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DOCUMENT RESUME ED 287 649 RC 016 452 TITLE Southern Rural Development Center Annual Progress Report, 1987. SRDC Series No. 101. INSTITUTION Southern rural Development Center, Mississippi State, Miss. PUB DATE Oct 87 NOTE 17p.; For 1985 report, see ED 261 825. PUB TYPE Reports Descriptive (141) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Agricultural Education; Agricultural Occupations; *Agricultural Trends; Community Characteristics; *Community Development; *Computer Oriented Programs; Conferences; Entrepreneurship; Extension Education; Farm Management; Financial Support; Land Grant Universities; Natural Resources; Networks; Publications; Recreation; *Regional Programs; *Rural Development; Tourism; Water Resources IDENTIFIERS Puerto Rico; *Southern Rural Development Center MS; United States (South); Virgin Islands ABSTRACT In fiscal year 1987, the Southern Rural Development Center was involved with 40 projects, task forces, symposia, conferences, workshops and other activities, focusing specifically on the rural problems of the region and supporting the community development efforts of 29 land-grant institutions in 1:: southern states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Selected activities and topics included: the Rural South in Crisis; National Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium; Alternative Farming Opportunities for the South; the Competitive Position of Southern Agriculture in a World Economy; Computer Selection and Use in Local Government; Alternative Uses of Highly Erodible Agricultural Land; Fee Fishing as an Economic Alternative for Small Farms; Managing Exhaustible Resources; Policy Working Group on Groundwater Quality; Risk and Natural Resources; the Food Security Act of 1985; Potential Social Impacts from the Diffusion of Bovine Somatotropin; Development of Alternative Beef Production Systems for the Southeast Using Cotton and Poultry Wastes; Triennial Southern Community Resources Development Conference; Agriculture and Community Development Interface; Diversification Strategies for a Ne Southern Agriculture; Economic and Fiscal Impact Modeling for the Southern United States; and Assessment of Economic Contributions of the Recreation and Tourism Industry to Rural Coastal Zones. The Center's information dissemination program produced newsletters, conference materials, progress reports and other project information. (JMM) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** 1987 Annual Progress Report "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY W, 1-.(\de.r TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORP.ATION CENTER (ERIC) his document has been reproduced as received from the person or organ.:Ition originating it Minor changes have been made to rnpro) e reproduction quality Points of view or opinions stated in thiS docu ment do not necessarily represent otlictal OERI position or pohCy SOUTHERN RURAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER Box 5446 M:SF:SSIP01 STATE UNIVERSITY MISS'SSIPPI STATE, MS 39762 1i Staff Current staff members of the regional center include the following. H. Doss Brodnax, Director Jerome L Burton, Associate Director Bonnie Teate', Administrative Secretary Sandia Markley, Administrative Secretary David Miles, Printer (Part-time) 1987 Annual Progress Report The Southern Rural Development Center is one of four regional rural development centers in the nation. Each center provides support to rural development efforts of land-grant university Extension Services and Experiment Stations throughout the na- tion. The Southern Rural Development Center, located at Mississippi State Universi- ty, was formed in 1974. Other regional centers are located at Iowa State University, Oregon State University and Pennsylvania State University. The Southern Center focuses specifically on the rural problems of the region and supports the community development efforts of 29 land-grant institutions in 13 Southern states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The SRDC receives funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Extension Service and Cooperative State Research Service. Although located at Mississippi State University, the Center is jointly sponsored by Alcorn State University and Mis- sissippi State University. The Southern Center exists primarily to provide the best possible information and assistance to extension and research staffs within the South as they respond to rural development needs in local communities. This is accomplished through the fol- lowing: 1. Provide a central point for regional information gathering, interpretation, analy- sis and dissemination. 2. Communicate research findings and successful Extension programming ideas through conferences, workshops, seminars and publications. .3 :verve as a linking mechanism for improved communication between states 4. Facilitate interaction between research and extension personnel. 5. Provide funding for development of programming ideas with widespread regional application. Effective regional participation is a critical factor in the success of the Southern Rural Development Center. While the Center is physically located at Mississippi State University, the organizational structure has been designed to permit active in- volvement of ether states in program determination. To insure the opportunity for strong regional participation, four elements have been included in the organizational concept. First, the Center is directed by a nine-member board of directors with each mem- ber serving a three-year term. The m, mbership is composed of four repres0ntatives from Extension Service (three from 1862 institutions and one from an 1890 institu- tion), four representatives from Experiment Stations (three from 1862 institutions and one from an 1890 institution), and one representative from the private sector. The Extension representatives are appointed by the Southern Association of Ex- tension Directors and the Association of 1890 Extension Administrators. The research representatives, are appointed by the Southern Association of Experiment Station Directors and the Association of 1890 Research Directors. The chairman of the board seeks nomination from every state Extension Service Director/Administrator and ev- ery state Experiment Station Director/Administration for the private sector represen- tative. 