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2. Consumers' evaluation of animal welfare labels on poultry products
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Powers, Rexanna (author), Li, Nan (author), Gibson, Courtney (author), Irlbeck, Erica (author), and Association for Communication Excellence (ACE)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-02
- Published:
- United States: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 131 Document Number: D11300
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 104(1)
- Notes:
- 18 pages., via online journal, As the public has expressed increasing concerns regarding the humane raising and handling of farm animals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and industry organizations have developed a series of standards enforcing animal welfare in the poultry industry. Labels and value-added claims were created and defined to differentiate products and to inform consumers’ purchasing decisions. This study identified five labels related to animal welfare that are frequently found on food packages in the U.S. grocery stores, including both the mandatory labels and third-party, voluntary labels. Using a controlled online experiment (N=249), we examined the labels’ effects on consumers’ perception of humane treatment and purchasing tendencies toward egg products. Results showed that while most consumers lack knowledge regarding the labels’ meaning and certification standards, they rely on the labels with simplistic terms (e.g., "certified humane," "cage free") as heuristic cues to judge the ethical treatment of hens on the farm. However, the selected labels did not lead consumers to pay a higher premium for the labeled products. We discussed the implications for regulators, food marketers, and agricultural communicators.
3. Misleading or informing? Examining the effects of labeling design on consumers' perception of gluten-free products and wheat safety
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Cantrell, Kimberly (author), Li, Nan (author), Meyers, Courtney (author), Akers, Cindy (author), and Association for Communication Excellence (ACE)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-02
- Published:
- United States: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 131 Document Number: D11301
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 104(1)
- Notes:
- 18 pages., via online journal, As food products marketed as “gluten-free” become increasingly popular, many consumers start to exclude sources of gluten (e.g., wheat, barley, and rye) from their diets for both medical and non-medical purposes. The grain industry is facing a growing challenge to (re)boost consumers’ confidence in the healthiness and safety of its commodities. Using 561 participants recruited from the Amazon Mechanical Turk workers’ panel, this study implemented a 2 (pretzels vs. potato chips) * 2 (positive- vs. negative- frame) * 2 (wheat image vs. no wheat image) experiment to examine the effects of gluten-free labels on consumers’ perceived healthiness and safety of wheat, perceived benefits of labeled products, and their evaluation of the shown labels. Results showed that consumers evaluate the gluten-free labels most positively when they appear on products that could have contained gluten. For products that are naturally gluten-free, adding a gluten-free label only decreased consumers’ confidence in such labels. The presence of gluten-free labels increased consumers’ perceived benefits of the labeled products when they do not contain any misleading information (e.g., image of a wheat head). However, some gluten-free labels could have negative impacts on consumers’ perceptions of the healthiness and safety of wheat. Overall, food producers and marketers might have undervalued consumers’ literacy and overestimated their susceptibility to marketing strategies. We discussed the implications for food marketers, regulators, and communicators.
4. "You call that meat?" Investigating social media conversations and influencers surrounding cultured meat
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Specht, Annie R. (author), Rumble, Joy N. (author), Buck, Emily B. (author), and Association for Communication Excellence The Ohio State University
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-02
- Published:
- United States: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 131 Document Number: D11302
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 104(1)
- Notes:
- 23 pages., via online journal, Cultured meat has yet to reach store shelves but is nonetheless a growing issue for consumers, producers, and government regulators, many of whom have taken to social media to discuss it. Using a conceptual framework of social cognitive theory and issues management, this qualitative content analysis investigated social-media discourse surrounding the topic of cultured meat in the United States by describing the content of the discussion in late 2018 and identifying individual influencers and communities of influencers engaged in the discussion. Data were collected from Twitter using listening platform Sysomos MAP. The thematic analysis revealed eight themes: legality and marketing, sustainability, acceptance, business, animal concerns, science and technology, health concerns, and timeline, and indicated that conflicting views and questions about cultured meat exist among conversation participants. Top influencers included philanthropists, government officials, journalists and writers, and animal-welfare advocates. These influencers were grouped into four distinct communities based on interactions with each other and other users. The topics identified in the analysis provide insight into ways in which communicators can enter these conversations, and influencer communities represent groups of users whose broad reach could more easily transmit pro-agriculture messages.
