NCCC_OLD9: MWPS: Research and Extension Educational Materials
(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)
Status: Inactive/Terminating
NCCC_OLD9: MWPS: Research and Extension Educational Materials
Duration: 10/01/2009 to 09/30/2014
Administrative Advisor(s):
NIFA Reps:
Non-Technical Summary
Statement of Issues and Justification
The mission of NCCC-009 is to enhance the outreach, research, and teaching programs of the Land-Grant universities by facilitating a learning community that provides a collaborative mechanism for engineers and scientists to exchange knowledge and to cooperate in the development of multi-state/regional educational projects related to food, fiber and energy production systems.
The Land-Grant system continues to be called upon to positively impact communities by delivering timely and effective Extension programs and producing high-quality educational / informational materials to support these programs. The need to share engineering and science-based knowledge about food, fiber and energy production systems is as great as its ever been. While far fewer people are involved in production agriculture than when NCR-9 (predecessor to NCCC-009) was formed in 1929, the need for credible information and educational programs keeps growing. More attention is being directed toward topic areas such as:
" Natural resource utilization and conservation
" Environmental quality
" Food safety and public health
" Rural communities and sustainability
" Non-farm rural residents and the rural-urban interface"
Extension engineers, working with their research partners and in collaboration with scientists, are addressing critical technical needs of these topical issues. Most usually do so while also addressing more conventional agricultural needs, which have evolved over the years, but have not really diminished. While the needs to be addressed have not subsided, the human and financial resources available to individual state educational institutions for meeting these needs continue to decline. This means that, in addition to working in multidisciplinary teams, Extension engineers generally need to work with colleagues in other states to effectively leverage the knowledge and resources necessary to develop quality educational materials and implement effective Extension programs.
NCCC-009 participants benefit from the professional dialogue that occurs with those having research appointments and those from other regions of the country. All participants benefit from the sharing of expertise that translates research-based knowledge into practice.
NCCC-009 will continue to advise and collaborate with Midwest Plan Service (MWPS) publication staff to maintain this primary outlet for educational products that provides educational materials to a wide variety of disciplines in the region, the U.S., and the world. In addition to providing information about issues related to agricultural engineering, MWPS products include material about dairy science, beef cattle production, farm business management, and agricultural economics. MWPS publications provide a vehicle to publish research findings and facilitate technology transfer in formats useful to public and semi-technical audiences.
MWPS publications are thorough, unique, and widely respected references. The publications present data and interpretations that enhance both the expert and consumer knowledge bases. Additionally, accumulated NCCC-009 member knowledge serves researchers, extension educators, university faculty, government agencies, and the public by providing guidelines, standards, and models for improved production systems and facilities.
Since 2005, MWPS has made available the major publications listed below (* indicates that NCCC-009 members produced the material):
-Horse Facilities Handbook; MWPS-60*, 2005
-Rectangular Concrete Manure Storages; MWPS-36*, 2005
-Farmstead Planning Handbook: Guidelines for Planning and Expanding Agricultural Facilities and Operations; MWPS-2*, 2005
-The House Handbook: Guidelines for Building or Remodeling Your Home; MWPS-16*, 2006
-Living on Acreages: What You Need to Know; MWPS-50*, 2006
-Wiring Handbook for Rural Facilities; MWPS-28*, 2006
-Crop-share or Crop-share/Cash Rental Arrangements for Your Farm; NCR-105, 2007
-Fixed and Flexible Cash Rental Arrangements for Your Farm; NCR-75, 2008
-Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems: An Operation and Maintenance Service Provider Program, Second Edition; CIDWT, 2008
-CNMP Core Curriculum, CNMP-CD-ROM, 2007
-Mitigating Air Emissions from Animal Feeding Operations, MWPS-AIR, 2008
-Private Water Systems Handbook, 5th Edition; MWPS-14*, for release in 2008
In summary, NCR-0009 activities and MWPS publications address regional priority objectives by:
" Conveying information that improves agricultural production systems, improves quality of life, and enhances the economic competitiveness of clients.
