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.
search through journal, During the summer and fall of 1992, both on-site and mail surveys were conducted to determine: (1)How Oklahoma farmers receive and prefer to receive agricultural health and safety information from selected mass media, and (2) How Extension agricultural engineering departments communicate agricultural health and safety information. The study revealed that approximately one-half of the farmers identified television as their primary mass media source for general news and information. More farmers identified magazines as their primary source for safety and health information than any other medium. Three-quarters of the farmers in the study received their agricultural information from magazines. More than half of the farmers preferred to receive health and safety information from magazines. Agricultural engineers identified fact sheets, newspapers, workshops, videos, newsletters, radio, television, brochures, and magazines as methods for communicating health and safety information. In this article, recommendations are provided for agricultural health and safety educators. (original)
Fett, John (author), Mundy, Paul (author), and Department of Agricultural Journalism, University of Wisconsin; International Institute for Rural Reconstruction
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1995
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 100 Document Number: C08446
search through journal, This study evaluated disseminating annual crop variety trial results through supplements in agricultural newspapers. Results indicate that the supplements were a cost-effective method to reach a large percent of the state's farmers with timely information. Two-thirds of the respondents recalled seeing the supplement and nearly all of these read at least part of it. Nearly one-half of those who read the supplement saved it for future reference. Most county extension agricultural agents approve of disseminating this kind of information through supplements. However, some oppose distributing copies of supplements through the extension office when these supplements contain advertising. (original)
19 pages, via online journal, Dairy farms pose many hazards to farmers and their employees, including the risk of injury caused by handling animals. On many farms, there is a lack of consistent information and training related to farm safety topics, including stockmanship, or safe animal handling. The purpose of this qualitative research was to explore effective communication strategies that support the application of stockmanship practices and more broadly support health and safety measures and the adoption of new behaviors by farmers and their employees. Research was conducted in three stages via in-depth farm tours and in-person interviews, a qualitative survey, and follow-up phone interviews with dairy farmers. Findings identified four values and moral norms important to dairy farmers and four barriers to implementation of farm safety practices. The research also revealed publications and in-person meetings as key channels of communication and on-farm consultants as important influencers. From the research findings, three major recommendations emerged. These include using a train the trainer educational model, engaging with professionals and encouraging farmer-to-farmer communication, and leveraging digital resources.
