Things I said, Things they heard: Everything I know about communicating science I learned from farmers and ranchers

There are many potholes in the road to science-informed public policy and decision-making. Great science may have little impact if it does not translate into something that non-technical experts can understand and reframe into their own mental models. Scientists learn technical skills and become experts in the craft of science, but may receive no formal training in communication or science translation. In my experience, this has been brought home most starkly in conversations with non-scientists, specifically those making decisions about land management. It is imperative to be an engaged listener and avoid "expert arrogance."