Welcome to CATT

What is Catt?

The Center for Agricultural Technology Transfer at Texas Tech University is aimed at enhancing the dissemination of agricultural information to the public. The center focuses on the development of instructional media and educational tools that will hopefully increase agricultural literacy. The center includes a state of the art computer laboratory used by students for the production of print materials and for the development of an agricultural database system. The video production laboratory is in the process of being expanded for the production of agricultural videos to be used in informing the public about agriculture.

What is Agricultural Literacy ?

Numerous research activities through Texas Tech University have revealed that although Americans are agriculturally aware, they are not agriculturally literate. Agricultural awareness is the understanding of agriculture in a broad sense. It does not require a specific knowledge of a particular area. Agricultural literacy is the understanding and knowledge necessary to synthesize, analyze and communicate basic information about agriculture.

Purpose of CATT:

The center is structured through the Agricultural Communications program offered in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Through CATT, Agricultural Communications students have the opportunity to produce agricultural newsletters, brochures, videos and other promotional materials. In addition, CATT will function as a research and training center for students and professionals at various levels within the field of Agricultural Communications. Interactive video programs and an agricultural reference service have also been developed through CATT. Future plans involve a distance education classroom that will be used for interactive teleconferencing purposes. Classes will be taught through distance education for farmers, agribusiness and extension personnel, public school teachers and university students and faculty.

Goals of CATT:

Enhance agricultural literacy through research and development projects. Serve as a center for the gathering of accurate information about agriculture. Establish a means for providing distance learning originating from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Assist faculty/staff in making research presentations and publications. Serve as a means for providing on-job-training and experience for students who are enrolled in the Agricultural Communications program.