4 Background Organization Dr. A. W. Snell currently serves as Chairman of the Board. Dr. James R. Car- penter is Vice-Chairman. Those members comorising the SRDC Board inciude me following: Dr. Arthur L. Allen, Administrator 1890 Programs University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Dr. Chester D. Black, Director Cooperative Extension Service North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC 27695 Dr. James R. Carpenter, Director Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service Box 5446 Mississippi State, MS 39762 Dr. Lawrence Carter, Ext. Administrator Florida A&M University P. 0. Box 320 Tallahassee, FL 32307 Mr. Jesse B. Holder Louisiana State University Agriculture Center Box 25203 Baton Rouge, LA 70894-5203 Dr. Verner G. Hurt, Director Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Mississippi State, MS 39762 Dr. Thomas H. Klindt, Assistant Dean Agricultural Experiment Station University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 37901 Dr. T. Roy Bogle, Assoc. Director Cooperative Extension Set vice Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK 74078 Dr. A. W. Snell, Acting Director Agricultural Experiment Station Clemson University 104 Barre Hall Clemson, SC 29631 Second, each participating land-grant university appoints an Institutional Rural De- velopment Program Advisory Committee to review the work of the Center and make suggestions regarding how the Center's program of work can be more supportive and responsive to the individual institutions and their plans of work. Each committee elects a chairperson who meets annually as a member of the Southern Regional Rural Development Program Advisory Committee. Currently, 19 institutions are represented on the advisory committee, which makes recommendations to the SRPC board of directors concerning program directions. Third, the SRDC continually seeks advice and guidance in determining program needs, program direction and program implementation from rural development professional groups such as the Southern Community Development Committee, the 1890 Community Resource Development Committee, the Southern Natural Resource Economics Committee, the Southern Extension Public Affairs Committee, and the Southern Rural Sociology Committee. Fourth, the Center funds and provides support to teams of researchers and eJuca- tors from several universities in an effort to concentrate on pressing rural problems. Through its involvement in projects that address issues such as rural entrepreneur- ship, alternative farming opportunities and community leadership, the Center estab- lishes regional cooperation in gathering, summarizing and disseminating research knowledge about critical rural needs. 2 Thn Rural Rnnth in Crin'n: chattengen fnr the Future - -Dr I ionel J. Realilley of the University of Florida led in planning this regional conference in his year's sabbatical at the SRDC. Twelve people met August 29, 1986, during the 1986 Rural Sociological So- ciety Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. This preliminary meeting resulted in the regional conference held May 18-20, 1987, in Atlanta. Approximately 175 people attended. The SRDC co-sponsored the conference with the Farm Foundation, in cooperation with the USDA Extension Service, Southern Legislative Conference/Council of State Govern- ments, USDA Economic Research ..trvice and USDA Cooperative State Research Service. The conference offered some insight on the cgriculture/rural community crisis impacting the region. Specific objectives were to articulate the dimensions of the agricultural/rural community crisis in the South, to highlight current public and private sector initiatives developed in response to the crisis and to identify opportunities for vitalizing the rural South. The Center handled coordination and registration activities for the conference and provided the necessary printed materials, including registration brochures, name tags, handouts, abstract books, participant lists, evaluation forms and folders. Travel support for some speakers was provided by the Center. The SRDC is now preparing and printing two post-conference publications: a tabloid proceedings and a special proceedings based on the case examples of applied programs presented at the conference, to include activities of the Extension Service, state government agen- cies and non-profit, non-governmental organizations. In addition the Center is doing the preparatory work for an edited book. National Rural Entrepreneurship SymposiumDr. Beth Walter Honadle of USDA Ex- tension Service and Dr. J. Norman Reid of USDA Economic Research Service led in planning this national symposium on rural entrepreneurship. The SRDC co-sponsored the symposium with the USDA Extension Service, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Farm Foundation, USDA Economic Research Service and the other regional rural de- velopment centers. More than 187 persons from 34 states attended the symposium, which was held at TVA headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee, February 10-12, 1387. The Center director and Dr. Brady Deatc' of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univer- sity represented the South on the steering committee, with the Center supporting Dr. Deaton's participation. The Center also supported panel representatives for the regional break-out portion of the symposium. In addition the Center played a key role in organiz- ing and carrying out the conference, handling coordination, registration and printing. More than 2000 copies of the announcement brochure, prepared and printed by the SRDC, were necessary to meet the unusually large demand. The Center also prepared the final program and other conference materials, including registration forms, receipts, nametags, participants lists, abstract hooks, evaluation forms and biographical informa- tion about speakers. Two thousand (2000) copies of the symposium proceedings have been prepared and distributed nationally. The symposium brought together experts from the research and Extension communities and other organizations interested in rural de- velopment and entrepreneurship to share information and insight on the current state of knowledge and practice on rural entrepreneurship. Specific objectives included the fol- lowing: (1) to determine the current state of research on entrepreneurship, especially as applied to rural areas and identify research and data gaps that inhibit development of effective policies to promote entrepreneurship; (2) to discuss methods and techniques for addressing the entrepreneurship issue; (3) to identify and share successful Exten- sion and other programs supporting rural entrepreneurship; (4) to share ideas and research findings that provide the basis for new or modified programs and approaches that promote or improve the prospects for successful entrepreneurship; (5) to determine the potential for I ural entrepreneurship to help solve the rural and farm family income crisis; and (6) to disseminate the results of the symposium to a wider audience of both researchers and practitioners. 