Farmer groups: a measure of their effectiveness.
R.W. Webby and M.S. Paine
AgResearch, Whatawhata Research Centre, Private Bag 3089,
Hamilton.
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1997,
57: 109-111
From 1993 to 1995 changes in sheep and beef cattle farmer
learning styles; their beliefs about group interactions and their
beliefs about the farm system were measured in three groups located in
the upper North Island. The groups were each part of a group farm
monitoring programme involving scientists from the Whatawhata Research
Centre. Using a survey questionnaire, the study sought to identify ways
of improving the delivery of technology to group members. Most group
members expressed a preference for logical learning experiences (50% of
those surveyed) followed by problem solving (32%), action (12.5%), and
social interaction (5.5%). Belief maps which illustrate group
interactions identified problems in group cohesion. Farm system belief
maps identified distinct categories of farm system components, viz.:
performance related technologies; relatively non-complex technologies;
relatively complex technologies. Over time, beliefs about stock policies
became more closely related to farm performance indicators such as
profit.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
group farm monitoring; learning styles; belief maps.
Last Updated 12-09-1998