5. Utilizing Extension as a resource in disaster response: Florida Extension's communication efforts during the 2017 hurricane season
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Mike, Moses R. (author), Rampold, Shelli D. (author), Telg, Ricky W. (author), Lindsey, Angela B. (author), and Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) University of Florida
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-02
- Published:
- United States: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 131 Document Number: D11303
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 104(1)
- Notes:
- 15 pages., via online journal, Crisis communication plays a significant role for the different audiences for which it is designed. Hurricanes and other disasters have resulted in major economic damage and disruption of social norms for extended periods of time in communities across the globe. In such circumstances, the Cooperative Extension Service is often called to take an active role in preparation, response, and recovery. As part of the local emergency management team, local Extension offices are positioned to provide a research base, relevant information, and faculty. As such, citizens often look to Extension faculty members for emergency resources and expertise. However, standard communication methods can be significantly affected in disaster situations. Further, difficulty to fully anticipate such effects can limit Extension’s ability to communicate with targeted audiences and deliver important information. This descriptive study was conducted to examine Florida Extension offices’ and Extension faculty members’ communication efforts and effectiveness during the 2017 hurricane season. The primary methods used by respondents to communicate with subject matter clientele were email, face to face, and phone; the primary method used to communicate with the public was the internet/web. Respondents felt clientele and the public were only moderately aware of Extension’s efforts during the hurricane season. Future research is needed to investigate Extension faculty members’ choice of communication channels, as well as the ability of these channels to convey information to clientele and the public. Future research should also examine the communication channels and information sources used and preferred by clientele and the public during disasters. Such results should be compared to the findings of this study to inform future practice for communication in disasters.
6. Utilizing Twitter to communicate risk after a natural disaster
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Ruth, Taylor K. (author), Suits, Teresa (author), McLeod-Morin, Ashley (author), Telg, Ricky W. (author), and Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) University of Nebraska-Lincoln University of Florida
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-02
- Published:
- United States: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 131 Document Number: D11304
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 104(1)
- Notes:
- 18 pages., via online journal, Hurricane Michael hit the Florida panhandle as a category five hurricane on October 10, 2018. One of the risks after a hurricane is the spread of mosquito-borne disease due to standing floodwaters, which provide perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. People often turn to social media during times of crisis to receive up-to-date information. Therefore, there is a need to understand how to use social media to communicate about risks after a natural disaster. The purpose of this study was to explore how Twitter was used to communicate about mosquito control before and after Hurricane Michael and was guided by the Centers for Disease Control’s crisis communication recommendations. Data were collected using Sysomos Media Analytics Platform (MAP). The search included tweets about mosquito control two weeks before and two weeks after Hurricane Michael made landfall and was limited to Florida residents. There were 198 tweets about mosquito control in this timeframe, and a sharp increase in tweets in the weeks following the hurricane. Users tweeting the most about mosquito control were public agencies like mosquito control districts, and common hashtags included #mosquito and #mosquitocontrol; #HurricaneMichael was rarely used. The largest number of tweets were identified with the frame Be First to warn people about mosquito spraying in their local areas. A minority of tweets promoted self-efficacy or promoted action related to mosquito control. None of the analyzed tweets expressed empathy. Extension can use the findings from this study to guide future risk communication on social media following a natural disaster.
7. Impacting agriculture and natural resource policy: County commissioners' decision-making behaviors and communication preferences
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Lawson, Kati (author), Kent, Kevin (author), Rampold, Shelli D. (author), Telg, Ricky W. (author), McLeod-Morin, Ashley (author), and Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) University of Florida
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-02
- Published:
- United States: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 131 Document Number: D11305
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 104(1)
- Notes:
- 13 pages., via online journal, Elected officials at the local, state, and national levels play key roles in shaping the agriculture and natural resources (ANR) sectors through the development and implementation of ANR policies and regulations. As such, it has become necessary for members of the ANR community to understand the policy formation process and how to communicate effectively with elected officials about ANR policies and issues. However, little research has been conducted at the local level to examine how local elected officials (LEOs) interact with information specific to ANR policies to make decisions. This study was designed to assess the communication and information-seeking preferences and behaviors of LEOs that impact their decisions about ANR issues and policies. Of the sources of communication considered by LEOs when making ANR policy decisions, respondents in this study identified communication from farmers and ranchers as having the highest impact on their decision-making. This finding supports the use of farmers and ranchers as opinion leaders in impacting ANR policies. LEOs in this study also reported they would seek factual information from multiple sources to understand the positive or negative impact of the ANR policy before voting on the ANR issue.
