Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 202 Document Number: D12129
Notes:
Online via AgriMarketing Weekly. 2 pages., Research among registered dietitians indicates potential negative impact on fruit and vegetable consumption among consumers caused by the so-called "dirty dozen" list published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
USA: International Food Information Council, Washington, D.C.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 202 Document Number: D12153
Notes:
Online from publisher. 3 pages., Author suggests that say one form of produce is safer and more nutritional than another should be avoided. Cites top seven things to remember about eating healthy and safe foods "when this year's (or any year's) "Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen" lists invade your social media streams."
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 202 Document Number: D12076
Notes:
Online from publisher. 4 pages., Summarizes benefits of objectively-sourced data from sources like the USDA, public and private data firms, geospatial insights and analysis, and more. Cites weaknesses of farmer surveys, promotions, registration forms and other similar sources.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 202 Document Number: D11987
Notes:
Online via AgriMarketing Weekly. 1 page., News report from the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). "...these extremist groups should be ashamed of their stunts."
Online via journal website. 3 pages., "History is repeating itself," according to the research head of an ancestry organization which recently analyzed pandemic ads published decades apart - influenza outbreak (1918) and COVID-19 pandemic (current).
4pgs, Online from publication., Describes the U.S. Census Bureau's decision to pull the agency's enumerators out of the field due to COVID-19 with about one-half of the state's remote villages uncounted. A legislator representing that area described this as "a politically motivated effort to undermine our political clout and to strip us of resources." The Native Voice Network, a nationwide coalition of 40 Native-led organizations was among those pushing Congress to complete the census for an accurate count.
Via online from publisher., Editor addresses a state governor's agenda at the expense of the beef industry, illustrating a continuing "struggle with the divide between urban and rural communities."
15 pages, via online journal, Purpose
Literature contends that not much is known about smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate variability and the impacts thereof on agricultural practices in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa in particular. The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of smallholder farmers from Botlokwa (a semi-arid region in South Africa) on climate variability in relation to climatological evidence.
Design/methodology/approach
The study area is in proximity to a meteorological station and comprises mainly rural farmers, involved in rain-fed subsistence agriculture. Focus group discussions and closed-ended questionnaires covering demographics and perceptions were administered to 125 purposely sampled farmers. To assess farmers’ perceptions of climate variability, their responses were compared with linear trend and variability of historical temperature and rainfall data (1985-2015). Descriptive statistics were used to provide insights into respondents’ perceptions.
Findings
About 64% of the farmers perceived climate variability that was consistent with the meteorological data, whereas 36% either held contrary observations or were unable to discern. Age, level of education, farming experience and accessibility to information influenced the likelihood of farmers to correctly perceive climate variability. No significant differences in perception based on gender were observed. This study concludes that coping and adaption strategies of over one-third of the farmers could be negatively impacted by wrong perceptions of climate variability.
Originality/value
This study highlights discrepancies in perceptions among farmers with similar demographic characteristics. To guarantee sustainability of the sector, intervention by government and other key stakeholders to address underlying factors responsible for observed discrepancies is recommended.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 201 Document Number: D11726
Notes:
Online from AgWeb.com via AgriMarketing Weekly. 2 pages., Discontinued advertising campaign based on inaccurate information about using lemongrass in cows' diets to reduce methane emissions by "up to 33%."
Via online from publisher., "The Front Gate" editorial confronts advertising campaign of Burger King based on misleading, inaccurate information about the role of cattle in generating global greenhouse gas emissions.
Online from publication 2 pages., Report about removal of Burger King TV advertisements inaccurately touting the use of lemongrass in cows' diets to reduce methane emissions by "up to 33%."
Online from publication. 3 pages., Editorial highlights the inaccuracies in a Burger King television advertisement that repeats misleading claims and data about the role of beef and dairy production in greenhouse gas emissions that harm climate.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 202 Document Number: D12066
Notes:
Online from publishing organization website. 5 pages., Report of letters sent to companies making questionable COVID-19 claims of treatments, prevention, or cures. Brief descriptions of the 45 disputed claims, ranging from musical medicine to holistic health acupuncture.
