The perceptions of farmers toward fee-based extension programs and services

Abstract

This study used a descriptive survey design to explain U.S. agricultural producers' perceptions of how fee-based services would limit their access to Extension resources. Agricultural producers in the United States use Extension because of the free resources, troubleshooting, and competitively priced and high-quality lab services. Participants perceived immense value in research-based information available at no cost, especially for those who fell into the lower gross farm income brackets. Participants with higher-income farms were more tolerant of paying for commercial consulting services, likely due to having more capital to invest in such services. Despite their aversion to fees, participants supported paying for lab services that evaluated soil, plant, water, and feed samples. Such fees are expected as part of a standard business transaction yielding a tangible product or data, as one would experience when buying other goods. Participants were largely unaware of free commercial plant disease diagnosis services, which suggests an opportunity for agricultural agents to promote this more thoroughly in their counties. Overall, Georgia agricultural producers rely on Extension for free or affordable information that is high-quality and readily accessible. Producers count on their county agent to link them to a resource system providing valuable information in numerous formats to meet their needs.