Perceptions and attitudes of farmers and ranchers concerning Texas Agricultural Extension Service computer-based farm management short courses and software

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions and attitudes of selected farmers and ranchers in Texas concerning the use and benefits of computer-based farm and ranch management programs sponsored by the Economist-Management Group of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. The study was conducted during the first half of 1989. The population consisted of purchasers (purchased TAEX software) and participant/purchasers (attended short course and received software) who were surveyed by a mailed questionnaire. The return rate was 51.7% (n=489). Cronbach's alpha coefficients were calculated to determine the questionnaire's reliability. Descriptive statistics were used for reporting the demographic and farming/ranching characteristics of the study group as well as the respondents' perceptions of themselves as influencing others to adopt computers. Frequencies and percentages were calculated to develop a profile of the respondents. Comparative techniques were employed to compare the responses of the purchasers and the participant/purchasers. Means, t-values, and Kendall's Tau C's were reported where appropriate. Correlation analysis was used to determine relationships among the main variables of satisfaction, economic and financial expertise, influence on other farmers and ranchers, and self-perceived benefits of computer technology. The major findings were: 1. The study group had higher levels of education and gross income from farming and ranching than did the general Texas farming and ranching population. 2. Purchasers had higher levels of education, gross off-farm income, and spent more money on computer training than did the participant/purchasers. 3. The participant/purchasers reported higher levels of gross on-farm/ranch income and greater satisfaction with the TAEX software than did the purchaser group. 4. Both groups reported above average abilities to modify and incorporate TAEX software into their operations and that they had some influence on other farmers and ranchers to adopt computers...