6 I Summary of I Activities 3 Alternative Farming Opportunities for the SouthThe SRDC led in planning and car- rying out this regional conference, which identified and examined current activities in the Southern region related to cost-effective alternative farming opportunities. Specific objectives included the following: (1) to provide a forum for information exchange that benefits the agricultural community, (2) to identify possible alternative farming opportu- nities for producers to consider, and (3) to discuss marketing opportunities and limita- tions. More than 200 persons attended the conference, held at Mississippi State University January 26-28, 1987. Results from the following two SRDC-sponsored research projects were presented: (a) "The Economic Potential for Alternative Farm En- terprises in the Southern RegionThe Muscadine Example," Dr. W. Lanny Bateman and Dr. C. Ray Sollie, Mississippi State University; and (b) "Development of Alternative Beef Production Systems for the South Using Cotton and Poultry Industry Wastes: Techno- logic, Economic and Social Analyses," Dr. Richard W. Russell et al., Auburn University. Conference sponsors included all four regional rural development centers, the Farm Foundation, Tennessee Valley Authority and Southern Legislative Conference. Dr. Bill Mizelle, University of Georgia, chaired the planning committee. Partial travel support for planning meetings was provided by the Center. The Center handled conference coordi- nation, registration and printing. After the conference the SRDC prepared both a tabloid proceedings and a full proceedings. The tabloid, of which 3,000 copies were printed, was available for distribution throughout the region in June 1987. Five hundred (500) copies of the full proceedings were printed and distributed in July 1987. As a follow-up to the conference, representatives from the four regional rural development centers met to discuss how the centers might support the activities of the National Extension Task Force on Alternative Agricultural Opportunities. The SRDC's director compiled recom- mendations from those attending the meeting and sent those recommendations to Dr. C. David McNeal, Jr., co-chairman of Extension's National Priority Initiative Task Force on Alternative Agricultural Opportunities. The SRDC director serves as a consul- tant to the national task force representing the centers. Development of Alternative Beef Production Systems for the Southeast Using Cot- ton and Poultry Wastes: Technologic, Ecor,omic and Social Analyses -The objec- tives of this research project, funded by the SRDC, include the following: (1) to analyze the economic feasibility of using cotton and poultry wastes in beef production based on a regional transportation model; (2) to develop a farm-level model that specifies input resources and recommends management practices using cotton and poultry wastes, feed grains and forages; (3) to conduct focus-group interviews to determine the transfer potential of the developed technology; and (4) to assemble a package of transferable technology for distribution through the Extension Service. Co-investigators for the project include Dr. Richard W. Russell, Dr. Joseph J. Molnar, Dr. Patricia A. Duffy, B. G. Ruffin and Jerry Crews, all of Auburn University. Results of the project were completed in December 1986 and presented at the regional conference on 'Alternative Farming Opportunities," co-sponsored by the SRDC ar.J held January 26-28, 1987, at Mississippi State University. The Center recently prepared and printed the final research report for distribution throughout the region. The Economic Potential for Alternative Farm Enterprises in the Southern Region-- The Muscadine ExampleDr. W. Lanny Bateman and Dr. C. Ray Sollie, both of Missis- sippi State University, were co-investigators for this research project funded by the Center. Results of the project, completed in December 1986, were incorporated into the regional "Alternative Farming Opportunities for the South" conference held January 26-28, 1987, at Mississippi State University. Project objectives included the following: (1) to develop a preliminary baseline data set of agricultural production, crop mix, in- come and other social indicators of economic well-being; (2) to present the muscadine as a case study of an alternative enterprise that may provide an example of the eco- nomic value of alternatives for Southern farmers; (3) to estimate the impact of the de- 4 velopment of viable markets for muscadines on the indicators of social well-being in the South;, and (4) to examine and describe organizational aspects of muscadine grape juice production and marketing. Two publications written by Drs Bateman and Collie are in the process of being edited and printed for distribution across the region. The Competitive Position of Southern Agriculture in a World EconomyThe SRDC co-sponsored this regional trade conference, in cooperation with the Southern Exten- sion Marketing Committee, Southern Extension Public Affairs Committee, Farm Founda- tion and Consortium for International Cooperation in Higher Education. Dr. Hal Harris of Clemson University and Dr. Geoff Benson of North Carolina State University co-chaired the planning committee. About 100 persons attended the conference, held November 4-6, 1986, in Atlanta. The Center director served on the conference planning committee. In addition, the Center prepared, printed and distributed 4,000 copies of the preliminary announcement brochure, 5,000 copies or the registration brochure, and provided other printed materials necessary for the conference. The Center also published a complete conference proceedings in May 1987. Five hundred (500) copies were printed for distri- bution throughout the region. Intended for research and extension staffs, agricultural and agribusiness leaders, farm leaders and policy leaders. the conference was designed to assess the impact of national economic policy and its impact on trade, de- termine the degree to which trade is important to the Southern region, outline emerging trade patterns, identify important trade issues and present the pros and cons of various trade policies, and identify the trade potential for several important commodities produced in the Southern region. As a follow-up lo the conference, a Joint Task Force on International Trade was formed. The task force met June 8-10, 1987, in Daytona Beach, Florida. The SRDC will print ten leaflets, prepared by the task force, on the im- portance of food aid, economic development, U.S. farm policy, and U.S. industrial policy to the Third World and the subsequent impact on American agriculture. Triennial Southern Community Resource Development (CRD) Conference--The SRDC co-sponsored the Triennial Southern CRD conference in Atlanta October 28-30, 