The holiday season is stressful. Sure, it brings joy for many, but those in rural communities facing unique challenges may find that the holidays only amplify their difficulties. I felt it was appropriate as Thanksgiving approaches to recognize some of these challenges.   To do so, I would like to share the findings from a recent study that I conducted along with several colleagues. The study took a closer look at the dynamics of rural stress and it points to some important findings that deserve attention at this specific time of year. Key Findings: This study validated a rural stress instrument and confirmed its ability to capture unique stressors in rural settings. There is a distinct pattern of stress across rural demographics, and the study shed light on the nuanced nature of the stress that these communities face. Significant Observations: Large, rural regions near urban centers tended to demonstrate elevated stress levels. By contrast, surprisingly low levels of stress were found in completely rural areas. These differences show the potential impacts of major changes like industrial shifts on how stress is experienced on the community level. Implications for Consideration: For communities that are undergoing industrial transitions, it’s important for residents to understand the potential stressors that they are facing. Finding and assisting people with heightened stress levels in these areas is an important role played by both educators and support personnel. Methodological Approach: Perceived stressors in communities – specifically rural communities – can be measured through the use of the empirical rural stress instrument. Future Recommendations: Individual stress dynamics require a closer inspection in future research. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. It’s also important to start broader conversations about stress in rural settings and what strategies can be used to minimize its impact. Rural stress is unique. With the holiday season upon us, looking at these results serves as a call to acknowledge and provide a tool to help address the many challenges faced in rural communities. The emphasis here should lie in transformative action, rather than just comprehension. This will allow us to foster an environment where the holidays truly encapsulate joy rather than stress. I've included the full manuscript below if you are interested in learning more. Please be sure to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section. Lamm, K. W., Powell, A., Holt, J., Borron, A., & Atkins, K. (2020). Development and validation of a rural stress instrument. Journal of Agricultural Education , 61 (1), 32-43. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2020.01032

Food is central to human health. As such, a safe and sustainable food system is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a thriving society. There are many challenges involved in operating a sustainable food system, and those challenges only seem to grow with each passing year. Global food security can only be protected when the critical issues are fully understood and managed effectively.   This post is going to highlight the eight primary issue themes within industries associated with food science and technology. These themes were identified as part of a study that I conducted with several amazing colleagues. Key Findings Education, Training, and Workforce Development : Many frontline workers in the food industry lack formal training. This is a critical gap that threatens the efficiency and safety of the industry, along with limiting the ability of the industry to quickly adapt to changing demands. Emerging Technologies in Food Sciences : Many amazing new technologies offer incredible potential in food sciences. These include AI and machine learning, high-pressure processing, and others. Food safety can be improved, and product longevity can be extended, when the technologies are levered strategically. Food Safety and Public Health : The problem of foodborne illnesses remains a serious threat around the world. More stringent safety systems are needed, along with added consumer education and improved adherence to food safety protocols. Fresh Produce and Raw Food Operations : There are inherent risks that come with fresh produce. Since it is minimally processed, contamination is always a possibility. Improvements in handling, storage, and education practices are needed. Microbiome and Pathogens : We understand more about contamination risks than ever before thanks to the ongoing study of microbiomes and pathogens. The safety of the food system can be improved through a better understanding of pathogen detection and new mitigation strategies. Product Innovation and Development : Using consumer feedback continues to be an excellent way to develop new products. Focusing on the demands of consumers for innovative products will lead to meaningful innovations that are based on cutting-edge research. Quality Assurance and Systems Management : Consumer trust is improved, and food safety is increased, when quality assurance is consistent across the industry. Continuing to monitor and refine systems will help to keep these standards high in all corners. Sustainability and Climate Resilience : Sustainable practices and climate-resilient strategies are essential to maintain long-term food security around the globe. Practical Recommendations Education, Training, and Workforce Development : Comprehensive training programs are needed to focus on critical skills in the workforce. These include following safety protocols, problem-solving, and adapting to modern technological advancements. Emerging Technologies in Food Sciences : Pilot programs can be used to assess the feasibility of emerging technologies. Scalable innovations can be developed that align properly with the needs of the consumer and the industry as a whole. Food Safety and Public Health : Food safety standards can be more effective with strong partnerships between industry players and regulators. Campaigns can also be used to educate the consumer on safe food handling and preparation practices. Fresh Produce and Raw Food Operations : Better training is needed for producers and handlers to keep produce safe. This is also an area where consumer education can help to minimize risks. Microbiome and Pathogens : Putting money into advanced detection tools that can be integrated into food safety systems is an important investment. Also, support should be provided for research into microbiome dynamics and pathogen control. Product Innovation and Development : Enable closer collaboration between researchers and consumers to create innovative products. These collaborations should lead to refined product offerings that meet with market demands. Quality Assurance and Systems Management : Use ongoing audits and system upgrades to maintain high standards. All staff members should be consistently trained in quality assurance practices. Sustainability and Climate Resilience : Every level of the supply chain should feature sustainable practices. Efficient resource management and climate-resilient agricultural methods can be used to cut down on environmental impacts while maintaining a high level of food security. Safe and sufficient food is a group effort. Stakeholders from various areas of the food system need to collaborate to confront important issues and secure the food system for generations to come. Please be sure to share your insights using the comments below. I've also included a copy of the research if you would like to learn more. Lamm, K. W., Idun, A., & Lu, P. (2024).  Critical issues faced by industries associated with food science and technology: A delphi analysis.  Foods ,  13 (24), 4149. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13244149

