Semester
Summer
Date of Graduation
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
Department
Agricultural & Extension Education
Committee Chair
Kerry S. Odell.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify factors that contribute to participation in the West Virginia Beef Quality Assurance program. This study explored barriers and encouragers that affected involvement in educational programs offered by the West Virginia Cooperative Extension Service. The population consisted of 387 West Virginia Beef Producers from the West Virginia Young Sire Performance Evaluation Program mailing lists. The sample consisted of 85 producers randomly selected from the accessible population and 85 responses to the survey were completed. It was found that the average BQA farmer had a higher net income from their farming practices and had a larger herd than non-BQA participants. They were more likely to be informed on current trends in the beef industry and more prepared for change. Non-BQA participants credited barriers such as time and convenience to lack of participation. They believed increased program awareness and closer training locations would increase involvement.
Recommended Citation
Peacock, Sara D., "Factors influencing participation in the beef quality assurance program of the West Virginia Cooperative Extension Service" (2003). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 1765.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1765