RIRDC Completed Projects in 1998-1999 and

Research in Progress as at June 1999

Sub-Program 4.3

HUMAN CAPITAL, COMMUNICATIONS &

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

September 1999 RIRDC Publication No 99/113

ii

© 1999 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 0 642 57941 5 ISSN 1440-6845 "RIRDC Completed Projects in 1998-99 and Research in Progress as at June 1999 - 4.3 Human Capital, Communications & Information Systems" Publication No 99/113 The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report. This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186. RIRDC Human Capital, Communications & Information Systems Research Manager Dr Roslyn Prinsley RIRDC Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 4033 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: roslynp@rirdc.gov.au RIRDC Publications Manager Eva Hickman Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 3186 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: rirdc@rirdc.gov.au Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Published in September 1999 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

iii

Foreword

This year RIRDC has produced Research in Progress, June '99, which contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 1998-99 for all of the Corporation’s 20 program areas. The complete report on all the programs is only available in electronic format on our website at http://www.rirdc.gov.au The following report is a hardcopy extract covering Sub-Program 4.3. It contains all entries from continuing and completed Human Capital, Communications and Information Systems research projects funded by RIRDC in 1998-99. This program aims to enhance human capital and facilitate innovation in rural industries and communities. This report is the newest addition to our extensive catalogue of almost 400 research reports, videos and CD-Roms of projects supported by RIRDC. Please contact us for the latest publications catalogue or view it on our website: • downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/cat/contents.html

Peter Core Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

iv

Contents

4.3 HUMAN CAPITAL, COMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION SYSTEMS COMPLETED PROJECTS

PROJECT

No PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE

No Information and Communications Systems: 1

BDL-4A Stage 4 of online content for Australian farmers - organisational change

Jim Groves (07) 5526 9698 Baradel Consulting 1

KDI-14A Developing an information and referral service for farmers - FarmLine

Gary MacKenzie 08 9478 3343 Kondinin Group

2

TCC-1A The ATCROS on internet (AOI) tree crop website project

David Noël 08 9388 1965 Tree Crops Centre 3

Extension, Education and Training: 5

CUT-5A Support for International Union of Forestry Research organisations (IUFRO) Conference, Pretoria, South Africa, 29 November - 4 December 1998

5

DAQ-185A Success factors contributing to change using group processes

Richard Clark 07 4936 0241 Qld. Department of Primary Industries

7

PTP-7A Portable post-graduate extension training Arthur Stubbs & Warren Straw

03 9844 1135 Primary Tasks Pty Ltd 8

UNE-40A The impact of farmers' participation in home study programs, local groups and wider information networks on the adoption of sustainable integrated management practices

Ian Reeve 02 6773 5145 University of New England 9

UT-18A Managing farming: how farmers learn (interim report)

Sue Kilpatrick 03 6324 3018 Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia University of Tasmania

10

VPI-1A Incorporating an understanding of the process of research develoment and extension processes in Vet courses

Lyn Hughes 03 5354 8262 Primary Skills Victoria 11

Rural Communities and Social Issues: 12

ABA-6A Employment patterns of farmers and factors affecting off-farm employment

Gil Rodriguez 02 6272 2189 ABARE 12

ABB-1A HEYWIRE:The ABC gives regional youth a voice Lucy Broad 07 4638 9042 Australian Broadcasting Corporation

13

ECU-1A Determining the social and economic impact of declining rural community infrastructure on the sheep and wheat belt in W.A.

Fiona Haslem McKenzie 08 9273 8781 Edith Cowan University 14

Policies and Institutions: 16

AGT-3A The impact of tax driven financial investment on new industry development

Peter Chudleigh 07 3870 9564 Agtrans Research 16

SYC-4A Creative research environments Tony Gleeson, Graeme Russell, Elizabeth Woods, Bea Duffield and Shaun Coffey

07 3844 2370 Synapse Consulting

17

Farm Health and Safety: 19

UMO-15A Preventing farm injuries – Overcoming the barriers Lesley Day 03 9905 1811 Monash University 19 USA-3A Tractor driving and the low back - the effect of an air

cushion and a swivel seat on spinal movement during rotation

Sheila Scutter 08 83022585 University of South Australia 20

v

4.3 HUMAN CAPITAL, COMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

PROJECT

No PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE

No Information and Communications Systems: 22

BNT-1A Developing a sustainable satellite fire monitoring program for rural northern Australia

Dr Jeremy Russell-Smith 08 8984 4000 Bushfires Council of the NT 22

CST-1A Piloting internet delivery of APSIM support to farmers, advisers and scientists.

Dr Robert McCown 07 46881390 CSIRO Tropical Agriculture 23

DAN-166A Supporting best practice in rangeland management through Internet-based information exchange

Dr Ron Hacker 02 6888 7404 NSW Department of Agriculture 24

FM-4A Farm Management 500 Global - Global networks and adoption of the Web

Mr Neil Clark 03 5441 1244; 018 571 411

Neil Clark & Associates 25

FW-3A The Australian Farmer's Guide to the Internet updates and web site

Mr Robert Parker 02 6273 6384 Farmwide 26

KDI-19A Standardised classification system and thesaurus for Australian agricultural extension information

Mrs Ruth McIntyre 08 9478 3343 PO Box 913, CLOVERDALE WA 6105

26

KDI-22A A national on-line information service with search engine for agri-industry

Mr Gary McKenzie 08 9478 3343 Kondinin Group 27

SEA-1A A database of automation technology and expertise in agriculture

Mr Geoffrey Hamilton 02 6925 0020 Society of Engineering in Agriculture

28

Extension, Education and Training: 29

UCS-13A Agriculture courses: student entry and exit attributes and industry needs

Dr Brian Hemmings 02 6933 2498 Charles Sturt University 29

UM-38A Tools for participatory R&D in dryland cropping areas

Dr R John Petheram 03 5362 2222 University of Melbourne 30

USA-7A Stock and station agents as information providers: improving farmers' productivity

Dr Christopher David Martin 08 8647 6037 University of South Australia 31

Rural Communities and Social Issues: 32

DPI-29A Missed opportunities: Phase 2 Meredith Taylor 02 6271 6362 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

32

UMO-20A Owner characteristics and strategic planning as determinants of Australian Family Farm Business growth

Prof Claudio Romano 03 9903 2171 Monash University 33

Farm Health and Safety: 34

AHU-3A Farm injury/illness data centre Dr Lyn Fragar 02 6752 8210 Australian Agricultural Health Unit 34 AHU-4A Establishing the Managing Farm Safety course

delivery system Dr Lyn Fragar 02 6752 8210 Australian Agricultural Health Unit 35

KDI-23A A publication about the safe storage of farm chemicals

Mr Iain Chalmers (08) 9478 3343 Kondinin Group 35

UMO-22A Evaluation of farm injury prevention in Victoria 1998-2001

Dr Lesley Day 03 9905 1811 Monash University 36

Scholarships: 38

ANU-31A Scholarship - Louise Silvers Louise Silvers 02 6242 1537 Vertebrate Biocontrol CRC CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology

38

UA-39A RIRDC Postgraduate Scholarship- K. Lawrence Kate Lawrence 03 57 297 584 C/- Graduate Studies and Scholarship Branch University of Adelaide

39

US-37A Postgraduate Scholarship Award - Ms Nerida Donovan

Ms Nerida Donovan 02 9351 3894 University of Sydney 40

1

4.3 Human Capital, Communications & Information Systems Completed Projects

Information and Communications Systems Project Title

Stage 4 of online content for Australian farmers - organisational change

RIRDC Project No.:

BDL-4A

Researcher: Jim Groves Organisation: Baradel Consulting

82 Cypress Drive BROADBEACH WATERS QLD 4218

Phone: (07) 5526 9698 Email: grovesc@winshop.com.au Objectives

• To promote understanding of the actual and potential impact of Internet use by

Australian farmers.

Background

Realisation of the benefits of the development of the Internet at minimal cost requires that rural communities, their leaders and policy-makers generally be aware of the nature of resulting impacts. They should have an opportunity to consider the social and organisation changes that might result and hence can engage in informed debate on their significance and implement appropriate responses.

