Progress 03/01/24 to 02/28/25
Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, there have been 835 students and 29 CA High School Ag Educator participations documented. 472 HSI student participants receiving classroom instruction and discussion on the topics developed through COOP (230 at Fresno State, 126 at Sam Houston State University, 116 Fresno City) 41 California high school students participants receiving classroom instruction and discussion on the topics developed through COOP (Marysville High School) 24 California Agricultural Education teachers were equipped with coop training to provide this instruction in their own high school classrooms. San Joaquin Valley Manufacturer Alliance's MADE in the Valley Summit student participants: 43 105 FCC students attended two Pathways to a Four Year Degree Workshop and Tour hosted at CSUF (4/5/24 and 2/29/25) 61 CSUF and FCC student participants in the Sept. 30th hands-on job preparation workshop Y2-Y5 13 students attended the International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta, GA from CSUF (10) and FCC (3) 12 HSI students attended the in person Cal Poly San Luis Obispo/COOP Processing Workshop and received hands-on training in broiler catch and processing. Eight HSI student assistants received experiential learning opportunities developing online training graphic design and translation services. One scientific peer reviewed presentation completed by a student. Two COOP trainings hosted by student assistants (at California Ag Teachers Association and International Production and Processing Expo) High school students and ag teachers receiving information on COOP efforts through outreach work at the Fresno State FFA Field Day Poultry Contest: 80 students, 5 high school ag teachers Changes/Problems: Although Ziker Research successfully conducted initial evaluation activities this reporting period, results have indicated specific areas where we can strengthen student confidence in implementing welfare assessment strategies. To address this, we plan to integrate additional hands-on and critical-thinking components within the existing XR framework, leveraging Ziker's preliminary findings to optimize future training effectiveness.Feedback from student evaluations of the XR training sessions indicated opportunities to further refine and enhance the training content. Student suggestions included adding modules on auditing, gait scoring, and carcass inspection, as well as improving technical aspects such as video loading speeds and camera calibration. This feedback is highly valuable, and we plan to incorporate these recommended improvements in the next reporting period to continue elevating the immersive training experience. The XR training modules provided immersive experiences; however, maintaining participant engagement and motivation throughout extended interactive scenarios proved challenging. Next year, we plan to incorporate interactive storytelling elements, such as mystery scenarios or role-playing, to enhance student engagement, critical thinking, and retention of complex welfare concepts. Given the technologically advanced nature of the XR training, we identified the need to anticipate and address varying technological limitations among participants more effectively. Moving forward, we will implement an assessment process to evaluate participants' technological capabilities in advance and develop clear troubleshooting protocols to ensure smoother delivery during training sessions. Initial student feedback indicated a gap in students' awareness of career pathways beyond traditional animal science roles. Recognizing this, we aim to broaden the scope of student outreach next year, emphasizing diverse agricultural career opportunities in fields such as graphic design, communications, linguistics, and technology, thereby better aligning with the diverse skill sets of our student participants. The coordination of collaborative events between multiple campuses and institutions introduced logistical complexity, which occasionally resulted in lower-than-anticipated participation. Moving forward, we plan to standardize and streamline coordination processes with partnering institutions to facilitate clearer communication, earlier scheduling, and more effective cross-campus collaboration. Due to university facility availability and scheduling constraints, the COOP career fair has been scheduled for April 2025, placing the event in the subsequent reporting period. Planning and organization, including securing participation from 11 employers, occurred during the current reporting period, ensuring readiness for successful execution at the start of Year 3. While faculty successfully led student groups to national and international industry conferences, student feedback revealed varying preparedness levels among attendees. To enhance the experience and professional outcomes for students, next year we intend to expand preparatory workshops, including professional etiquette, industry-specific communication skills, and targeted conference objectives, to ensure consistency in student preparedness and maximize professional development opportunities. The transition from external consultants to student-managed website maintenance proved successful this year, yet it underscored the need for structured guidance and mentorship to sustain high-quality outcomes consistently. To address this challenge, next year we will formally enhance mentoring and training resources, better positioning students to confidently and effectively maintain and expand the COOP digital presence. