Interdisciplinary education is more important than ever as it relates to agriculture and food systems. This industry and associated disciplines are only getting more complex as the demands to feed the global population keep expanding. Implementing robust agricultural practices demands a blend of knowledge from a wide range of fields. Embracing interdisciplinary education isn’t only about giving students knowledge from various fields, although that is important. It’s also about teaching them to lead effectively across the boundaries of these varied disciplines. In this post, I would like to quickly summarize the results from research that I conducted along with a team of colleagues. The study points to the value of flexible, nimble, lifetime learners who are ready to address the critical issues they encounter. Key Insights from Interdisciplinary Education Research: Learning Goal Orientation:  Interdisciplinary programs are naturally attractive to students who are intrinsically motivated to learn. This connects nicely with other findings showing that a strong foundation in learning goal orientation significantly influences educational pursuits. Program Design and Implementation:  When educators understand the goals of their students, they can more effectively meet their needs and improve engagement and effectiveness. Student Interests in Agricultural Topics:  Curriculum development can, and should, be informed by current student interests. For example, students may be engaged with a range of issues from nutrition and human disease management, to economics and plant disease management. Monitoring interests across disciplines can offer opportunities to engage and make connections. Challenges and Opportunities: Curriculum Development:  An opportunity exists to increase engagement and the effectiveness of learning by developing instructional materials that better match the interests students bring with them to class. Tailored Educational Paths: Courses that prioritize personal development and practical application should be considered. These courses may benefit from moving away from traditional content recall to engage students who are motivated by the goal of learning. Early Introduction and Broad Inclusion:  It’s important to introduce interdisciplinary education early in the learning process. This could help students see the many career paths that are available to them. Such an approach may improve engagement among those who don’t already have a specific career goal in mind. The critical issues that impact the agricultural and food systems aren’t going to get any simpler. That reality emphasizes the importance of moving toward interdisciplinary education as soon as possible. We need to adapt our educational frameworks to better align with the realities that students will face when they leave the classroom. Graduates should be prepared for both the challenges of today and the inevitable changes of tomorrow. Please be sure to share your insights using the comments below. I've also included the original article if you would like to learn more. DiBenedetto, C. A., Lamm, K. W., Lamm, A. J., & Myers, B. E. (2016). Examining undergraduate student attitude towards interdisciplinary education . Journal of Agricultural Education , 57 (1), 167-178. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2016.01167

Education is, of course, a key part of adult agricultural leadership development programs (ADPs). However, that is not the only purpose of these programs. They are also excellent for developing networks of professionals who can influence the industry for many years to come. These alumni networks are a big part of the impact that a program can have on the industry. Graduates who stay engaged will continue to share resources, knowledge, and opportunities with others, which benefits the industry. To look into this matter more closely, I worked with a team to analyze 23 ADPs. In total, there were 2200 individuals included from 262 different cohorts. For the study, I specifically looked at predictors of individual intentions to take part in alumni programming. Key Findings: Group Dynamics Matter:  Perhaps not surprisingly, satisfaction on a group level was a strong indicator of alumni participation. A positive collective experience in the group drives ongoing engagement in the future. Unexpected Outcomes in Opinion Leadership:  When there were high levels of opinion leadership within a cohort, that group was less likely to participate in alumni programs. One possible explanation for this connection is that those who already see themselves as strong leaders might not think they need to stay engaged with other alumni. Recommendations: Balancing Individual and Group Needs:  Knowing that the group experience is important, educators should design programs that optimize for both the individual experience and the group dynamics. This approach will be more likely to encourage long term engagement among the program’s participants. Encouraging Continuous Learning:  Reinforcing the value of ongoing learning and leadership can help as well. When participants are reminded that participating in alumni networks is valuable, even those who are opinion leaders will be more likely to stay engaged. It could be argued that maintaining a strong network might be as important as participating in the LDP itself. The networks of alumni that are created through agricultural LDPs not only benefit individuals, but also the industry as a whole. Understanding the dynamics within these groups makes it possible to design programs that will both educate the students and develop a strong community of leaders within the agricultural and food system. I've included the full article below if you would like to learn more. Please be sure to share your insights using the comments. Lamm, K. W., & Lamm, A. J. (2019). A multi-level evaluation of the relationship between leadership program satisfaction, opinion leadership, and intent to participate in alumni programs. Journal of Leadership Education , 18 (4), 39-46. https://doi.org/10.12806/V18/I4/R4

