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Introduction

Changes in the risk environment and tools available to manage risk result in an increased need for risk management skills among farmers and ranchers. An emphasis on risk management education is a fundamental policy response to these needs. In order to design and carry out effective risk management education programs, educators must have a thorough understanding of (a) producers' risk management objectives, (b) producers' perceptions of their risk environment, and (c) producers' current level of understanding of and expertise in using alternative risk management tools. Further, the design of effective risk management education programs requires an understanding of how risk management can most effectively be taught to diverse audiences with varying levels of prior training and experience.