Research

The project assessed the nature, direction and implications of likely impacts of Internet use, and discussed appropriate responses for individual farmers, rural communities, representative organisations and government in respect of: • The evolution/potential for electronic provision of training and extension services • The social impacts on rural communities • The evolution/potential for electronic commerce and its impact • The relationship between access to more up-to-date, extensive information (via the

Internet) and communication and improvements in farm management • Adoption of effective interactive mechanisms by organisations • Farmers' own initiatives to use the Internet for their own purposes (economic, social

and political) • The nature and progress of content development for farm business • The rate of uptake of the technology by farmers.

Outcomes

A series of four reports was released by RIRDC: • Demand for and Supply of Internet Content for Australian Farm Businesses, • Buying and Selling Online: The Opportunities for Electronic Commerce for

Australian Farm Businesses, • Online Education and Training for Australian Farmers and • The Economic and Social Impacts of Farm Internet Use Although there has been significant improvement in the range and quality of content on the internet and most users expressed a high degree of satisfaction with it. But, a significant proportion still considered there were unacceptably wide gaps in market and price information, technical information, and local and regional information. Few agricultural organisations had so far embraced the internet as an interactive medium, maintaining a passive presence rather than integrating it into their communication activities. The study highlighted an ongoing need and demand for farmer training giving greater

2

attention to ongoing support, training in search techniques and training in farm business applications.

Implications

The use of internet applications, email, chat, bulletin boards and information provision of the web for the delivery of education and training courses should be developed, however, obstacles like the low level of household penetration, bandwidth limitations, educators resistance, poorly integrated software packages and the unsuitability of online delivery for some purposes need to be overcome.

Project Title

Developing an information and referral service for farmers - FarmLine

RIRDC Project No.:

KDI-14A

Researcher: Gary MacKenzie Organisation: Kondinin Group

PO Box 913 CLOVERDALE WA 6105

Phone: 08 9478 3343 Fax: 08 9478 3353 Objectives

• Establish a farmer information network that directly links farmers to applied research. • To increase the rate and extent of technology adoption on a national basis. • To increase the understanding of sustainable and productive farming systems -

largely in terms of economic benefit.

Background

Unfortunately throughout Australia the technology transfer component of research frequently fails. The development of an 'Information and referral service' will accelerate the adoption of research results and assist in technology adoption.

Research

The original methodology changed throughout the project, with a major emphasis being placed on the delivery of a profitable national agricultural information and referral service. To achieve this, significant resources were invested in: 1) The development of an information and inquiry system that can quickly record,

search and retrieve inquiries and information. 2) Marketing and awareness. 3) Training programs for FarmLine staff. 4) Consultation with information providers. The work formed the basis of the Inquiries Management System and Publications Management System, custom designed tools of the information trade. They are the basis upon which Kondinin will further build the FarmLine service.

Outcomes

Over two and a half years Kondinin has developed a successful national information service that has achieved the following: • delivery of information to more than 8300 inquirers. • a quality service that is used repeatedly. • satisfied farmers who are able to make more informed decisions as a result of

receiving information from FarmLine. • a publications and inquiry management system that forms the basis of the storage and

retrieval of information. • an average invoiced inquiry charge of $30 at a cost of $20 - $22. • the development of additional information products and services that will help

FarmLine become more profitable in the future. • a market intelligence system that will help guide agricultural research and focus

3

Farming Ahead on issues that are relevant to farmers. Cost Benefits In a recent FarmLine survey 13% of inquirers indicated their business gained between $500 and $1000 and 27% indicated between a $1 and $500 gain as a result of receiving FarmLine information. Eighty five percent of all inquirers surveyed indicated they were able to make more informed business decisions as a result of receiving information from FarmLine. Recommendations 1. The FarmLine service to be transferred to the Internet. 2. A standard format for information access and a cooperative approach between state

agencies to publish information in all forms ie. Internet, CD-ROM, fax services and publications as required.

3. There needs to be a more targeted approach to the delivery of information to farmers.

Implications

FarmLine has shown that farmers using the service make more informed decisions and benefit by an increase in knowledge. The wider implications have been and will be a greater adoption of research technology, more informed decision making and ultimately a more profitable and viable industry

Project Title

The ATCROS on internet (AOI) tree crop website project

RIRDC Project No.:

TCC-1A

Researcher: David Noël Organisation: Tree Crops Centre

PO Box 27, SUBIACO WA 6008

Phone: 08 9388 1965 Fax: 08 9388 1852 Email: davidn@AOI.com.au Internet: www.AOI.com.au/atcros Objectives

• The ATCROS on Internet project (AOI) had the aim of gathering and converting a

very large body of data on all aspects of commercial and research exploitation of useful perennial plants and making this data available for general public access as a website on the Internet.

• A seondary aim was to develop expertise on conversion of computer database information into website form, in a way which would allow rapid and efficient updating, and to disseminate this experience to others considering projects to build public-access information sources on the World Wide Web.

• The website information was to include not only data on the plants involved, which changes relatively slowly, but also information and contact details for all the players involved, from industry, research, government, and commerce, an area in constant flux. Innovative approaches were required to achieve project criteria.

Background

The initial source of the data used in AOI was two printed editions of 'ATCROS: Australasian Tree Crops Sourcebook' which were compiled by the Tree Crops Centre. In the on-line manifestation of Atcros produced by this Project, this data was supplemented from later sources, and in particular the Atcros Directory information on contacts was comprehensively updated and expanded by reference back to the organizations involved and a continuing scan of trade and published sources. The design criteria set for implementation of the Atcros on Internet website required: (1) fast downloading/display of the web pages; (2) an attractive, user-friendly presentation of pages; and (3) an underlying process system which could cope with frequent and regular updating of the pages.

4

Outcomes

The Atcros website is at <www.AOI.com.au/atcros>. The site is currently receiving in excess of 4000 accesses ('hits') per year, which must be regarded as highly successful for a specialist site of this nature. In contrast to most research and development projects, the results of this one can be appraised immediately by users of the website, in that the website is the results. The printed full report on paper is the principal source of technical and background information on the processes, methodology, and experience gained in the development of the project.

Implications

The project has produced a valuable working tool for all concerned with tree crops. However, the website's viability and future as a public-access facility depends on identifying a continuing, non-development source of funding.

5

Extension, Education and Training Project Title

Support for International Union of Forestry Research Organisations (IUFRO) Conference, Pretoria, South Africa, 29 November - 4 December 1998

RIRDC Project No.:

CUT-5A

Researcher: Organisation: Phone: Fax: Objectives

• Develop further the existing networks Australian researchers have within

International Union of Forestry Research Organisations (IUFRO) and the Association of Farming Systems Research and Extension (AFSR-E).

• Repatriate international experience to the Australian agroforestry and farming systems research and extension communities in the form of a conference report and development of joint innovative research and development projects.

• Provide an international platform for Australian researchers to present their research activities and findings.

Background

Sustainable resource use and participative democracy have emerged as increasingly influential paradigms in the evolution of approaches to agricultural R,D&E and natural resource planning and management in the post-war period. Assumptions about what is required to achieve sustainable and equitable resource use, particularly the role of technocrats, researchers, resource users and the broader community have been challenged accordingly.

In the Australian context, a move towards participatory resource planning has underpinned much policy (legislation and funding) in natural resource management and rural development for the past decade. This puts Australia at the forefront of experience amongst OECD nations. Historically, however, international agencies and NGOs conducting R,D&E in the developing world have been the driving force behind much of the revolution in farming systems research and extension and associated changes in approaches to natural resource management. It is important that the Australian agricultural R&D community is informed by and, where appropriate, influences these international developments.

The theme of the 15th International Symposium of the Association for Farming Systems Research-Extension (AFSR/E) (Rural livelihoods, empowerment and the environment: going beyond the farm boundary) and, in particular, the IUFRO (International Union of Forestry Research Organisations) special session “Process-based research in sustainable agricultural development: integrating social, economic and ecological perspectives” made it a particularly suitable forum at which to achieve these dual objectives. RIRDC support for participation in the AFSR/E Symposium provided an important opportunity for Australian research groups to gain first hand experience of international developments and provided an opportunity for peer review of Australian research through presentation at a key international conference.