1986. More than 85 persons attended the conference. Dr. James I. Mal lett of Texas A&M University chaired the planning committee, with the Center director participating as a member of the committee. The Center sponsored Dr. Mal lett in his attendance of a community economic development workshop on retention and expansion of existing businesses held in Columbus, Ohio, October 15-17, 1985. Information from the work- snop was used in the development of an educational session for the Triennial Southern CRD conference. The Center handled coordination and registration for the conference and provided necessary printed materials, including announcement brochures, registra- tion brochures, receipts, nametags and final programs. The Center provided travel sup- port for Dr. Ayse Somerset, of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Service, Dr. Jesse L. White, Jr. of the Southern Growth Policies Board, Dr. George Morse of the Ohio Cooperative Extension Service and Mr. William V. Nutt of Greensboro, North Carolina. The target audience was area and state level community development staff members representing the 1862 and 1890 Extension programs in the Southern region. Specific objectives included the following: (1) to provide area-wide awareness, orientation and training on "state-of-the-art" CRD progi ems, policies and directions; (2) to assemble and distribute to participants from repreL lntative state CRD specialist staffs the most pertinent and relevant program content, materials, visual aids, agendas, etc., for im- mediate application where appropriate and applicable in the various states' CRD pro- grams; and (3) to review and examine prevailing Extension resources, policies and program environments as a basis for developing CRD programs to -fleet existing and emerging clientele needs. 6 Computer Se!ection :id Use in Local Government -The SRDC has developed new Extension programming materials for training local officials in how to select and use computers in local government. Dr. Mike Woods of OkIr..homa State University provided primary leadership for the project by developing the materials. At a statewide confer- ence for Mississippi local offijais held November 7-8, 1985, at Mississippi State University, the preliminary materials were tested. The conference, attended by 31 par- ticipants, was jointly sponsored by the SRDC and the Center for Governmental Tech- nology at Mississippi State University. The Center for Governmental Technology is a division within the Community Resource Development unit of the Mississippi Coopera- tive Extension Service. Using feedback gained at the Mississippi test workshop, Dr. Woods revised the materials with editorial assistance from the Center. The SRDC prepared a notebook for distribution to all community development leaders across the region for use in designing similar state workshops. The notebook included a program summary, glossary, teaching outlines, slide set and script, overheads, background materials for lecture notes, handout materials, publicity samples and a bibliography. Topics included introduction to computers, computer basics, selecting a computer, as- sessing computer needs, surveys, purchasing considerations for software and hard- ware, working with vendors, and transition to the computer and computer operation. Agriculture and Community Development InterfaceThe SRDC co-sponsored this Southern region Extension workshop with the Southern Region Extension Community Development Committee and the Southern Region Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leaders Committee. Dr. James Mallett and Dr. Walter Walla, both of Texas A&M University, co-chaired the workshop planning committee. The workshop, held October 14-15, 1986, in Nashville, was intended for administrators and program leaders of the various state agriculture and community development Extension pro- grams and Extension specialists and/or middle management supervisors serving in key program development and management roles for agriculture and community develop- ment in their respective states. The Center director served on the planning committee and made a presentation at the workshop on the role and function of the SRDC. The Center also provided final programs and nametags and is preparing a workshop proceedings. The overall objective of the workshop was to establish productive dialogue between administrators and managers of Extension agricultural and community de- velopment programs to lead to more effective programs in areas of mutual concern and responsibility. More specifically the objectives included the following: (1) to bring agriculture and commullity development specialists and administrative staff up-to-date on prevailing conditions and issues of mutual concern, (2) to share existing agricultur- al/community development program ideas and materials among the states for immedi- ate application, and (3) to explore potential agricultural/community development program opportunities and the feasibility of their development and implementation. Diversification Strategies for a New Southern AgricultureThe Agriculture and Rural Development Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference was the primary spon- sor for this regional agricultural policy forum. The SRDC was a co-sponsor, as were the Council of State Governments' Center for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture. The forum, held in Fort Worth, Texas, was designed to identify the new role of state officials throughout the Southern region in crop diversificarion and rural economic development strategies to replace dwindling federal farm programs and evaporating international markets. The Center provided speaker support for the forum. Travel support was provided for Dr. Bill Golden of the University of Georgia, who participated on the program. The Center director participated on the program, and the SRDC staff assisted with registration and coordination. In addition to assisting in publicizing the forum among land-grant universi- ty personnel across the region, the Center printed the programs and name tags. During 9 the current FY, the Center edited, printed and distributed 550 copies of the proceedings. Alternative Uses of Highly Erodible Agricultural Land-The SRDC is a co-sponsor for this regional agricultural development conference slated for November 17-19, 1987, in Memphis. Other sponsors include Land and Water 201, Agricenter International, Agricul- tural Stabilization and Conservation Service, American Farmland Trust, Environmental Protection Agency, Farmers Home Administration, Farm Foundation, Soil Conservation Districts, Soil Conservation Service (SCS), Soil Conservation Society of America, Southern Association of Experiment Station Directors, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and U.S. Forest Service. The Center director is serving on the program planning com- mittee, of which Dr. H. A. Henderson of TVA is chairman. Dr. John T. Harris of SCS and Dr. William N. Sutherland of TVA are co-chairmen of the conference steering com- mittee. The conference program will focus on state and national policy issues, espe- cially as related to the conservation program portion of the 1985 Farm Bill; alternative crop enterprise opportunities for highly erodit-'e land in the South; developing farming systems for highly erodible land; and developing strategy to implement needed changes with landowners/farmers. The Center printed 10,000 announcement brochures in February and 10,000 registration brochures in July for distribution throughout the region. The Center will also print final programs and folders as well as conduct registration. Economic and Fiscal Impact Modelling for the Southern U.S.