John E. Carlson

Factors influencing farm level use of futures and options in commodity marketing

A probit model is used to quantify factors influencing the probability that a selected group of agricultural decision makers (producers and landowners receiving crops from a share lease) used futures or options for commodity marketing during the 1986, 1987, or 1988 marketing years. Respondents were selected from participants in orientation sessions associated with the nationwide Futures and Option Marketing Pilot Program. Results suggest previous use of cash forward contracts, location, size and farming operation (measured by gross farm sales), having a college degree(s), and membership in a marketing club have the greatest impact on the probability of using futures and options.

Drinking among Rural Youth: The Dynamics of Parental and Peer Influence

The data reported here are from a study of all eighth and and twelfth grade students ih three counties of north central Idaho. Questions were administered in the classroom setting by the senior author and an assistant. At least 16% of eighth graders and 34% of twelfth graders in north central Idaho counties drink frequently. A much higher proportion drink occasionally. Drinking behavior of parents and closeness of relationship with parents are strongly related to drinking patterns. An even stronger relationship exists between drinking and peer relationships. A high degree of problem-related communication with parents is associated with lower probability of drinking, while low problem-related communication with peers is associated with less frequent drinking.

Personalization of Mail Surveys for General Public and Populations with a Group Identity : Results from Nine Studies

Abstract The effect of personalization on mail survey response rates was examined in nine studies that included 17 comparisons under several research conditions. A study of this variable across multiple experiments in five agricultural experiment stations was undertaken because of conflicting results from previous research and from concern that the effectiveness of personalization might have decreased over time. Results show that, while response to general public surveys appeared to increase modestly across all treatment groups, there was no positive effect for populations in which a group identity (e.g., Dear Oregon Gardner or Dear ATV Owner) is employed to address respondents in cover letters. Personalization appears to remain useful for improving response in surveys of the general public.

A theoretical framework for premarital sexual decisions in the dyad

A theoretical framework and model designed to explain and predict decisions about premarital intercourse is presented. Decision-making is viewed within an exchange framework. Throughout the exchange process, variations in socialization, definitions of the situation, perceptions of group vs. individual profits, and variations in the values of the participants are related to decisions made. Consensual and accommodative decisions to have or not to have premarital intercourse are explored. Suggestions are made to utilize the framework to generate hypotheses and to develop the theory further.

The information patterns of Idaho potato growers

Farmers rely on a variety of information sources when making decisions related to the management of their farm operation. The study reported here looked at the information sources used by Idaho potato producers.Data were collected by questionnaire from a randomly selected sample of 735 potato producers. A return rate of 58 percent resulted in 427 useable surveys.Results suggest that a variety of information sources are used by Idaho potato producers. It is also evident that growers place different degrees of reliability on different information sources. In fact, some of the most used sources are not considered the most reliable. It is also evident that contract growers and open market growers utilize different sources of information. Better understanding of these differences will assist in better dissemination of useful information to potato growers.CompendioLos agricultores confían en diversas fuentes de información cuando toman decisiones relacionadas con la administración de sus fincas. Este estudio describe las fuentes de información utilizadas por los productores de papa de Idaho.Las informaciones obtenidas mediante cuestionarios entregados a una muestra de 735 productores de papa seleccionados al azar. Una tasa de respuesta de 58% permitió obtener 427 encuestas utilizables.Los resultados sugieren que los productores de papa de Idaho utilizan varias fuentes de información. Es evidente que los productores dan diferentes grados de credibilidad a las diversas fuentes utilizadas. De hecho, algunas de las fuentes más utilizadas no son consideradas las más confiables. Es también evidente que los productores por contrata y aquellos que producen para libre comercialización utilizan diferentes fuentes de información. Una mejor comprensión de estas diferencias permitirá una mayor diseminación de información útil para los productores de papa de Idaho.