Research

Prof Murray McGregor (Curtin) and Dr Daniel Walker (CSIRO Tropical Agriculture) attended the AFSR-E Symposium in Pretoria, South Africa over the period 29 November - 04 December 1998 and participated in the IUFRO Special Session. More than 500 delegates attended the Symposium, representing 73 countries. The CGIAR agencies and other international agencies such as the World Bank and Ford Foundation were well represented, as were many significant national research agencies. The opportunity to review the work of these agencies (see below) and to dialogue with a range of participants proved invaluable in consolidating existing relationships with international researchers and in developing new contacts. Because the Symposium took place in South Africa, South Africa research agencies, government departments and industry bodies were particularly well represented. Primary

6

industries in South Africa and Australia share many features in common and yet are starkly contrasted in other ways, which made the establishment of contact with South African colleagues of particular interest. For example, the opportunity to compare and contrast strategic responses to the need to better management environmental impacts of the sugar industry in Queensland and South Africa through dialogue with senior staff from the South African Cane Growers has opened opportunities for comparative assessment across these industries.

Participation in the Symposium provided Prof McGregor and Dr Walker with opportunity to review work from across the world. The majority of Farming Systems Research & Extension’s foremost researchers and practitioners presented papers. A total of 202 papers was presented and was supported by a number of posters, panel sessions and workshops.

These papers provided for some significant review of progress over the last decade, and a wealth of case study experience. Nevertheless, the programme as a whole provided some cause for concern. There was a clear sense that the farming systems research and extension “paradigm” has failed to develop the characteristics of a robust and productive discipline. It might be argued that farming systems research and extension reflects praxis rather than theory and therefore that the lack of development of any tangible theoretical basis is of no concern. However, applied disciplines require mechanisms for evaluating efficacy in order to foster progress and to enable the efficient allocation of resources. The symposium was notable for the virtual absence of papers containing significant self-assessment or external evaluation of the efficacy of practice. Indeed, the emerging orthodoxy apparently discouraged such critique. In this sense, emerging approaches to evaluation by Australian R&D providers and R&D Corporations compare very favourably to the levels evidenced by many other national and international research agencies.

This report will be placed on the Muresk Institute of Agriculture web site once accepted by RIRDC. A copy of the McGregor et al. paper can be found at the following URL:

http://www.curtin.edu.au/curtin/muresk/publications/murray/micromac.htm

Prof McGregor presented at paper titled “Micro and macro-level approaches to modelling decision making” at the IUFRO special session “Process-based research in sustainable agricultural development: integrating social, economic and ecological perspectives”.

This paper was co-authored by Fay Rola-Rubzen and Roy Murray-Prior of Curtin University. The paper drew on the research work of the authors in a range of environments in Australia, Africa and Asia. The paper explored the use of a range of modelling approaches that have been used to represent micro-level decision making related to sustainable agricultural development. The major conclusions from the paper were that single disciplinary focused research is not very effective in concurrently meeting today’s triple challenge of feeding the world, preventing poverty and protecting the earth.

As a result social science research must be integrated with production, physical and environmental research outputs if it is to be effective in a policy setting. This suggests that there is a need for a multidisciplinary approach to process-based research. From a modelling perspective the one methodological approach will not be sufficient to capture the decision making process and its subsequent impacts and a pluralist approach was advocated in the paper.

Dr Walker presented a paper titled “Integrating R&D into decision-making for natural resource management at a regional scale”. This paper, co-authored by Stuart Cowell and Andrew Johnson of CSIRO Tropical Agricultural, addressed means to improve integration of research outcomes into decision making through consideration of the roles of managers, planners and scientists. The paper drew heavily on case study work in the Herbert River catchment of north Queensland. The paper argued for a particular and emerging role in designing approaches to adaptive decision support that provide real opportunities for integrating research outcomes into decision-making.

Outcomes

Both papers were well received at the conference and were published in the conference proceedings. Revised versions of the papers following presentation at the Symposium will be published in a special issue of Agricultural Systems.

7

Implications

Professor McGregor has assisted in the editorial duties associated with the publication of the IUFRO joint session proceedings as a special edition of Agricultural Systems. It was hoped that a copy of the special issue could be forwarded with this report. This has not been possible but the editorial group has now reviewed all papers and comments sent back to authors for action. The final date for submission of adjusted papers is the 30 June 1999. All papers will then be forwarded to the editor of Agricultural Systems, Professor Dent and will proceed through the usual publication schedule. Professor McGregor visited the UK in early June 1999 to help finalise the editorial function.

Project Title

Success factors contributing to change using group processes

RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-185A

Researchers: Dr Richard Clark Organisation: Qld Department of Primary Industries

PO Box 6014 ROCKHAMPTON MC QLD 4072

Phone: 07 4936 0241 Fax: clarkr@dpi.qld.gov.au Objectives

To build on previous RIRDC and other RDC research and identify: • Criteria for deciding when and what group processes (one-off and/or ongoing groups)

are the best option to achieve specified/desired outcomes. • Success factors contributing to the achievement of specified/desired outcomes using

group processes (best practice in group processes).

Background

The purpose of the Group Processes for Rural Development Project (Group Processes Project) is to determine factors that contribute to achieving positive outcomes when working with and in groups. This knowledge will provide practical guidelines and frameworks to support decision about: • Why and when to work with groups • Focussing on factors that are necessary for success • How to design effective and efficient group processes • How to support and service group processes and projects • How to manage and continually improve processes of rural development.

Research

The Group Processes Project was conducted in five phases: 1. The development of a conceptual framework for organising ideas about processes for

change and innovation, and enabling critical thinking about the efficacy and efficiency of these processes

2. Extensive review of literature relating to group processes 3. The identification of key stakeholders and participants in current 'successful' projects 4. The collection and preliminary analysis of data about current group-based rural

development projects. 5. An analysis and synthesis of information about change and innovation to support

decisions about group processes for rural development. Outcomes

Introducing the concept of process was regarded as the most important factor that promoted process. This means providing a learning environment and a structure where individuals could interact with each other. The importance of individuals developing cooperative relationships is also a key factor. The nature of the attitude, commitment and skills of people in the group was an important source of success on hindrance in the achievement of groups. Limited resources and lack of service and policy support were also seen as a potential constraint on success.

8

Implications

The report identifies a range of opportunities for improving group processes centred on moving away from activity based and techno-centric approaches and focussing more on developing a discipline for process, design and management. The aim is to provide a basis for continuous improvement in the way individuals and the groups operate to achieve change and innovation.

Project Title

Portable post-graduate extension training

RIRDC Project No.:

PTP-7A

Researcher: Arthur Stubbs & Warren Straw Organisation: Primary Tasks Pty Ltd

Unit 58, Level 2, 247 Drummond Street CARLTON, VIC. 3053

Phone: 03 9844 1135 Fax: 03 9844 4554 Email: akstubbs@compuserve.com Objectives

• To facilitate development and implementation of a multi-institute Post-Graduate

Diploma in Rural Extension by investigation of opportunities for increased portability of post-graduate extension training course modules between Australian Institutes.

Background

A recent RIRDC funded study of extension training courses, “Comparative Evaluation of Training Courses to Service Needs in Rural Extension”, identified strengths which varied between Australian Institutes. Identification of post-graduate extension training modules that could be portable between these Institutes has the potential of giving flexibility of choice and source of tuition to students and employers as well as co-ordinating, and effectively utilising, the tuition strengths of each Institute.

Research

Relevant studies were reviewed and examples of established, portable, tertiary courses were examined. A series of discussions were held with Institutes involved in the previous project, culminating in a workshop to define guidelines for implementation of portable post-graduate rural extension training.

