9 pages., via online journal., Encouraging the uptake of sustainable soil management practices often requires on‐farm experiential learning and adaptation over a sustained period, rather than the traditional knowledge transfer processes of identifying a problem and implementing a solution. Farmer‐to‐farmer learning networks are emerging with farmers experimenting and sharing knowledge about these practices amongst themselves. One potential communication channel for such interaction and knowledge sharing is social media and Twitter in particular. A content analysis of a Twitter account for an EU research project, SoilCare, and in‐depth qualitative interviews with five farmers using Twitter, was used to illustrate the extent and type of farmer‐to‐farmer knowledge sharing in relation to sustainable soil management practices. Evidence of farmer learning and knowledge sharing on Twitter with respect to these practices was identified. Twitter can capture the immediacy of the field operations and visual impacts in the field. Furthermore, the brief messages channelled through Twitter appeal to time‐constrained farmers. The ability for interaction around particular hashtags in Twitter is developing virtual networks of practice in relation to sustainable soil management. Within these networks, farmer champions are emerging that are respected by other farmers. Twitter works best for those actively seeking information, rather than passive recipients of new knowledge. Therefore, its use with other forms of face‐to‐face interaction as part of a blended learning approach is recommended. Twitter also offers a potential space for other actors, such as researchers and advisers, to interact and share knowledge with farmers.
11 pages., via online journal., The World Health Organization estimates that up to 30% of individuals in developed countries become ill from food or water each year. Up to 70% of these illnesses are estimated to be linked to food prepared at foodservice establishments. Consumer confidence in the safety of food prepared in restaurants is fragile, varying significantly from year to year, with many consumers attributing foodborne illness to foodservice. One of the key drivers of restaurant choice is consumer perception of the hygiene of a restaurant. Restaurant hygiene information is something consumers desire, and when available, may use to make dining decisions.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C20155
Notes:
Pages 11-15 in Stuart U. Rich (ed.,) Public relations in an era of public involvement: challenge for the timber industry. University of Oregon Press, Eugene, Oregon. 104 pages., Describes difficulties involved in getting one's message across to the public. Suggests that communicating with thought leaders and the disseminators of opinion may be more effective than with the general public regarding complex subjects such as forest
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C22018
Notes:
Eighth edition. 418 pages, Includes brief case reports about communications involving mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE), animal rights protests against fur farms, and opposition to genetically modified food.
Evans, James F. (author / University of Illinois, Office of Agricultural Communications and Extension Education) and University of Illinois, Office of Agricultural Communications and Extension Education
Format:
Speech
Publication Date:
1980
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 66 Document Number: C02623
Notes:
James F. Evans Collection, Mimeographed, 1980. 4 p. (Comments for Extension Staff Conference, New England Region, New South Wales Department of Agriculture; 1980 February 14; Tamworth, Australia)
2 pages., Online from publisher., "...a few 'constants' to keep in mind to guide your strategy for content and delivery" of information about policy changes to members of associations.
