on the national level" (M=5.2, SD=1.5), "identify the political structure in Tallahassee"

 (M=5.4, SD=1.5), and "develop relationships with elected officials on the national level"

 (M=5.2, SD=1.5). Results can be found in Table 4-21.

 Table 4-21 Political Process Competencies of County Board Members Importance
 (N=114)
 Mean SD
 Develop relationships with elected officials on the county level 5.9 1.5
 Participate in county government meetings impacting agriculture 5.8 1.6
 Support Farm Bureau legislative activities 5.8 1.6
 Explain agricultural issues on the county level 5.8 1.5
 Develop relationships with elected officials on the state level 5.7 1.5
 Analyze policy development on issues that affect Farm Bureau on 5.7 1.4
 the county level
 Demonstrate knowledge of the political process 5.5 1.5
 Determine how policy decisions made in Tallahassee impact Farm 5.5 1.5
 Bureau
 Participate in state government meetings impacting agriculture 5.5 1.5
 Analyze agricultural issues on the state level 5.5 1.4
 Analyze policy development on issues that affect Farm Bureau on 5.5 1.4
 the state level
 Choose ways to be more politically active 5.5 1.4
 Demonstrate ability to be involved in local government 5.5 1.4
 Identify the importance of regulatory agencies 5.5 1.4
 Identify the political structure in Tallahassee 5.4 1.5
 Analyze agricultural issues on the national level 5.2 1.5
 Determine how policy decisions made in Washington, D.C. impact 5.2 1.5
 Farm Bureau
 Develop relationships with elected officials on the national level 5.2 1.5
 Demonstrate ability to formulate policy 5.2 1.3
 Identify the political structure in Washington, D.C. 5.1 1.5

 Total Mean 5.5 1.5
 Cronbach's Alpha .98


 The overall mean (M=4.7) for the proficiencies in the political process section

was less than the overall mean of the importance section (M=5.5). Table 4-22 shows the

results of this scale. The competency that respondents felt least proficient in was

"develop relationships with elected officials on the national level" (M=3.9, SD=1.5). The