Outcomes

A matrix was developed, listing subjects provided and competencies addressed by the co-operating Institutes, as the basis for a multi-institute hand book or prospectus. A working group, comprised of Institute representatives, is proposed for progressing and implementing the concept, followed by a workshop to determine how current needs of the rural community may affect extension training.

Implications

The project has enabled the first key steps to be taken towards full portability of post-graduate rural extension training, and the benefits that can bring to students, employers and the institutions themselves, operating in an environment that is undergoing unprecedented changes.

9

Project Title

The impact of farmers' participation in home study programs, local groups and wider information networks on the adoption fo sustainable integrated management practices

RIRDC Project No.:

UNE-40A

Researchers: Ian Reeve Organisation: Rural Development Centre and Sociology Dept

University of New England ARMIDALE NSW 2351

Phone: 02 6773 5145 Fax: 02 6773 3245 Email: ireeve@metz.une.edu.au Objectives

The objectives of this project were: • To assess the relative impact of participation in home study programs, local groups

and wider information networks upon the adoption of sustainable integrated management practices.

• To examine the extent to which this impact is mediated through the respective farm roles of men and women.

• To assess the potential for increased participation by men and women in home study programs, local groups and wider information networks, and the likely impact of this on levels of adoption.

• To recommend strategies for increasing participation to achieve this potential. • To publicise the findings and recommendations among education providers,

extension staff and policy makers.

Background

Farming practices to improve the sustainability of agriculture are becoming increasingly complex. The adoption of these practices can be demanding and require more than just getting information over the counter. Farmers need to master new concepts and skills and this can be done most effectively through further education and group participation. However, learning and group activities can be time consuming and whether or not farmers can afford the time may depend on how the farm family shares farm jobs, child rearing and off-farm employment.

Research

The study used information gathered from 317 primary producers in Northern New South Wales in the livestock and horticulture industries and excluded those in the broadacre cropping industries, who were the subject of a separate study undertaken for GRDC. The sustainable practices included in the study related mainly to pasture management, control of internal parasites and integrated pest management.

Outcomes

Compared to farms that had not adopted sustainable practices, those that had were twice as likely to have a male or female partner who had taken further study courses since finishing their formal education. Also those who had adopted sustainable practices were twice as likely to be members of bushfire brigades, landcare groups or farmer organisations. In contrast, there was no difference in the level of adoption of sustainable practices between those who made extensive use of a range of information sources and those who made relatively little use of information. There was also no difference in the level of adoption of sustainable practices between those who regarded friends and relations as important sources of farming advice and those who did not. It was found that there is a great deal of variation in the ways that families divide up farm tasks. In households where most tasks were shared between male and female partners, 37 per cent of women had done study courses since finishing their formal education, whereas in households where men did most of the farm jobs and women did most of the

10

domestic jobs, only 9 per cent of women had done further study.

Implications

The study findings are consistent with the increasing emphasis on educational and group approaches to improving the adoption of sustainable practices. The level of support for these approaches needs to be maintained or increased, with particular emphasis on flexible delivery of courses, computer training, and financial support for those undertaking further study.

Project Title

Managing farming: how farmers learn (interim report)

RIRDC Project No.:

UT-18A

Researcher: Dr Sue Kilpatrick Organisation: Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia

University of Tasmania PO Box 1214, LAUNCESTON TAS 7250

Phone: 03 6324 3018 Fax: 03 6324 3040 Email: Sue.Kilpatrick@utas.edu.au Internet: http://www.CRLRA.utas.edu.au Objectives

• To determine how male and female farmer learning for management and marketing

can be improved.

Background

Industry leaders and agricultural educators (‘experts’) believe that farmers should be participating in training about management and marketing, while few farmers plan to attend training in these areas. This report examines the differing perceptions of experts and farmers in relation to farmers’ management and marketing learning needs.

Research

Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 85 male and female representatives of farm management teams in five States and Territories. They were asked to reflect on the change process and the usefulness of various learning sources.

Outcomes

More progressive farmers were proactive in identifying and meeting learning needs in management and marketing and were also the group most likely to have used training in learning for change, and to plan to train to meet learning needs in the future. Most farmers used multiple learning sources when learning about management, marketing and management-related issues. Most used informal sources, mainly experts, supplemented by observation and experience, other farmers, and print and electronic media. Training was very rarely the only source used.

Implications

Farmer-directed groups and agricultural organisations have an important role to play in farmer education and training. Both are able to deliver similar content and provide many of the features which make education and training effective for adult learners. Experts also have an important role in management and marketing education. They are in a position to promote suitable activities to farmers at a time when the farmers are contemplating changes to their practices, and when they are most likely to see some relevance in the training activities. Farmer learning is enhanced by learning and support networks. Male and female farmers should be encouraged to make greater use of learning networks which include other farmers and experts.

11

Project Title

Incorporating an understanding of the process of research development and extension processes into Vocational Education and Training courses.

RIRDC Project No.:

VPI-1A

Researchers: Lyn Hughes Organisation: Primary Skills Victoria

Sunnyside Pyrenees Highway ELMHURST VIC 3469

Phone: 03 5354 8262, 03 9428 9811 Fax: 03 5354 8289, 03 9428 9931 Objectives

• To identify whether a need exists for the production of resource material that would

assist TAFE trainers to incorporate the development of an understanding of R&D processes, practices and organisations in training programs delivered to young people undertaking entry level training.

Background

This project is Stage one of a two stage project It was developed as a means of contributing to the range of strategies required to support the on-going relationship between the farming community and all aspects of the R&D process. Such strategies are required to encourage improved rates of adoption of R&D outcomes by the agriculture industry. The project targeted young people at the beginning of their careers in agriculture, those participating in new apprenticeships and other types of entry level training through the vocational education and training system. These young people are the farm owners, farm managers and farm workers of the future.

Research

The project was carried out through consultation with industry representatives, personnel in R&D organisations, TAFE and secondary school teachers, practising farmers and students. The project aimed to identify; • the entry level training programs into which R&D information should be integrated • R&D resource material currently available for use by trainers/teachers • the resource material that requires development, and • the appropriate teaching strategies to be used with the target audience.

Outcomes

In response to requests R&D organisations provide resource material for students undertaking TAFE entry level programs. In addition some organisations carry out R&D activities with the target audience. However, with a few important exceptions, material is not developed specifically for use by these young people and their teachers/trainers. TAFE and secondary school teachers undertake many activities that expose their students to R&D processes, practices and organisations. In general the teaching method used incorporates a ‘hands on’ approach to learning. However trainers provide these activities in an ad hoc fashion, with little support material and little exposure to each other’s practices or ideas. In addition, the shift in the TAFE system towards workplace based training requires the development of activities that can be undertaken and assessed on farm and by farmers.

Implications

Teachers working in TAFE institutes and secondary schools recognise that students undertaking entry level programs, for example new apprentices, benefit from activities that help them to develop an understanding of R&D processes, practices and organisations. Training providers would be greatly assisted if they had access to a resource kit providing support materials and a range of activities directed towards improving student/apprentice understanding of R&D. The activities should be able to be undertaken both on farm and/or off farm.

12

Rural Communities and Social Issues Project Title

Employment patterns of farmers and factors affecting off-farm employment

RIRDC Project No.:

ABA-6A

Researchers: Gil Rodriguez Organisation: ABARE

GPO Box 858 CANBERRA ACT 2601

Phone: 02 6272 2189 Fax: 02 6272 2318 Email: grodriquez@abare.gov.au Objectives

To release analysis in 1997-98 which will • facilitate increased understanding of the employment patterns and employment

opportunities of farm men and women; • contribute to the development of strategies to overcome any constraints to

participation in off farm employment facilitate efficient adjustment in agriculture; and • increase understanding of the interdependence of farming and rural communities.

Background

Analysis of issues, such as gender contributions to farm work and the wellbeing of the family and community, has been limited by the lack of gender data on time spent in all work activities. As well, there has been little data on the nature of off-farm work and farmers' skills and experience in the off-farm labour market.

