Achieving 4% productivity: Implications from a longitudinal
study of farmer learning in dairy farming
D.I. GRAY, W.J. PARKER, AND E.A. KEMP
Department of Agricultural and Horticultural Systems and
Management, Institute of Natural Resources, College of Sciences, Massey
University, Palmerston North
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NZSAP 2003 Abstract No. 28
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production
63: 116-119
The New Zealand dairy industry needs to achieve 3 to 4% pa gains
in productivity. Accomplishing this on-farm will require continuous
innovation by farmers. Innovation may result from the refinement of
existing practices, or the introduction of new practices or
technologies. Farmer learning will be pivotal to the rate of innovation.
However, despite its importance, relatively little is known about farmer
learning. We investigated the tactical feed management processes used by
two high-performing dairy farmers over summer-autumn for three years,
using a multiple-case study design. Learning undertaken by the farmers
could be classified within three broad domains (the production and
management systems, and the environment), but normally involved the
interactions between at least two of these. Two stimuli initiated
learning: the occurrence of extreme conditions or the introduction of a
new management practice. Different learning processes were identified
with respect to these. This study provides a framework for extension
agents to identify the "knowledge gaps" farmers need to close in
order to improve productivity. It also assists developers of a new
technology, since farmers want to know how the new technology impacts on
their production systems, responds under a range of conditions, and is
best incorporated into their management.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
farmer learning; innovation; tactical management; knowledge,
systems
Last Updated 8/07/2004
