Kansas Beef Feedlot Managers' Perceptions of Preparedness and Trusted Sources of Information Concerning an Agroterrorism Event: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify preparedness levels and trusted sources of information used by feedlot managers. The target population for this study was all 259 managers of beef feedlots registered with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The 84 respondents were surveyed by telephone with an instrument consisting of summated rating scales and open-ended questions. Kansas feedlot managers believed they were susceptible to an agroterrorism attack directed at the beef industry. They also believed large-scale, corporate feedlots were the most susceptible, and they felt they had sufficient information about agroterrorism. Local and consulting veterinarians were determined to be the most sought, reliable, and trusted sources of information regarding animal health issues and should be considered as a primary communication channel for disseminating information about agroterrorism. Most managers were members of at least one association or organization related to the beef industry. Most of the cattle represented in the study were located in southwest Kansas, and as feedlot size increased, the managers' level of education also increased.