8 pages., Online issue., "Critics of climate science claim that climate models lack predictive skill. In fact, some of the earliest predictions made thirty years ago have performed remarkably well." ... "the bad news is that in terms of action, we are still only scratching the surface of responses needed...to prevent
'dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.' The real challenges lie ahead."
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 201 Document Number: D11694
Notes:
18 pages., Online from publisher website., Issue brief in the UNESCO series, "World trends in freedom of expression and media development." Reports seven key trends involving increasing disinformation, rising demand for verified information, need for more more transparency, some regulatory measures restricting human rights, risks to safety of journalists, economic threat to journalism, and new opportunities to stand up for journalism.
USA: National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Centennial, CO
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 130 Document Number: D11293
Notes:
21 pages., Online via AgriMarketing.com., Announcement of results of an online survey among more than 1,800 U.S. consumers during late 2019. Findings suggested "widespread consumer confusion regarding the ingredient composition and purported benefits of plant-based fake meat products." More than half did not realize that plant-based products being marketed as "burgers" have no real meat." The PowerPoint presentation and accompanying news release provide statics on responses to specific questions.
International: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Paris, France.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 166 Document Number: D11692
Notes:
2 pages., Online from organization website., In an online event, United Nations leaders and others emphasize importance of free, independent, fact-based journalism at the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2020."I takes journalism to communicate the findings of scientists and disseminate real and reliable information and counter fake news that is dangerous to people's lives and to efforts to contain the spread of the (COVID-19) pandemic."
USA: National Association of Farm Broadcasting, Platte City, Missouri
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 166 Document Number: D11678
Notes:
2 pages., Online from publisher., Brief summary of responses to a non-probability email survey among U.S. farmers and ranchers regarding COVID-19 and its ramifications on their livelihoods and farm-radio listening habits. Findings indicated that respondents "are listening to farm radio during the pandemic for timely, accurate news. Responses averaged 8.7-8.8 (scale of 1 [poor] to 10 [excellent] in terms of timeliness, accuracy and credibility of farm broadcaster delivering farm news, weather, markets and ag information.
2 pages., Via online., Editorial critical of the Los Angeles Times newspaper for championing the rise of plant-based burger alternatives without context, accuracy and logic.
Marques, Andreia (author), Kamali, Farahnaz Pashaei (author), Asveld, Lotte (author), Osseweijer, Patricia (author), Silveira, Jose Maria F. J. de (author), and Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
Unicamp Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Brazil
Format:
Online journal article
Publication Date:
2019-11-05
Published:
Netherlands: Elsevier
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 124 Document Number: D11216
16 pages, via online journal, Sugarcane expansion in Brazil during the 2000s was partly restricted by several discussions about the sustainability aspects of its cultivation. These discussions were mainly based on surveys that sometimes use highly aggregated data not including local perspectives and particularities, and sometimes used case studies with small samples which, while listening to local perspectives, cannot be considered representative of the whole sector. This work aims at filling this gap by considering both the perceptions of the local community, which add primary data on impact, and a large sample, to increase the research representativeness. To do so, we present the results of 353 interviews, covering 33 municipalities in five states of the Center-South region of Brazil (the largest cultivation area in the country). The results show that the expansion of biofuels has generated conflict mostly related to environmental and social issues, although there is good acceptance of the sugarcane mills in general. Our conclusions point to the importance of including local voices for a deeper understanding of the advantages and limitations of the expansion of biofuels.
Commentary on "self-financed, self-serving 'science'" used by agricultural interests involving a variety of food, agriculture, and environmental issues.
Woodall, Colin (author / Chief Executive Officer, National Cattlemen's Beef Association)
Format:
Commentary
Publication Date:
2019-09-26
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 114 Document Number: D11004
Notes:
3 pages., National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Centennial Colorado., Commentary on messaging being used by interest groups to pit beef producers against one another.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 30 Document Number: D10557
Notes:
2 pages., via website, AgriMarketing Weekly., A Wisconsin judge on Friday ordered Anheuser-Busch to stop suggesting in advertising that MillerCoors’ light beers contain corn syrup, wading into a fight between two beer giants that are losing market share to small independent brewers.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 30 Document Number: D10556
Notes:
3 pages., via website, DairyBusiness., Those within the food system wring their hands about the decreasing influence of science, often blaming consumers for our “post-truth” society. But, there is another reason for the decline of trust in science, according to The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) – one less comfortable to talk about, especially for those who conduct and sponsor research.
