Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-1983

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Agricultural Extension

Major Professor

Robert S. Dotson

Committee Members

Cecil E. Carter, Oliver F. Cook, Gilbert Rhodes

Abstract

County Extension Staffs in 60 Tennessee tobacco-producing counties and 65 present and former participants in 4-H tobacco activities, constituted the populations contacted in this survey-type study. Purposes were to identify and characterize successful 4-H tobacco activities as a future basis for developing innovative 4-H approaches. Four-H tobacco project specialists in other states in the region also were contacted for useful information. Major findings included the following, arranged in descending order of activities, as seen by respondents: 1. Fair exhibits, reportedly used in all 40 counties having innovative programs, were offered mainly in August and September, held at fairgrounds with uncured tobacco stalks, judged by agents, recognized winners with cash and ribbons sponsored by fairboards, and seen to need central themes. 2. Sales, reportedly used in 12 of the 40 counties having innovative programs, were offered mainly in late fall till early spring, held at tobacco warehouses with cured tobacco tied in hands, conducted by warehouse personnel and Extension agents, and sponsored by agricultural companies. 3. Shows, reportedly used in 14 of the 40 counties having innovative programs, were offered mainly in the months of August to February, were held at tobacco warehouses with cured tobacco tied in hands, were judged by tobacco buyers, U.S.D.A. graders, and tobacco trade representatives, recognized winners with cash and ribbons sponsored by fairboards, and needed to be organized so as to maximize enjoyment and future usefulness to the 4-H'er. 4. Judging/grading contests, reportedly used in nine of the 40 counties having innovative programs, were offered mainly in September, held at fairgrounds, and needed to be organized so as to maximize interest and enjoyment of the 4-H'er. 5. Project tours, reported in five of the 40 counties having innovative programs, were offered mainly in the summer and fall, included visits to tobacco related facilities, were conducted by experiment station personnel. Extension agents, and warehouse personnel, were sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, and needed to be organized so as to maximize the 4-H member's interest. Extension tobacco experts from other states had little additional to offer in the way of 4-H activity innovation. Implications were drawn and recommendations made for use of findings and further study.

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