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Student Professional development The XR Workshop training materials represent an emerging model for how immersive technology can elevate participants' industry-specific skills. Survey responses from both students and industry partners indicate that the training provides a promising foundation in preparing the next generation of poultry professionals Student preparation for the job market available through: Resume and interview preparation workshops and in-class presentations Putting into practice job readiness skills through student participation at: US POULTRY College Student Program interview event Student networking and industry educational opportunities available through student attendance to the following events International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) and US POULTRY College Student Program San Joaquin Valley Manufacturer Alliance's MADE in the Valley Summit Two graphic design student assistants worked closely with senior personnel to develop media used within online modules. This is of particular importance as graphic design is a critical skill set needed in ag-industries, but this student was not aware that ag could be a career field. One ag education student assistant worked closely with senior personnel to develop and refine educational content based off of their skill set in curricular development. This is of particular importance because the student did not recognize curricular development opportunities outside of high school classrooms for career opportunities. One ag education graduate student worked to develop and host in person workshops to train high school ag teachers to empower those teachers to educate high school students on career opportunities in the poultry industry as well as COOP certifications in processing. Three animal science students (two graduate and one undergraduate) worked to develop updated curricular content specific to industry needs in the online modules One linguistics student worked closely with senior personnel to translate the modules into Spanish. This is a particularly critical piece of being able to reach a target audience, whose primary language may be in Spanish, especially as the industry contains a significant amount of jargon. This student's role was incredibly important in accurately producing translations. Faculty/staff professional development Two faculty led their first student groups to the IPPE conference. One faculty presented COOP training opportunities to audiences at EuroTeir in Frankfurt, Germany (11/12/24) and at VivAsia in Bangkok,Thailand (3/12/25) While international in scope, participants in these conferences include international companies who are represented in the United States, as well as undergraduate and graduate student participants from the US who travel to these international conferences. Effort was made to increase contact and networking with these companies and to expand the reach of the educational modules. Student Training Through participation in the online modules and certificate program, students are receiving industry-critical training in poultry processing as the industry was surveyed to determine the most critical pieces of knowledge needed for employees within this industry. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? University social media campaigns highlighting HSI student participation in certificated trainings and career readiness events Popular press articles published on the establishment of COOP and the trainings offered https://www.poultryworld.net/the-industrymarkets/market-trends-analysis-the-industrymarkets-2/poultry-gut-health-and-sustainability-welfare-seminars-at-eurotier/ https://campusnews.fresnostate.edu/november-25-2024/kudos-to-campus-employees Scientific conference presentation Huisinga, L. A. 2024. User Experience Design of Poultry Welfare Courses. AHFE International Conference on Human Factors in Design, Engineering, and Computing. Hawaii, USA. Tarrant, K. J. 2024. Industry partnerships as catalysts for fostering inclusive growth in broiler welfare education. Poultry Science Association Industry trade show presentations Tarrant, K. J. 2025. Key Welfare Indicator Guide Training. International Production and Processing Expo. Atlanta, Georgia. Tarrant, K. J. 2025. Innovative Poultry Welfare Training Through Extended Reality (XR) and Immersive Learning Experiences. TechTalk. International Production and Processing Expo. Atlanta, Georgia. Tarrant, K. J. 2024. Poultry World: Sustainability. Keynote Speaker. EuroTeir, Frankfurt, Germany. Tarrant, K. J. 2024. Education & Training Committee: Training Course Experience. International Poultry Welfare Alliance Annual Meeting. Atlanta, Georgia. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Expand XR training to incorporate student feedback. Students' recommendations for improving the training included: introduce modules on auditing, gait scoring, and carcass inspection; improve XR functionality (loading speeds, better camera calibration); and expand real-world case simulations and decision-making challenges Expand the role of COOP as a model to highlight career pathways in poultry processing for students in disciplines beyond animal sciences, explicitly targeting areas like graphic design, communication, linguistics, and technology. Promote nationwide access to resources developed and increase participation in online modules by students of other HSIs Further develop the California Ag Teacher Association Agri Skills Workshop hosted, which uses COOP as a career readiness model for high school ag teachers to train students to explore opportunities for employment within poultry processing, to increase exposure to processing equipment and steps with live demonstrations. This is to include industry-led discussions addressing California HSI students' potential for processing careers regionally and nationwide and assistance in creating motivational educational support for students to pursue these opportunities. Explore the use of COOP as a model to provide processing aligned career training for students from other disciplines (i.e. graphic design is a skillset that is needed in the industry, but graphic design students do not recognize this industry as a career option) Onboard non-processing faculty to become mentors for students in their own disciplines that could benefit from career training in processing Development of a COOP branded LinkedIn account and campaign to advertise upcoming events Presentations on COOP outcomes presented at scientific conferences and workshops Provide clear instructions on adding the certificate to LinkedIn as a method to increase student career-readiness visibility Provide career counseling and advising for associate and bachelor degree seekers through planned tours of processing facilities at CSUF Update the online training material developed as new techniques in management and evaluation are published Events Planned for Next reporting period: 4/4/25 FCC-hosted Processing Maintenance Mechanic Job Fair 5/6/25 Georgia Precision Poultry Farming Conference COOP presentation 6/22/25 California Ag Teacher Association Broiler Processing Skills Workshop 6/26/25 California Ag Teacher Association Broiler Catch and Processing Demonstration 8/16/24 In Person Broiler Processing Workshop at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Pilot Processing Plant TBD: Fall 2025 Resume Builder and Interview Prep Workshops 1/27-29/26 International Production and Processing Expo 2/5/26 CSUF Agriculture Career Fair and COOP Sponsored Interview Event