Opinion article, Via online digital edition. 1 page., Editor speaks to inaccuracies in politicians' descriptions of "farting cows" as a significant factor in greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.
Rumble, Joy N. (author), Rogers-Randolph, Tiffany M. (author), Buck, Emily B. (author), and The Ohio State University
University of Florida
Association for Communication Excellence
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2019
Published:
United States: New Prairie Press
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 15 Document Number: D10429
16 pages., Via online journal., The livestock industry has repeatedly struggled to effectively communicate livestock care and handling practices in order to promote awareness and acceptance. Many consumers still hold on to the historically picturesque view of production agriculture instead of the modern reality. It is necessary for the industry to identify how much is too much to tell or show consumers. Therefore, this study sought to understand the influence of two communication treatments on attitudes toward livestock care and use. Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) served as the theoretical framework for this study. A sample of 1,049 respondents was obtained through non-probability sampling. To fulfill the purpose of this study, the development of an online survey was informed by ELM and measured prior beliefs, personal involvement, and knowledge. An experimental treatment, consistent with persuasive communication within ELM, presented respondents with one of two images of cage-free egg laying housing and accompanying text. One image could be described as “historically picturesque” and the other as “modern reality.” Attitude toward livestock care and use was measured after exposure to one of the images. Respondents held favorable prior beliefs, demonstrated neutral involvement, and answered three or less knowledge questions correctly. Respondents exposed to the modern reality treatment displayed slightly lower attitudes than those exposed to the historically picturesque treatment. The results indicated that both prior beliefs and image exposure had a significant impact on attitude, while personal involvement was not found to be significant.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 8 Document Number: D10310
Notes:
Online from the Center for Investigative Reporting, Emoryville, California., "Backing away from attempts at censorship, the National Park Service today released a report charting the risks to national parks from sea level rise and storms."
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 8 Document Number: D10309
Notes:
Online from Reveal, posted by the Center for Investigative Reporting, Emoryville, California., "The word 'anthropogenic,' the term for people's impact on nature, was removed from the executive summary of the sea level rise report for the National Park Service."
International: Two Sides North America, Inc., Chicago, Illinois.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 142 Document Number: D11532
Notes:
3 pages., Online via publisher website., Article from the non-profit organization, Two Sides North America. It reported progress in a campaign to stop organizations from making misleading anti-print and anti-paper claims in their customer communications. It included findings of an international survey among more than 10,000 consumers assessing their document-storing preferences and attitudes about print versus digital communications.
Online via cattlenetwork.com. "Best of Drovers - this month's top stories." 2 pages., Involves the defamation settlement Disney paid to Beef Products Inc. for faulty, damaging reporting by ABC-TV involving the BPI product, lean finely textured beef.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 168 Document Number: D08673
Notes:
Via AgriMarketing Weekly. 1 page., Involves an advertising campaign against recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST), a supplement used to increase milk production.
USA: Food and Environment Reporting Network (FERN)
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 199 Document Number: D09876
Notes:
Via FERN website. 7 pages., Addresses the broad issue of "fake news" through a case example focused on reporting at the "complex intersection of the meatpacking industry, immigration, the rise of fake news, and the changing face of America's heartland." The example focuses on reporting about Somali and other refugees working at a meat packing plant near Garden City, Kansas.
Beam, Brooke W. (author), Specht, Annie R. (author), and Buck, Emily (author)
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
2017-02
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 163 Document Number: D08159
Notes:
Research paper presented in the Agricultural Communications Section, Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists (SAAS) conference in Mobile, Alabama, February 4-7, 2017. 22 pages., Analysis of the "Living with the Land" attraction at Walt Disney World, an automated boat ride that educates visitors on agricultural topics.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 161 Document Number: D07917
Notes:
5 pages., Author of "Bare Knuckles" blog shares with members of the AgriculturalRelations Council hs blog about "how the beef industry responded to soddy science and shoddy reporting about cancer risk in red and processed meats.."
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 124 Document Number: D11198
Notes:
Online from ProPublica. 3 pages., Report of a response to ProPublica by a poultry company, Case Farms, described by government officials as "outrageously dangerous." Focus is on accuracy of information provided and reported.
