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The Promising Practice of Agritourism

The Promising Practice of Agritourism

Primary author: Trevor Lane

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: WSU Ferry County Extension

Abstract:

Research revealed small farms and ranches struggle financially. Since the 1930’s, the USDA states more than 4 million farms have been lost completely or absorbed by large or corporate farms. Hence, diverse revenue streams and extra income are crucial to success. In 2012, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) showed that approximately $44.1 million in agritourism activities benefitted small to mid-sized farms in Washington. This farm or ranch revenue has a direct impact on the State’s economy. Thus, the goal of this research project was to demonstrate agritourism as a promising practice for small farms and ranches. However, it was hypothesized there are barriers to startup and achieving success.

Agritourism is any activity that brings a person to a farm for entertainment or education. Activities include but are not limited to fairs, festivals, farm to fork meals, bed and breakfast operations, dude ranches, U-Pick farms, farm stands, horseback riding and more.

While agritourism can generate extra farm or ranch income, a review of the literature revealed more than 60% of small farms are precluded from agritourism participation. Therefore, success means overcoming agritourism startup barriers. A qualitative study and modified gap analysis using Knowledge, Motivation, and Organizational (KMO) influences as a framework revealed the barriers and how to achieve success in pursuit of extra farm or ranch income. The study revealed how to increase knowledge, foster motivation, and leverage organizational resources to overcome barriers.

To help small farms or ranches pursue agritourism, Agriculture Professionals must know how to help.

Stanwood Strategic Planning Surveys: Extension helps a community shape its future

Stanwood Strategic Planning Surveys: Extension helps a community shape its future

Primary author: Season Hoard
Co-author(s): Brian Anderson; Martha Aitken; Christina Sanders; Brad Gaolach

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

City governments are increasingly engaging university researchers to aid their strategic planning processes. Through these collaborations, these entities can better engage with their communities to understand perceptions of government performance as well as identify priority areas that should be addressed in future planning. The City of Stanwood contracted with WSU Extension to conduct surveys of Stanwood residents and residents of Camano Island and unincorporated Stanwood to support their strategic planning efforts. The surveys were designed to ascertain opinions of City services, and community priorities over the next two to five years.

In the summer of 2019, three online surveys were distributed: 1) a random household survey of Stanwood residents, 2) a convenience survey of Stanwood residents, and 3) a convenience survey of Camano Island and Unincorporated Stanwood residents (who live outside of the city, but frequently use Stanwood services). WSU developed the surveys in partnership with the City to ensure information collected would be useful for future planning. City representatives distributed the convenience survey links via various outlets, including social media, websites, newspapers, and community events, while the random household survey was distributed via post card. A total of 688 survey responses were received across all three surveys.

Analysis across the three surveys suggests that improved streets and traffic flow, improved parks and amenities, more police officers, more hotels and lodging, and more recreation programming are top priorities for strategic planning. Additionally, Stanwood needs to focus on business recruitment and retention as well as improve communication with residents.

Strategic Planning in 4-H Youth Development Meaningful Change and Continuous Improvement

Strategic Planning in 4-H Youth Development Meaningful Change and Continuous Improvement

Primary author: Dan Teuteberg
Co-author(s): Missy Cummins; Gary Varrella

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Extension

Abstract:

Land Grant Universities are dynamic and engaging workplaces. They are active, changing, and adaptive to stakeholder needs and emerging opportunities and breakthroughs. Administration provides the requisite focus and direction. Administrative priorities ripple throughout the University and out to the local programmatic level. As priorities and direction filter throughout the organization, county-based Extension staff may feel disconnected from the university level plans.

Extension professionals are at the forefront of the interactions in this evolving and adaptive environment remaining responsive to local demographics, opportunities, and engage in continuous improvement guided by institutional priorities. This article provides an example of a strategic planning process that references and is directed by broader university priorities and is attainable at the field and community level. Borrowing from Posner, Strike, Hewson, & Gerzog’s theory of conceptual change (1982), creating ground-level strategic planning is plausible, attainable, and fruitful. Washington 4-H Youth Development highlights a strategic plan to keep a statewide 4-H Youth Development program relevant to the ever-changing University system.

Community Wealth Building: How the Local Investment Network (LIN) model is transforming the Methow Valley

Community Wealth Building: How the Local Investment Network (LIN) model is transforming the Methow Valley

Primary author: Anthony Gromko
Co-author(s): Trevor Lane; Christina Sanders

Primary college: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences — Extension
Campus: Everett

Abstract:

A Local Investment Network (LIN) is an innovative, community-led peer-to-peer investment network that connects local investors who have capital with local business owners who need capital. It brings residents together around a common goal: to build wealth in their community by keeping local capital rooted in their local economy.

The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) partnered with Washington State University (WSU) Extension on a project to implement Local Investment Networks around Washington State. The results of the project have shown that one Local Investment Network in particular, the Methow Investment Network, has had significant immediate success. In its first couple of years it has received over 100 inquires from local businesses, accepted 13 formal applications for funding, added 47 local investors to its network, funded nine businesses for a total of $1,500,000 and created 32 new jobs. The unique characteristics of the Methow Valley draw in urban audiences for relocation, tourism, or second homes. This dynamic urban-rural interdependence has set the stage for its Local Investment Network to thrive.

Youth Develop Life Skills Through Forestry Program

Youth Develop Life Skills Through Forestry Program

Primary author: Missy Cummins
Co-author(s): Hannah Brause; Somer Meade

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Skamania County Extension

Abstract:

With 90% of the County forested, generations of Skamania County families have developed deep connections to the land, the timber, and the conservation efforts that protect them. Over the last several decades cultural, social, and economic changes have created a disconnect between the youth in the community and the natural resources. Many teens are unaware of the role the forest plays in the region. Recent changes in the community make obtaining the job experience and real-world skills teens need challenging. Also, local agencies require assistance completing projects benefitting the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and other county assets.
To help address these needs, WSU Extension has partnered with the Stevenson-Carson School District, Mt. Adams Institute, and the U.S. Forest Service to create the Forest Youth Success program for youth development and employment.
Youth are given a survey measuring skill set and knowledge before then after participating. In the 2019 season, twelve youth participated in the program. Evaluation results indicated the following (N=12): Before FYS, 33 % (n=4) planned to use financial resources. After FYS, 83% (n=10) plan to use financial resources. Before FYS, 41% (n=5) indicated they follow directions and contribute to getting a job done. After FYS, 91% (n=11) Before FYS, 33% (n=4) understood what future job opportunities there are in natural resources. After FYS, 83% (n=10) understand what future job opportunities there are for natural resources.
Since the program’s inception in 2002, approximately 725 youth have participated in the program developing life skills and bettering the community.