15 pages, Advisory services are considered to play an important role in the development of competitiveness and sustainability in agriculture. Advisory services have been studied at policy level, structural level and within case studies, but there is still restricted knowledge about advisors’ and farmers’ view on advisory services in general. This paper presents the views of Swedish advisors and farmers on advisory services. In a survey-based study, perceptions of farm advisors and full-time farmers in commercial Swedish agriculture on advisory services were identified and statistically analysed, comparing differences between and within the groups. The results are structured around three main themes; motives for a farmer using or not using advisory services, preferred approach by the advisor and future demands on advisory services and their importance today. Possible consequences of differences in perceptions for on-farm service delivery were assessed. Similarities in perceptions on advisory services among advisors and farmers, were found in areas characterised by well-defined questions or production-related issues. Significant differences in perceptions of advisors and farmers emerged in less concrete areas and on topics connected to change, management and strategy. Consequences of discrepancies in perceptions are that advisors may deliver too much, too little or off target, especially when expectations on advisory services are not clearly expressed. A strong and proactive back-office supporting the advisors is needed to prevent these possible consequences.
8 pages, Online via UI Library electronic subscription., Research identified factors farmers' negative perception on utilizing rice transplanters and combine harvesters. Findings suggested that government agricultural extension services play a significant role in lessening farmers' negative perceptions.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 203 Document Number: D12188
Notes:
Online via AgriMarketing Update. 2 pages., Summary of results from a Farm Journal Pulse Poll asking farmers what farm technology they wish to invest in first if they were to win the lottery. The top choice was variable-rate application technology with 31% of the responses (out of a total of 577 farmers). Four other technologies ranked lower.
10 pages, via online journal, As the agricultural industries of developed countries undergo an extended period of change, increasing numbers of farmers are leaving farming. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between intention to exit farming and farmer wellbeing, drawing on and adapting the conservation of resources theory of stress. In a quantitative analysis of 674 Australian farmers, we show that the more likely a farmer is to leave farming, the poorer their wellbeing; but this is moderated by smaller farm size, greater profitability, earning a larger proportion of income off-farm and older age, all of which attenuate the relationship between exit intention and poorer wellbeing. We conclude that it is important for policy-makers to consider the wellbeing of farmers when designing strategies to assist exiting farmers, as poor wellbeing at exit may reduce capacity to adapt successfully to life after farming.
6 pages., Via online journal., Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) and caneberries (Rubus sp.) are popular crops that can bring revenue to farms and may improve farm profitability. High and low tunnels can bring a number of benefits to growers, including season extension and improved berry yield and quality, as well as management challenges. Few studies in the literature report directly on grower experiences using tunnels. We report the results of interviews of 10 independent growers who use tunnels to produce strawberries and caneberries. The results echo previous studies finding improved yield and quality, and highlight benefits and challenges around pest, weed, and nutrient management. One novel finding is the role of season extension in creating marketing opportunities. Interviewed growers caution of a learning curve and the need to start on a small scale and grow gradually. Future focus for research should include improved ventilation and mechanization.
Online via AgriMarketing Weekly. 3 pages., Based on findings of the Ag Economy Barometer poll by Purdue University. Responses by farmers indicating they expect the market share of plant-based alternatives to beef, pork, and chicken will grow rapidly. Most said they would not grow crops for processing into a meat alternative, even if offered a contract.
Boadu, Paul (author), Aidoo, Robert (author), Ohene-Yankyera, Kwasi (author), Kleigh, Ulrich (author), Abdoulaye, Tahirou (author), Maroya, Norbert (author), Orchard, John (author), and Bekoe, Stephen (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2018
Published:
Ghana
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 165 Document Number: D11664
14 pages., Online via AgEconSearch., Results of surveying among 380 yam farmers indicated that farmers generally agree that use use of certified seed yam would help to improve yield because of minimum to no disease/pest infestation. Farmer educational level, experiences, access to extension services and household incomes were factors influencing farmers' perception about quality of seed yam cultivated. Authors recommended promotion of farmer education through increased access to extension services.
Online from AgEconSearch., Authors examined farmers' reluctance to participate and adopt insurance involving climate, crops, and rainfall. They also recommended needed information for farmers about the purpose of such insurance, as well as financial support.
