20 pgs., Several U.S. federal government agencies collect and disseminate scientific data on a national scale to provide insights for agricultural trade, research, consumer health, and policy. Occasionally, such data have potential to provide insights to advance conversations and actions around critical and controversial issues in the broad agricultural system. Such government studies provide evidence for others to discuss, further interpret, and act upon, but to do so, they must be communicated well. When the research intersects with contentious socio-political issues, successful communication not only depends on tactics, but as this study illuminates, it also depends on relationship quality between research producers, study participants, and end-users. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) conducted first-of-its kind national studies on cattle and swine producers’ use of antimicrobials. The use of antimicrobials in animal agriculture is considered a critical and controversial issue pertaining to antimicrobial resistance. In recognition of the anticipated wide-ranging interests in these studies, APHIS sought to understand stakeholders’ perceptions and experiences of the federal government research process and products with aim of improving their science communication and relations. This study reports on findings from in-depth interviews with 14 stakeholders involved in the antimicrobial use studies to make recommendations for improving communication and relations between the agency and its stakeholders. From this research, we draw implications that are transferrable to numerous types of government science communication efforts within agricultural sectors.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 198 Document Number: D09637
Notes:
Eugene A. Kroupa Collection, Thesis for Doctor of Philosophy degree, Cooperative Extension-Administration, University of Wisconsin, Madison. 152 pages.
Abuhassan, M.A. (author), Cheah, P.F. (author), Choo, T.W. (author), Kamaruddin, M. (author), Pharo, H.J. (author), Sopian, M.J. (author), and Ruminant Development Project, Department of Veterinary Services, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1990-05
Published:
UK
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 91 Document Number: C06560
Current Contents Agr/Bio, The emphasis on cow records in Malaysian dairy extension programmes reflects the importance of herd fertility in the economics of dairying. Manual record keeping has not been able to make an impact on management due to difficulties experienced in quality control of the data and in analyzing the data to produce useful information for farm managers. Computerized recording systems have been in use in Malaysia since 1985, both on government farms and in the smallholder dairy sector. The aim of both is firstly to improve farm efficiency by the provision of information to managers and extension workers and secondly to provide information for departmental planning purposes. The systems used in Malaysia are outlined, and the results over the first three years of operation are summarized. (author)
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C36816
Notes:
Agricultural Publishers Association Records, Series No. 8/3/80, Box 10, Special Bulletin No. 17. 2 pages., Cites a bulletin by the National Better Business Bureau, Inc. Includes samples of objectionable claims in advertising food and drug preparations for animals.
Alomia-Hinojosa,Victoria (author), Groot, CJ (author), Andersson, Jens (author), Speelman, Erika (author), McDonald, Andrew (author), and Tittonnell, Pablo (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2022-06-02
Published:
United States: Wiley Online
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 205 Document Number: D12562
13 pages, Intensified livestock production is considered as a promising pathway for smallholder farmers. Nevertheless, this pathway may entail prohibitive investment requirements of labour, capital or trade-offs at farm level that preclude sustainable intensification. We used fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) to assess farmers' perceptions of changes in the farm household system resulting from adding livestock to their mixed farms. Farmers identified trade-offs between the increased income and farmyard manure production versus increases in labour requirements for fodder imports. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis performed on the FCMs showed that an increase in milk market demand could have strong positive effects on livestock production and income. We conclude that FCM is a good tool to rapidly identify trade-offs and analyse perceptions of farmers which revealed that although they consider intensification a promising strategy, the perceived deepening of labour constraints and increasing dependency on fodder import makes a concurrent (sustainable) intensification of these farm systems unlikely.
