Keys to developing an effective dairy satellite extension program

Among various Land-Grant universities, there is a major emphasis on having university extension faculty develop distance education programs and then carry them to county locations. Satellite extension programming is in the early stages of development as an educational program for farmers. The challenge is to utilize the technology to augment existing educational programs as well as to create new programs. Well-planned programs, in-depth materials, timely topics, and rapid teaching pace work well to keep audience attention and to communicate topics effectively. Audience interaction during these programs must be emphasized, and the traditional lecture format is almost completely eliminated. On-site discussions, homework, and periods for live questions and answers are critical for interaction. A key aspect of these workshops is to augment the program with unique footage of people, places, and things that would otherwise not be available to farmers as part of a local county program. In addition, the county agent or site coordinator is an integral part of the program as a local teacher and discussion leader and must receive support for that role from the state specialists.