Publications

Authors: Caroline DiGiovanni - Claire Cambardella - Amanda Rockler - Eric Buehl

arvesting Rainwater with Rain Barrels is an introductory fact sheet to the practice of harvesting rainwater, and its benefits, including stormwater management, water conservation, financial incentives, and practical reasons. Information on rain barrel assembly and installation can be found in follow-up publications. By Caroline DiGiovanni, Claire Cambardella, Amanda Rockler, and Eric Buehl; Title: Harvesting Rainwater with Rain Barrels (FS-2025-0769).

Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson - Michael Elonge

This fact sheet examines the relationship between housing needs and the family life cycle, highlighting housing as a critical factor in family well-being and social stability. As families move through life stages - from childbearing years to retirement - their housing needs evolve, requiring flexible and affordable living options. Rising housing costs, inflation, and income inequality create significant financial barriers for many households, making it increasingly difficult to secure stable housing. Challenges such as saving for down payments, navigating mortgage rates, and managing property taxes further complicate the path to homeownership. The article also discusses homelessness in Maryland, noting that a shortage of affordable housing contributes significantly to the issue. Strategies for families include financial planning, utilizing housing assistance programs, and exploring alternative housing arrangements. Ultimately, the authors call for a comprehensive, multi-sector approach that combines program support, financial education, and community resources to ensure families have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson & Michael Elonge; Title: The Financial Implications of Housing Needs on the Family Life Cycle (FS-2025-0776).

Authors: Shannon Dill - Sarah Hirsh - Kurt Vollmer - Dr. Nicole Fiorellino - Andrew Kness - Macy Cook

This publication highlights the impact of the 2024-2025 UMD Extension (UME) Winter Agriculture Production Meetings, focusing on participant engagement, UME program delivery, and nutrient management. Results demonstrate the continued importance of UME winter programming in supporting informed decision-making, regulatory compliance, and farm profitability across Maryland’s agricultural sector. Authors: Shannon Dill, Sarah Hirsh, Kurt Vollmer, Nicole Fiorellino, Andrew Kness, and Macy Cook; Title: University of Maryland Extension Winter Meeting Data 2025 (FS-2025-0780).

Authors: Becky Ridgeway - Anna Glenn

When preparing to show poultry in 4-H, it can be overwhelming at times with the rules and guidelines that are found within the Maryland 4-H program and specifically in your individual county. If you take the time to read over the rules and guidelines and have open communication with your 4-H Extension Educator, 4-H Poultry Department Superintendents, and your Club Leader, it becomes an easier process to ensure a positive experience. Authors: Becky Ridgeway and Anna Glenn; Title: Maryland 4-H Requirements and Tools for Exhibiting Poultry (FS-2025-0773).

Authors: Becky Ridgeway - Anna Glenn

When preparing to show rabbits in 4-H, it can be overwhelming at times with the rules and guidelines that are found within the Maryland 4-H program and specifically in your individual county. If you take the time to read over the rules and guidelines and have open communication with your 4-H Extension Educator, 4-H Rabbit Department Superintendents, and your Club Leader, it becomes an easier process to ensure a positive experience. Authors: Becky Ridgeway and Anna Glenn; Title: Maryland 4-H Requirements and Tools for Exhibiting Rabbits (FS-2025-0772).

Authors: Santana (Mays) Sparks - Karen Wood - Jessica Mellon - Torrey Silliman - Vernelle Mitchell Hawkins

Growing Impact: Multiplying Efforts in 4-H Programs" illustrates how to design initiatives that amplify your efforts and enhance the outcomes of your 4-H program. By developing capacity within 4-H, providing resources, and training educators and leaders, 4-H programs can generate ripple effects that broaden their reach over time. This publication shares four methods for multiplying efforts: delegating, collaborating internally and externally, and communicating through publishing. As these strategies are embraced, it will help improve 4-H Educator resiliency and strengthen programs to better the outcomes. The potential for positive change will grow, leaving a lasting impact on youth and communities served by 4-H. Authors: Santana Sparks (Mays), Karen Wood, Jessica Mellon, Torrey Silliman, and Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins Title: Growing Impact: Multiplying Efforts in 4-H Programs (FS-2024-0746).

Authors: Ashley Travis - Navonne Owen - Jesse Ketterman

Extension personnel often work independently to plan and facilitate a variety of programs, especially for programming in their respective area of expertise (e.g., Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Science, or Youth Development) and in their county or cluster. Many do not consider the possibilities of multi-programmatic collaborations and partnerships within their own offices or units. A multi-programmatic approach is one way to address public needs and better serve the intended audience. This collaborative programmatic model can easily be incorporated into any existing or new Extension program. Authors: Ashley Travis, University of Maryland Extension, 4-H Youth Development; Navonne Owen, University of Maryland Extension, 4-H Youth Development; Jesse Ketterman, University of Maryland Extension, Family and Consumer Science; Title: A Multi-Programmatic Approach to Extension Programming (FS-2020-0565).

Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson

This factsheet examines the relationship between cognitive dissonance and the clarification of financial values, emphasizing its pivotal role in advancing financial literacy. Cognitive dissonance, characterized by the mental discomfort that arises from conflicting beliefs and actions, can significantly influence financial decision-making processes. To achieve clarity in financial values, it is crucial to identify and harmonize financial objectives with personal values, thereby mitigating potential dissonance. The author explores the ways in which internal conflicts can impede financial success, drawing attention to psychological repercussions such as stress, anxiety, and decreased satisfaction. By acknowledging and aligning key values with financial goals, individuals can alleviate cognitive dissonance, thereby facilitating decisions that foster financial well-being. The article further examines the psychological effects of financial dissonance and suggests pragmatic strategies for alignment, underscoring the significance of personal values in the realm of financial decision-making. Ultimately, this article advocates for comprehensive financial education aimed at developing a mindset resilient to external pressures. Such education empowers individuals to make consistent, fulfilling financial decisions, thereby securing a stable and prosperous future. Author: Troy Anthony Anderson, Ed.D.; Title: The Influence of Cognitive Dissonance on Financial Value Clarification (FS-2025-0770).

Authors: Kaustubh Shah - Cara Peterson - Hemendra Kumar, Ph.D.

This publication explains evapotranspiration (ET) concepts and estimation methods, crop coefficients for major crops, and step-by-step irrigation depth calculations, showing how ET-based scheduling improves precision irrigation, crop water demands, and avoids excess water application. Authors: Kaustubh Shah, Cara Peterson, Ph.D., and Hemendra Kumar, Ph.D.; Title: Evapotranspiration and Its Importance in Precision Irrigation Water Management (FS-2025-0792).

Authors: Navonne Owen

Anxiety in certain situations is normal. This is true with public speaking. Incorporating these 10 simple techniques into the preparation and presentation of your speech can make you a more confident speaker. Author: Navonne Owen; Title: Ten Ways to Increase Your Public Speaking Confidence (FS-2024-0713).