Alumbaugh, Joann (author), Schimek, Rosemary (author), Cooper, Hyler (author), Brandt, Erika (author), Rieker, Jana (author), Herman, Matthew (author), Durs, Don (author), Winter, Kristen (author), Melnyk, Darwin (author), and Rattliff, Robert (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2009
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C28778
12 pages., Via online journal., Policy makers and researchers foresee four investment strategies for conventional pig farmers in contested pork production regions: (1) continue with a cost-price reduction strategy through modernisation and scale enlargement; (2) convert to an intermediate market segment with higher requirements as to animal welfare and environment than conventional; (3) convert to a niche market segment with higher requirements as to animal welfare and environment than intermediate; or (4) quit farming. For policy makers, it is interesting to gain insight in intensive livestock farmer's perceptions regarding these investments and in processes of social interaction that influence farmer decision-making and the potential diffusion of investment strategies over time (Edwards-Jones, 2006). The aim of this explorative study is to analyse the effect of social interaction on diffusion of investment strategies in capital-intensive livestock production systems with groups of Dutch pig farmers, using a simulation game. The game is designed in such a way that contextual factors do not provide a limiting factor. Furthermore, the game is constructed to stimulate interaction and to trigger imagination of participants. Our main research questions for the analysis of the results of the game sessions were: (1) ‘what are differences in diffusion of investment strategies between sessions?’, and (2) ‘to what extent does social interaction affect diffusion of investment strategies?’ A total of seven sessions were played, with 4–8 pig farmers and/or participants who were affiliated to the sector as advisor or successor. All game sessions were video- and voice- recorded, and interaction between participants was transcribed per game session. First, differences in diffusion of investment strategies between sessions were explored. Second, the causes for differences in diffusion between sessions were explored, by looking at the type of investment strategy, communication between participants, and processes of influence. Special attention was given to the influence of opinion leadership. The results of this research show that (1) only investment strategies with a financial benefit did, under influence of social interaction, result in high adoption; (2) for high adoption to occur, communication between participants was necessary; (3) opinion leaders played an essential role in high adoption of investment strategies; and (4) there was a common understanding among participants that favoured scale enlargement. The gaming methodology triggered participants to communicate their tacit knowledge, i.e. assessment criteria that are important in real-life investment decisions, and to experiment with investment strategies.
13 pages., Via online journal., Developing public and policy maker understanding of agriculture and natural resources is a national research priority of the American Association for Agricultural Education. Because of cultural and geographic distancing from agriculture, consumers' ability to obtain firsthand knowledge of agriculture may be limited to a handful of experiences including local, county, and state fairs. As such, agriculturalists' opportunities to communicate with the public about production agriculture may be limited to these experiences. Youth livestock exhibitors fill a gap in the agricultural education system. While a body of research exists about agricultural literacy among youth and adult groups, few studies exist concerning the impact of youth livestock show exhibits upon fairgoers. This study employed a survey research method using semantic differential scales with a then-now approach. Fairgoers, who had been through the youth livestock exhibits at the California State Fair, were asked about their attitudes toward the exhibits. Findings led to the conclusion viewing livestock exhibits and interacting with youth exhibitors resulted in fairgoers having more positive attitudes toward animal agriculture. Interaction between fairgoers and livestock exhibits should be encouraged and exhibitors should be prepared to view interactions with fairgoers as opportunities to educate about agriculture.
3 pages., via online journal., The successful transfer of improved animal husbandry practices depends considerably on the effective communication thereby increasing the adoption level among the livestock farmers and ultimately production of our livestock. An efficient as well as effective communication would create congenial environment to stimulate the adoption of evolved animal husbandry practices. However, the identification and utilization of effective source and channels of communication are the essential prerequisite for the same. Correlation of mass media exposure and extension worker contact was positively significant with degree of adoption of selected animal husbandry practices. It clearly indicates that as the mass media exposure and extension worker contact among livestock farmers increases, the degree of adoption of these selected animal husbandry practices also increases, i.e. vaccination, deworming, urea treatment of poor quality roughages, feeding of mineral mixture, use of hybrid seed for fodder production, concentrate feeding and use of artificial insemination in their animals. It was concluded that due importance should be given to mass media exposure and extension worker contact for effective and successful dissemination of animal husbandry practices
Azzam, Azzeddine M. (author), Azzam, Sara M. (author), Keele, John W. (author), and Keown, Jeffrey F. (author)
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1988
Published:
Finland
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 93 Document Number: C06963
Notes:
In: Proceedings of the VIth World Conference on Animal Production, Helsinki 1988. Helsinki, Finland : Finnish Animal Breeding Association, 1988. p. 264
11 pages., Worldwide drought has significance and continues to pose long-lasting effects on the agricultural sector, including South Africa. The recurring drought is a major challenge to smallholder livestock farmers in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. This study assesses the perception of smallholder livestock farmers towards agricultural drought resilience. The study utilised a perception index score using primary data collected from 207 smallholder livestock farmers following a structured questionnaire survey and multistage sampling procedures. The study found that the average perception index of the role of social networks and government to enhance agricultural drought resilience was negative, which implied that their role in enhancing resilience towards agricultural drought was insufficient. However, the perception of smallholder livestock farmers on the role of social networks was lower than the role of government. This study recommends coordination and cooperation amongst all role players to reinforce strategies to enhance smallholder livestock farmers’ resilience. This includes coordinator amongst the local, provincial government, African Farmers’ Association of South Africa, extension officers, private sectors, monitoring agencies in terms of reliable early warning information and communication amongst decision-makers. Collaboration amongst government departments at the national and provincial levels should be strengthening to enhance farmer’s resilience. The collaboration includes the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries at the national level, Provincial Departments of Agriculture, National and Provincial Disaster Management Centres, South African Weather Service and Department of Water Affairs. Smallholder livestock farmers’ awareness of the significance of social networking and government participation should be promoted.