Research

Data on hours worked by farm women and men in farm work, off-farm work, household and community work were analysed on a gender basis. The contribution of farm and off-farm work to household income was also considered. The type and location of the work of farm women and men off-farm as well as factors influencing participation in off-farm employment were discussed. ABARE collected much of the information on these topics for the first time in its 1996-97 annual farm surveys.

Outcomes & Implications

Both women and men work long hours in the context of a marked gender division of labour within the farm family. Total hours worked by both women and men on broadacre and diary farms exceeded 60 hours a week through 1996-97, but the work that they did was quite different. Hours spent in off-farm employment were relatively small but important to the income of 40 per cent of farm families. Family income from off-farm work was $27 179 for these families, slightly more than their cash income from the farm. However, family income from all sources for these families was $57 257, similar to that of families without off-farm employment. Most farmers with off farm employment worked for wages or salaries and most had been in the same job for several years. The work of women off-farm tended to be limited to locations within short travelling time of the farm. Almost half of these women had a professional background and over half were engaged in the education and health sectors. Women with two or more children of preschool age were less likely to be engaged in off-farm work than other women.

13

Project Title

HEYWIRE: The ABC gives regional youth a voice

RIRDC Project No.:

ABB-1A

Researchers: Lucy Broad Organisation: Australian Broadcasting Corporation

PO Box 358 TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350

Phone: 07 4638 9042 Email: broad.lucy@A2.abc.net.au Objectives

• To give regional/rural youth an opportunity to voice their opinions and visions on

ABC Local Radio, Triple J and Radio National • To raise awareness, in both city and country areas, of issues facing youth in regional

and rural Australia • To develop and provide training for a network of young regional rural youth to

decision makers at a local, state and federal level.

Background

There is regular coverage of the problems of declining rural communities and potentially how it might impact on young people, but very little is heard from the young people themselves. ABC Radio undertook to hear from young people in regional areas what they saw as the issues affecting them and to provide some training and opportunities to assist them to have their ideas and concerns heard. This would also provide some valuable insights into the issues affecting young people, as there is little material available of this nature at the moment.

Research

Heywire was launched in September 1998, by asking young people in regional areas, aged between 15 and 22, to send us a story about something they felt strongly about to do with living in regional Australia. It could be something they loved, or hated, or something they were really concerned about. No parameters were set, except to say it needed to be in the form of a radio piece or radio script about four minutes long, and it needed to be non-fiction.

Outcomes

Heywire received 260 entries from around Australia covering issues ranging from the perceptions of young people about life in rural areas and the problems of boredom and isolation to the handling of crisis caused by suicide, alcoholism and domestic violence. There were good news stories as well, about initiatives of young people and their friends involved in community activities, and providing creative vents and entertainment, when previously there had been very little.

Implications

The winning entries from each of the ABC's regional stations were produced and played locally, as well as on national programming over the ABC's summer period. Each of the regional winners was invited to attend a Youth Training Seminar in Canberra in February, where they spent three days as a group doing some planning and leadership/communications skills training, as well as gaining a better understanding of the processes of government.

14

Project Title

Determining the social and economic impact of declining rural community infrastructure on the sheep and wheat belt in WA

RIRDC Project No.:

ECU-1A

Researchers: Fiona Haslam McKenzie Organisation: Edith Cowan University,

Churchlands Campus, WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6018

Phone: 08 9273 8781 Fax: 08 9273 8754 Objectives

• To determine the social and economic impact of declining rural community

infrastructure in the Central wheatbelt of Western Australia and to better understand the links between economic, social and environmental issues in that region.

Background

A preliminary survey indicated farmers were making business choices based on the need for income generation to cover expenses associated with declining infrastructure. Some decisions based on those choices could have a long term detrimental effect on the social and physical environment and subsequently, the quality of agricultural production, as well as the population base of the region. There were also indications that some services were crucial, and without them, communities showed signs of decay.

Research

There were three major components to the research. A database was compiled from local electoral roles in the lower Central Wheatbelt ABS statistical divisions. A pilot questionnaire was devised, sent and processed, after which the main questionnaire surveyed 2000 farm enterprises by random selection from the database, followed by face to face on-farm, one hour interviews with 68 respondents from throughout the Central Wheatbelt. The interviews were conducted in a semi-formal structure. The questions were semi-structured, following the framework of the questionnaire. There were also four focus groups in key regional centres. A range of descriptive statistics were calculated using Excel 7 pivot tables. Crosstabs and Chi Square were calculated using SPSS 7.5. The qualitative data was analysed using NUD*IST

Outcomes

A wide range of services have been withdrawn from the Central Wheatbelt or centralised in the last decade. In most cases this has caused inconvenience, additional access costs and in several cases persistent stress. Few of these changes actually cause people to leave their community or industry with the exception of educational services. The research showed that farm families do compromise their family arrangements as well as their conservation programs, ‘over farm’ and take off-farm work to provide their children with an education. The study also found that a change in service provision has the potential to compromise towns and then communities, because people change their buying and social habits to coincide with their access of services. It also found that mental health issues were a concern for a significant number of respondents, and that farm succession issues jeopardised business efficiency and often caused families to break up and leave communities, contributing to an already negative population trend in the Central Wheatbelt region.

Implications

The study showed that reduction in infrastructure funding has the potential to change some communities and some people and businesses find it difficult to adapt. People are responding to the stresses of rural living and farm businesses by selling up and leaving. Their leaving impacts on the viability of some services and the general vigour of the community.

15

It has also showed that, while policies are driven by government and business at an international level, policy makers work within frames of reference that many of those in rural communities do not necessarily identify with. Most participants viewed their economic wellbeing as inextricably tied up with the social vigour of their community and it would also seem that the social and economic circumstances of farm enterprises can have a direct impact on resources made available to the environmental needs of their farm enterprise. Access to a more efficient telecommunications system would fill many of the gaps left by the reduction of some services and may also assist in accessible long distance adult education and community projects. The study showed that farming is changing at an exponential pace and farm enterprises must have the financial, managerial and technical ability to survive.

16

Policies and Institutions Project Title

The impact of tax driven financial investment on new industry development

RIRDC Project No.:

AGT-3A

Researchers: Dr Peter Chudleigh Organisation: Agtrans Research

PO Box 385 TOOWONG QLD 4066

Phone: 07 3870 9564 Fax: 07 3371 3381 Objectives

• To assess the effectiveness and economics of investment of tax-driven capital raising

schemes in new agricultural/horticultural industry development, effectiveness being measured in terms of increasing the rate of development of the industry and economics referring to the return on funds by the investors in the scheme.

Background

Tax-driven agricultural and horticultural development schemes are those that rely on raising large amounts of financial resources with significant tax effectiveness from many non-farm investors and where resources so assembled are used in part for development of agricultural/horticultural enterprises. The contribution of tax-driven investment ventures has not been objectively assessed, and definition of the contribution of agricultural and horticultural investment ventures to the development of new and emerging agricultural and horticultural industries is likely to be useful to RIRDC.

Research

Over 100 agricultural and horticultural tax-driven investment ventures in Australia in operation since 1988 were identified and base level information on these schemes was compiled and analysed. Seven ventures were selected for case study analysis and the report presents general conclusions from this analysis.

Outcomes

Key findings of the study include • Considerable sums of money have been raised through agricultural investment

ventures • Some agricultural investment ventures have contributed significantly to new industry

growth and development • It is not uncommon for ventures to be restructured in the early years following

commencement • Actual economic returns to investors have been less than that projected in

prospectuses • Based upon actual economic returns made to investors to date, and projections of

future returns, overall economic returns to investors are typically marginally positive or negative

• Additional R&D effort by investment ventures should be encouraged in the future to assist the development of new and emerging agricultural industries.

The final report provides some recommendations for RIRDC and other key organisations. Benefits from the study may accrue as a result of an improved management framework within which the tax-driven schemes are set.

Implications

Improved coordination between RIRDC and new industry development arising due to tax driven investment ventures may have implications for improved use of resources to encourage new and emerging agricultural and horticultural industry growth and development. An important implication of the study is that considerable funds are raised

17

for new industry development by tax driven investment ventures, and expenditure of these funds to result in new industry development could be improved through interactions with RIRDC.

