Simultaneous multi-state equine business education program

s / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 33 (2013) 321-399 389 is a major component of horse production. To address this important issue, faculty members from Animal Science and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering developed an experiential learningopportunity for SDSU students to learn aboutmanuremanagement and composting. The objectives of this activity were to assist students: 1) to gain experience designing and constructing a compost pile, 2) to critically evaluate compost progress and make appropriate management decisions, 3) to maintain a logbook of management decisions/behaviors, and 4) to develop an understanding of opportunities and challenges associated with manure management. Twenty-seven collegiate students (sophomores, juniors, and seniorswith an equine interest) enrolled in Stable Management participated in the compost activity during the fall of 2012 geared to exercise their critical thinking and hands-on manure management experience. This experience included reading assignments, discussions, a field day to construct compost piles, management, and recordkeeping. A pre-and post-test included content questions, as well as a survey of student’s views on manure management and the associated activity. Survey questions were designed to have students respond to questions on a scale of 1-5 (1 being minimal or a challenge, and 5 being maximal, or opportunity). Students consistently responded between 3 and 4 regarding the importance of manure management, the potential for negative impacts of horse manure on the environments, and viewing manure management as a challenge or opportunity with no difference between their preand post-test. However, when askedabout their current knowledge (2.15pre-vs. 3.65posttest) and confidence in their ability to manage manure/ compost (2.53 prevs. 3.65 post-test), students were more confident after the activity (P<0.01). Content knowledge was also addressed in the preand post-tests. Student knowledge of the optimum temperature and moisture content of compost piles increased from 7% to 88%, and 27% to 100%, respectively (P<0.01). More students were able to correctly identify the amount ofmanureproduced byhorses eachdayafter the activity (56%vs.100%; P<0.01). During the post-test students responded on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being minimal, 5 beingmaximal) to a series of questions. Students responded with a 3.46 when asked if they enjoyed the activity, however were more positive when asked if they learned useful information (4.15), and if they felt they learned more during this activity than if manure management had only been covered in lecture (4.1). Points were distributed so that planning/construction, management/ records, and accuracy of responses to content questions on the post-test were each worth one-third of the activity grade. Students averaged 92%, successfully meeting the objectives of the activity. This activity is also suitable for use in advanced nutrient management classes or learning communities who meet regularly. Simultaneous multi-state equine business education program K. Anderson , C. Skelly , K.L. Martinson , K.L. Waite , P.M. Auwerda , and G. Heyboer 2 1 Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 4 Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA An equine business education program targeted for the North Central U.S., but applicable nationwide, was developed byMichigan State University, University ofMinnesota, University of Nebraska, and Iowa State University. Each state hosted a simultaneous Extension conference focusing on liability, business finance, marketing, and insurance for equine business owners. There was a single presenter at each of 4 locations while the other three presentations were broadcast through an interactive webinar. All four presentations were recorded and archived online at extension.org/horses. A Facebook (FB) page and equine business blog were also developed and allow for peer assistance with rural equine business development. The FB page was also used during the conference to facilitate answering of questions, connecting the four locations in real time. Additionally, preand post-conference evaluations were conducted to determine the impact on economic growth within the rural communities in the targeted states. The Equine Business Conference attracted 117 participants between 4 locations. Post-program evaluations showed increases in participant learning gains of 138 and 150% for the topics of insurance and equine law, respectively.Between 95% and 68% of the conference participants agreed or strongly agreed the information obtained from each topic would benefit themanagement of their horse operation. All participants indicated theywould make at least one change in their horse operations following the conference, and nearly all (95%) planned to make changes related to legal issues. Overall, 98% of participants were very satisfied or satisfied with the program, and 76% of participants stated the conference improved their ability to make information decision regarding their horse farm or operation. Thirty-nine percent of participants owned 11 or more horses, 48% of participants were recreational horse owners, while 26% were industry professionals. A majority of participants (63%) were over age forty, 72% were female, and most (72%) drove less than 75 miles to attend the program. Ninetyeight percent of conference attendees stated they would attend a similar program (combination of in-person and online) again. As of January, 15, 2013, the Equine Business Network FB page had 677 “likes”, with females (88%) 35 year olds (54%) making up the primary users. An online post-conference survey was conducted approximately 6 months following the conference; 21 of the 117 conference attendees responding. Fifty percent of respondents made changes to their liability contracts, waivers and /or equine insurance. Additionally, 35% indicated they implemented new marketing plans to improve profitability of their business. Most (60%) respondents indicated they expected to increased profitability, in part due to their enhanced understanding of how to reduce their risk of liability and improved insurance. The Equine Business conference appears to have provided horse business owners valuable information.