19 pages., via online journal article, Best management practices (BMPs) are suggested practices that help agricultural producers optimize production while reducing pollution, soil erosion, and other environmental impacts. Many audiences, including scientists and policy makers, have expressed disappointment at the current level of BMP use. Elaboration likelihood model (ELM) is used to understand how people process messages. ELM states that people can process messages either centrally or peripherally. This study sought to understand how producers processed information related to BMP adoption in grazing systems. Researchers conducted qualitative, in-depth interviews with 42 beef-cattle producers in Kansas and Oklahoma. It was found producers process information both centrally and peripherally, more specifically through past experiences and visual observations. This study suggests that when promoting BMPs, communicators should use visual cues to help producers process information. More importantly communicators should utilize strategies that encourage producers to reflect on past experiences to promote central processing.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 162 Document Number: C26770
Notes:
Pages 5-27 in John P. Brien, "Research contributions in agricultural extension and communication," a thesis submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Agricultural Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science, University of Queensland., Author describes research interests, projects and contributions during a scholarly career of more than 50 years.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 174 Document Number: C29512
Notes:
2 pages., "Scientists must ask seed companies for permission before publishing independent research on genetically modified crops. That restriction must end."
Notes that radio played an important role in public education in two science-related areas - agriculture and public health. "These are (not uncoincidentally) areas in which government agencies and communities of experts took an early, active interest." Cites weather reports as early as 1921 (University of Wisconsin station) and regular farm market reports in 1922.
4 pages., Via online journal., ACE President Elizabeth Gregory North comments on JAC as evidence of the strong research tradition that is alive and well in ACE.
