Moreover, the program emphasis of these agents is to work with children and youth. Therefore, it is possible that they more frequently communicated with local school teachers and administrators. On the other hand, it appears that older agents, who have been in the system for a longer time, are more comfortable working with Extension program advisory committees. Male agents predominantly are agricultural agents and are most likely to communicate with Extension specialists in subject-matter areas of agronomy, pathology, soil science, and entomology. In addition, state and federal agencies are a major source of information on issues such as IPM, soil conservation, etc.
Extension agents work in communities.
Agents, regardless of their primary area of responsibility and education level, frequently communicated with community organizations and local news agencies. Agents have to be in constant contact with local news agencies to publicize Extension programs and events. As such, agents frequently communicate with media personnel. The differences among demographic characteristics and the frequency of use of information sources suggest that specialists who develop educational materials should look into demographic characteristics of agents and the type of information delivery methods they use when designing and developing Extension program materials. The findings of this study should be shared with staff development personnel and Extension information services so that informed decisions are made in the development, publication, and delivery of educational materials.