Jackson, Janine (author / Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting) and Vallas, Rebecca (author / Center for American Progress)
Format:
Interview
Publication Date:
2017
Published:
USA: Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, New York City, New York
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 129 Document Number: D11274
Notes:
Online from FAIR website. June 9 episode of CounterSpin. 7 pages., Interview inviting analysis of a series in the Washington Post newspaper. Focused on receivers of disability benefits in rural America. It identified inaccuracies and "deeply offensive allegation" in reporting.
International: Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, New York City, New York
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 124 Document Number: D11204
Notes:
Via online. 12 pages., Article involves a Reuters reporter who has "aimed a torrent of critical reporting at the WHO's [World Health Organization of the United Nations] International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), portraying the group and its scientists as out of touch and unethical, and leveling accursation about conflicts of interest and suppressed information in their decision-making."
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: D07708
Notes:
News release from Rhea+Kaiser, Naperville, Illinois, online via AgriMarketing Weekly. 2 pages., To agri-marketers: Don't mess with farmers' relationship with, and trust of, the agricultural media.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 83 Document Number: D10840
Notes:
Based on a presentation at the Global Alliance World PR Forum, Toronto, Canada, May 2016. 5 pages., Brief definition of greenwashing in the realm of environment, discussion of risks and dangers in the practice, and guidelines for communicators in developing their environmental communication methods.
Mitloehner, Frank (author / University of California-Davis)
Format:
Commentary
Publication Date:
2016-04
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 114 Document Number: D11025
Notes:
Via online., "A white paper, defining the role animal agriculture and other sectors of societ play in their respective contribution of greenhouse gasses, as the societal concerns grow to seek a sustainable global future." ... "Now is the time to end the rhetoric and separate facts from fiction around the numerous sectors that contribute emissions and to identify solutions for the global food supply that allow us to reduce our impact on the planet and its resources."
Writer criticizes current language use and reports that he tosses flags and assigns penalties (per football) when he sees and hears misuse of language while watching television.
Beam, Brooke W. (author) and Specht, Annie R. (author)
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
2016-02
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 162 Document Number: D08135
Notes:
Research paper presented in the Agricultural Communications Section, Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists (SAAS) in San Antonio, Texas, February 7-8, 2016. 26 pages.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 124 Document Number: D11201
Notes:
Online via ProPublica website. 2 pages., Examines issues of bogus labels and related issues in the arena of food distribution, marketing, and communications.
A version of this article appears in print on September 6, 2015, Section A, Page 1 of the New York Edition of the New York Times with the headline, "Emails reveal academic ties in a food war.", Examines lobbying activities of firms and interest groups in the debate over bioengineered foods - and involving third-party scientists "and their supposedly unbiased research." Includes examples of interactions and financial support for university scientists by commercial firms.
This paper examines the media coverage of the 2013 London cultured meat tasting event, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Using major news outlets, prominent magazines covering food and science issues, and advocacy websites concerning meat consumption, the paper characterizes the overall emphases of the coverage, the tenor of the coverage, and compares the media portrayal of the important issues to the demographic and psychological realities of the actual consumer market into which cultured meat will compete. In particular, the paper argues that Western media gives a distorted picture of what obstacles are in the path of cultured meat acceptance, especially by overemphasizing and overrepresenting the importance of the reception of cultured meat among vegetarians. Promoters of cultured meat should recognize the skewed impression that this media coverage provides and pay attention to the demographic data that suggests strict vegetarians are a demographically negligible group. Resources for promoting cultured meat should focus on the empirical demographics of the consumer market and the empirical psychology of mainstream consumers.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 161 Document Number: D07873
Notes:
Pages 122-125 in M.J. Navarro (ed.), Voices and views: why biotech? ISAAA Brief No. 50. International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications, Ithaca, New York. 158 pages.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 191 Document Number: D02916
Notes:
PowerPoint visuals of presentation by the chair of the National Ethics Committee,Society of Professional Journalists, at the Agricultural Media Summit, Indianapolis, Indiana, July 29, 2014. 9 pages.
Report of a presentation by Brant Houston at the Midwest Regional Workshop co-sponsored by American Agricultural Editors' Association and the Livestock Publications Council in Ankeny, Iowa, on May 15, 2014.
