MRDC Monitor Farms - using information

Abstract

An industry survey indicated a concern that the results of existing research were not getting across to potential adopters. In response to this situation, the Meat Research and Development Council sponsored a monitor farm programme which operated on 24 farms throughout New Zealand. Key components of the programme were the monitor farmer and farm, community group, and facilitator. Factors judged critical to the success of the programme were the need for local ownership of the programme, development of quality information, and the establishment of a partnership of skills, expertise and experience. Preliminary surveys indicate a high level of farmer endorsement of the programme. Level of involvement by community group members has exceeded that set initially. Further analysis is required to identify the impact of the programme on farm business performance and the application of technology in New Zealand farm businesses.Keywords: community group, information, monitor farm, technology transfer