Purpose: Why do farmers not take better care of their soils? This article aims to give insight into how farmers look at soil quality management. Design/methodology/approach: It analyses diverse land management practices and visions on soils and soil quality of ten agroecological and 14 conventional smallholder farmers in Araponga, Minas Gerais,…

Purpose: New approaches to extension service delivery are needed that stimulate increased agricultural production, contribute to collective action and which also foster the emergence of agricultural innovation systems. Research in Peru and Mexico explores some of these new approaches. Design/methodology/approach: In both countries, a qualitative…

This study assessed needs, knowledge, and interests of agricultural professionals who were likely to enroll in an online extension course in sustainable agriculture. The objectives of the study were: to (1) describe their demographic characteristics, (2) identify their concerns and interests related to farming, (3) evaluate participants' knowledge…

This paper examines the influence of farmer knowledge upon decision making processes. Drawing upon the sociological debates around the ideas of reflexive modernity and biotechnology as well as from classic adoption and diffusion studies, I explore the influences upon farmers' use of "Bacillus thuringiensis" (Bt) corn. Utilizing survey data…

This paper evaluated the level of adoption of aquaculture technology extended to farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. To improve aquaculture practice in Nigeria, a technology package was developed and disseminated to farmers in the state. This package included ten practices that the farmers were supposed to adopt. Eighty-two respondents were randomly…

The purpose of the project was to identify a common core of basic skills for agribusiness and natural resources instruction in vocational education. This objective was undertaken through an inventory of 28 tasks and 28 occupational surveys. Completed task inventories were made for 28 representative occupations in agribusiness and natural…

AS A BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING FOUR PILOT PROGRAMS IN OFF-FARM AGRICULTURAL OCCUPATIONS, COMPETENCIES NEEDED BY EMPLOYEES IN AGRICULTURAL SUPPLY BUSINESSES WERE DETERMINED BY A SURVEY OF 90 EMPLOYEES IN 65 BUSINESSES IN KENTUCKY. THE COMPETENCIES WERE GROUPED BY UNDERSTANDINGS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES. OF 251 COMPETENCIES SURVEYED IN THE SIX MAJOR…

To determine the competencies needed by managers, assistant managers, and auctioneers in the livestock auction sale business and to determine the implications for educational programs, a questionnaire of 20 competencies compiled from a survey of livestock auction businesses was sent to every livestock auction sale barn listed with the Iowa…

A survey of local agribusiness firms revealed competencies required for vocational agriculture students. (MU)

The Knowledge of how to obtain and use feedback effectively is essential to the program developer. (Editor)

Article describes the nation's only high school devoted strictly to agriculture-related programs. (Author/ML)

Implications of Bureau of Labor Statistics projections for education in agriculture. (SB)

The parage of foreign policy usually skipped rural Iowa, but on September 23, 1959, the eyes of the nation focused on Coon Rapids. Invited guests, curious onlookers, anxious reporters and photographers surrounded Roswell and Elizabeth Garst's white, wooden farmhouse. More than 700 National Guardsmen lined the highway between Des Moines and Garst's…

To improve vocational educational programs in agriculture, occupational information on a common core of basic skills within the occupational area of the commercial vegetable producer is presented in the revised task inventory survey. The purpose of the occupational survey was to identify a common core of basic skills which are performed and are…