In a previous blog post, published on May 15 th , I shared the results of a study that we conducted to identify important issues facing the state of Georgia. Given the varied landscape of this beautiful state, it’s important to look at locally relevant data to identify critical issues. In this study, we looked at the issues based on county-level perceptions and geographic groupings. You’ll find that the results provide an interesting perspective on the pressing concerns facing this state, including civic engagement, agriculture, nutrition, water management, and more. Taken together, these challenges highlight the importance of region-specific interventions moving forward. Key Themes and Critical Issue Areas: Youth and Family Development: This is seen as the top concern, especially in rural counties. Existing programs like 4-H, along with family development initiatives, require more visibility and accessibility. Programs can be adjusted, and outreach can be improved, to better meet local needs in areas across the state. Civic Engagement and Community Development: The Upper Coastal Plain showed significant interest in this area, although overall concern was rather low. Many local extension services lack the community development personnel needed to make a meaningful difference. Needs assessments could be conducted to effectively develop a dedicated community development programming domain. Agriculture and Economic Development: This area is critical for regions that are perceived to have a high level of importance for the state as a whole, such as the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sustainable economic plans come down to effectively re-skilling the workforce and leveraging the existing natural resources. Nutrition Education and Food Availability: According to the CDC, the state features relatively high obesity and poor nutrition habits, yet concern is low in this area. The effectiveness of programs like SNAP-Ed could be improved through the work of extension services, along with striving to improve or change public perceptions. Water Management: Existing conservation efforts may cause this area to be perceived as less critical than others. It is recommended that education efforts on the importance of water conservation be continued. There are many different perspectives held in various geographic regions across Georgia. The state can more effectively target its developmental efforts when the specific needs and concerns of each region are properly understood. This is an approach that focuses on community engagement and the overall resilience and sustainability of developmental strategies. I've included the full manuscript below if you would like to learn more. Please be sure to share your thoughts in the comments. Schmidt, A., Lamm, K. W., Borron, A., & Lamm, A. J. (2024). Examining the relationship between geographic groupings and perspective of critical community issues: An audience segmentation analysis. Land , 13 (5), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050681

