Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-1977

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Agricultural Extension

Major Professor

Robert S. Dotson

Committee Members

Cecil E. Carter Jr, Frank B. Masincupp

Abstract

Information from the 1970 and 1975 Tennessee Swine Production Practice Checklist Surveys was studied together with data from the Tennessee Extension Management Information System, TEMIS, (i.e., agent days planned and expended and clientele contacts made) for Fiscal Years 1972 and 1975 to determine whether there were possible implications for the survey and Extension's educational program. The classification of swine survey practices and TEMIS primary subjects was assumed to be acceptable for this study. Data were considered for Extension districts and teaching methods. From the 1975 Tennessee Swine Production Survey, it was found that the producer reported state average weaning (8 weeks) weight, for 527 producers randomly interviewed regarding Tennessee swine, was 40 pounds per pig. Recommended practices under Primary TEMIS Subject One, "Swine Records"; Subject Two, "Swine Pests"; Subject Three, "Swine Housing and Structures"; and Subject Four, "Swine Management"; were all used by less than 60 percent of the producers interviewed, based on 1970 data. This suggested the need to emphasize them more in Extension's swine educational program as priority or weaker areas. Recommended practices under Primary TEMIS Subject Five, "Swine Feeding and Nutrition"; and Subject Six, "Swine Breeding and Production", were used by more than 60 percent of the producers interviewed based on 1970 data. There were decreases in total agent days planned, total agent days expended and total clientele contacts made on swine subjects between FY 1972 and FY 1975. Of Extension methods studied, increases in numbers and percents of agent days expended for swine Extension work varied from district to district but were greatest for Individual Teaching Methods; while the largest decrease occurred for Mass Media. Trends in numbers and percents of clientele contacts made also varied from district to district, but the greatest increase occurred in Group Teaching Methods, with the greatest decrease occurring in All Other Teaching Methods. Indications were that the findings of the 1970 TSPCS were not reflected in the planning of future swine educational programs. Further study would be necessary, however, to determine if other factors, not identified in this study, influenced the manner in which agent time was planned and expended. Recommendations were included.

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