" Describing and illustrating proper systems for storing, managing, and applying manure effectively and efficiently with minimal adverse effects.
" Documenting the links between an animals environment, its welfare and behavior, and its care and management by focusing on how to construct and maintain the most effective, efficient, and safe animal housing facilities.
" Assessing and explaining the effects of agricultural practices on soil, water, and air quality.
" Publicizing and detailing methods to control and reduce chemical and pesticide contamination of soil, water, and air.
" Improving housing through education of homeowners, designers, and builders.
Objectives
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Foster science-based, multidisciplinary activities for the protection of our natural resources through sustainable food, fiber and energy systems, including protection of surface and ground water, soils, and air quality through appropriate technology transfer.
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Develop science-based information for nontraditional audiences, in addition to traditional audiences, regarding food, fiber and energy production to help ensure resources are sustained and the environment is protected.
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Identify, conceptualize and communicate emerging issues for food, fiber and energy production systems that necessitate basic and/or applied research to maintain the viability and competitive marketing advantage of U.S. food, fiber and energy sectors.
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Enlarge and preserve the knowledge base made available through NCCC-009 activities and transform this knowledge for use by clientele-based media.
Procedures and Activities
NCCC-009 will meet annually as a full committee to discuss program and publication priorities, establish annual goals, investigate funding opportunities, explore cooperative agreements, and plan program and publication development to meet prioritized needs. During the year, working groups will use conference calls, e-mail, electronic document exchange, other Internet media, and face-to-face meetings as needed to develop programs and products.
A portion of the annual meeting will be dedicated to obtaining updates from MWPS publishing staff regarding product development, marketing and sales. NCCC-009 will provide general feedback and guidance.
The Executive Committee will communicate on a quarterly basis. This communication (e.g. conference call) will facilitate follow-up on priority committee actions and include a progress report from MWPS publishing staff.
The prototype procedure for addressing an educational need is as follows:
1) Participants will identify and communicate to NCCC-009 educational needs and emerging issues as they arise throughout the year. If the needs demand immediate or a short-term response, participants will focus on providing coordinated, consistent information.
2) Longer-term needs that deserve greater attention and development as educational programs will be discussed and prioritized at the annual meeting. Participants will also discuss and clarify target audiences for proposed educational programs. Attention will be given to advocating efforts for new, nontraditional audiences.
3) Working groups will be formed at the annual meeting to develop educational programs and materials for high priority needs, based upon expertise, interest, and a champion for the program. When expertise from outside NCCC-009 is desirable to achieve success in developing a program or product, this will be identified early and efforts will be made to involve such experts in the development process. When expertise, interest level, or presence of a champion are not readily available amongst NCCC-009 participants to adequately address a high priority educational need in a timely manner, this information will be relayed to represented units and/or through the program advisor so it can be addressed through other means.
4) The working groups will function independently to develop Extension programs and educational materials, corresponding as needed with the Executive Committee or MWPS publishing staff. Working groups will be encouraged to seek support, and develop and deliver their respective educational programs in the most effective, expedient and efficient manner. Upon request, NCCC-009 will provide letters of support, advice and technical assistance.
5) NCCC-009 will provide a forum for peer review of materials, especially those to be published and/or marketed through MWPS. Materials will acknowledge NCCC-009 support/review.
6) Working group leaders will be encouraged to utilize MWPS for publication and distribution of Extension educational materials to the extent that this is feasible. Publication and marketing activities will be coordinated with MWPS staff.
7) Brief summaries of program evaluation information and measures of impact will be shared annually with NCCC-009. Participants will discuss suitability for expanded delivery or adaptation of the program for delivery within other participating states.
Expected Outcomes and Impacts
- We expect that NCCC-009 will serve as the incubator for new programmatic efforts and Extension materials, and as a primary outlet for associated peer-reviewed regional publications. Specific outcomes and impacts tied to committee objectives include:
- Two or more new regional Extension initiatives will take root each year through the interactions and coordinated efforts of NCCC-009 participants. Resulting projects will demonstrate success in obtaining extramural funding, developing educational materials, and meeting the needs of target audiences. Long-term impact will be demonstrated by improved sustainability of the food, fiber and energy sectors.