I was fortunate to work on a study with a number of excellent colleagues in which we looked at change in the Land Grant University System. For this post, I’d like to share some of the findings from that study. We can use the changes observed in the study as a way to better understand successful organizational change processes. Initiation: Catalysts that Drive Change One key finding from the study is that change in the LGUS typically comes as a result of internal or external needs. External catalysts are often identified in other change models, but the surprise with this LGUS study was that change can also come from internal desires. Specifically, internal motivation and commitment were enough to cause change to develop organically. Leadership's Role: Navigating the Start We observed that change often starts small in the LGUS. At those lower levels, leaders have supportive supervision and sufficient control to affect change. This finding matches with the strategy of starting small and nurturing an innovative environment. Success Essentials: Intent and Communication We found a few key conditions under which change could thrive. Those included effective communication, respect, intentionality, and dedicated effort. Open channels of communication in higher education are always critical for collaboration, and these findings align with that reality. Overcoming Obstacles: Inertia and Vision Gaps Perhaps the biggest barrier to LGUS change is bureaucratic inertia. This is where having a clear vision for the desired change is essential, as only a clear vision can be communicated openly and directly. The Human Factor: People and Relationships Relationships drive change. Collective efforts within LGUS are better able to achieve sustained change and long-term success than initiatives that are undertaken without broad support. Sustaining Momentum: Relevance and Communication Incremental growth can keep change in the LGUS moving forward. When growth is paired to ongoing communication and consistency, the changes can gradually become a part of the organization. In Conclusion: Paving the Path of Change There are many insights into how change can be navigated that resulted from our LGUS study. These findings offer a unique perspective on organizational change, with an emphasis on the importance of both clear communication and strategic intent. Many different types of organizations can take the lessons learned within the LGUS context and apply them to their own transformations. Our proposed organizational change model... For more information and details, I've linked the full manuscript below: Lamm, K. W., Sapp, L. R., & Lamm, A. J. (2018). Organizational change in the land-grant system: A qualitative evaluation. Journal of Agricultural Education, 59(1), 204-222. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2018.01204 What are your thoughts about, and experiences with organizational change? Please be sure to provide your comments below!

By its very nature, evaluation tends to be focused on identifying weaknesses. This is helpful, to be sure, but it misses the equally important component of celebrating strengths. Innovation and adaptation are critical in international extension education, and failing to celebrate strengths can make programs less effective. So, turning evaluation around and using it to be appreciative of accomplishments is a powerful adjustment. New Approaches to Evaluation More and more evaluation programs are recognizing the value of using innovative approaches. A range of evaluation methods are now explored by extension professionals and funders. Seeing evaluation as only an external process is a perspective that is now being challenged regularly. Appreciative inquiry is showing how important it is to highlight strengths and successes instead of the traditional approach of only looking for weaknesses. Shifting Focus: Appreciating Success Evaluation is often centered only on problem-solving, but research is suggesting that this orientation might not lead to ideal outcomes. When strengths are both understood and celebrated, programs can become more effective over time. Evaluators have the opportunity to leverage existing successes and lean into further growth by focusing on what works well instead of what comes up short. Application to International Extension Education There is considerable promise to be seen when the principles of appreciative evaluation are applied to international extension education. Extension work is a collaborative endeavor. As appreciative inquiry places an emphasis on stakeholder involvement and participatory processes, it aligns with this orientation nicely. Volunteers can feel empowered and motivated to drive further program success when the strengths of a given program are highlighted. Unintended Outcomes Among many benefits, another advantage of utilizing appreciative evaluation is how it can uncover outcomes and impacts that were not originally targeted. This approach is also highly useful when resources are limited. It allows for identifying opportunities where additional investments can be made thanks to its inherently flexible framework. Appreciative evaluation fosters adaptability and innovation by leaning into the dynamic nature of programmatic outcomes. International extension educators are always aiming for excellent outcomes. This means not always sticking with the status quo and sometimes exploring innovative evaluation approaches. Appreciative evaluation can lead to continuous improvement and make extension programs around the world more effective. Please take a moment to add your comments below. Please share your thoughts using the comments below. Lamm, A. J., & Lamm, K. W. (2018). Considering an appreciative approach to international extension evaluation. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education , 25 (4), 74-82. https://newprairiepress.org/jiaee/vol25/iss4/6/

