Ohio Survey of Trends in Information Demand

The Ohio State University Extension (OSUE) is currently completing an organization-wide strategic planning process. The intent of this activity is to carefully consider the educational programs of the organization, and the information needs of its clientele, so as to ensure that OSUE is able to complete its mission in an effective and efficient manner. We supported this activity by conducting surveys of three clientele groups.

• Ohio Farmers - The study employed a mailed survey and was conducted during the period February 2007 to April 2007. A total of 3,000 questionnaires were mailed to randomly selected Ohio farmers. We sampled the full range of farm sizes -- from very small lifestyle farms to the largest commercial farms.  Click here for a brief report.

• Ohio Consumers -   The study employed a mailed survey and was conducted during the period May 2007 to June 2007. A total of 3,000 questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of Ohio residents following best survey practices. The sample was stratified in order to guarantee sufficient representation of respondents in both rural and urban areas.    Click here for a brief report.

• Ohio Agricultural Professionals -  The study employed an electronic survey with initial contact made via postal mail.  The survey was conducted during the period from March to May 2007. A total of 520 Ag professionals were contacted. A total of 236 questionnaires were received for an overall response rate of 45 percent.  Click here for a brief report.

As additional summary materials are made available, they will be posted at this web site.

Center for Innovation-Based Enterprise, Agricultural, Environmental, & Development Economics
103 Agricultural Administration Building, 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA