Date of Graduation

5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness

Advisor/Mentor

Graham, Donna

Committee Member/Reader

Kemper, Nathan

Committee Member/Second Reader

Nalley, Lawton L.

Abstract

This research was conducted to evaluate where farmers and ranchers find political information and assess their political preferences. By conducting a survey of Arkansas farmers and ranchers we were able to determine that they prefer face to face interaction as a source of information by large margins. They typically consult friends, peers, and extension agents where appropriate. Depending on the type of political information they are seeking (information about candidates as opposed to information about policy topics), they often used other types of information sources such as the internet and broadcast media. We also ascertained that farmers and ranchers have higher than average levels of voter turnout and typically prefer to take political action by writing letters to their elected representatives. This study also collected rankings of selected issues in order of importance, concluding that most farmers and ranchers prioritize gun control and access to abortion as critical issues they consider when choosing to support a candidate. The results of this research show that farm advocacy groups and information sharing networks may need to alter their approach to communicating with farmers so that the information they attempt to spread can be done so efficiently.

Keywords

Arkansas; farmers; ranchers; political preferences; political information

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