--Dr. Thomas G. Johnson of Virginia Polytechnic and State University (VPI & SU) is principal investigator for this two-year project sponsored by the SRDC. Co-investigators are Dr. J. Paxton Marshall of VPI & SU and Dr. Lorenza W. Lyons of Virginia State University. Objectives of the project include the following: (1) to adapt the Virginia Impact Projection (VIP) Model Series, a series of econometrically-based economic and fiscal impact models for Virginia counties and cities, for use in other states; (2) to empirically test the transfera- bility of sub-state fiscal impact models, in particular in the VIP Model and other ap- propriate models for analyzing the impact of economic development strategies, population growth and decline, industrial growth and decline, changes in the structure and vitality of agriculture, agricultural policy, off-iarin employment, commuting and migration patterns, and changes in the financing of rural governments; and (4) to train potential Extension specialists in the use of fiscal impact models. As part of the project, a workshop, sponsored by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service and the SRDC, was held in Nashville February 5-6, 1987. The objectives of the workshop were to ac- quaint participants with fiscal impact modelling techniques and with the use of at least one such model, and to help with the process of developing models for use in their states. Economic Analysis of Alternative Trash Collection Methods for Rural Towns and Cities -- Mississippi /Alabama -- Principal investigators for this SRDC sponsored research project were Dr. Lynn L. Reinschmiedt and Dr. Steve Murray of Mississippi State University. The objectives of the project included identifying existing methods used to collect trash (yard clippings, tree limbs, leaves, etc.) in the Southeast; estimating the cost of alternative methods of trash collection under various conditions; and identifying the most economical methods of trash collection under these various conditions. Trash collection systems selected for study include Mose from six sites: four in Mississippi and two in Alabama. A final report, entitled "Economic Analysis of Alternative Trash Collection Systems in Mississippi and Alabama," was published and distributed to over 175 persons across the region. 10 Adoption of Microcomputers Technology Among Farmers and Local Governments-- Dr. Lionel J. Beaulieu of the University of Florida is principal investigator for this research project sponsored by the SRDC. The objectives are as follows: (1) to deter- mine how and to what extent the diffusion/adoption of microcomputers in local govern- ment and on the farm is contingent upon the diffusion strategies used by public agencies serving them and upon the diffusion strategies of for-profit agencies, (2) to determine the farms' structural conditions and constraints for access to the technology among different agricultural commodities and assess the potential consequences of differential rates of adoption on agricultural structure; (3) to ascertain the characteristics oC local governments that make access to and adoption of microcomputers possible; and (4) to develop recommendations to guide public insVtutions that serve rural governments and the farm community in the diffusion of this technology. The geograph- ic area of the study was expanded to include seven central Florida counties. Farmers located in these counties who are presently using microcomputers are being inter- viewed. An additional dimension was also added to the project. Information on the microcomputer-related research and development activities of agricultural faculty at the University of Florida is crucial to understanding the role of the public sector in the diffusion/adoption of microcomputers among the farm community. Thus, such data are being collected. The survey of private computer firms was completed in the fall of 1986. Researchers, with assistance from Florida Extension, have also compiled a list of all farmers in the seven-county area who use microcomputers and are in the process of surveying them. Data for the survey of University of Florida agriculture faculty involved in microcomputer research and development have been collected and are being ana- lyzed. The survey of local government officials will be conducted July through Septem- ber 1987, and the final report for the project will be submitted in December 1987. Impact on Rural Communities of the Changing Farm Economy--The primary goal of this project, sponsored by the Center, is to develop a model that can be used widely to quantify the impacts of changes in agricultural activity on the economy of rural com- munities. Secondary objectives include the following: (1) use the model to analyze the impacts of alternative socioeconomic and agricultural policies on the economic viability of rural communities in the South; (2) quantify the probable impacts of agricultural transition on rural commuities; and (3) examine the potent'.1 fcr and benefits of non- farm alternatives to support the economic viability of rural communities. Principal imes- tigator is Dr. Lonnie L. Jones of Texas A&M University. Dr. Mike Woods of Oklahoma State University and Dr. James Richardson of Texas A&M University are project cooper- ators. Research so far has focused on the development of a model to assess the im- pact of changes in farm prices and/or government policy on the non-agricultural economy of a Texas county. A second model is being developed to provide a method of tracking the effects of growth or decline in agriculture on the general rural economy. Assessment of Economic Contributions of the Recreation and Tourism Industry to Rural Coastal Zones--Co-investigators in this SRDC-sponsored project include Dr. Steven A. Henning, Dr. Quentin A. L. Jenkins, Dr. Charles L. Shilling, Dr. Wayne Robichaux, Dr. Sadik