Abstract
"There are several challenges associated with the process of communicating drought outlooks; namely, uncertainty, and its several hypothetical impacts on the Agricultural sector throughout the process of preparation to harvesting. The Southeast and Midwest regions of the United States play an important role in the country’s Agricultural Sector, making it essential that their producers receive clear and certain communication regarding drought that they can trust. This project dives into the theme of uncertainty through a qualitative study and analysis of data, focusing on the “intermediary” and their relationship with communicating drought outlooks to agricultural producers using the Climate Prediction Center’s (CPC) Seasonal Drought Outlook. Eight intermediaries across the Southeast and Midwest participated in semi-structured interviews, using the transcriptions of each interview to analyze recurring themes in the communication process, outlook trust, and desired changes. Preliminary Findings indicate minor regional differences, as well as desired changes in the locality, language, and transparency of the Seasonal Drought Outlook. Implementation of desired changes expressed by the intermediaries could yield positive impacts on reducing uncertainty in outlooks, aiding the Agricultural Sector in drought mitigation and preparation."
Start Time
15-4-2026 1:30 PM
End Time
15-4-2026 2:30 PM
Room Number
271
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
UG Orals
Presentation Category
Social Sciences
Student Type
Undergraduate Student
"Communicating Drought Outlooks to the Agricultural Sector in the Southeast and Midwest United States"
271
"There are several challenges associated with the process of communicating drought outlooks; namely, uncertainty, and its several hypothetical impacts on the Agricultural sector throughout the process of preparation to harvesting. The Southeast and Midwest regions of the United States play an important role in the country’s Agricultural Sector, making it essential that their producers receive clear and certain communication regarding drought that they can trust. This project dives into the theme of uncertainty through a qualitative study and analysis of data, focusing on the “intermediary” and their relationship with communicating drought outlooks to agricultural producers using the Climate Prediction Center’s (CPC) Seasonal Drought Outlook. Eight intermediaries across the Southeast and Midwest participated in semi-structured interviews, using the transcriptions of each interview to analyze recurring themes in the communication process, outlook trust, and desired changes. Preliminary Findings indicate minor regional differences, as well as desired changes in the locality, language, and transparency of the Seasonal Drought Outlook. Implementation of desired changes expressed by the intermediaries could yield positive impacts on reducing uncertainty in outlooks, aiding the Agricultural Sector in drought mitigation and preparation."
