Productivity in farm machinery manufacturing is examined. The authors discuss how the national economy affects productivity, how the growth of agriculture and technology has changed the industry, and how future trends may cause change in the industry. (CT)

Using practical applications of the principles of elementary physics, the author details how beekeepers can monitor the weight of their colonies. The weighing technique described involves no costly equipment, is not limited to a single colony, and is developed from the principles of physics for rigid body equilibrium. (BT)

The article traces evolution of diffusion theory; illustrates undesirable consequences in a cross-cultural setting, reviews criticisms of several scholars; considers distributional effects and unanticipated consequences for potential ameliorative impact on diffusion theory; and codifies these factors into a framework for research into consequences…

Presents a brief review of pesticide use. Included topics are: biological activity, formulation, application, uptake, metabolism, residues, and tolerance. (BB)

Presents a brief review of the chemistry of the plant cell wall. Included topics are: analytical techniques, structure, growth, and maturation. (BB)

Contains a discussion of insects' ability to survive, of the development of pesticides and the introduction of DDT, of the problems of pesticide use and resistance to insecticides, and of the advantages of integrated pest control. (BB)

A review of literature from 1964 to 1993 found that supervised agricultural experience (SAE) teachers, students, parents, and employers value the teachers' supervisory role. Implementation practices vary widely and there are no cumulative data to guide policies and standards for SAE supervision. (SK)

Six theme articles attempt to define and advocate agricultural literacy, review the status of K-8 agricultural literacy programs in states, discuss an Oklahoma study of agricultural literacy, clarify the meaning of sustainable agriculture, and describe the Future Farmers of America's Food for America program for elementary students. (SK)

A study addressed the issue of farmers failing to see the relevance of research and researchers being frustrated by slow adoption of their findings. Interviews with 30 Queensland (Australia) farmers showed that their understanding of the topics was poor because the farmers saw no need for the information. (Author/JOW)

An agricultural innovation (nitrogen testing) had been used by 127 of a sample of 220 farmers. Adoption of the technique was influenced by information and change agents' attitudes. Adopters were also motivated by cost savings. Both adopters and nonadopters either did not have or use soil sampling skills needed to perform the test correctly.…

Examined is the development of resistance and secondary pest outbreaks and disease vectors. Two examples are considered in depth. A list of 42 references is included. (CW)

Surveyed a national sample (n=3135) of adults to examine the structure of agrarianism among the U.S. public and its relationship to U.S. values. Identified four tenets of agrarianism: family farm; agrarian fundamentalism; yeomanship (economic independence); and farm lifestyle. Each of the first three dimensions expressed a different social ethic…

This article investigates several authors' philosophical accounts of farming, ranching, and rural U.S. life, examining varieties of agrarianism and reviewing topics in agricultural ethics that might be an appropriate focus for rural educators. It suggests discussion of controversial issues and emphasizes the importance of teaching the ironies of…

Discusses the diversity of science education in different Latin American countries. Focuses on the evolution of science education and its influence on development, especially agricultural diversity, the paradigm of the 21st century and its influence on higher education, and implications for science education. (Author/VWL)