Artunc, Dr. Walter Keithly and Dr. Michael M. Liffmann, all of Louisiana State University. The 12-month proiect is designed to develop a formal ap- proach to collecting an inventory of recreation and tourism rer,ources for rural Communi- ties; evaluate available data from federal, state, local and private sources, identifying strengths and weaknesses of the data for use in assessing recreation and tourism potential, as well as assessing additional data needs; develop procedures for determin- ing perceived needs and interests of the local community related to recreation and tourism; and make recommendations for coordination and guidance of regional recrea- tion and tourism planning and appropriate community action. The project will provide the following product to the SRDC for reproduction and distribution throughout the region: (a) documentation of a systematic methodology for developing a data 11 base on available recreation and tourism resources within a parish or county; (b) a microcomputer spreadsheet for storage and retrieval of the data base; (c) a survey in- strument to identity local perceptions toward development of iecreation and tourism resources; and (d) results of an application of the procedures outlined above in a case study of two parishes in the coastal zone of southern Louisiana. Rural Business CenterPrincipal investigators for this SRDC-sponsored project are Or. Richard A. Edwards and Dr. Ronald D. Knutson, both of Texas A&M University. The purpose of the 12-month study is to develop a procedure for identifying those communi- ties that are most likely to become rural and rural-urban business centers servicing agriculture over the next two decades. More specifically, objectives include the follow- ing: (1) to determine the economic, demographic and infrastructural characteristics of communities that are in the best position to survive and serve the needs of commercial agriculture over the next two decades; and (2) to identify the specific communities that are most likely to satisfy these characteristics. Worl; so far has centered on an exten- sive literature search for information relating to industrial development in rural areas, focusing on the demographic, physical and economic factors the authors suggest are prime attributes required to enhance the economic growth of any rural area. A further breakdown. of the literature by qualitative and quantitative factors influcencing develop- ment, is being compiled. The results will be used in the next phase of the project to help sort out factors influencing development and identify emerging rural business centers. Fee Fishing as an Economic Alternative for Small FarmsThe objectives of this research project, sponsored by the SRDC, include the following: (1) determine the cur- rent number and location of fee fishing lakes in Florida and the current regional impor- tance of fee fishing lakes in the southeastern United States; (2) determine the demographic background of both operators and users of fee fishing facilities in order to determine who operates these lakes, who comes to them, and why; (3) determine what types of servic^s are being offered and which ones are most desirable to their users; and (4) determine where fee fishing operations should be located and what types of services should be offered in order to maximize their success. Work is currently cen- tered on locating all fee fishing operations in Florida. This is being accomplished through pond management questionnaires sent to more than 1200 pond owners, re- quests at county level pond management meetings held by the Florida Agricultural Ex- tension Service, distribution of individual written requests to pond owners, and med:a publicity. Florida Extension agents and the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Com- mission are also indentifying fee fishing operations. Arrangements have been made to interview users at selected facilities, and user and operator questionnaires are currently being drafted. Each of the 15 states in the southeast U.S. will be contacted during the next quarter for information on the current status of fee fishing in their state. The project, expected to be completed in 20 months, is headed by Dr. Charles E. Cichra of the University of Florida. Associate investigator is Dr. Jerome V. Shireman, also of the University of Florida. An Economic Development Workshop for Rural Communities to Strengthen and Diversify the Lock.' Economy--Dr. Mike D. Woods of Oklahoma State University is principal investigator of this 18-month Extension project sponsored by the SRDC. Cooperating investigators are Dr. Larry Sanders and Dr. Gerald Doeksen, also of Okla- homa State University. The objective of the project is to develop a model workshop for community economic development in the Southern region. Specifically, the objectives include the following: (1) review relevant material regarding economic development strategies for rural communities; (2) develop material for a workshop including hand- outs, teaching notes, overheads, resource references and other support material; 9 12 10 (3) deliver the workshop on a pilot basis in one or more Southern states; and (4) pub- lish a workbook through the SRDC for use by Extension staff and other professionals. Accomplishments during the first two quarters of the project include conducting an ini- tial literature review, developing and refining workshop material and subject matter, conducting community workshops in Oklahoma using several forlats, scheduling addi- tional workshops, and conducting evaluations of the workshops which have generally been positive. Gordon Slogett will be a research associate during the next quarter. Plans include developing an annotated bibliography and compiling the notes, handouts, overheads, and orler supporting material for the workbook. The Current Economic. Condition of Farms, Agribusiness and Rural Communities and Policy Alternatives for Improving Rural Economic Development Dr. James 0. Wise of the University of Georgia is principal investigator for Mis two-year project spon- sored by the Center. The general objectives are to determine the effects of recent changes in the agricultural economy on farms, agribtisinesses and the rural community, and to examine alternative policies to promote farm income and rural economic de- velopment. More specifically, the first major objective is to determine the current situa- tion and the effects of recent changes in the rural economy on farm financial conditions a ld incomes, employment and incomes of hired farm workers and tenant farmers, em- ployment and financial conditions of agribusiness firms, employment and financial con ditions of non-farm businesses in rural areas, and conditions of rural governments and public services. The