(9) Heritage Influence On Participation In Educational Programming

P. Charles Goebel, Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio and Randy Heiligmann, Ohio State University Extension, Columbus, Ohio

Session: Poster session

Maple syrup production contributes $5 million annually to Ohio’s economy and provides a supplemental income to forest land-owners. Although Ohio State University (OSU) Extension has provided expertise to maple syrup producers for over 90 years, little information is available concerning the Ohio maple syrup industry. The goal of this research was to investigate the association among demographic characteristics, specifically heritage (English or non-Amish, & Amish), of the Ohio maple syrup industry and determine if heritage influenced participation in OSU Extension programming.

In 2004, a detailed survey was sent to all known Ohio maple syrup producers (N = 761); 81% (N = 620) of these surveys were returned by active maple syrup operations. Chi-square analyses revealed there are important differences among demographic groups (ά = 0.05). Of surveyed responders, 75% (n = 467) were of English heritage yet only 35% reported attending annual workshops conducted by OSU Extension. However, individuals of Amish heritage represented 25% (n = 153) of the respondents and 21% of them indicated they attended the workshops. The Amish producers appear to be more likely to attend workshops to obtain the latest research based knowledge than English counterparts. However, it is unknown how many Amish producers did not return the survey due to their heritage beliefs.

Gary Graham
Ohio State University Extension
Center at Wooster
1680 Madison Ave.
Wooster, Ohio 44691, USA
Phone: 330-263-3799
Fax: 330-263-3667
graham.124@osu.edu
ORAL