Project Title

Creative research environments

RIRDC Project No.:

SYC-4A

Researchers: Tony Gleeson, Graeme Russell, Elizabeth Woods, Bea Duffield and Shaun Coffey Organisation: Synapse Consulting

P O Box 3746 SOUTH BRISBANE QLD 4101

Phone: 07 3844 2370 Fax: 07 3844 1755 Email: syncons@ozemail.com.au Objectives

• To identify principles for promoting creativity in agricultural R & D in ways

conducive to their adoption and further examination and development.

Background

The OECD defines research and development (R&D) as creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. This definition of R&D is adopted widely, in Australia and elsewhere. However, the creative essence of R&D is seldom recognised. Creativity is the accepted life-blood of music, literature and the arts but is rarely associated with science. Creative Research Environments seeks to fill this gap by examining the nature of creativity, what drives people to be creative and which environmental factors affect creativity. The project has relevance generally to R&D. However agricultural R&D has a number of characteristics which suggest there may be a particular need to remove constraints to creativity in agricultural R&D.

Research

The research involved an extensive literature search and analysis, focus group discussions with scientists and their managers in three major public sector agricultural R&D organisations, the conduct of a national workshop to discuss and further analyse the collected information and data and the preparation of a comprehensive report on the project.

Outcomes

The project identified a comprehensive bank of literature relevant to promoting creativity in agricultural R&D. From this literature it has been possible to describe the nature of creativity, the factors driving people to be creative and the general characteristics of environments conducive to creativity. Not surprisingly creativity is dramatically influenced by the motivational state of the creative person and by the people who act as gatekeepers for ideas in relation to particular domains or disciplines. For agricultural research these gatekeepers include people in industry and in research funding and managing organisations. Focus group discussions across a wide range of agricultural R&D situations provided a surprisingly consistent view that creativity in agricultural R&D is being constrained by: Lack of effective leadership. Policies governing the funding and direction of agricultural R&D. Managerial and administrative procedures. Lack of communication, team building and training. The project identified five principles for promoting creativity in agricultural R&D. They are simple principles, indeed stunningly so, given the complexity of the creative process

18

and of the institutional cultures within which agricultural R&D operates. The five principles are:

1. GOALS Creativity is fostered by setting both creativity and productivity goals but not by prescribing R&D processes to attain them. 2. BOUNDED FREEDOM Creativity is affected by the psychic balance experienced by the researcher or field participant between what she/he seeks to achieve and what the organisation or group desires her/him to achieve. 3. RECOGNITION Creativity is enhanced by reward and recognition, as long as it is experienced as an appreciative and/or informational event and not as a means to control or manipulate. 4. SOCIAL INTERACTION Appropriate peer and social interaction is an essential prerequisite to creativity. 5. LEADERSHIP The development and communication of insightful organisational visions and leadership help foster creativity.

Implications

The implication of the findings of this project is that industry, research funders and research organisations should review their policies and processes should they wish to improve the creativity of agricultural R&D.

Publications

Tony Gleeson, Graeme Russell and Elizabeth Woods (1999), Creative Research Environments: Environmental factors affecting creativity in agricultural research in Australia. Available from RIRDC.

19

Farm Health and Safety Project Title

Preventing farm injuries - overcoming the barriers

RIRDC Project No.:

UMO-15A

Researchers: Dr Lesley Day Organisation: Monash University

Accident Research Centre Building 70 Wellington Road CLAYTON VIC 3168

Phone: 03 9905 1811 Fax: 03 9905 1809 Objectives

The overall goal of this project was to reduce the economic and social costs of farm injury. The specific objective was to address constraints to the adoption of farm safety practices by: • Evaluation of the initial implementation of a national farm safety training initiative,

Managing Farm Safety designed to address the lack of a framework within which individual farmers can manage safety issues

• Documentation of constraints on farm injury reduction and relevant current initiatives • Identification of new potential initiatives

Background

Safety has been recognised as a key issue for the rural workforce. In detailed studies of work related fatalities in Australia for the period 1982-1984, the rural industries group accounted for 19% of all Australian occupational deaths, with 100 deaths annually. Evidence is now emerging to suggest that the position of agriculture has worsened relative to that of other industries. Further, farm injury costs $A200-300 million annually in Australia, which is 13-20% of the net value of farm production. In addition, farm families and communities are affected, emotionally, economically and socially by the death or serious injury of a member.

Research

The first objective was achieved using a quasi-experimental design with non-equivalent intervention and comparison groups. Farmers participating in Managing Farm Safety were invited to participate in the study and asked to complete a short baseline questionnaire prior to the training session. A comparison group of farmers, frequency matched on age and commodity group were selected randomly by telephone and interviewed with similar items from the baseline questionnaire. Both groups were followed up after six months to document farm safety action taken since the baseline survey. Recruitment commenced early in 1996 and all follow up was completed by late 1997. Objectives 2 and 3 were achieved through a series of semi structured telephone interviews conducted in 1996 with 30 key informants drawn from the range of professions, organisations and groups that are currently involved in planning and delivering farm health and safety programs, courses and activities to farmers and farm communities across Australia.

Outcomes

The main effects of Managing Farm Safety we were able to detect were that farmers who had completed the program were four times as likely as the comparison farmers to use goggles frequently for workshop activities, eight times as likely to use hearing protection frequently on cabinless tractors, and four times as likely to participate in other farm safety training courses. These effects were particularly pronounced among those who did not report these characteristics at baseline. Among farmers who had not conducted a safety check in the 6 months prior to the baseline survey, we found that 25% of the intervention group had conducted a safety check at follow-up, in contrast to 2% of the comparison group. Among those intervention farmers who had conducted a safety check

20

during the follow-up period, 84% made changes to address the identified potential safety hazards. These changes frequently involved improving the safety features of equipment or the farm environment (70%), as distinct from changes which required safety behaviours to be frequently repeated (30%).

Implications

The more successful injury prevention programs have generally implemented a mixture of education, environmental, design, legislative and enforcement strategies. An important challenge in farm safety is to design the right mix of strategies and countermeasures that produces the safest farm work environment, systems and behaviours which are compatible with the other needs of farmers such as high productivity. This challenge is being met by Farmsafe Australia and others who are bringing a planned systems approach to bear on farm safety, and addressing some of the constraints identified in this research. In addition to action being taken by the farming community, the general consensus from this research is that governments (through responsible authorities) also need to be more committed and active in providing personnel, funding and other incentives to reduce the unacceptably high rates of death and injury on farms in Australia.

Project Title

Tractor driving and the low back - the effect of an air cushion and a swivel seat on spinal movement during rotation

RIRDC Project No.:

USA 3A

Researcher: Sheila Scutter Organisation: University of South Australia

NORTH TERRACE ADELAIDE 5000 Phone: 08 83022585 Fax 08 8302 2766 Email: sheila.scutter@unisa.edu.au Objectives

• To study the incidence of back pain in farmers. • To investigate the effect of an inflated cushion and a swivel seat on spinal movement

during rotation. • To investigate the effect of an inflated cushion on back pain in the field.

Background

Back pain is common in farmers, and has been shown in previous research to be related to the exposure to vibration which farmers experience while driving tractors. The rotated posture which is often used while operating tractors may also be a factor. Various methods of reducing the effects of vibration and a rotated posture are used by farmers, but more information is needed about their effectiveness and mechanisms of operation.

Research

• A questionnaire was used to determine the incidence of back pain in farmers, and

work practices related to the back pain. Questionnaires were sent to subjects recruited from across South Australia.

• A Laboratory trial of the effect of an air cushion and a swivel seat on spinal movement during rotation, as measured by the 3-Space Tracker. Subjects attended on one occasion and were tested during four experimental conditions.

• A Field trial of the effect of the air cushion on back and neck pain, as monitored by a logbook. Subjects were given a logbook, which was to collect data during normal tractor driving activities.

