strategies during a time of great instability. This initial webinar included 41 active participants during the live event and an additional 40 views within one week of posting online. Importantly, responses from this event prompted creation of the Beef Brunch Educational Series. This online series includes live monthly webinars and bi-weekly news updates. It is designed to maintain engagement and bring pertinent information, further allowing agents to present research-based information, timely management recommendations, and industry news to clientele throughout the state. Webinars are hosted live at 10:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, offering producers the opportunity to engage with presenters. Webinars are also recorded for online distribution through the LSU AgCenter website, LSU AgCenter-Livestock YouTube channel, and podcast platforms such as Apple, Google, and Spotify. Bi-weekly news updates are released every other Monday at 10:30 a.m. on the same platforms. News updates feature weather and pasture conditions, market outlooks, management tips, events, and current topics in the beef industry. Webinar engagement on all media platforms averages 219 viewers. Similarly, engagement in bi-weekly news updates through all platforms averages 95 views. When asked, 50% of viewers strongly agreed and 35% agreed that information learned in the webinars would be applied to their operations. Livestock agents utilize this program for professional development, with 75% strongly agreeing or agreeing that webinars increased confidence to apply presented knowledge in their programs. Likewise, 70% stated they have or plan to incorporate news update content in their programming. Thus, increased views, positive feedback, and requests for more information illustrate an interest in continuing the Beef Brunch Educational Series beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and optimistically developing it into a leading informational source for beef cattle producers in Louisiana.
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.
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Authors: A.K. Edwards, A.L. Faulk, V. Deshotel, J.E. Holmes
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Edwards, A. Assistant Extension Agent and Coordinator for Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Louisiana, 70803
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Faulk, A. Associate Extension Agent, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Louisiana, 70803
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Deshotel, V. Extension Agent, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Louisiana, 70803
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Holmes, J. Livestock Specialist, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Louisiana, 70803