Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Introducing The Academic Discipline Of Agricultural Communications To The United Kingdom, Jefferson D. Miller, Sara Maples Bell, Jill Rucker, Emily Buck, Anika Parks

Journal of Applied Communications

Though the academic discipline of agricultural communications is well established in the United States, it does not have a significant presence in the United Kingdom. This is the case in spite of the fact that the profession of agricultural communications is well-established across the country. As administrators at U.K. institutions consider adding curriculum in this discipline, it is important for them to have an understanding of the competencies employers would expect of agricultural communications graduates, as well as an understanding of what students would expect to learn. Empirical data describing such perceptions could further the conceptualization and development of the …

Using Audience Segmentation To Determine Millennial Perceptions Toward Gm Foods, Katherine Burke Ph.D., Courtney D. Boman Ph.D., Jeremy D'Angelo, Jason D. Ellis Ph.D.

Journal of Applied Communications

Millennial consumers are an essential population segment who are currently the third highest spenders in grocery aisles. Millennials are often lumped into one homogenous group; however, they are instead a diverse group comprised of unique characteristics. As producers are increasingly adopting genetically modified (GM) crops, it is essential to understand how consumers perceive the technology. Using the Situational Theory of Publics, an online survey was used to capture character traits of millennials and their perceptions toward GM foods. Using non-probability quota sampling (N=386), millennials were asked to answer demographic questions as well as questions related to their level …

A Mixed-Methods Comparison Of Self-Reported And Conversational Trust In Science, Joy N. Rumble, Yu-Lun Wu, Kelsey Tully, Taylor K. Ruth, Jason D. Ellis Ph.D., Alexa J. Lamm

Journal of Applied Communications

The development of science and technology highly relies on public trust in science. However, previous studies have shown that the public trust may vary across different scientific issues. This research explored how the public trust in science varied between a general and context specific environment. A convergent mixed-methods design was conducted. The results indicated participants’ self-reported general trust in in science did not change significantly between two measures. However, in conversation four major themes related to distrust were revealed. Future research is recommended to further explore how trust in science evolves in conversation and among different contexts.

An Evaluation Of Agricultural Communications Faculty Members’ Mentoring Experiences, Taylor K. Ruth, Ricky W. Telg, Lisa K. Lundy

Journal of Applied Communications

Agricultural communications programs are expected to grow and emerge over the next decade. For these programs to find success, faculty leading them will need to be properly supported through effective mentoring. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current mentoring of agricultural communications faculty across the country. In November 2019, an online survey instrument was distributed to a census of members of the Society of Agricultural Communications Scholars listserv. Survey respondents reported mentoring was not formally required, and most of the respondents received informal mentoring. Mentors were most frequently non-agricultural communications faculty in the respondents’ respective department or …

Technically Speaking: Technical Skills Needed For Agricultural Communication Baccalaureate Graduates, Arthur Leal, Kati M. Lawson, Ricky W. Telg, Joy N. Rumble, Nicole Lamee Perez Stedman, Debbie Treise

Journal of Applied Communications

Technically Speaking: Technical Skills Needed for Agricultural Communication Baccalaureate Graduates

Abstract

The purpose of this national study was to assess the perceived importance of 57 technical skills identified in previous literature, and to determine entry-level, agricultural communication graduates’ ability to perform those technical skills as perceived by agricultural communication graduates, communication industry professionals, and agricultural communication faculty members. Participants from the three evaluation groups (n = 193) identified three of the most important technical skills needed by agricultural communication graduates. These skills were communicating in written form, concise and clear writing, and communicating verbally. Graduates placed a higher importance …

What Are Reviewers Looking For? A Qualitative Analysis Of Open-Ended Responses From A Questionnaire Sent To Faculty In Agricultural Communications, Quisto Settle, Lauri M. Baker, Alyssa Rockers

Journal of Applied Communications

While peer review is the best system available for assessing the quality of research manuscripts, the system is imperfect at best. How peer review is conducted is often guided by unwritten rules, which can make writing articles for peer review more difficult. New reviewers also lack information on what other reviewers are looking for. This project assessed what reviewers were looking for when evaluating research papers. An anonymous link was sent to agricultural communications faculty members were eligible to review papers. There were 22 responses from the 43 faculty members who were sent the link to participate. Processes for reviewing …

Examining Consumers' Trust In The Food Supply Chain, Chadelle R.H. Robinson, Taylor K. Ruth, R.G. "Tre" Easterly Iii, Fayth Franzoy, Jay Lillywhite

Journal of Applied Communications

Consumers are concerned about the quality and safety of their food at all times during the food supply chain, but sensationalized media coverage, lack of knowledge, and recent recalls have made it difficult for consumers to trust the agricultural industry. Because trust drives risk perceptions and acceptance, it is important for agricultural communicators to understand how personal characteristics influence trust in the food supply chain. To fulfill the purpose of this study, a national quota sample of 847 responses to an online questionnaire were collected in March 2019. The results indicated respondents held a moderate level of trust toward production …

Impacting Agriculture And Natural Resource Policy: County Commissioners’ Decision-Making Behaviors And Communication Preferences, Kati Lawson, Kevin Kent, Shelli Rampold, Ricky W. Telg, Ashley Mcleod-Morin

Journal of Applied Communications

Elected officials at the local, state, and national levels play key roles in shaping the agriculture and natural resources (ANR) sectors through the development and implementation of ANR policies and regulations. As such, it has become necessary for members of the ANR community to understand the policy formation process and how to communicate effectively with elected officials about ANR policies and issues. However, little research has been conducted at the local level to examine how local elected officials (LEOs) interact with information specific to ANR policies to make decisions. This study was designed to assess the communication and information-seeking preferences …

Utilizing Extension As A Resource In Disaster Response: Florida Extension’S Communication Efforts During The 2017 Hurricane Season, Moses R. Mike, Shelli D. Rampold, Ricky W. Telg, Angela B. Lindsey

Journal of Applied Communications

Crisis communication plays a significant role for the different audiences for which it is designed. Hurricanes and other disasters have resulted in major economic damage and disruption of social norms for extended periods of time in communities across the globe. In such circumstances, the Cooperative Extension Service is often called to take an active role in preparation, response, and recovery. As part of the local emergency management team, local Extension offices are positioned to provide a research base, relevant information, and faculty. As such, citizens often look to Extension faculty members for emergency resources and expertise. However, standard communication methods …