Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://scholarworks.montana.edu/handle/1/733
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Item Assessment of young and beginning producer practices in Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2019) Tintzman, Tyler William; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Shannon ArnoldThe agricultural industry is at a turning point regarding the labor force in the United States. The average age of the existing labor force continues to increase and fewer young and beginning farmers and ranchers (YBFR) are entering production agriculture. The purpose of this research was to gain a better understanding of the experience of YBFR entering production agriculture and the working challenges they are facing. This phenomenological research study utilized semi-structured interviews with active YBFR in Montana to examine their experiences. Following analysis, seven different themes surrounding the experiences of YBFR in Montana were revealed. 1. Access to land, capital, and equipment is a significant barrier for a YBFR to enter production agriculture. 2. Developing a network of peers and finding a mentor within production agriculture is a valuable tool for a YBFR. 3. The use of governmental YBFR programs has a positive impact on the experience. 4. Crop insurance is a valued risk protection tool for YBFR operations. 5. Support from family members and industry peers positively impacts the financial and intellectual experience of a YBFR. 6. Continuing formal and non-formal education on the latest technologies and industry practices can assist a YBFR in creating a competitive business. 7. A thorough understanding of production costs on an agricultural operation will allow a YBFR to make fact based, objective decisions that lead to a more profitable operation. In conclusion, these seven themes were shared across participants to explain what and how they experienced being a YBFR in Montana. Further research should be conducted to better understand the impact of networking, mentorship, and the costs of production.Item Adult agricultural education for the Crow Indian farmers and ranchers in Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, 1970) Larsen, Knud C. B.; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Max L. AmbersonItem Factors affecting the implementation of an electronic Pest Recommendation Network for pesticide applicators in Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2001) Lanier, William ThomasThe problem is how to deliver pest management information to pesticide applicators, where they live and work, in a manner that does not intimidate them. The delivery structure must allow for the effective use, safety and hazard information to be ‘ incorporated into the daily decision-making process. The objectives of this study were to determine the factors that may enhance or prohibit use of the Pest Recommendation Network (PRN) and how valuable selected pest control topics are to pesticide applicators in Montana Pesticide Applicator Training (PAT) Region 2. The six factors that may have affected a participants use of the WWW were lack of hardware, software, monthly service provider charges, familiarity with what the WWW offers, lack of computer technical assistance or training and/or high telephone line charges. The selected pest control factors were chemical control information, economic thresholds, crop variety susceptibility information, and pest life cycle conditions favoring susceptibility, typical infestation pattern in fields, symptoms and look alike symptoms, cultural control information and knowing required scouting frequency. The survey group (n = 497) was randomly divided into two groups. Each group received a take-home worksheet that provided step by step instructions on how to access and receive information from the PRN. In addition to the worksheet, one group received training that included verbal explanation of 11 Power Point text slides and 3 PRN screen images from the PRN application. The purpose of the mini-lecture slides were to motivate and familiarize subjects to the availability and value of the PRN. The control group saw only one text slide referring to the PRN. To use the PRN, the control group would have to rely on the worksheet instructions. In summary, the amount of training the participants received at the Region 2 PAT re-certification program did not significantly affect their access of the PRN. Ranking of the results of the survey showed that people with access to the Internet found familiarity with what the Internet offers, lack of computer technical assistance or training, high telephone line charges as the factors that affected their use of the Internet the most. Participants also ranked chemical control information, economic thresholds, crop variety susceptibility information, pest life cycle as most valuable to their pest control decision making. The results of the demographic section of the survey revealed that over half of the surveyed participants had access to computer hardware, over half used it for farm business and over half had either access to the Internet or email.Item Communication channels : educational providers engaging beginning farmers and ranchers with the information they need, the way they want it(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2013) Hebel, Katie Jorine; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Carl IgoBeginning farmers and ranchers are a critical demographic in the agricultural industry as more and more farmers and ranchers are reaching the age of retirement. As they emerge into this field, they have critical production-oriented educational needs in order to be successful. It is critical for educational providers to consider beginning farmers and ranchers preferred communication channels when transferring this educational information. Programs need to deliver the desired content through the desired communication channel in order to be most effective. This review sought to identify communication channels, beginning farmers and ranchers, and their self-perceived preferences for educational information over the last twenty-five years. This exhaustive literature review examined research on communication channels, beginning farmers and ranchers and their self-perceived educational needs. The problem identified was what preferred communication channels were most effective in engaging beginning farmers and ranchers with production-oriented educational information. Beginning farmers and ranchers have a need for educational information, particularly relating to agriculture business management. Even though their need for educational information has not changed in the last twenty-five years, the content of educational information has progressed with the changes in agricultural technology, regulations, practices and services. Educational providers need to consider and continually re-assess the educational content and communication channel when engaging beginning farmers and ranchers. Educational providers need to provide educational information through a variety of communication channels in multiple ways to reach their target demographic.Item Educating the future of agriculture : a focus group analysis of the programming needs and preferences of Montana young and beginning farmers and ranchers(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2013) Bailey, Nikki Eileen; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Shannon ArnoldThe average age of farmers and ranchers is steadily rising and each year there are fewer young and beginning farmers and ranchers (YBFR) to take the place of those on the cusp of retirement. Therefore, it is critical that YBFR have the skills and competencies needed to be successful. To develop these skills and competencies, educators and program planners must provide information and programs that address the needs of YBFR. This study sought to explain the interaction between the educational drivers, needs, and preferences YBFR in Montana, in order to develop educational programing recommendations. A purposeful sample was taken from the attendees of the Montana Young Ag Leadership Conference. Focus groups discussions were utilized to gather data on the educational needs, programing preferences, and preferred delivery formats of these YBFR. Constant comparison analysis was used to analyze the data; open, axial, and selective codes were generated and a grounded theory was formed. YBFR identified four major educational needs; agriculture business management skills, legal knowledge, communication skills, and skills associated with production technologies. The participants attended educational programs to improve themselves and their agricultural businesses, be different than past generations, and have the opportunity to network. Barriers such as distance and lack of awareness prevented them from attending educational events. The YBFR considered educational programs successful if they provided networking opportunities, a variety of relevant content, and a positive, interactive learning environment. YBFR utilized several different delivery formats ranging from email to conferences. Social media was viewed as important for the promotion of educational programs. Longer duration educational events featuring a large amount and variety of information were preferred by YBFR. Agriculture educators and programmers need to take into account the educational needs and preferences of YBFR when planning educational events. An effort needs to be made to decrease the barriers and increase the positive elements associated with educational programs. The educational needs described by the YBFR must to be addressed in environments that foster interaction and networking. Agriculture organizations and agencies need to collaborate to create comprehensive, impactful educational programs that focus on developing the skills and knowledge of YBFR.