Outcomes

The results of the questionnaire showed that farmers experienced considerable neck and back pain during normal working activities. As might be expected, heavy farm work like sheep handling increased back pain, but driving a tractor was a significant factor in precipitating back pain. Driving a tractor was much more of a problem than other forms of driving. Using an inflatable air cushion significantly reduced back pain during and after tractor driving, and reduced neck pain whilst driving. . In laboratory trials, the

21

inflatable cushion was shown to have a similar effect to a swivel seat, changing the movement patterns to allow increased rotation. Although the laboratory findings suggest a mechanism for the positive effects of the cushion noted by farmers, no conclusions can be drawn regarding the efficacy of this cushion compared to other cushions

Implications

Operating a tractor is a significant factor in the development of back and neck pain in farmers. Therefore it is appropriate to investigate tractor seating and methods of use in farmers presenting with back pain. Simple devices such as an air-filled cushion and a swivel seat result in changes in the movement patterns in the low back, which may result in less strain on the spine. Field trials showed that an air-filled cushion can significantly decrease back and neck pain symptoms experienced by farmers.

22

4.3 Human Capital, Communications & Information Systems

Research in Progress

Information and Communications Systems

Project Title

Developing a sustainable satellite fire monitoring program for rural northern Australia

RIRDC Project No.:

BNT-1A

Start Date: 15/05/97 Finish Date: 21/12/00 Researcher: Dr Jeremy Russell-Smith Organisation: Bushfires Council of the NT

PO Box 37346 WINNELLIE NT 0821

Phone: 08 8984 4000 Fax: 08 8947 2263 Objectives

• To develop accurate, reliable systems for the satellite monitoring and mapping of

fires across the fire-prone savanna regions of northern Australia, through the critical assessment of errors associated with current WA and NT fire-monitoring programs using NOAA-AVHRR data

• To provide north Australian rural communities ready, daily access to remotely sensed fire data.

Current Progress

The project aims to: (1) critically assess the accuracy with which mapping of fires using the NOAA-AVHRR

satellite sensor is being undertaken across northern Australia, through a comprehensive ground-based validation program; and

(2) examine the best means by which different end-user groups can readily access these mapped data on a daily basis. Over the past year verification studies have been undertaken in the Kimberley region of WA, and the Victoria River District (VRD) of the NT. Independent assessment of the Kimberley data for three periods in 1997-98 indicates that mapping undertaken by DOLA (WA) achieved overall accuracies of between 70% and 90%. The VRD assessment program was undertaken in late 1998 and has involved assessment at a range of resolutions, including fine resolution airborne videography (2m X 2m pixels), and LANDSAT TM (30m X 30m pixels). These data are currently being assessed. Further field studies will be undertaken this year in the NT, WA, and also QLD.

To assist with the development of improved access to mapping information by land managers and rural communities, expert advice was sought from Dr Sindre Langaas, an international specialist in fire mapping and information dissemination systems. Dr Langaas participated in the program over a four month stay, including visits to participating agencies in Brisbane, Darwin and Perth. His final report will be presented in August this year. The final year of the project, mostly involving implementation of above findings and recommendations, will be undertaken in 2000.

23

Project Title

Piloting internet delivery of APSIM support to farmers, advisers and scientists.

RIRDC Project No.:

CST-1A

Start Date: 15/4/97 Finish Date: 30/6/99 Researcher: Dr Robert McCown

CSIRO Tropical Agriculture PO Box 102 TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350

Phone: 07 46881390 Fax: 07 46881193 Email: bob.mccown@tag.csiro.au Objectives

• To invent and evaluate the use of the internet to increase the cost effectiveness of

interaction among scientists, advisers and farmers pertaining to the use of computer simulation in learning, planning and decision making in dry-land cropping and in research which supports this.

Current Progress

During the last year APSRU have successfully trialled using the Internet for delivering targeted learning experiences to farmers. Our approach was to involve groups of farmers by meeting ‘online’, using multimedia conferencing software, to discuss alternative management strategies. Central to these discussions are the technologies of soil monitoring and computer based crop simulation (using APSIM). The results of soil monitoring are discussed and used to provide input to simulations of farmer’s individual paddocks. During group discussions, farmers ask ‘what-if’ questions for both coming and previous seasons. The crop simulator is flexible and accurate enough to deal with a wide range of scenarios. Farmers involved often ask questions including: “What if I had planted on this date?”; “What caused the crop to mature later than usual?”; “What is the likely yield if I plant on these dates?” Our evaluation demonstrates that substantial farmer learning results from this, and in several cases has lead to higher returns. An important distinction to make is that our approach does not prescribe one set of learning materials for all farmers; but rather using computer simulation, allows us to tailor learning experiences to individual farmers, based on their own farms. The Internet removes the requirement for travel, which allows the sessions to be timely; held in response to farmers needs, and cost effective. Following is a selection of quotes, from evaluation, made by farmer stakeholders: “This is better than farming experience because it shows you why a particular result happened”—Lloyd Bailey (Farmer, Bongeen)

“Simulation has really got me thinking about different choices”—Peter Haeusler (farmer)

“I have seen it in action (APSIM)… it comes out with some absolutely brilliant and chilling results.”—David Alexander (farmer)

“This is the greatest advance in Australian agriculture since the development of the blade-plough and round-up” –James Hitchener, IAMA limited.

“Many farmers are selling themselves short by not expecting enough from their country and not maximising water use efficiency”-- James Clark (farmer, Croppa Creek)

24

Project Title

Supporting best practice in rangeland management through Internet-based information exchange

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-166A

Start Date: 1/01/98 Finish Date: 30/05/99 Researcher: Dr Ron Hacker Organisation: NSW Department of Agriculture

Centre of Excellence for Rangeland Management and Agricultural Research PO Box 19 TRANGIE NSW 2823

Phone: 02 6888 7404 Fax: 02 6888 7201 Email: ron.hacker@smtpgwy.agric.nsw.gov.au Objectives

• To evaluate the potential of the Internet to facilitate adoption of best management

practices for sustainable use of rangelands by (a) exchange of practical experience between producers or producer groups (b) provision of timely and appropriate technical information to support maangement change.

• To assess the potential for a network linking producers, agencies and other suppliers of technical information to provide on-going support for improvement in rangeland management.

Current Progress

Thirty seven participants (compared to the planned figure of 30) have been connected to the Internet. Workshops have been conducted by the Coordinator in centres ranging from Longreach to Hay to train participants in the use of the browser and chat software. Participants have been provided with the ICQ chat software (available from the public domain) to allow chat sessions to occur whenever participants are logged on to the Internet. A survey of information sources has been distributed to all participants by e-mail and responses are currently being collated. Change in information sources will be assessed at the end of the project. A home page has been established to directly connect participants to sites under the following headings:- • NSW Agriculture Public Web sites • General agricultural sites • Agricultural resource sites. The site also contains a staff contact page and a feedback page. Usage to date has been low but is expected to increase. To date the chat facility provided by the ICQ software has been the most popular feature of the project. This software also allows ‘Netmeetings’, in which participants or groups may interact via video connection over the net. The project will assess the value of this capacity.

25

Project Title

Farm Management 500 Global - Global networks and adoption of the Web

RIRDC Project No.:

FM-4A

Start Date: 1/07/98 Finish Date: 30/06/00 Researcher: Mr Neil Clark Organisation: Neil Clark & Associates

"The Mill" 35 Wills Street PO Box 540 BENDIGO VIC 3552

Phone: 03 5441 1244; 018 571 411 Fax: 03 5441 1366 Email: clark@hitech.net.au Objectives

• This project will create Global networks for FM500 farming families and accelerate

the adoption of email/Interent services to improve access to quality technical, financial and social information.

• This will lead to the creation of International Benchmarks for farmers, the adoption of world best practice and expanded travel opportunities for all members of the family.

