Food insecurity has profound implications for health outcomes. A global pandemic like COVID-19, when challenges are amplified, calls a deeper understanding of factors influencing food security. This study analyzed the changes in security status households during COVID-19 and described demographic characteristics access experiences by status. Data were collected through an online survey using quota sampling based on age, race, ethnicity, region, income sample to reflect adult U.S. population....

Abstract This study sought to adapt and test a methodological framework designed produce course evaluation that addresses the unique aspects of distance education while maintaining consistency with current instruments commonly used evaluate an institution's on-campus courses. Using four-step process adapted from Biner (1993), twenty items were identified for inclusion in instrument. The authors concluded yielded instrument courses provides both functionality flexibility be across variety

The competencies addressed by undergraduate agricultural education programs should be assessed so are effective in supplying a well-prepared agricultural- and natural resources-oriented workforce, human capital is optimized. In this study, resources leaders were surveyed to determine the workforce they believed graduates of post-secondary have obtained. An Internetbased survey was distributed an leadership development (ALT) group (NRLT) Group. highest-rated competency categories for ALT...

When a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, is confirmed, it causes major impact economically, socially, culturally, and geographically. Through framing analysis, this study examined the way in which BSE confirmed Canada was covered Canadian American newspapers. By examining what newspapers emphasized, sources they used for information on frames reporting outbreak, results indicated significant difference between print media coverage surrounding outbreak....

This study examined the beliefs agricultural scientists have about general public's understanding of science—particularly science. Respondents—members Southern Association Agricultural Scientists—reported that public does not understand disciplines or science in general. Respondents indicated it is their responsibility to help people discipline, but less for helping Similarly, respondents were more willing work with reporters and receive media relations training if helped discipline than...

With Internet usage in the United States at an all-time high, information technology use education has continued to increase. Research shown that many students are utilizing these materials search out and assist with completing class assignments. Many college have described as a functional tool helps them communicate professors, conduct research, access library materials. As more educators source for classroom, it is important monitor students’ attitudes ensure know how effectively by...

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived source credibility, as viewed by Florida citrus growers, state and national agricultural organizations associated with containing plant disease called greening. This sought determine types information that opinion leaders received from these agriculture organizations. In late 2007, three focus groups were conducted at county Cooperative Extension Service offices in major areas production. number participants ranged four six for a total...

As the agriculture industry strives to communicate with public about its role in protecting natural resources such as water, it struggles provide messages from sources trusts. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study explored perception agricultural water use and how was influenced by a video message delivered four different including 1) an environmental scientist Nature Conservancy, 2) farmer, 3) regulator Florida management district, 4) University Florida. findings revealed that...

This practice paper describes the development and implementation of a senior capstone course for communication leadership undergraduate students. The resulting is unique combination experiential skill career preparation. success this provides students with an important meaningful culmination their experiences.

Buying local food has become an increasingly popular way for consumers to engage with those who grow their food; however, research shown a specific audience tends buy due individual-specific barriers. To better understand what motivates the Theory of Planned Behavior was used as potentially predict consumers’ behavior toward buying locally grown blueberries. Also, variables past experience and self-identity/moral obligation were introduced model since both may increase predictability in...

The purpose of this study was to provide baseline knowledge the prevalent global and domestic agricultural issues, ways educate journalists about these sources information used when reporting according international journalists. executives International Federation Agricultural Journalists served as study's population. IFAJ is comprised a membership 31 countries that practice freedom press. A modified Delphi method with three rounds data collection utilized for study. Qualitative feedback...

The study investigated the relative contribution of selected predictors knowledge-sharing behaviors among local community leaders involved in natural resources management programs within Okavango Delta, Botswana. theory reasoned action and responsible environmental behavior framework guided study. Thirteen community-based projects’ boards trust, comprising a total 120 subjects, participated quasi-experimental Results indicate that combination knowledge, attitude, locus control significantly...

The purposes of this study were to determine the Internet-based communication technologies and social media platforms Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers use, as well evaluate their attitudes toward incorporating those methods within from Federation. Two focus groups conducted with members. organization consists members, ages 18 35 years. Results indicate that group participants felt should be utilized by Federation not doing so could miss opportunity reach large audiences both its...

Critical thinking, a reasoned, purposive, and introspective approach to solving problems, has received increased attention from agricultural educators. This study of communications students utilized directly administered survey investigate critical thinking dispositions at 12 universities. Results indicated that student respondents tend be highly innovative in their an important trait the field communications. also few communication would classified as having strong disposition toward while...

With the ever-increasing options of communication media channels, question of, "Which channel is best for a message?" an important researchers and professionals in agricultural arena. This research sought to determine how interaction between consumers' perceptions message past use impacted their attitudes toward channels print, video, Web. The theoretical framework used this study was richness, which understand characteristics different ability deliver information. related buying local food...

This study uses a descriptive survey to examine the perceptions agricultural scientists have of news media and perceived need for relations skills. The results showed that respondents were more negative about national coverage positive local scientific stories. They also favorable in their general science topics than stories discipline. Significant differences found respondents’ confidence communicating with on basis gender age. Overall, confident capabilities; however, areas which indicated...

WC093, a 9-page illustrated fact sheet by Ricky Telg, examines the practice of crisis and risk communication as part an organization’s overall plan. Includes references. Published UF Department Agricultural Education Communication, July 2010. WC093/WC093: Risk Crisis Communication: When Things Go Wrong (ufl.edu)

The agriculture and natural resources (ANR) sectors are facing many complex controversial issues today, including animal health, biotechnology, climate change, food safety, security, invasive species, marketing trade, water. Undergraduate students, as the future ANR workforce, must use critical thinking skills to find solutions these issues. This study sought determine if a course that integrated case studies, opposed classroom with no integration, influenced students’ thinking. A...

Developing an impactful Extension program depends on acquiring a deep understanding of the audience’s specific needs and preferences. Audience segmentation allows agent to address variability among clientele, in order deliver programming messages that are most meaningful audience/clientele segment. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Paul Monaghan, Laura Warner, Ricky Telg, Tracy Irani, published UF Department Agricultural Education Communication, November 2014. (UF/IFAS photo Marisol Amador)