Abstract

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.

RW, Webby, and MS Paine

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 57, , 109-111, 1997