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
43 student participants at the San Joaquin Valley Manufacturer Alliance's MADE in the Valley Summit; Fresno, CA Interview preparation and attendance to the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) and US POULTRY College Student Program; Atlanta, GA Jan 26-30, 2025 CSUF sent 10 students and 3 faculty members, and FCC sent 3 students and 1 faculty member to IPPE, and UC Davis sent 1 student Student Career Development Workshops Resume Building Workshop 9/30/24 (3 sessions) Practice Mock Interviews/Feedback Sessions 10/2/24 and 10/3/24 (6 sessions) Conference Travel and Professionalism Workshop 1/12/25 Broiler Processing Welfare, Handling, and Safety online training modules updated Updates were made based off changes in science, updating references, and adding additional media pieces 359 HSI students registered for courses. eXtended Reality (XR) in person workshops created and deployed in order to add additional training and critical thinking elements to the COOP curricula. 30 student participants were documented through the two sessions (1/28/25 and 2/12/25) Developed and delivered a structured campus workshop and tour at Fresno State, specifically designed for Fresno City College students, providing direct exposure to poultry processing facilities and equipment, guidance on transferring to a four-year program, and emphasizing clear educational and career pathways between institutions. During this performance period, California State University Fresno contracted with Ziker Research to conduct a program evaluation of the COOP Project. Evaluation activities included meetings with the project leadership, developing a timeline for evaluation activities, and co-designing and implementing an XR Workshop survey for students and industry participants. Findings from this evaluation indicate that the project has made significant progress towards the above goals, including developing and delivering an XR workshop at the IPPE Conference in Atlanta Georgia in January 2025. This workshop aimed to train future poultry industry professionals by using XR technology to bring real-world processing plant conditions into the classroom and to connect students with real job pathways. Through virtual walkthroughs of processing plants, students learned to identify animal welfare concerns, such as bruising, stress indicators, and stunning effectiveness. Feedback from workshop participants was collected via a student online survey and a survey for industry participants. Students at California State University Fresno also engaged with the XR workshop materials and completed the student survey. Both student groups reported positive views regarding the immersive, engaging design of the training. Survey results are summarized below and were presented to the project leadership team in a timely way for use in identifying ways to improve immersive training. Findings The survey was completed by 15 students, 80% of whom found the content very relevant to their career goals; 87% rated it "very engaging"; and 60% reported strong confidence in applying critical thinking post-session. The use of XR technology was reported to be effective for most participants: 67% found the tools easy to use, while 80% reported that the use of XR significantly enhanced their learning. Strengths that were noted by students included the 360° facility videos, sticky note challenges, and supply chain mapping activities. In addition, 60% students reported feeling "very confident" applying skills post-workshop, however, when asked "To what extent do you feel equipped to implement welfare assessment strategies, results were mixed., ranging from 'extremely' equipped, to 'not very equipped'. 80% found welfare indicators and supply chain mapping activities "completely clear", while 67% rated the XR tools as "very easy to use". It was noted that some students reported video loading delays. Responses included the following student quotes: "I enjoyed the 360 view. It helped me understand how facilities really operate"; "Checking actual answers challenged my assumptions. It opened my perspective"; and "It (the workshop) broadened my perspective--I now understand how small welfare indicators connect to bigger issues." Industry partnership was established through an MOU with Global Food Partners The multidisciplinary advisory board provided support to the direction and content of the modules Increased participation of HSI students at the International Production and Processing Expo and College Student Program and interview event, in which Hispanic student participation has historically been extremely underrepresented. Development of an eXtended Reality (XR) leadership training with a certification demonstrating an advanced level of understanding in broiler processing management.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Huisinga, L. A. 2024. User Experience Design of Poultry Welfare Courses. AHFE International Conference on Human Factors in Design, Engineering, and Computing. Hawaii, USA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Tarrant, K. J. 2024. Industry partnerships as catalysts for fostering inclusive growth in broiler welfare education. Poultry Science Association
|
Progress 03/01/23 to 02/29/24