8. Describing interdisciplinary agricultural research center directors' perceptions of science communications through goals and beliefs
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- McLeod-Morin, Ashley (author), Telg, Ricky W. (author), Rumble, Joy (author), and Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) University of Florida The Ohio State University
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-02
- Published:
- United States: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 131 Document Number: D11306
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 104(1)
- Notes:
- 18 pages., via online journal, This study explored the perceptions of science communication held by interdisciplinary agricultural research center directors and identified the directors’ goals and beliefs, specifically related to science communication. Ten interdisciplinary agricultural research center directors from top research, land-grant institutions were interviewed for this study. Findings from this study determined that the directors’ perceptions were rooted in service to the public, knowledge, public good, obligation, and relationships. Participants discussed attempting to bring awareness to science as a goal of science communication. They also discussed feeling obligated to communicate about science as part of a land-grant institution. Participants particularly believed that faculty with Extension appointments were more so obligated to communicate with the public. Future research should determine the science communication participation of Extension faculty. Additionally, future research should determine if faculty at land-grant institutions are more inclined to communicate about science when compared to faculty not associated with land-grant institutions.
9. Exploring social media engagement of a mosquito control campaign: Comparing engagement rates per content type and content frame
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- McLeod-Morin, Ashley (author), Beattie, Peyton (author), Rampold, Shelli (author), Telg, Ricky W. (author), and Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) University of Florida
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-02
- Published:
- United States: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 131 Document Number: D11307
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 104(1)
- Notes:
- 14 pages., via online journal, This study explored the social media follower engagement of a campaign with the intention to inform Florida residents about mosquito-related topics, specifically mosquito control. Engagement rates were compared between social media content type and content frames. Text graphics without characters were the most engaged content type, while the personal responsibility frame was the most engaged frame. The social media campaign examined in this study had overall low engagement rates, which could have been attributed to factors outside the scope of this study. Future recommendations for research should determine what factors most contribute to the engagement of social media content. In-depth focus groups should also be conducted to test the frames and messages used in this study. Practitioners should consider using the personal responsibility frame when communicating with the public about mosquito-related topics. Furthermore, practitioners should also apply the use of authoritative figures when designing a campaign similar to the one in this study after determining what authoritative figures effectively resonate with the intended audience.
10. Characteristics of Oklahoma agritourism Facebook posts
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Bowman, Brittany (author), Settle, Quisto (author), Riggs, Angel (author), Tomas, Stacy (author), King, Audrey E.H. (author), and Association for Communication Excellence (ACE)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-02
- Published:
- United States: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 131 Document Number: D11308
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 104(1)
- Notes:
- 22 pages., via online journal, Agritourism is recreational travel for agricultural activities. While it provides many benefits, such as rural development and heritage preservation, many agritourism operators express challenges in marketing their operations. Social media is increasingly common in tourism marketing, but little research exists describing current marketing practices. Quantitative content analysis was used to describe 174 Oklahoma agritourism operations’ Facebook page activity in June 2018. Original posts created by the agritourism operations and community posts created by the general public had similar amounts of public interaction. Post interactions were not related to post length, and original post interactions were also not related to overall page likes. Live videos and traditional posts received the most interaction amongst types of original posts. Facebook event posts made by the agritourism operation received more public interaction than event posts made by the general public. Agritourism operators should focus on quality over quantity of information and be wary of creating posts in an “echo chamber” as only a small proportion of a large page following interact with posts. Marketing practitioners should avoid providing one-size-fits-all advice in Facebook marketing, as there was a large variety of Facebook activity observed. Future research should more specifically describe content of posts and consider perspectives of agritourism operators and visitors towards current Facebook marketing strategies.