second major objective is to identify and examine alternative policy programs. In addition to supporting the research, the Center will publish a regional publication based on the research results foi distribution t:woughout the region. National Cooperative Extension Service Audioconference on Economic DevelopmentThe SRDC was a co-sponsor of this national audioconference which sought to heighten awareness of trends and issues in economic development as they relate to smaller, rural communities; sharpen knowledge and skills related to community economic development; and assist Extension Services in incorporating economic de- velopment into their plans of work. The conference, directed by Dr. Beth Walter Honadle to Cooperative Extension System professionals, had over 150 participants from the Southern region. Materials provided to participants were a handbook on economic development, a videotape, and an optional facilitator's manual. Quin State Economic Development ConferenceThe SRDC, along with the Coopera- tive Extension Services of five Southern states and area Chambers of Commerce sponsored this conference head March 5, 1987, in Blytheville, Arkansas. 1. e director in- troduced the keynote speaker, the honorable William F Winter. In addition to responses to Mr. Winter's address, sessions were held which emphasized the accomplishments of local leaders in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Illinois and Kentucky. Mr. J. B Williams of the University of Arkasnas directed the conference. Western Regional Extension Winter SchoolThe SRDC provided scholarships for persons from the Southern region to attend the course "Local Government and Exten- sion: A Working Partnership" offered at the University of Arizona, January 12-30, 1987. Southern Extension Public Affairs Committee/Southern Extension Marketing Com- mittee/Southern Extension Farm Management Committee joint meetingThe direc- tor nresenied a report on the activities of the SRDC at the joint meeting of these committees held June 23, 1987. 1i Resource Activities in Community Leadership DevelopmentA task group on Resource Activities in Community Leadership Development has been appointed, with Dr. Simon Garber of North Carolina State University and Dr. John Burton, Jr., Auburn University, aF.: Southern region members. This national task group is charged with as- sessing what leadership materials exist, in all Extension program areas, in the land- grant institutions. The SRDC will aid Drs. Garber and Burton in their task-group ac- tivities Tool Kit for Alternative Econorni, DevelopmentThe SRDC purchased tool kits for Texas A&M University, Mississippi State University and Florida A&M University, as re- quested by community development leaders at those institutions. The tool kits were de- veloped by the Missouri Extension Service. Policy Choices for a Changing AgricultureThis project of the National Public Policy Education Committee prepared nine leaflets to generate informed discussions about ongoing changes that are occurring in agriculture and alternatives for public policies which can influence these changes. Financial support was provided by Extension Service-USDA, the Farm Foundation, and the four regional rural development centers. Interaction for Progress, Research/Extension Conference-:The director participated on the program of this conference which was held May 19-21, 1986, in Greensboro, North Carolina. The conference was sponsored by North Carolina A&T State University. The SRDC published conference proceedings in May 1987. Economic Issues in Waste ManagementTne Southern Natural Resource Economics Committee sponsored a workshop on "Economic Issues in Waste Management" October 24, 1985, in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The workshop, directed toward clarifying the economic issues relating to land disposal and alternative methods dealing with wastes, evolved around eight presentations emphasizing ethical, theoretical and applied issues associated with waste management. The SRDC printed 325 copies of the proceedings in November 1986. Dr. William N. Park of the University of Tennessee and Dr. Lynn L. Reinschmiedt of Mississippi State University served as proceedings editors. Extension Committee on Policy Transportation Task Force 1987--This task force of the Extension Committee on Policy Subcommittee on Community Resource Develop- ment and Public Affairs is charged with the development and implementation of Exten- sion programs related to transportation issues facing rural regions. It has compiled "Rural Transportation Interest Sharing Network: A Directory of Assistance," as a result of a survey it conducted in late 1986. The SRDC will print for distrihution 500 copies of this directory which gives such information as name, address, area of expertise, method of disseminating informati )n, and expertise wanted. The Center director represents the four regional rural development centers on the task force. Managing Exhaustible Resources--May 16, 1985, the Southern Natural Resource Eco nomics Committee conducted a symposium concerning the management of exhaustible resources. The symposium, held in Lexington, Kentucky, and funded by the SRDC and Farm Foundation, was designed to identify the contemporary, theoretical and politicole- gal issues involved in economic analyses of exhaustible resources, with particular em- phasis on nonrenewable resources. In November 1986 the Center printed 325 copies of the symposium proceedings, with Dr. Angelos Pagoulatos of the University of Kentucky and Dr. Melanie A. Blackwell of the University of Kentucky serving as editors. 11 14 12 The Food Security Act of 1985-Impact for Extension Farm Management, Marketing and Policy Programs in the South-On April 8-9, 1986, the SRDC co-sponsored this conference on the 1985 farm bill, in cooperation with the Farm Foundation, Southern Extension Farm Management Committee, Southern Extension Marketing Committee and Southern Extension Public Affairs Committee. The conference focused on the im- pact of the 1985 farm bill on Southern agriculture and the resulting need for changes in Extension agricultural economics programs over the next few years. With editorial as- sistance from Dr. Hal Harris of Clemson University, the Center printed 400 copies of the conference proceedings in September 1983. Forest Management and Use of Marginal Agricultural Land in the Southern Region The SRDC cooperated with tha Southern Extension Public Affairs Committee, Tennessee Valley Authority, Southern Forestry Economics Workers and Farm Founda- tion to sponsor this regional workshop held June 18-19, 1986, in Chattanooga, Tennes- see. The workshop focused on policy and management issues related to increasing the production of land resources devoted to forestry