The purpose of this record of study was to examine the perceptions held by a targeted "grassroots" society composed of agricultural producers regarding farm policy goals, policy commodity components, and operational factors as potential barriers to successful policy. The study also examined the relationship of the government defined and "grassroots" perceived intended outcomes of current components to seek areas of needed education or research. A researcher developed questionnaire was used to collect the data from members/producers of USDA, FSA county committees in Texas. The questionnaire consisted of 37 questions divided into three sections: demographic and farm data; policy perception data; and operational issues. Ultimately, there were a total of 761 surveys returned from 175 FSA county committees of 206 (85%) representing farms and ranches from 232 of 254 counties (91% of counties) in Texas. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were used to examine the data. Major findings, identified through descriptive analysis, were that the producer respondents in the study were predominately male, between the ages of 36 - 65 years of age and Caucasian. As a group, the producer respondents will be farming and ranching to provide food and fiber for a population much more diverse than itself. The perception data collected yielded that, while some general and important conclusions can be drawn from the data, the different size/types of producers had different opinions, knowledge levels, and therefore, educational needs. Overall, policy goals involving global orientation and the supply and stabilization of farm income for producers were high targets for educational needs by the respondents. Respondents also considered those policy tools providing producer control or proprietary decision making as high areas of need for education. Several operational issues noted educational needs such as individual handling of landowner/tenant issues, administrative costs/changes, and changes in commodity programs.

Thesis--University of Florida. / Description based on print version record. Manuscript copy. Vita. Bibliography: leaves 439-444.

The purpose of the study is to identify beef cattle producers’ current knowledge level of animal activism and measure the perceived level of an animal activism risk to the operation. This convenience sample consisted of beef cattle producers in attendance at the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course held on August 6-8, 2012, and members of the Angus Journal e-list. Results confirmed that respondents found it fairly likely that an animal activist attack could happen in the United States and that it could likely happen in their home state. Respondents found it less likely that an attack could happen to their operation, but in the instance of an attack, they are to be prepared. Respondents identified two aspects of their operation as susceptible threats: tampering with gates and locks and theft/misuse. Although beef cattle producers recognize the importance of safe guarding their operation against potential threats, most are not implementing the precautions necessary to do so. As far as the preferred source of information about activist threats, respondents were fairly likely to contact law enforcement, the Internet, farm magazines, their Extension agent, and their veterinarian. Most of the producers had never attended an animal activism workshop but did say they would attend one at least once. As a majority, the respondents had not invested time or money to reduce loss of production due to animal activism and did not have access to educational material to answer questions they might have about animal activism. The preferred delivery method of future animal activism educational materials should be offered to beef cattle producers in the evenings. The best method of educating respondents proved to be dinner meetings. Books, computer software and audio disks were the least popular methods of education.

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State Agricultural College, 1931. / Typescript. Also available online.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universität Breslau, (1930?). / Includes bibliographical references (p. iv-v).

Thesis (M.A.)--Liberty University, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available online through Liberty University's Digital Commons.

Thesis (M.A.)--Liberty University, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.E.)--University of Canterbury, 2006. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (p. [85]-87, 2nd sequence). Also available via the World Wide Web.

published_or_final_version / Comparative Literature / Master / Master of Philosophy

Thesis (Ed. D.)--Teachers College, Columbia University, 1987. / Typescript; issued also on microfilm. Sponsor: Louis Forsdale. Dissertation Committee: Maxine Greene. Bibliography: leaves 58-61.