Agricultural water use accounts for a large portion of water withdrawal in the United States (U.S.). The agricultural industry has recently come under public scrutiny as increased droughts across the nation has led to competition for water. The added pressure has led to an increase in policy aimed at curbing agricultural water use in many parts of the U.S. At the same time, public perception of agricultural water use was at an all time low with little recognition that agricultural water needs differ depending upon geographic location. The purpose of this study was to evaluate public perceptions of water use across the nation to assist extension educators in the development of programs focused on educating about diverse agricultural water needs. The findings revealed respondents generally trust farmers when it comes to water use and believe farming practices have a positive effect on the natural environment. There were observed differences between regions when it came to farmers’ use of resources and how they negatively impact the environment, with respondents from the West having a significantly more negative opinion. Universities and extension educators were found to be the most trusted source of information, therefore regionally specific agricultural water use extension programs could assist in developing an educated public.
Evaluating public perceptions of agricultural water use by regions to guide extension programming.
Publish Date: 2018
Lamm, A. J., Beattie, P. N., & Talor, M. R. (2018). Evaluating public perceptions of agricultural water use by regions to guide extension programming. Journal of Southern Agricultural Education Research, 68(1), 99-111. http://www.jsaer.org/pdf/Vol68Whole.pdf
Author(s): Lamm, A. J., Beattie, P. N., & Talor, M. R.