Georgia is a beautiful state with a diverse set of resources and opportunities. However, the state faces specific critical issues that may warrant targeted developmental efforts. It was against this background that I was able to work on a project to gain insights into the most pressing concerns among Georgia residents. I worked with other researchers and used the Delphi technique along with thematic analysis to put the critical issues facing this state into five key themes. We believe these themes help to establish a groundwork for strategic action and informed decision-making. Major Themes and Critical Issues: Investment in Youth and Adults: Building the workforce of the future through strong educational programs is essential. The potential contained in the youth can be tapped into through active leadership development programs. It’s important to pair vocational programs to market demands in order to re-skill and empower the workforce effectively. Agricultural and Rural Economic Development: Agriculture in Georgia requires ongoing support and innovation, as this sector remains a critical component of the economy in the state. Economic gains can be enjoyed through the practical and strategic application of new agricultural technologies and practices. Improvements in local challenges might be addressed by vocational training that has been tailored specifically to rural needs. Agriculture and Food Safety Information: The current level of public trust in agricultural information needs improvement. Agricultural resilience, as well as safety, can be improved through greater awareness of agricultural innovations. Communication can improve when stronger networks focus on trust and shared values. Resource Access and Availability: There are challenges around food insecurity and water usage throughout the state. Natural resources should be managed strategically to ensure long term availability. The distribution of resources needs to be achieved through appropriate policy design. Social and Personal Economic Concerns: Economic stability can be improved through leadership programming and improved financial literacy. Demographics in Georgia are shifting older, meaning more planned support and services are needed. Strong social networks will help bring communities together and foster lasting economic growth. The Community Capitals Framework uses a holistic approach to problem-solving that brings a broad lens to these issues. Understanding the many different types of capital at play, including human, natural, and financial, will help policy makers use its available resources to achieve a higher quality of life for residents. Using a strategic approach will both deal with current problems and also position the state to successfully take advantage of future opportunities. I've included the full manuscript below if you would like to learn more. Please be sure to share your insights using the comments. Powell, A., Lamm, K. W., Borron, A., & Lamm, A. J. (2023). Critical issues facing Georgia residents: An application of the delphi technique and community capitals framework. Journal of Agricultural Education , 64 (4), 76-95. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.v64i4.102

Last week I had the opportunity to visit AgNext at Colorado State University , my alma mater where I received my undergraduate degree. It was great to learn about the work the group is focused on and their insights related to animal agriculture. It brought back memories spending the summer in the corn field at the Agricultural Research, Development and Education Center (ARDEC) when I worked for USDA ARS in high school. ARDEC has certainly changed since then, but it was exciting to learn about their trajectory and vision for the future. AgNext at ARDEC Our hosts were Erica Giesenhagen, Manager of Communications, and Dr. Pedro Carvalho, Assistant Professor and Feedlot Specialist. Dr. Carvalho provided his insights regarding the future for methane emission tracking and some of the challenges associated with modeling emissions. One of the major challenges is making sure that data are collected at appropriate intervals which mimic natural feeding habits. Seeing the state of the art technology the group is using to test different protocols was very interesting. Methane emission tracking system Through improved technology and methods, the team hopes to be able to better inform sustainable animal production systems. While at ARDEC we also had a chance to visit the CoBank Center for Agricultural Education . It is a fantastic facility and it was fun to see some names we recognized in The Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame . CoBank Center for Agricultural Education Learning about AgNext and their research was very useful as I continue to think about some of the critical issues facing agriculture and the food system. Ensuring that we have a strong linkage between robust science, and the ability to communicate this science with policy makers, the public, and other stakeholders is critical.

Leadership is critical in the food system. Agriculture faces numerous challenges, from unpredictable weather to market fluctuations, making leadership essential. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of tailored leadership development for professionals in the industry. Working with a team we analyzed how different contexts, like agricultural production, might have influences on the concept of opinion leadership. Study Insights: Leaders in the food system demonstrate less optimism and risk-taking than expected. Traditional notions of leadership in the food system community are challenged by these findings. A pattern exists where knowledgeable opinion leaders tend to skew more conservative in their attitudes. Improving Engagement: Communication strategies should be customized to align with the pragmatic perspective of leaders in the food system. Support can be gained when lower-risk options are included in proposed initiatives. Knowing that knowledgeable opinion leaders tend to be cautious, messaging should be crafted to respect those attitudes. Improving Food System Leadership Development Programs: Leadership training programs should include content on both optimism and risk-taking. Development programs can help expand the reach of food system leaders beyond the traditional boundaries of the industry. Specialized training should be developed to help leaders strike a balance between caution and proactive/innovative leadership habits. Enhancing Future Initiatives: New recruitment practices might help engage future food system opinion leaders. More research is needed on food system opinion leader traits in order to create better leadership programs. Work with industry partners can help create and implement leadership initiatives that represent different perspectives. Please be sure to share your insights using the comments. I've also included the full version of the manuscript if you would like to read more. Lamm, K. W., Lamm, A. J., & Carter, H. S. (2014). Opinion leadership development: Context and audience characteristics count. Journal of Agricultural Education, 55 (2), 91-105. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2014.02091