and agriculture. The Center is in the final stages of publishing a proceedings. Dr. J. Paxton Marshall, of Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, is serving as editor. Southern Regional Agricultural Outlook Conference-The center director, as chair- man of the planning committee, took the lead in planning this conference held Sep- tember 29-October 1, 1986, in Atlanta. The conference is held annually to present the outlook in the South for the major agricultural enterprises. Attended by 60 participants, the conference was intended for Extension personnel, who use the information gained from the conference to develop educational programs in their states. The Center provided 850 registration brochures and 125 final programs. NASULGC Committee on Policy--The goal of this committee is to explore ways by which land-grant uni\ 'ties can be more effective in producing and disseminatirj knowledge that is relev, nt to the formulation of public policies that impact the ag ;cul- tural sector, in particular, and rural America, in general. The director is a member ,f this committee. He attended meetings of the committee in Chicago, Illinois, September 1986; in Denver, Colorado, February 1987; and in St. Louis, Missouri, August 1987. Preliminary information for a report has been complied by the committee members. Rssearch Agendas for Agriculture and Rural Communities meeting-The SRDC provided travel support for two representatives of the Southern region to attend this combined meeting of rural sociologists and agricultural economists. Dr. Ronald Knutson, Texas A&M University, chairman of the Vitalization Task Force, is coordinating the writing of a set of issue papers on the topic "Federal Government Options for Vitalizing Rural America." The SRDC provided travel support for Dr. Knutson to attend a meeting of the task force. Mississippi-Louisiana Rural Life Conference-This conference, directed to small-scale agricultural producers, ministers and lay leaders, was held at Alcorn State University, Lorman, Mississippi, June 5, 1987. Designed to increase the awareness and under- standing of small-scale agricultural producers of the implications of the conservation compliance provisions of the 1985 Farm Bill, the conference had 271 people attending from southwest Mississippi and southeast Louisiana. Alcorn Cooperative Extension Program, Louisiana Cooperative Extension Program, Southwest Mississippi Resource Conservation and Development Area, and USDA sponsored the conference, with sup- port from the Center and Farm Foundation. 15 Potential Social Impacts from the Diffusion of Bovine Somatotropin--Dr Don E Albrecht, Texas A&M Univeisity, represented the Southern region at a national meeting held July 18, 1987, in ,Thicago, Illinois. The group, representing each of the rural de- velopment centers, discussed research methods to study the issue, potential social im- pacts and possible funding sources. Policy Working Group on Groundwater Quality--A policy workirg group met Septem- ber 13, 1987, in Kennebunkport, Maine, to explore the potential for integrated research and Extension programs on the policy-related aspects of the issue of groundwater qual- ity. Dr. Leon Danielson, North Carolina Sate University, and Dr Roy Carriker, University of Florida, represented the Southern region. Risk and Natural ResourcesThe Southern Natural Resource Economics Committee sponsored a workshop on "Risk and Natural Resources" October 23-24, 1986, in Atlan- ta, Georgia. The workshop focused on clarifying the risk related issues associated with the economic analysis of environmental management decisions. The SRDC printed 375 copies of the proceedings in September 1987. Dr. Sandra S. Batie and Dr. Randall A. Kramer served as proceedings editors. Recording and disseminating what is taking place and what is being established in rural development throughout the region and nation is one of the priorities of the center. One way this task is accomplished is through a constant publishing effort in- cluding the following: 1. SRDC Newsletter--CAPSULES is intended as a regional news letter designed to disseminate information in brief form. Each monthly issue of the newslette- is sent to more than 1,800 persons involved in community development, civic improvement, recreation, planning, government, education and a variety of or- ganizations and agencies working in rural development. 2. Conference Materials--Since the SRDC uses workshops and conferences as an integral part of its program, some staff time must be devoted to preparation and printing of such conference materials as pre-conference advertising brochures, programs, name tags, banquet tickets, registration folders, press kits, etc. 3. PublicationsThe center has printed and distributed the following publications since October 1, 1986. No. Publication 86 The Food Security Act of 1985--Impact for Extension Farm Management, Marketing, and Policy Programs in the South, October 1986 87 1986 Annual Progress Report, October 1986 88 Policy Forum: Diversification Strategies for a New Southern Agricul- ture, October 1986 89 Managing Exhaustible Resources, SNREC 23, November 1986 90 Ministering to Troubled Families--II, Evaluation of a Multi-State Workshop, April 1987 91 The Competitive Position of Southern Agriculture in a World Econ- omy, April 1987 92 Interaction for Progress, May 1987 94 Alternative Farming Opportunities for the South, June 1987 95 Development of Alternative Beef Production Systems for the Southeast Using Cotton and Poultry Industry Wastes, June 1987 96 Computer Selection and Use in Local Government Notebook, July 1987 97 National Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium, August 1987 98 Risk and Natural Resources, SNREC 24, September 1987 99 Economic Analysis of Alternative Trash Collection Systems in Mis- sissippi and Alabama, September 1987 18 13 Information Dissemination The SRDC is one of four regional rural development centers in the nation. It coordinates cooperation between the Research (Expriment Station) and Extension (Cooperative Extension Service) staffs at landgrant institutions in the South to provide tech- nical consultation, research, training, and evaluation services for rural development. This publication is one of several published by the Center on various needs, program thrusts, and research efforts in rural develop ment. For more information about SRDC activities and publications, write to the Director. Southern Rural Development Center Box 5446 Mississippi State, MS 39762 The Southern Rural Development Center is an Equal Opportunity Organization providirg research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex or national origin. SRDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SRDC Series No. 101 17 October 1987