Outputs
Target Audience:HSI student participants receiving classroom instruction and discussion on the topics developed through COOP Animal Science students at California State University Fresno (CSUF) (3/1/23-2/29/24) - 166 Total FA23: 70 enrolled ASCI 102 FA 23: 22 enrolled in ASCI 91 SP24: 39 enrolled ASCI 102 Sp24: 21 enrolled ASCI 191 Sp 24: 14 enrolled ASCI 91 Maintenance Mechanic students at Fresno City College FCC (3/1/23-2/29/24) - 219 Total SP23: 24 SU23: 23 FA23 Section 1: 23 FA23 Section 2: 22 FA23 Section 3: 22 FA23 Section 4: 22 FA23 Section 5: 22 FA23 Section 6:16 SP24 Section 1: 22 SP24 Section 2: 23 Active HSI student participation in online curriculum developed: 92 Career experiential learning in broiler processing and instruction on career opportunities for HSI students from CSUF and FCC incorporated into workshops and classroom instruction: 280 San Joaquin Valley Manufacturer Alliance's MADE in the Valley Summit student participants: 135 CSUF STEAM career and interview fair participants: 577 International Production and Processing Expo Participants from CSUF and FCC: 14 HSI student assistants receiving experiential learning opportunities developing online training graphic design and translation services. High school students and ag teachers receiving information on COOP efforts through outreach work at the Fresno State FFA Field Day Poultry Contest: 75 students, 6 high school ag teachers Changes/Problems: Developing an online curriculum for a typically in-person subject area, and one that can be extremely sensitive as it relates to animals going through the process of slaughter, required beta testing and subsequent revisions beyond what we had originally anticipated. Though slightly delayed by a few months in our original timeline to finalize the online certificate program focusing on broiler processing, we are happy to report that the module outcome far exceeds our expectations through the development of novel visuals used to represent complex processes. Despite the time setback, we were still able to make our Y1 goals in student participation. Our planned evaluator was not available to act as the evaluator on this project. We were able to identify an excellent candidate and begin discussions on grant expectations and outcomes for evaluation purposes during Y1. The formalization of the evaluator through signed agreements will be made early on in the Y2 budgeted timeline. Due to the diverse skill sets of personnel working on this project, including faculty without poultry or animal science experience who are bringing critical skill sets such as ag communication and graphic design, and who are supervising students within these subject areas, it has become clear that we have lacked an efficient on-boarding process that introduces these people to poultry processing topics. Beyond the basics in the steps of processing are considerations on the sensitive nature of the language that needs to be used to describe the welfare and handling needs of the industry. From this need, we are working on an on-boarding training that not only introduces senior personnel and student assistants supported through the project to a poultry processing 101-type training, but also provides context for public perceptions on processing and the critical nature of maintaining appropriate welfare techniques, both in practice and in any curriculum text developed. While we had excellent student participation in the hosted events, most students did not choose to provide supplementary surveys and personal information needed to provide student reimbursement stipends for event participation despite multiple request attempts. As such, these student participant funds are instead allocated to support student participation in industry-recognized career training certification scholarships. This is an excellent opportunity for us to provide for students, as it will be not only developing career-critical skill sets, but it provides an actionable resume booster that students can use to elevate their job search documents and discussion points during interviews. Ultimately, we will impact more students beyond our original goals through this process. A website was developed without the budgeted website consultant through a student project supported from other funds. It has become clear that we have qualified students with the skill sets needed to maintain and update the website, which aligns with our plan to use COOP as a model to develop FANHS career readiness skills for students outside of the traditional animal science discipline. As such, these funds will be carried forward as student assistant and faculty mentorship support to further build out the site. We are excited that we have been able to identify a method to further support HSI students with the grant funding. The senior personnel budgeted for summer experienced a delay in processing, and was unable to be disturbed during the summer months for Y1. The funding has been reallocated to be spent during Y2 and will reflect senior personnel's efforts in increasing student participant support opportunities highlighted above. Spend down of the funds by FCC's subaward was delayed for Year 1 due to a delay in a fully executed contract agreement, and a request to carryover funds to Year 2 was approved by CSUF. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Student Professional development Student preparation for the job market available through: Resume and interview preparation workshops and in-class presentations Putting into practice job readiness skills through student participation at: US POULTRY College Student Program interview event STEAM Career Fair and Interview event at CSUF Student networking and industry educational opportunities available through student attendance to the following events International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) and US POULTRY College Student Program San Joaquin Valley Manufacturer Alliance's MADE in the Valley Summit A graphic design student assistant worked closely with senior personnel to develop media used within online modules. This is of particular importance as graphic design is a critical skillset needed in ag-industries, but this student was not aware that ag could be a career field. Faculty/staff professional development Two junior faculty led their first student groups to the IPPE conference. Student Training Through participation in the online modules and certificate program, students are receiving industry-critical training in poultry processing as industry was surveyed to determine the most critical pieces of knowledge needed for employees within this industry. