Paul Lasley

The New Environmental Paradigm Scale: A Reexamination

Abstract To examine and measure the paradigmatic shifts in the publics orientation toward the physical environment, Dunlap and Van Liere developed the New Environmental Paradigm Scale. This study examines the dimensionality of the NEP scale. The scale was tested in three different settings to assess its stability. Using confirmatory factor analysis we were unable to confirm any of the previous configurations of the scales dimensionality. We were, however, able to confirm the dimensionality of a three-factor model using nine of the items from the original scale. Further, the extracted factor pattern for our model closely resembles the findings reported by Albrecht et al.

Telecommunication technology and its implications for farmers and Extension Services

Abstract The telecommunication revolution holds important implications for both farmers and the Extension Service. With the proliferation of communication technologies, farmers have a broad array of channels and sources for information, leading some to argue that traditional modes of information delivery will be replaced. Based on survey data from Iowa farms, this article examines the extent to which farmers have adopted electronic communication. Next, we explore their interest in precision farming which is expected to be related to their adoption of telecommunication. Finally, we examine farmers’ preferences for receiving information. Based on indicated preferences, the analysis finds that the capacity to receive information via various means of telecommunication reinforces producer support for more one-on-one and personalized communication. We conclude that telecommunications may supplement rather than replace traditional delivery methods, suggesting that it may increase rather than decrease the demand for Extension education.

Is sustainable agriculture an elixir for rural communities

The transformation of agriculture according to an industrial model has had clear benefits in improving efficiency and lowering production costs, but also has had adverse consequences on rural culture and the environment. Sustainable agriculture offers alternative practices and values intended to promote environmental stewardship, conserve resources, preserve farm traditions, and support rural communities. Strong arguments can be made that it will have these consequences, based on the interactions among agricultural structure, rural community viability, and environmental quality. However, counterarguments can also be made, and the claimed benefits of sustainable agriculture for rural communities must be regarded as not yet demonstrated.

Farmer support of local organizations, causes, and charities through philanthropy

As rural communities lose population, businesses close their doors, and financial resources become scarce, local leaders experience increasing difficulty providing necessary facilities and services to ensure an acceptable quality of life. A strategy for obtaining additional resources to meet local needs is through philanthropy or charitable giving of local residents. In farming communities, estate bequests have particular appeal because the legacy of many farmers is their land holdings. In 2004 the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll questioned farmers about their philanthropy with local community organizations, causes, and charities. Amounts and types of local contributions by farmers are examined controlling for theoretically relevant personal, social, and structural factors. Results indicate that amount given is related primarily to economic factors, whereas who the benefactors are and the nature of the contributions is more a function of degree of participation in community organizations and activities. Implications for community development are discussed.

Economic development and biotechnology: Public policy response to the farm crisis in Iowa

In periods of social crisis, policymakers become particularly vulnerable to interest groups mobilizing to compete for scarce funds. At this point, legislators are no longer able to address the specific needs of their primary constituency directly, but rather are forced to do so in pretext only. New, unfamiliar technologies provide ample ammunition for astute interest groups to take advantage of times of economic turmoil and maneuver for policy support through dramatic campaigns of “salesmanship.” By publicizing a crisis situation, dramatizing it effectively, and advertising an innovation as the solution to the crisis, legislators may be effectively persuaded to give priority to interest group pressures above and beyond those of the local constituency. Iowas attempts to address the farm crisis through economic development strategies relying on biotechnology is examined in this paper. The results of extensive surveys of Iowas legislators and farmers are examined and the consequences for Iowas policy process of using biotechnology under the auspices of economic development are discussed.