Barbano, David M. (author), Kaiser, Harry M. (author), Scherer, Clifford W. (author), and Kaiser: Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Cornell University; Scherer: Associate Professor, Department of Communication, Cornell University; Barbano: Associate Professor, Department of Food Science, Cornell University
Format:
Report
Publication Date:
1991-05
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 85 Document Number: C05477
Notes:
James F. Evans Collection, Mimeographed, 1991. 28 p.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C13472
Notes:
Posted at: www.regional.org.au/au/apen/2001/BayolaD.htm, 8 p., APEN (Australasia Pacific Extension Network) 2001 International Conference, Oct 3-5,2001 at Univ. of Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 173 Document Number: C29305
Notes:
Presented at the seminars on "Adopting new products: the influence of individuals and groups" at Gould House, New York, and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 10 pages., Involved use of 2,4-D weed chemical and antibiotics for livestock.
See abstract in file folder for Document No. D06143., Abstract of poster presentation at North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture conference, Athens, Georgia, June 16-20, 2015.
Beef Promotion and Research Board (U.S.). (author) and National Cattlemen's Association (U.S.). (author)
Format:
Handbook
Publication Date:
1990
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 92 Document Number: C06846
Notes:
AGRICOLA CAT 92956007; Contains Table of Contents and Introduction only, Englewood, CO : produced for the Beef Promotion and Research Board by the National Cattlemen's Association, 1990 printing. [154] p.
AgComm Teaching, The responsibility for a successful computer system belongs to the management, and managers need enough knowledge to choose the best system. Long-range perspective is important so the computer can expand with the operation. Important words are explained in the categories of software, hardware, and methods of getting computer power. Software is the series of instructions telling a computer what to do. An individual set of instructions is called a program. There are systems software and applications software. Applications software can be custom software, packaged, or modified. The hardware is the machinery that runs the software. The central processing unit (CPU) is the brains of the computer. Results of computer programs are stored on plastic disks. Permanent copies can be made by using a printer. A farmer can get computer power with an outside service or an in-house service.
Bizimana, Jean Claude (author), Bessler, David A. (author), and Angerer, Jay P. (author)
Format:
Paper
Publication Date:
2011-02
Published:
Mali
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 184 Document Number: D00234
Notes:
Paper presented at the Southern Agricultural Economics Association annual meeting, Corpus Christi, Texas, February 5-8, 2011. Via AgEcon Search. 21 pages.
Borchers, Bryce (author), Roucan-Kane, Maud (author), Alexander, Corinne (author), Boehlje, Michael D. (author), Downey, W. Scott (author), and Gray, Allan W. (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2012
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 187 Document Number: D00983
8 pages., Via Science Direct., This paper aims to use a comprehensive modeling framework to investigate the intention of Iranian livestock producers to deploy renewable energies on their farms to mitigate climate change. A survey was conducted in southern Iran using a random sample of farmers (n = 140). Structural equation modeling showed that attitude, moral norm, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control are significant predictors of farmers' intention to use renewable energies. Attitude was determined by positive affect and perceived benefits, and moral norm was determined by perceived benefits, perceived cost, and outcome efficacy. The findings not only have public policy implications for promoting the use of renewable energies by farmers in Iran, but also contribute to the literature on environmental psychology, renewable energy, and pro-environmental behavior in a non-Western country.
