Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://scholarworks.montana.edu/handle/1/732
Browse
2 results
Search Results
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 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.