- At least one new educational initiative targeting non-traditional audiences will begin each year, and one or more new MWPS publications will be made available to a non-traditional audience. By ensuring that science-based information is being developed and made available to a wide range of clientele, both existing and new stakeholders will be better equipped to appropriately address resource sustainability and protection of the environment.
- Decision makers at the state and federal level will regularly receive input from Extension engineering specialists conveying the practical needs of clientele/stakeholders regarding priorities for research and resource allocation. Near-term outcomes include greater involvement of Extension engineers in research, especially integrated research, and greater influence in policy making. Long-term impacts include greater implementation of basic and applied research results.
- New and established clientele, along with the general public, will be ensured access to peer-reviewed educational materials. New products will be well known and widely disseminated. Relatively recent products will be readily available through MWPS and ongoing Extension programs. Finally, clientele will continue to be able to find material and credible information that are not available elsewhere (e.g. limited availability of expertise) via MWPS.
Projected Participation
View Appendix E: ParticipationEducational Plan
As a coordinating committee, NCCC-009 will rely on working groups to develop and follow educational plans for specific programs. The educational framework for NCCC-009 in the ensuing 5-year period is as follows:
" Implement the new objectives, activities and revised procedures as outlined in this proposal;
" Advance educational program and material development within recently prioritized areas, including:
Energy conservation and biofuels
Air and water quality
Water management
" Engage participants in assessing and communicating program impacts; and
" Pursue and facilitate professional development opportunities for participants to increase individual and collective effectiveness as Extension engineering specialists.
Organization/Governance
NCCC-009 has its roots and base in the North-Central region, but participation is open to Extension engineering specialists from any Land-Grant institution. No limit is placed on the number of participants in NCCC-009, although no more than two representatives from each state are allowed to vote on NCCC-009 business actions. Represented engineering units should determine the desired extent and diversity of participation and negotiate levels of support with the appropriate Extension administrators. Attendance at the annual meetings is highly encouraged and a representative of each land grant institution that filed an Appendix E is expected to attend.
The Executive Committee will consist of the Chair, Past-Chair, Chair-elect, and Secretary. Each year, a new Secretary will be elected to rotate onto the Executive Committee. Executive committee terms are from October 1, through September 30. On October 1 each year, the Chair becomes Past Chair, the Chair-elect becomes Chair, and the Secretary becomes Chair-elect. The Past Chair is responsible for providing guidance, fostering continuity, and assembling candidates for Secretarial elections. The Chair is responsible for conducting meetings and coordinating ongoing NCCC-009 activities. The Chair-elect is responsible for assisting the Chair and coordinating professional development activities. The Secretary is responsible for taking minutes at the annual meeting, taking notes during NCCC-009 conference calls, and assisting the Chair in communications and submittal of required reports (minutes and SAES 422) through NIMSS. Administrative guidance will be provided by an assigned Administrative Advisor and a CSREES representative.
Literature Cited
Beginning in 2005, MWPS has made available the major publications listed below:
Horse Facilities Handbook, MWPS-60, 2005
Rectangular Concrete Manure Storages, MWPS-36, 2005
Farmstead Planning Handbook: Guidelines for Planning and Expanding Agricultural Facilities and Operations, MWPS-2, 2005
The House Handbook: Guidelines for Building or Remodeling Your Home, MWPS-16, 2006
Living on Acreages: What You Need to Know, MWPS-50, 2006
Wiring Handbook for Rural Facilities, MWPS-28, 2006
Crop-share or Crop-share/Cash Rental Arrangements for Your Farm, NCR-105, 2007
Fixed and Flexible Cash Rental Arrangements for Your Farm, NCR-75, 2008
Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems: An Operation and Maintenance Service Provider Program, Second Edition, CIDWT, 2008
CNMP Core Curriculum, CNMP-CD-ROM, 2007
Mitigating Air Emissions from Animal Feeding Operations, MWPS-AIR, 2008
Private Water Systems Handbook, 5th Edition; MWPS-14, scheduled for release in 2008