Innovations are happening faster than ever in agricultural and food systems. Therefore communication is critical for food system leaders to be effective in reaching their stakeholders. There is a tremendous amount of influence held by agricultural opinion leaders in this space, so making sure those individuals are as informed as possible is more important than ever. It's no secret that the right message needs to reach the right audience. But how does audience segmentation impact communication preferences in this space? That’s where it gets a bit tricky. Working with a number of outstanding colleagues we analyzed the communication preferences of more than 3,000 leaders in Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) to determine what communication channels are most effective. Key Findings We found a few key trends in how ANR opinion leaders prefer to receive information. There were notable differences in preferences that could be tied to demographic factors: Web Pages/Blogs : Across all audience segments, dedicated web pages or blogs were the clear most preferred. These are the preferred communication channels in this space thanks to the frequency of updates, ease of accessibility, and organized structure. Conference Calls : The least favored form of communication was conference calls. This was true everywhere, but conference calls were particularly unpopular among younger people and among those outside of the United States. This highlights how traditional communication channels don’t always align with the needs and expectations of audiences that are digitally oriented. These findings indicate it's necessary to build targeted communication strategies that respond to demographic nuances and successfully deliver the right message to the right audience. Practical Implications There are actionable insights from this study for anyone communicating information with ANR option leaders. Web-Based Channels : These channels are popular and should be the top priority. Consistently updating websites and blogs with engaging, relevant content from ANR opinion leaders is an excellent way to reach most of the audience effectively. Conference Calls : It might not be necessary, or practical, to completely discontinue the use of conference calls. However, given their low level of popularity, they should only be used if strong evidence exists that they are desired by a given audience. To communicate with any audience effectively, it’s important to know that audience. In the case of ANR opinion leaders, it is clear through this study that they prefer to read content online and don’t want to participate in conference calls. Tailoring communication efforts to align with these preferences will help the message reach the audience. I've included the full manuscript below if you would like to read more. Please be sure to share your thoughts and insights using the comments. Lamm, K. W., Borron, A., Holt, J. & Lamm, A. J. (2019). Communication channel preferences: A descriptive audience segmentation evaluation. Journal of Applied Communications, 103 (3). https://doi.org/10.4148/1051-0834.2238

Change is a constant in the world around us. That’s true within the dynamic realm of all types of organizations, and it’s certainly true for higher education administration. Given the pace of change, leadership in such organizations needs to adapt quickly and be properly prepared to adapt to their new realities. This post looks at the research findings from a study into the dynamics of transformational and transactional leadership focused on the PULSE Fellows group (a National Science Foundation , NSF, funded group). Leadership Styles in the Spotlight: PULSE Fellows have moved toward a transformational leadership style, according to the results of this survey. Practical Implications: When teams were intentionally selected for their preference of a transformational leadership style, success rates were higher when faced with change initiatives. These teams outperformed those that were selected specifically for their subject matter expertise. Behavioral Nuances: Our study also showed a surprising link between a leader's level of transformational leadership and increased engagement in change outcomes. While not expected, this result does emphasize the importance of focusing on the behavioral aspects of leadership education. Transactional Leadership Challenges: There was also a negative relationship observed between transactional leadership and engagement. This shows the potential hurdles that can be encountered in an organization when this type of leadership style is used. Leadership dynamics are complex, but hopefully we can use some insights from this study to help guide and inform future leadership development efforts. Focusing not only on technical expertise, but also leadership preference may help to support future efforts. Please be sure to share your insights in the comments below. I've also included the full article if you would like to read more. Lamm, A. J., Lamm, K. W., Rodriguez, M. T. & Owens, C. T. (2016). Examining leadership style influence on engagement in a national change process: implications for higher education. Journal of Leadership Education , 15 (4), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.12806/v15/i4/r1

Brook Hall Estate & Gardens shows how a 17th century property can lead 21st-century climate-smart agriculture. Earlier this month I was in the U.K. for the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education (AIAEE) annual conference. While there, Dr. Alexa Lamm and I had the opportunity to visit Brook Hall Estate & Gardens in Derry – Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Our hosts, Prof. John Gilliland and David Gilliland , generously shared three hours of candid discussion about the past, present, and future of the estate and climate smart agriculture as well as showing us the estate grounds (from willows to walled gardens!). David and Prof. John Gilliland from Brook Hall Estate & Gardens The history of the estate was one of the highlights of the visit. Seeing a walled garden which served as one of the main food sources for the city of Derry - Londonderry over 300 years ago, provided a sense for the connection between the estate and agricultural production. However, one of the most exciting parts of the visit was learning about all the climate-smart practices and scientific efforts the estate is undertaking. Prof. Gilliland discussed how the estate is serving as a living laboratory with historical records describing agricultural and horticultural practices over the past 5+ generations. This record, along with an ethos for innovation and experimentation provides an outstanding model of the type of creative and system based thinking which will be necessary to ensure a safe and viable food system. We were also very fortunate to see how the estate is using novel LIDAR technology (originally developed for archeological work) to map every tree, hedge, and shrub on the property. This process, in combination with direct soil carbon measurements, is then providing an empirical representation of the carbon footprint of the estate. Prof. Gilliland sharing a LIDAR rendering of an estate We were incredibly inspired by the work being done at Brook Hall Estate & Gardens and are very excited to integrate the insights shared with us into our teaching, research, and Extension efforts. Thank you to John and David for your time and insights!