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Developed curricula and events have been published on the COOP website University social media campaigns highlighting HSI student participation in certificated trainings and career readiness events Popular press articles published on the establishment of COOP and the trainings offered 01/25/2024 Morning Ag Clips https://www.morningagclips.com/cutting-edge-educational-training-modules-on-poultry-welfare/ 01/27/2024 Meat+poultry https://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/29663-poultry-groups-partner-to-launch-welfare-training-modules 01/30/2024 Feedstuffs https://www.feedstuffs.com/nutrition-and-health/international-poultry-welfare-alliance-introduces-cutting-edge-training-modules- 01/25/2024 IPWA https://www.ippexpo.org/media/exh-press-releases/docs/7F1DFD96DD0D77F98CA6B5553D766E60BBB8F947-8AD0B759-B94E-8AAC-C60DCBEAD90A7EC3.pdf 02/14/2024 IPWA Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/posts/international-poultry-welfare-alliance-ipwa_poultry-poultryscience-agricultureeducation-activity-7161452998638993408-HWwb/ 01/29/2024 Wattpoultry https://www.wattagnet.com/latest-news/press-release/15663061/ipwa-collaborating-with-fresno-state-coop The National Provisioner https://www.provisioneronline.com/articles/116313-new-ipwa-training-modules-promote-poultry-welfare-best-practices What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Goals towards grant objectives Promote nationwide access to resources developed and increase participation in online modules by students of other HSIs Publish Spanish translation of the Broiler Processing Key Welfare Indicator online module Use COOP as a career readiness model for high school ag teachers to train students to explore opportunities for employment within poultry processing. This is to include industry-led discussions addressing California HSI students' potential for processing careers regionally and nationwide and assistance in creating motivational educational support for students to pursue these opportunities. Explore the use of COOP as a model to provide processing aligned career training for students not in the animal sciences (i.e. graphic design is a skillset that is needed in the industry, but graphic design students do not recognize this industry as a career option) Host an in person processing workshop at Cal Poly SLO pilot processing plant where students will explore poultry welfare evaluation, soft skills, and leadership skills in the processing industry. Development of a COOP branded LinkedIn account and campaign to advertise upcoming events Presentations on COOP outcomes presented at scientific conferences and workshops Provide clear instructions on adding the certificate to LinkedIn as a method to increase student career-readiness visibility Provide career counseling and advising for associate and bachelor degree seekers through planned tours of processing facilities at CSUF Update the online training material developed as new techniques in management and evaluation are published Events Planned for Next reporting period: 4/5/24 CSUF site visit for FCC students to create linkages to four year degrees 4/10/24 FCC/CSUF Job Fair at CTC results 5/20/24 Resume and Interview Workshops 5/27/24 Resume and Interview Workshops 6/4/24 FCC/CSUF Job Fair at CTC results 6/25/24 California Ag Teacher Association Broiler Processing Skills Workshop 8/16/24 In Person Broiler Processing Workshop at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Pilot Processing Plant 1/27-31/25 International Production and Processing Expo 2/5/25 CSUF Agriculture Career Fair and COOP Sponsored Interview Event
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
COOP formally established as a Center on campus Industry partnership was established through an MOU with the International Poultry Welfare Alliance A multidisciplinary advisory board made up of poultry industry personnel throughout the supply chain, in allied industries, and in academia was constructed to guide the mission, goals, and provide support for COOP. Development of an online training program complete with a certification demonstrating an advanced level of understanding in broiler processing. This training was integrated into current course content, and was advertised for students to participate in outside of course requirements. Within the online modules, industry feedback has hailed this novel technique and innovative practice in demonstrating extremely sensitive slaughter and handling topics in a way that is not only accurate, but in a way that reflects the sensitive nature of maintaining high levels of animal welfare. We have discovered that the benefit of the poultry processing career training developed through COOP is not only providing experiential learning to establish pathways for students pursuing typical processing careers, but is a tool we can use to drive students towards processing careers through impacting ag teacher education, who are able to set up to be the processing career trainer for students in high school classrooms. Interestingly, the graphic design student assistant in the Art and Design department recognized the poultry industry as a viable career choice she didn't know existed for her to pursue. This leads us to acknowledging COOP as a model to focus on career development for processing aligned careers for students outside of our original scope. Increased participation of HSI students at the International Production and Processing Expo and College Student Program and interview event, in which Hispanic student participation has historically been extremely underrepresented.
Publications
|