Texas Agricultural Organization Board Members Knowledge of and Information Sources for the 2002 Farm Bill

Abstract

This study attempted to assess Texas agricultural board members’ knowledge levels of the 2002 Farm Bill and to explore perceived values of information sources used to learn about the farm bill. Selected Texas agricultural organization board members (70) were most knowledgeable about the crop insurance and direct payment programs, findings that parallel previous studies. Respondents were least knowledgeable about the food stamp program. Respondents identified the Cooperative Extension Service and farm publications as the most valuable information sources for learning about the 2002 Farm Bill. No significant relationships existed between respondents’ knowledge of the 2002 Farm Bill and their information sources. If agricultural communicators want to reach agricultural board members, they should communicate farm bill programs and issues using the Cooperative Extension Service, the Internet (agricultural sites), and farm publications.