11. An evaluation of website usability for a cover crops resource in the southern region
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Cabrera, Emily (author), Holt, Jessica (author), and Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) University of Georgia
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-02
- Published:
- United States: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 131 Document Number: D11309
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 104(1)
- Notes:
- 14 pages., via online journal, With shifting demographics of agricultural professionals, online educational resources present opportunities for Extension and other natural resources faculty and personnel to use various tools for supporting agricultural producers in the 21st century using more modern technology. Traditionally, Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) Extension programming has used a variety of hands-on methods for teaching new, more sustainable farming practices, such as on-farm field days, workshops, farm visits, and demonstrations. While these traditional teaching methods are preferred among farmers, online support tools play a critical role in the overall decision-making process for farmers who are considering making changes to their current farming practices. Online educational resources, with mobile-friendly versions, can be used to assist Extension and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) agents meet the needs of their clients using more modern forms of technology, whether from the office or on-farm. This study employed two focus group discussions with Extension and NRCS agents and university faculty members to evaluate the usability of a cover crop website that could be used as a support tool for a variety of agricultural professionals. Four themes emerged from this study with reference to a simple, clean appearance; efficient browsing; process-thinking design; and mobile- friendly. This research will be used to inform the continued development of website tools to benefit farmers, producers, agents, and other stakeholders.
12. Identifying levels of engagement in the local food systems by generation in the state of Georgia, U.S.A
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Tidwell, Abraham (author), Lamm, Alexa J. (author), and Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) University of Georgia
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-02
- Published:
- United States: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 131 Document Number: D11310
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 104(1)
- Notes:
- 12 pages., via online journal, Local food systems are an emerging way for communities to build vibrant economies, improve health outcomes, and limit their environmental impact. Studies have shown local food engagement differs significantly between generations; however, what remains unclear is how generations’ perceptions and engagement compare to each other so the agricultural community can most effectively communicate about local food systems. Leveraging audience segmentation theory from social marketing, this study sought to address how the five living generations in the United States – Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, Baby Boomers, and The Silent Generation – perceived and engaged with local food systems. To address this question, a non-probability opt-in sampling of 863 adults in the state of Georgia was used. Each participant was asked four questions pertaining to different aspects of local food systems – the purchase of local foods from grocery stores, use of local food markets, participation in local food events, and level of engagement with local food related media. Millennials and Generation X’ers expressed significantly higher levels of engagement with local food systems when compared to Baby Boomers and The Silent Generation, this was not observed between Generation Z and any other group. While Millennials and X’ers engaged at higher levels, significant opportunities remain for engagement through generation-specific media to turn the universal tepid interest in local food systems into action. Future research should seek to identify the relationship between generational media preferences and how effective they are at transforming interest in local food systems into action.
13. Consumers' evaluation of animal welfare labels on poultry products
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Powers, Rexanna (author), Li, Nan (author), and Gibson, Courtney (author)
- Format:
- Journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020
- Published:
- USA
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 132 Document Number: D11337
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 104(1) Article 1
- Notes:
- Online via https://newprairiepress.org/jac, Authors identified five labels related to animal welfare that are frequently found on food packages in USA grocery stores Results of a controlled online experiment among consumers showed that while most consumers lacked knowledge regarding meaning of the labels and certification standards, they relied on the labels with simplistic terms as heuristic cues to judge the ethical treatment of hens on the farm. The selected labels did not lead consumers to pay a higher premium for the labeled products.
14. Communication Behaviors of County Extension Directors Post-Hurricane
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Ali, D. Amanda (author), Lindsey, B. Angela (author), and Harder, M. Amy (author)
- Format:
- Journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-05-13
- Published:
- USA: New Prairie Pres
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 201 Document Number: D11752
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- Iss.2, Vol. 104
- Notes:
- 17 pages, via online journal, In disaster crises, communication among stakeholders and response organizations are important. In Florida, the role of the County Extension Director (CED) is threefold – educational programming, leadership of a county extension program, and county office administrative responsibilities. However, their primary role in disaster emergencies is to facilitate collaborations with state and federal partners. During Hurricane Irma in 2017, UF/IFAS CEDs assisted in response efforts. However, communication efforts can become challenging in such chaotic and stressful situations. This research explored communication challenges among CEDs, clients, and statewide partners in hurricane events. Insights into the communication role of CEDs could enhance UF/IFAS Extension’s communication plan for effective information dissemination post-disaster. The Uses and Gratifications Theory guided this qualitative study. Interviews occurred with nine CEDs from various counties across Florida. Results showed CEDs used numerous communication channels to connect with clients, staff, and statewide partners, mainly for the purposes of information dissemination. The main reasons for selecting these communication channels depended on its accessibility, reliability, and whether it was a usual form of communication. Some participants were unaware of available resources which resulted in duplicate efforts. Thus, they required additional information from statewide partners. Some participants also had difficulty connecting clients with people who could assist them with insurance information and aid. As such, this study recommended a central communication system to avoid redundant efforts, strengthening relationships with disaster agencies to promote information-sharing and avoid miscommunication, and developing a list of resources and contacts for CEDs’ first engagement in disaster response.