Learner engagement is critical in higher education. In the agricultural leadership discipline, using motivational strategies effectively can help keep students engaged and on track to meet learning objectives. Toward that end, I worked with a team to look at the role of motivation when teaching about agricultural leadership. Specifically, we looked at the relationship between intrinsic motivation and project satisfaction among students. Key Findings from the Study: Intrinsic Motivation and Team Satisfaction: High intrinsic motivation was observed among students with their selected projects. Reported satisfaction with project teams was somewhat lower and there was significant variability among students. Most notably, there was a strong correlation observed between intrinsic motivation and team satisfaction. Impact of Demographic Variables: The study did not identify any significant differences in motivation or team satisfaction based on demographic characteristics. Regardless of demographics, intrinsic motivation was seen as a positive predictor of team satisfaction. Recommendations for Enhancing Team Satisfaction: Project-based learning should be utilized in agricultural leadership education as a way to develop interpersonal and management skills. Highlighting intrinsic motivations can help minimize or eliminate some possible challenges of team projects, including social loafing and negative group behavior. This study makes the role of intrinsic motivation clear in agricultural leadership education. Specifically, overall project satisfaction is improved when motivation levels are high. With this in mind, educators are encouraged to appeal to the intrinsic interests of students. If projects are meaningful to them, educational outcomes will be elevated and overall satisfaction will be higher. Please be sure to share your thoughts using the comments below. I've also included the full manuscript if you would like to learn more. Lamm, K. W., Carter, H. S., & Melendez, M. W. (2014). Investigating the linkage between intrinsic motivation and project team satisfaction in undergraduate agricultural leadership students. Journal of Agricultural Education, 55(3), 103-115. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2014.03103

Food safety is a global concern. It is estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that around 3,000 die annually from foodborne diseases in the U.S. alone, and another 48 million people fall ill. These statistics highlight the importance of food safety research and how it connects to public health, politics, and the overall economy. Many different aspects come together in the area of food safety research: microbial and chemical contamination, food adulteration, misuse of food additives, mislabeling, genetic modifications, issues related to dated food and so forth. In this post I share research findings from work conducted in collaboration with the University of Georgia Center for Food Safety  (CFS). Specifically, we developed a framework to conceptualize food safety issues to focus efforts and improve food safety across the food industry. These efforts were in conjunction with a strategy project helping the UGA CFS define their purpose as an organization (see similar efforts with University of Georgia Extension ) The Role of Consumer Trust and Knowledge The perceived safety of food plays a huge role in consumer purchasing decisions. It also impacts how consumers feel about the health benefits of different food items on store shelves. These same perceptions can also have an impact on food handlers and production workers. It is up to everyone involved in the food system, including policymakers, food safety leaders, and industry stakeholders to ensure safe food products are delivered to consumers. Key Insights and Recommendations The study identified seven key thematic categories related to food safety: Contamination: General Contamination: Detection Contamination: Outbreaks Contamination: Prevention Governmental Oversight Consumer/Employee Education & Communication Globalization A range of different food safety issues were subsumed within these important critical issue themes. From our research it was evident that these issues are often interrelated and feature plenty of overlap from one to the next. A strong focus exists on the various contamination categories, but the study shows that governmental oversight is critical in managing food contamination challenges. Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities Hopefully there are valuable insights to be gained from this study; however, there is still much work to be done. Food safety remains a complicated, global concern. By bridging the gap between consumers and industry experts, trust can be built with regulatory agencies and ongoing, evolving challenges can be addressed. Please be sure to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section. I've included the full manuscript if you are interested in reading more. Lamm, K. W., Randall, N. L., & Diez-Gonzalez, F. (2021). Critical food safety issues facing the food industry: A delphi analysis. Journal of Food Protection, 84(4), 680-687. https://doi.org/10.4315/JFP-20-372

