33 pages, This study surveyed 258 organic grain farmers in Iowa in the U.S. Midwest. We identified seven areas of challenges related to organic grain farming adoption: organic farming operations, marketing, policy, finance, inputs and information, social pressures, and land tenure. Respondents reported three key areas where extension programs were needed: education, research, and technical services. Regarding outreach formats, organic farmers preferred events where peers were featured or provided leadership, such as field days, one-on-one mentor programs, and farmer-to-farmer workshops. Results provided empirical evidence to support theoretical discussions and policy implications on issues related to adoption of organic grain farming.
17 pages., Analysis revealed that the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) promotion programs, 1975-76 to 2015-16, resulted in a 4% increase in the sales value of sorghum for food and industrial uses and a 1% increase in total sorghum farm revenue. The farm-level benefit-cost ratio was estimated at between 5.8 and 7.1 in terms of producer profit per dollar spent on promotion.
17 pages., Online via UI electronic subscription, Case study assessing the effects of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines published jointly by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Findings suggested that release of the guidelines and related media attention increased availability and sales of whole-grain foods. Emphasized the key role of product reformulation, induced by competition among food suppliers.
9 pages., Online via publisher., An adapted health-branding framework guided the 3-step mixed-methods approach to identify evidence for campaigns using a scoping review, comprehensive literature review (1990-2016), and key-informant interviews. Results showed that industry, government, and non-governmental organizations supported 13 campaigns that used various health-branding strategies.