This week I had the opportunity to visit the new National 4-H Council facility in Washington D.C. as part of a national committee meeting (it is a fantastic space!). It gave me an opportunity to reflect on all the benefits I received from the 4-H program growing up. Programs like 4-H can be transformative, equipping participants with the skills, confidence, and networks to shape their future. By engaging in hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, and community involvement, 4-H members often develop broader outlooks that influence personal growth well beyond the program. Working with an amazing team we examined what experiences Georgia 4-H alumni found most impactful for shaping their expanded perspectives. Key Findings Consensus on Impactful Experiences  – Experts identified 36 different experiences, with 75% of them receiving individual consensus ratings over 90%. This illuminates the variety of program elements that significantly affect 4-H alumni outlooks. Opportunities to Interact with New Perspectives  – Connecting with individuals who have different life experiences achieved unanimous agreement, emphasizing how such exchanges broaden members’ worldviews. Alumni Testimonials  – Hearing from dynamic speakers also reached unanimous consensus, illustrating that success stories can spark inspiration and encourage members to visualize new possibilities. Practical Recommendations Layered Programming  – Combine professional skills development, leadership training, and mentorship with traditional 4-H events, projects, and camps to offer growth experiences in both direct and indirect ways. Outreach  – Engage multiple communities so members can learn from various backgrounds and viewpoints, enhancing personal and professional skills. Frequent Alumni Engagement  – Host regular testimonial events, enabling members to hear firsthand about 4-H’s positive impact and reflect on their own growth. Although our study focused on Georgia 4-H and may not represent all 4-H programs, it hopefully provides guidance on using 4-H to help expand youth perspectives. Prioritizing meaningful interactions, leadership opportunities, and alumni-driven inspiration, can help support members. This intentional approach can help members better serve their clubs, their communities, their country, and the world. Please be sure to share your insights in the Comments below. I've also included the full manuscript if you would like to read more. Powell, A., Bennett, N., & Lamm, K. W. (2021). Expanding 4-H alumni life perspectives: An experiential and programmatic evaluation. Journal of Agricultural Education, 62 (2), 185-200. http://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2021.02185

Youth development programs like 4-H play a critical role in equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in the workforce and beyond. As the future workforce faces increasingly complex challenges and critical issues, it is important to understand the impacts of programs like 4-H. Working with a team of amazing colleagues we developed and validated the Impacts of 4-H Scale , an instrument to measure the program's contributions to positive youth development, identifying key areas where 4-H fosters growth in its participants. Key Findings Sense of Belonging : Participants reported that 4-H fostered a strong sense of connection, influenced by supportive volunteers and engaged alumni, which contributed to their personal and leadership growth. Caring and Citizenship : Opportunities to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and engage in service-learning projects helped participants develop empathy and a commitment to civic engagement. Workforce Readiness : Through experiential learning, participants gained competencies like public speaking, planning, and teaching, preparing them for success in professional environments. Practical Recommendations Evaluate Program Impact : Use the validated Impacts of 4-H Scale to assess the effectiveness of 4-H programs, ensuring alignment with positive youth development goals. Expand Inclusivity : Foster diverse learning environments and promote meaningful interactions among participants from varied backgrounds. Enhance Workforce Preparation : Integrate opportunities for participants to develop transferable skills relevant to future careers, emphasizing experiential learning. The validated Impacts of 4-H Scale provides a reliable framework for measuring the program’s success and identifying areas for improvement. By using this tool, stakeholders can ensure that 4-H continues to prepare youth for success while fostering personal growth, a commitment to service, while strengthening communities and the future workforce. Please be sure to share your insights using the comments below. I've also attached the full manuscript if you would like to read more. Lamm, K. W., Pike, L., Edgar, D. W., & Powell, A. (2022). Evaluating the impacts of 4-H participation: Development and preliminary validation of a scale. Journal of Agricultural Education, 63 (2), 115-126. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2022.02115

