Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM2) to Understand Decision Making for Grain Bin Hazards Among Texas Farmers

Hazard exposure is not enough to catalyze adoption of grain bin temperature probes. Perceived ease of use significantly influenced farm technology adoption among Texas farmers. Demonstrated that low barriers to access and configuration into current farm operations will increase adoption of life-saving technologies.

This research aimed to understand the profile of temperature probe adopters as compared to non-adopters in the context of preventing grain bin deaths. Our analysis is based on a unique data set obtained from a survey of 54 farmers from Texas. The survey was built using the TAM2 model as a foundation. We employed standard regression models to identify factors that contributed to the adoption of temperature probes among other technologies. We found that hazard exposure was not a predictor for temperature probe adoption. Network relationships also did not significantly influence adoption. Technology adoption was predicted by six perceptions: subjective norms, image (status), quality of the technology, access to the technology, access to information about the technology, and compatibility. The findings of this study suggest that instead of the current safety advice used to convince farmers to use grain bin probes, stakeholders should inform them about the direct positive results of using the probes. Current campaigns against grain bin entrapment should emphasize through demonstration the benefits of grain bin probes on stored grain products. Although extension and private offices may not directly impact the final decision making, they should seriously consider expending the effort to lower the barrier to access to positively influence the adoption rate.