EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND PERCEPTIONS OF IOWA BEGINNING FARMERS TOWARD THEIR EDUCATION

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the educational value of 4-H activities as perceived by Louisiana 4-H agents. Data were obtained using a researcher-designed survey completed by 914-H agents during the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service’s annual conference. Findings of the study indicated that 4-H camp had the highest educational value rating and was the only activity perceived as having a very high educational value. Overall, 20 activities were rated as high, 25 as moderate, and four as low in educational value. Agents were also asked to estimate the number of hours they worked on each activity. Based on the findings in this study, it was concluded that 4-H agents perceive most 4-H activities to have educational value for the program participant. The researchers also concluded that there is room for improvement through elimination and addition of selected activities. Activities recommended for elimination were honey bee essay, beef posters, dairy posters, and seed rice essay. Activities recommended for addition were career development events, area short course, wildwood wanderings, agriculture in the classroom, and health and fitness activities. The researchers recommend that any program identified for elimination be further examined on the number of clientele being reached before it is eliminated.