Last spring I had the opportunity to teach a course on advocacy and public policy for graduate students. This was a great opportunity to engage in dialogue about an important, but not necessarily well understood aspect of leadership. In my experience policy and advocacy are frequently confused with electoral politics. While this can sometimes be the case, it is not always. Learning more about advocacy and public policy can help to remove some of the mystery around these topics and make leaders feel more empowered. This is often an important set of tasks within agriculture and the food system, where effective leadership goes beyond managing resources and people—it also requires the ability to navigate and influence policy. Agricultural leaders need to understand the broader policy landscape to more effectively advocate for their industries and communities, help inform regulations, and support systemic change. Based on a research project I undertook with several amazing colleagues we developed the proposed Policy Leadership Framework to help provide a starting point for those interested in more effectively engaging in advocacy and policy discussions. The framework is intended to help leaders understand and participate with the policy process at every level, from setting the agenda to evaluating outcomes. Key Recommendations and Model Highlights: Policy Agenda Setting:  Effective leaders play a crucial role in setting the policy agenda by representing their industries and communities and establishing clear goals. Policy Formulation:  Leaders contribute to policy formulation by providing technical guidance and ensuring policies align with their vision, values, and needs. Policy Adoption:  During the adoption phase, leaders maintain focus and support to ensure that policies are approved and ready for implementation. Policy Implementation:  Leaders assist in translating goals into actionable rules and coordinating resources to bring policies to life. Policy Evaluation:  In the final stage, leaders evaluate the effectiveness of policies, ensuring they meet the intended goals and and vision. Challenges and Opportunities: Integrating Policy Leadership into Education:  Agricultural and leadership educators should look for opportunities to incorporate policy leadership into their curriculum to prepare future leaders for the challenges of navigating policy environments. Context-Specific Leadership:  As policies vary widely across local, state, national, and even international levels, leaders should be acknowledge and seek to understand and adapt to context-specific factors. Similarly, across industries, agricultural or otherwise, it is important to understand the context for any advocacy or policy activities. Our hope is the Policy Leadership Framework can serve as a tool for agricultural leaders, educators, and policymakers. By understanding and engaging with each step of the policy process, leaders can more effectively advocate for their industries and communities and drive meaningful change in the agricultural sector. Please be sure to share your insights using the comments below. I've also included a copy of the full manuscript if you would like to read more. Lamm, K. W., Randall, N. L., Lamm, A. J., & Carter, H. S. (2019). Policy leadership: a theory-based model. Journal of Leadership Education , 18 (3), 185-191. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.12806/V18/I3/T1/full/html

Engaging local communities is crucial for the success of Extension and outreach programs, and at the core of this engagement are gatekeepers — pivotal figures who facilitate community trust and access. Based on a research study I conducted with several amazing collaborators, we analyzed the dynamics of gatekeeping and their role in harmonizing the efforts of numerous service providers and protecting the wealth of community knowledge. However, the role of gatekeepers can also influence access to different populations within communities. Understanding gatekeepers can help fostering effective, unbiased Extension programs and research. Local Engagement: A Keystone in Extension Programs Gatekeepers preserve community knowledge and coordinate collaboration among service providers. Implementation of a pluralistic, demand-driven extension in countries like Malawi and Kenya has been bolstered by these community leaders. The Balance of Power and Bias Gatekeepers often influence participant selection, introducing potential biases. The authority of gatekeepers, especially when they have vested interests, impacts the objectivity of social science research. Proposing a New Model for Research We developed a model designed to navigate the complexities of conducting research in gatekeeper-influenced contexts. The model emphasizes understanding gatekeeper roles and potential biases, and designing research to minimize these influences. Navigating Gatekeeper Dynamics Strategies to ensure inclusive participation and minimize bias during data collection are critical. The importance of transparent communication with gatekeepers is necessary to safeguard the integrity of the research. Towards a More Robust Research Framework It is important to be purposive and thoughtful when working with gatekeepers across cultural contexts. Transparent methods help to establish integrity, credibility, and rigor within such research. The role of gatekeepers in agricultural research underscores the need for a balance between leveraging their influence and ensuring research integrity. As we work for more inclusive Extension and outreach programs, it is crucial to refine our methodologies and foster transparent relationships with these community members. I've included the full version of the manuscript if you are interested in learning more. Please share you thoughts using the comments section below. Masambuka-Kanchewa F., Lamm, K. W. & Lamm, A. J. (2020). Gate keepers in agricultural extension research: A retrospective analysis. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 27(4), 94-110.

