Adoption of Web-Based Spatial Tools by Agricultural Producers: Conversations with Seven Northeastern Ontario Farmers Using the GeoVisage Decision Support System

Daniel H. Jarvis, Mark P. Wachowiak, Dan F. Walters and John M. Kovacs
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Daniel H. Jarvis: Schulich School of Education, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON P1B8L7, Canada
Mark P. Wachowiak: Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON P1B8L7, Canada
Dan F. Walters: Department of Geography, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON P1B8L7, Canada
John M. Kovacs: Department of Geography, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON P1B8L7, Canada

Agriculture, 2017, vol. 7, issue 8, 1-22

Abstract: This paper reports on the findings of a multi-site qualitative case study research project designed to document the utility and perceived usefulness of weather station and imagery data associated with the online resource GeoVisage among northeastern Ontario farmers. Interviews were conducted onsite at five participating farms (three dairy, one cash crop, and one public access fruit/vegetable) in 2014–2016, and these conversations were transcribed and returned to participants for member checking. Interview data was then entered into Atlas.ti software for the purpose of qualitative thematic analysis. Fifteen codes emerged from the data and findings center around three overarching themes: common uses of weather station data (e.g., air/soil temperature, rainfall); the use of GeoVisage Imagery data/tools (e.g., acreage calculations, remotely sensed imagery); and future recommendations for the online resource (e.g., communication, secure crop imagery, mobile access). Overall, weather station data and tools freely accessible through the GeoVisage site were viewed as representing a timely, positive, and important addition to contemporary agricultural decision-making in northeastern Ontario farming.

Keywords: GIS technology; precision agriculture; web-based access; weather; weather station; decision support (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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