Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2019

Publication Title

Journal of the ASFMRA (American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers)

Abstract

The USDA Farm Service Agency replaced paper mailings with GovDelivery electronic communication in order to increase efficiency and reduce costs. This case study presents evidence from one state indicating a perception among local FSA officials that GovDelivery does not allow them to effectively serve their constituents. A gap in reliable rural Internet service and low usage of smartphones in place of rural broadband may contribute to the extremely low open rates for GovDelivery email notifications. Findings suggest that electronic-only communication does not allow the agency to effectively engage with farm owners, operators, and managers.

DOI

10.22004/ag.econ.322661

Comments

First published in the Journal of the ASFMRA (American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers) 2019: 27-32. http://dx.doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.322661.

Posted with publisher permission.

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