ERIC Number: EJ1300980
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1389-224X
EISSN: N/A
Exploring Farmers' Decisions to Engage in Grass Measurement on Dairy Farms in Ireland
Regan, Áine; Douglas, John; Maher, John; O'Dwyer, Tom
Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, v27 n3 p355-380 2021
Purpose: Employing a theoretical model of human behaviour (COM-B), the current study explores the factors influencing farmers' engagement with grass measurement on Irish dairy farms. Methodology: The current study employed a qualitative research design. One-to-one semi-structured interviews were carried out with 21 dairy farmers. Findings: Factors inhibiting farmers from engaging in grass measurement included a high perceived task effort, a lack of skill and self-efficacy to carry out the task, uncertainty over personal value of engagement, a lack of tangible support, and a confidence in, and preference for, existing intuition-based decision-making. Practical implications: Recommendations for communication, extension, education and technology development are offered to tackle the 'high task effort' associated with grass measurement by farmers and to support skill development and self-efficacy of dairy farmers. Theoretical implications: The study proves value in moving from behavioural frameworks which focus solely on individual constructs as 'barriers to adoption' towards using frameworks which also account for the important role of factors external to the individual such as their social and physical surroundings. Value: A comprehensive theoretical framework is offered for understanding dairy farmers' engagement with grass measurement along with evidence-based suggestions for communication, extension, education and technology development.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Agricultural Occupations, Barriers, Attitudes, Extension Education, Agricultural Production, Sustainability, Measurement, Behavior, Decision Making, Ability, Motivation, Information Management, Knowledge Level, Physical Health, Job Skills, Beliefs, Economic Impact
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ireland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A