Agriculture is a fundamentally dynamic practice. As it has evolved, however, the communication channels that are used to relay information to producers have been surprisingly static. This challenge goes beyond convenience, it’s about creating a more resilient agricultural community that is as connected and informed as possible. I conducted a study with several colleagues to examine this situation. We looked at more communication preferences of today's producers to help inform more effective communication strategies. Communication Channel Preferences: Traditional newsletters have fallen out of favor with producers, who are now more inclined to use digital alternatives like websites and blogs. Interpersonal communication remains important to producers. This can come in the form of formal meetings, casual conversations, or something in between. Producers’ information channel preferences have shifted dramatically, and as a result, new communication strategies are required. Opinion Leadership as a Predictor: We found that those who were identified as opinion leaders tended to be more versatile in terms of how they receive information. There is a positive correlation between being open to diverse communication channels and an individual’s level of perceived opinion leadership. Knowing that these distinctions exist, and then utilizing them strategically, can improve the effectiveness of communication. Practical Implications: Placing a strategic emphasis on online platforms is essential to reach producers. Websites and blogs tend to lead the way in this area. It is still necessary to strike a balance between innovative communication methods and traditional approaches to stay connected to the agricultural community as a whole. Communication strategies have changed dramatically across all sectors in recent years. Agriculture is not immune to those changes, and this study helps to understand how things have changed. Understanding preferences among producers is important to make sure they actively receive communication effectively. Please be sure to share your insights using the comments. I've included the full manuscript below if you are interested in learning more. Lamm, K. W., Rumble, J. N., Carter, H. S., & Lamm, A. J. (2016). Agricultural opinion leader communication channel preferences: an empirical analysis of participants in agricultural and natural resource leadership development programs. Journal of Agricultural Education, 57(1), 91-105. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2016.01091

Global food security is tightly connected to the food animal industry. Nutrition for billions of people is created through this industry, and it serves as the foundation of economic stability for many countries. Given its overwhelming importance, ensuring the health and efficiency of this industry is very important. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a case study for the way disruptions can ripple through the supply chain in this space. Everything along the chain, from farm workers all the way to end consumers, were impacted. In this post, I share the results of a study I conducted with a team of collaborators. This study aimed to identify and prioritize critical issues facing the food and animal industry today. We used a three-round Delphi process to identify a total of 56 critical issues facing the food animal industry. Going a step further, those issues were grouped thematically and placed into 7 primary themes. Those themes are listed below: Industry Image and Public Relations : How this industry is perceived by the public is essential to its health. Effective public discourse can shape the reputation of the industry and establish and maintain the trust of the consumer. Workforce Development and Pipeline : Building a modern workforce that is proficient in the latest technologies and practices is required for the food animal industry. Professionals working in this field need to have the right technical skills and also be committed to the goals and values of the industry. Economic and Environmental Sustainability : There is a need to strike a balance between creating an economically viable food animal industry and practices that are environmentally appropriate. Long-term resilience in this space demands that these two objectives co-exist. Animal and Human Health/Well-Being : The safety of food products, and the welfare of animals in the system, is the responsibility of this industry. Maintaining consumer confidence will only happen when strict health standards are upheld and disease prevention measures are implemented. Production and Distribution Efficiency : Demand continues to rise in this market. Production and distribution processes must continue to evolve through the use of innovative technologies and efficient management practices. Government Regulations and Legislative Relations : There are complex legal and political factors that influence the food animal industry. It’s critical to understand the regulatory environment through informed engagement with policymakers. Academic and Research Collaboration : Scientific advancements can drive this industry forward, but only when there are strong partnerships in place between educational and research institutions and the major players in the market. All of these themes work together and must be seen in connection with one another, rather than in isolation. The various stakeholders involved, including policymakers, academics, and industry leaders, need to address these critical issues in a unified, collaborative manner. I've included the full manuscript below if you would like to learn more. Please be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section. Lamm, K. W., Randall, N. L., & Fluharty, F. L. (2021). Critical issues facing the animal and food industry: A delphi analysis. Translational Animal Science ,  5 (1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txaa213