Based on these differences, cellular phone usage had no statistically significant effect on monthly mileage or on the slightly higher office contacts. A statistically significant increase, however, occurred in total contacts with cellular phone use. These findings indicate that agents are driving approximately the same number of miles per month, but, by having the phone in the vehicle, agents increased total contacts significantly. Conclusions and Recommendations Cooperative Extension is an agency in technological transition. Requirements placed on Extension agents have increased dramatically, while agent numbers and financial resources have diminished.
Communication continues to be an integral part of a county agent's daily functions.
This survey of cellular telephone usage by county agents in four states determined that the use of cellular telephones can increase the number of agent contacts. Basically, cellular telephones allow agents to be available to their clientele while away from the office. Male agents typically drive more miles per month than do female agents. The greater the number of agents in counties, the fewer the number of miles driven per agent. Agents with agricultural specialty are driving more, talking on the cellular phone more, contacting more people in the office, and contacting more people in general than their counterparts without cellular telephones.