Effective science communication is crucial in bridging the gap between complex research and public understanding. Infographics have emerged as a popular tool for conveying scientific information, yet their effectiveness in communicating agricultural topics, such as genetically modified (GM) foods, remains debated. I was fortunate to be on a research team exploring the impact of static versus animated infographics on consumer recall regarding society's attitude toward GM science. Key Findings: Animation enhanced recall compared to static infographics. However, animation did not significantly alter consumers' perceptions. Political beliefs emerged as a significant moderator, with liberal individuals demonstrating higher recall rates. Challenges in GM Science Communication: There was limited effectiveness of infographics in altering consumer perceptions of GM science. Potential threshold of information sufficiency reached among consumers. Political beliefs influencing recall rates highlight the complexity of science communication. Future Directions: Explore alternative communication strategies beyond infographics. Consider hands-on experiences and two-way communication avenues. Foster informed decision-making among consumers to navigate complexities in agricultural science. Enhancing science communication, particularly in the realm of GM science, requires innovative approaches that go beyond traditional infographic formats. By engaging the public in meaningful dialogue and providing accessible information, we can foster greater understanding and acceptance of innovative technologies in food production. Please be sure to share your thoughts using the comments below! Holt, J. Lamm, A. J., Gibson, K., Lamm, K., Ellis, J., & Rumble, J. (2020). Animating science communication: Measuring U.S. consumers' recall about genetic modification with animated infographics. Journal of Applied Communications, 104(3), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.4148/1051-0834.2327

Understanding public perspectives on environmental issues is crucial in agriculture. Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) play a vital role in environmental conservation, yet many people remain unaware of the strides made by the industry to safeguard our natural resources. Past research has shed light on disparities between agricultural opinion leaders and the general public regarding environmental concerns, but little attention has been paid to variations within the public based on urban, suburban, or rural backgrounds. This study aimed to examine differences amongst such audiences. Key Findings: Significant differences were observed in respondents' perspectives based on their urban, suburban, or rural backgrounds. Urban residents generally held a more positive outlook on agriculture's environmental impact compared to suburban and rural counterparts. Suburban residents displayed a more positive perspective than rural residents, highlighting varying degrees of positivity across different locales. Negative perspectives on agriculture's environmental impact were more pronounced, particularly among urban and suburban residents, indicating the influence of negative framing on public perception. Implications for Agricultural Educators: Tailored outreach efforts are essential to effectively communicate with diverse audiences. Extension educators should develop targeted messaging that resonates with urban, suburban, and rural populations. Framing techniques, such as storytelling, may be effective in eliciting emotional responses and prompting positive changes in public attitudes toward agriculture. This study highlights the need for tailored communication strategies to address varying perspectives on agriculture's environmental impact among urban, suburban, and rural populations. By employing framing techniques like storytelling, extension educators can better bridge the gap between public perception and agricultural reality. Ultimately, fostering a deeper understanding of agriculture's role in environmental conservation is crucial for a sustainable future. Please be sure to share your thoughts and comments below! Gibson, K. E., Lamm, A. J., Lamm, K. W., & Warner, L. A. (2020). Communicating with diverse audiences about sustainable farming: Does rurality matter? Journal of Agricultural Education, 61(4), 156-174. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2020.04156

Last week during the University of Georgia (UGA) State of Extension speech Associate Dean Dr. Laura Perry Johnson concluded her remarks with the following statement, "This purpose sums it up very, very perfectly. I don't know how we lucked on such a great purpose, but the facilitators that helped us get to this I think really nailed it.” I am proud to have worked with Dr. L. Rochelle Sapp and the UGA Extension Leadership Team to develop this statement: "We translate science of everyday living for farmers, families and communities to foster a healthy and prosperous Georgia." My pre-academic life as a management consultant, and later as the president of my own consulting organization, helped me to appreciate the importance of connection and how organizations can share who they are, and what purpose they serve in the world. This strategic approach is grounded in my Issue Leadership model, which is based on the principle that exceptional leaders (and organizations) are those who are committed to making a positive change in the world. I am a huge fan of Simon Sinek and the power of Why. My view on the strategic statement of purpose is that is helps to complete the equation, specifically, Why Us? When we as individuals, or organizations, understand the change we are trying to make (Why = Critical Issues) as well as our role (Why Us = Core Strengths) we can clearly communicate what we are trying to do and how we are going to do it. In future blog posts I will share more about how I use research based techniques to help guide individuals and organizations through the strategic statement of purpose process. Please be sure to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below!