Communicating Climate Science for Agricultural Decision Support.

Communication of agronomic and climate science is necessary to provide effective support of crop management decisions.  However, various social and cultural factors influence the reception of scientific information to inform short and long term management planning.  Beliefs about climate change vary between agricultural stakeholder groups and may create challenges to the transfer of emerging scientific knowledge through extension educators and crop advisors.  Climate scientists and climatologists are important actors in communicating forecast information and historical trends to the agricultural community.  Surveys and interviews with climatologists in the North Central Region provide helpful information to assist in developing communication strategies that engage various agricultural stakeholder audiences.  Results suggest that while climate science is available and may be helpful to crop producers, data presentation and format has an important role in the reception of this information.  Climatologists report that they largely convey information in the role of pure scientists by providing but not interpreting the data.  Some climatologists indicate that they may offer more extensive information if requested or usefulness is indicated.  Techniques for effectively communicating climate science for crop management decision support include (1) bridging climate science for agriculture, (2) focusing on precise terminology, and (3) utilizing frames of risk management.  Regional Climate Centers and Climate Hubs are involved in the production and delivery of climate information and are helpful partners in bridging climate science for agriculture.  Precise terminology focusing on the benefits of climate science reinforces the need to utilize this information for successful crop production.  Risk management frames emphasize the dual benefits of producer adaptation to reduce risks and mitigate hazards.  Consideration of climate science communication for agricultural decision support will help scientists, extension educations, and crop advisors in providing useful information that can be utilized by crop producers.