Hays, Robert G. (author), Reisner, Ann E. (author), and Office of Agricultural Communications and Extension Education, University of Illinois; Office of Agricultural Communications and Extension Education, University of Illinois
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1988
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 70 Document Number: C03022
James F. Evans Collection; Paper presented at the 1987 ACE Annual Meeting, Baton Rouge, LA; Condensed version; for original paper, see C02160, This paper explores tentative ideas about the effects which extension communicators might have on the relationship between agri-business writers and writers and editors for farm magazines and newspaper farm departments. An open-ended questionnaire was sent to members of two professional agricultural journalist associations: Newspaper Farm Editors Association and the American Agricultural Editors Association. Responses identified advertising and public relations writers as the principal perceived source of ethical dilemmas in agricultural journalism. None identified extension communicators as a source of concern. We suggest that the availability of extension news acts as a buffer for agricultural newspaper and magazine writers, protecting them from relying more heavily on agribusiness news copy. (original)
James F. Evans Collection, An Ohio State University survey indicates that average producers are being slow to take advantage of the information explosion in agriculture. But operators with over 600 acres tend to be more receptive to new information sources. Survey findings show farmers gave the lowest rating to computerized sources of marketing information. Other low ratings were given to brokerage firms and marketing consultant services. Farmers gave highest ratings to the less timely and less complete information of local market reports, such as from radio, local elevators, and farm magazines. The sources of information the farmers rated highest did not allow for two-way communication.