15. Country Crisis: A Content Analysis of Rural Opioid Epidemic News Coverage
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Lawson, R. Cara (author) and Meyers, Courtney (author)
- Format:
- journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-05-13
- Published:
- USA: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 201 Document Number: D11753
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- Iss.2, Vol. 104
- Notes:
- 25 pages, via online Journal, The spread of non-prescription opioid abuse has increased to the point that a person is now more likely to die from an accidental overdose than an automobile accident. Rural areas have been hit particularly hard, and many farmers indicate direct impacts resulting from the opioid epidemic. Researchers have recognized the role of the media in communicating complicated issues and influencing potential solutions. This study analyzed the frames and sources used to communicate issues regarding the rural opioid epidemic in The New York Times and five additional newspapers from states most affected by the opioid epidemic. A total of 115 news, feature, editorial, and other articles were analyzed. The most often used frame was “growth or spread” of the epidemic and the sources most frequently referenced were medical professionals and elected officials. Although a non-traditional issue in agriculture, agricultural communicators should not shy away from getting involved given the potential for harm to rural communities and, in turn, the agriculture industry. Future studies should investigate rural community member and journalist perceptions on the issue, as well as coverage in other states.
16. Testing the Impact of Animating Infographics on Consumer Trust and Attitude When Communicating about Genetic Modification
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Lamm, J. Alexa (author), Gibson, Kristin (author), and Holt, Jessica (author)
- Format:
- Journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-05-13
- Published:
- USA: New Prairie Pres
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 201 Document Number: D11766
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- Iss.2, Vol. 104
- Notes:
- 15 pages, via online journal, Scientific innovation provides benefits to society but also fosters suspicion and distrust. The unknown of scientific innovations in agriculture has yielded a strained relationship between consumers and farmers, creating little to no public support for solutions to agricultural issues. The relationship between public trust and agricultural innovation is further strained when discussing genetic modification (GM) science and food. Informational graphics are an increasingly popular communication technique that may effectively communicate GM science to consumers. This study examined, through a experimental design using two treatments and a control, if static or animated infographics sharing current societal perceptions of GM science in the U.S. influenced consumers’ trust in science, personal attitudes toward GM, and perceived attitudes of others toward GM science. The animated group had the highest mean trust in science and the control group had the most positive attitude toward GM and the most positive perceived attitudes of others toward GM. The only significant difference was the control group had a more positive perceived attitude than the animated group. The infographics’ lack of impact on respondents’ trust or attitude toward GM science contradicted previous research about respondents’ increased attitude and elaboration of agricultural issues. Food concerns are of continual importance for consumers, and researchers need to help food and fiber scientists and communicators share relevant and research-based information with the public through diverse channels.
17. Examining Consumers' Trust in the Food Supply Chain
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Robinson, R.H. Chadelle (author), Ruth, K. Taylor (author), and Easterly III, Tre, R.G. (author)
- Format:
- Journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-05-13
- Published:
- USA: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 201 Document Number: D11778
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- Iss.2, Vol. 104
- Notes:
- 18 pages, via online journal, Consumers are concerned about the quality and safety of their food at all times during the food supply chain, but sensationalized media coverage, lack of knowledge, and recent recalls have made it difficult for consumers to trust the agricultural industry. Because trust drives risk perceptions and acceptance, it is important for agricultural communicators to understand how personal characteristics influence trust in the food supply chain. To fulfill the purpose of this study, a national quota sample of 847 responses to an online questionnaire were collected in March 2019. The results indicated respondents held a moderate level of trust toward production agriculture, food processing, food retail, and food safety regulation, with the greatest level of trust assigned to production agriculture. Trust in these sectors of the food supply chain were also positively correlated to one another. Regression models for trust in each agricultural sector were significant but only accounted for 9% of the variance in the dependent variable at most. Direct engagement in agriculture was a positive predictor in trust across all four areas, and use of social media was a negative predictor for trust. Income and gender were also found to be predictors of trust in production agriculture, food processing, food retail, and food safety regulation. The findings from this study can be used to guide future communication to increase the level of trust in the food supply chain, which would also increase consumers’ purchasing intent.
