The latest free guides from Washington State University Extension share best practices for research using online focus groups, as well as an annual review of production and performance at WSU’s Wilke Research Farm.
Researchers at WSU and partner institutions regularly publish online guides on topics ranging from agriculture to community health to research advances. View more new publications and find an archive of guides at the WSU Extension Publications website.
New offerings include:
WSU Wilke Research and Extension Farm Operation, Production, and Economic Performance for 2023 (TB100E)
This annual publication describes the yearly performance of 320-acre Wilke Farm, located just outside Davenport, Wash. Authors Aaron Esser, Wilke Farm Committee chair and Extension agronomist, and farm manager Derek Appel detail rotations, soil and weather data, research, and economic trends.
The predominant cropping system practiced by farmers in this region is a three-year rotation that includes summer fallow, winter wheat, and spring cereals like wheat and barley. Over the last three years at Wilke, the three-year rotation, four-year rotation, and continuous cropping rotation have averaged returns above input costs of $150, $191, and $191 per acre, respectively. Average input costs per year at the farm were up 37% over the three-year average. Previous technical bulletins can be accessed through the Wheat and Small Grains website.
Best Practices for Conducting Successful Online Focus Groups (TB92E)
The COVID-19 pandemic put an extended halt to in-person research. This publication describes how one research team successfully pivoted their work to Zoom focus groups, outlining best practices based on literature and their firsthand experience. Online groups are a cost-effective means to gather qualitative data while reducing barriers to participation.
Authors include Kelley Pascoe, graduate student at the University of Washington School of Public Health; Erica Doering, graduate student in the WSU Department of Human Development; Katherine Hampilos, student at the UCLA School of Medicine; Elizabeth Weybright and Brittany Rhoades Cooper, associate professors in the WSU Department of Human Development; and AnaMaria Diaz Martinez, associate professor, WSU Extension Youth & Family Program Unit.