Results of Ag Department’s E-Letter survey

By Al Cooke, Extension Agent
Posted Thursday, February 14, 2008

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Pittsboro, NC - I would like to thank all of you who participated in the online survey of the E-Letter and share with you some of the information gleaned.

Out of 738 initial recipients, there were 194 replies, about 26%. According to those who know more about surveys than I, that’s a pretty good percentage. (The current subscription number is at 748.)

We have to acknowledge that those who are most interested are the ones most likely to complete a survey and the ones most likely to have actually taken one of the actions asked about. So take it all with a grain of salt – but not the entire rim.

78% have been more selective about watering by paying attention to plant needs. During 2007, it’s not surprising that you were more selective about watering. It is good news that you’re letting the plants tell you more about their needs. Selective watering is not only a better use of the resource; it’s better for the plants. 70% of you are also watering more deeply and less often. In doing so you are “teaching” the plants the value of deeper roots, also better for the plants. Far fewer of you, less than 30%, are using cycled irrigation. So you may expect to hear more about that in the future.

65% of you have learned an environmentally sound strategy for managing a pest. And 59% of you have decided you didn’t need to worry about something you had thought was a pest. I hope you’re sleeping better too! And 74% of you have improved your pest management. Good for you!

54% of you are being more cautious in your use of fertilizer. Good for your plants and good for the environment. Fertilizers – both organic and synthetic – are one of the sources of the biggest water pollution problem in Chatham County, phosphorous.

61% of you have improved the appearance of your property but only 30% of you perceived that as an enhancement of value. 60% of you feel that your quality of life has somehow been enhanced. I feel good about that. And 47% of you have saved money. I bet you feel good about that. You estimated the amount saved in various ways and I’ve tallied using a conservative side of your number ranges. For those 50 who answered (not all with an actual number) the total exceeded $15,000 or $300 each.

I gather that the E Letter has value to you not only from that but also from the fact that 2/3 of you have forwarded it at least once. Some of you regularly send it on to a large or small mailing list.

There are far too many personal stories to share. I appreciate your taking the time to share them with me. I’m not finished with them yet. But taken together they weave a story that Extension is filling a role in your life. Since your tax dollars are paying for it, that’s a good thing. Just remember that the story is much bigger than the E Letter.

As an Extension Agent I represent a small portion of what Extension can do for you. Our local staff has agents that are expert in livestock, forages, poultry, dairy, organic fruit and vegetable production, as well as issues of concern to you as members of a family. Whether it’s diet and exercise or 4-H programs for your kids and grandkids, Extension seeks to provide information you can count on from people you know. When you push us to our limits, we also have access to a large number of Extension Specialists at NC State University. We don’t know it all, but we have a lot of resources.

To subscribe to the E-Letter please send an email to al_cooke@ncsu.edu ? E-Letters are archived at chatham.ces.ncsu.edu/content/WGEindex