Weather Information and Decision-Support Tool Needs Assessment

Authors

• Lily Calderwood, University of Maine ExtensionFollow
• Glen Koehler, University of Maine ExtensionFollow
• Sean Birkel, University of Maine Extension, Climate Change InstituteFollow
• Erin H. Roche, University of Maine Extension

Volume

60

Issue

3

DOI

10.34068/joe.60.03.01

Abstract

University of Maine researchers developed three commodity-specific grower focus groups (lowbush blueberry, apple, mixed vegetable) to discuss and survey 1) current access to weather information, and 2) interest in weather-based decision support tools. NOAA National Weather Service (30%) (n=47) was most commonly cited as a weather information source. Growers ranked greater forecast accuracy (31%) and localization (19%) (n=48) as highest priorities. Only 34% of growers reported current use of weather-based decision support tools, but 86% expressed interest in future use (n=134). The project team is using grower input to improve weather data access and decision-support tools for Maine farmers.

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Recommended Citation

Calderwood, L., Koehler, G., Birkel, S., & Roche, E. H. (2022). Weather Information and Decision-Support Tool Needs Assessment. Journal of Extension, 60(3), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.03.01