18. Is it for generation me? A qualitative study exploring marketing and selling plants online to millennial-aged consumers
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Baker, M. Lauri (author), Tully, M. Kelsey (author), and Sumners, R. Deanna (author)
- Format:
- Journal article
- Language:
- Englsih
- Publication Date:
- 2020-05-13
- Published:
- USA: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 201 Document Number: D11784
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- Iss.2, Vol. 104
- Notes:
- 14 pages., via online journal, As online selling of products like living plants increases, it is increasingly important to understand how millennial-aged consumers perceive the purchasing experience. New-media technologies like social media, e-newsletters, and other forms of digital communication are easily adopted by millennial-aged consumers. One of these tools, 360-degree video, offers novel ways to preview products offered online and look inside local brick-and-mortar stores, which can be visited in person. Sales of horticultural goods online have been slow to be developed by industry veterans, creating ample opportunities available to new ventures. This qualitative study used a series of three focus groups to answer the research questions of RQ1: What challenges exist for garden centers attracting millennials? RQ2: What are millennials preferences for purchasing live plants online? RQ3: What aspects of digital online marketing influence millennials to make decisions? RQ4: What are millennials preferences for 360-degree video? Results of this study indicate 360-degree video is not the preferred avenue for marketing plants online to millennials, however, high-quality photos and video with educational content and the use of social media could be effective.
19. The Influence of Framing Effects on Public Opinion of Antibiotic use in Livestock
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Steede, Garrett M. (author), Meyers, Courtney (author), and Li, Nan (author)
- Format:
- Journal Article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-01-01
- Published:
- United States: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 201 Document Number: D11861
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 2, Volume 104
- Notes:
- 16 pages, After years of debates and opposition from pharmaceutical companies, the Final rule of the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) went into effect in January 2017 requiring antibiotics used for both humans and animals for the purpose of growth promotion to be discontinued. This study sought to determine the effects framing content regarding antibiotic use in livestock and antibiotic resistance had on public opinion. Using a between-subjects experimental survey research design, 297 respondents indicated their perceptions of antibiotic use in livestock and the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria before being randomly assigned to one of three conditions. Each condition was a mock Twitter account framed differently based on findings from previous studies. After reading their assigned mock Twitter page, respondents indicated their trust of the information contained in the account, their information seeking behavior, demographics, and their support for antibiotic use in livestock. Using an ANCOVA, results indicated the frame influenced trust of information (F = 8.7, p < .05) and information seeking behavior (F = 4.48, p = .01) while support was not significant (F = 2.7, p = .07). Results suggest the blame frame has the greatest influence on shaping public opinion of antibiotic use in livestock and the development of antibiotic resistance.
20. Exploring Science Communication Effectiveness in the U.S. Federal Government Research Process: A Case Study with the U.S. Livestock Producers’ Antimicrobial Use Research
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Abrams, Katie (author), Bonser, Chelsea (author), and McCord, Amber (author)
- Format:
- Journal Article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-12
- Published:
- United States: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 202 Document Number: D12028
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- Vol 104, Issue 4
- Notes:
- 20 pages, Several U.S. federal government agencies collect and disseminate scientific data on a national scale to provide insights for agricultural trade, research, consumer health, and policy. Occasionally, such data have potential to provide insights to advance conversations and actions around critical and controversial issues in the broad agricultural system. Such government studies provide evidence for others to discuss, further interpret, and act upon, but to do so, they must be communicated well. When the research intersects with contentious socio-political issues, successful communication not only depends on tactics, but as this study illuminates, it also depends on relationship quality between research producers, study participants, and end-users. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) conducted first-of-its kind national studies on cattle and swine producers’ use of antimicrobials. The use of antimicrobials in animal agriculture is considered a critical and controversial issue pertaining to antimicrobial resistance. In recognition of the anticipated wide-ranging interests in these studies, APHIS sought to understand stakeholders’ perceptions and experiences of the federal government research process and products with aim of improving their science communication and relations. This study reports on findings from in-depth interviews with 14 stakeholders involved in the antimicrobial use studies to make recommendations for improving communication and relations between the agency and its stakeholders. From this research, we draw implications that are transferrable to numerous types of government science communication efforts within agricultural sectors.