Current Progress

Quality, global farmer group networks are emerging from this project. Canada has seen the most progress with nine marketing clubs nominating to twin with FM500 groups in Australia. The communication protocol between the groups is still developing. Video conference facilities will be utilised at the FM500 Intergroup workshop in July to further build contacts with the ProFarmer of America organisation. A searchable e-mail address registry is planned to enable cheap, personal one to one interaction and encourage the increased use of email. New Zealand and leading farmer discussion groups in other Australian states are additional targets for this networking initiative. The project has found that farmers are frustrated by the sheer volume and limited quality of web information, in response we are identifying key "favourite" sites. Our research shows that 36% of FM500 members have an email address. There is potential to promote and increase the use of email as means of business communication. Building confidence in the use of email and associated procedures such as attachments and different software will provide a base to explore electronic banking and other e-commerce. Further research is needed to find suitable, cost effective speaker phones for use by farmer groups. So far, phone communications between leading-edge farmers has proven to be powerful. The vision for FM500 now is "Sharing what we do well".

26

Project Title

The Australian Farmer's Guide to the Internet updates and web site

RIRDC Project No.:

FW-3A

Start Date: 30/03/98 Finish Date: 30/06/99 Researcher: Mr Robert Parker Organisation: Farmwide

PO Box E10 KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: 02 6273 6384 Fax: 02 6273 6413 Email: rjparker@farmwide.com.au Objectives

• To keep the site guide component of the Australian Farmer's Guide to the Internet

updated via the web, to allow for the growth in, and updating of, Australian and overseas agricultural web sites.

Current Progress

The Australian Farmers' Guide to the Internet web site has been updated on a weekly basis throughout the project period. This has resulted in: • an increase in the number of web sites reviewed and listed within the Farmers Guide

site (now over 600 - up from 250 original entries); • each entry within the site being revisited and updated (or deleted if warranted) on a

continually rotating basis throughout the project; • each entry being tagged as "New" or "Updated" as they are edited, ensuring visitors

to the site are informed about the currency of the information presented; • greater accuracy of site reviews as they are amended regularly to reflect the ongoing

changes within each individual site; and, • a greater number of overseas sites reviewed within the site (only a handful of

overseas sites were included in the original guide). The FW-3A project has extended the longevity and relevance of the hardcopy Australian Farmers Guide to the Internet and has contributed greatly to the preparation of the second edition of The Australian Farmers' Guide to the Internet through its ongoing research into agricultural resources on the Internet.

Project Title

Standardised classification system and thesaurus for Australian agricultural extension information

RIRDC Project No.:

KDI-19A

Start Date: 1 September 1997 Finish Date: 30 June 1999 Researcher: Mrs Ruth McIntyre Organisation: PO Box 913,

CLOVERDALE WA 6105 Phone: 08 9478 3343 Fax: 08 9479 7509 Email: ruth@kondinin.com.au Objectives

• To improve the existing Agdex classification scheme, to retain the current relevance

of Agdex to information managers and providers for classifying and distributing Australian agricultural information.

• To develop a thesaurus of keywords to be used when indexing Australian agricultural

27

extension information, for use by information managers and providers. Both the classification scheme and thesaurus would be applicable to all agricultural industries. Uniformity would lead to simplified integration of databases, speedier transfer of information, and economies in the adoption of technology.

Current Progress

Similar methodology has been used for each aspect of this project, with ongoing discussions with officers of several state Departments of Primary Industries and other participants in rural industries, both in person and via e-mail discussion groups. Terms have been recorded in databases and a draft edition of each publication was circulated to participants in the last quarter of 1998. All feedback and modifications have been recorded in the databases, from which the final products have been generated for publication in print and on disc in July, 1999. Work is now completed on the development of Agdex Adapted for Use in Australia: A Classification Scheme for Agricultural Extension. Major revisions have been made to the vegetation and fruit areas, sustainable agriculture and landcare concepts have been added, as well as computers and GPS. Agterms Thesaurus for Australian Agricultural Extension Information will be published in July 1999 in looseleaf format. This thesaurus is to be used in conjunction with the CAB Thesaurus. An effort has been made to use terminology familiar to primary producers and extension officers. Features include standardised Australian geographic names, bush foods, detailed machinery terminology and a wide variety of weeds. It is proposed that both aspects of this project will be ongoing, with annual update sheets being sent to Agdex purchasers, and quarterly looseleaf updates to Agterms subscribers. Updates on disc will also be available. A strategy to identify potential customers and a marketing plan are in place.

Project Title

A national on-line information service with search engine for agri-industry

RIRDC Project No.:

KDI-22A

Start Date: 1/08/98 Finish Date: 30/06/00 Researcher: Mr Gary McKenzie Organisation: Kondinin Group

177 Great Eastern Highway CLOVERDALE WA 6105

Phone: 08 9478 3343 Fax: 08 9478 3353 Email: gary@kondinin.com.au Objectives

The objectives of this project are: • To develop an Internet search interface that is built around a newly constructed

agricultural thesaurus (RIRDC Project KDI-19A) to quickly locate quality extension information from FarmLine and other World Wide Web sites.

• To build on the current investment in FarmLine information management by re-engineering the inquiry and delivery system that will extend the current FarmLine service into an electronic form to meet a growing requirement by farmers for timely and accessible technical information.

• To develop a started information package for new Internet users • Establish a suitable management and commercialisation strategy to ensure the service

is ongoing and viable.

28

Current Progress Kondinin Group has completed a Website Publishing Strategy targeting high use FarmLine information. Popular Farming Ahead articles, common inquiries and information packages will be delivered over the internet in electronic form and as references. Work has commenced producing electronic documents for the website. Farmwide has developed Agsearch, the search engine that will be part of the search interface which is currently being developed jointly. Kondinin Group has performed preliminary testing of the search interface to ensure ease of access to Kondinin Group and other general information. Kondinin Group will continue to collaborate with Farmwide to ensure the agricultural search interface will give Australian farmers access to quality, practical and relevant information over the internet.

Project Title

A database of automation technology and expertise in agriculture

RIRDC Project No.:

SEA-1A

Start Date: 1/07/98 Finish Date: 30/06/99 Researcher: Mr Geoffrey Hamilton Organisation: Society of Engineering in Agriculture

35 Flinders Way WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650

Phone: 02 6925 0020 Fax: 02 6925 0021 Email: hamiltons@wagga.net.au Objectives

• The principal outcome of this project will be a report and a web-site directory

containing: • Technical information on automation and its application to agriculture • Case studies of the use of automation technology • Contact details of suppliers of automation control equipment and software services • Data to aid the management and implementation of automation technology in

agriculture • Data on industrial relations experiences and acceptance of the application of the

technology. Current Progress

Web site under construction Technical information sourced and catalogued on a database (see 4 below) Case studies complete Contact details complete -web site to be finalised and tested.

29

Extension, Education and Training Project Title

Agriculture courses: student entry and exit attributes and industry needs

RIRDC Project No.:

UCS-13A

Start Date: 4/01/97 Finish Date: 18/12/99 Researcher: Dr Brian Hemmings Organisation: Charles Sturt University

PO Box 588 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2678

Phone: 02 6933 2498 Fax: 02 6933 2888 Objectives

• Explore the personal attributes and backgrounds, at the beginning and end of first

year, of first year agriculture students from rural and urban universities in order to predict success and satisfaction in first year agriculture study.

• Compare the personal and academic attributes of first year students with graduation students from agriculture courses in order to establishs the impact of these courses on students.

• Compare existing industry employment criteria and general industry needs, as articulated by industry leaders, with the particular exit attributes of agricultural graduates, by surveying and interviewing recently employed graduates, graduates of longer standing, employers, and industry leaders.

• Establish a matrix of personal attributes, industry criteria and course outcomes as a means of suggesting mechanisms to develop more suitable entry selection into universities, to provide clearer direction for course development, and to better articulate employment criteria for industry. This might facilitate later refinement of course promotion strategies.

Current Progress

Survey instruments which address two of the three key objectives have been administered to students at ten university campuses. For Study 1, the ‘entry’ and ‘end of first year’ questionnaires have been administered to 500 students at both urban and rural-based universities. Additionally 25 interviews have been carried out to supplement the survey data. For Study 2 questionnaires have been administered to 110 students, and interviews have been conducted (N=20). The campuses were the University of Sydney (Orange campus), the University of Sydney (Camden), the University of Sydney (City), the University of Western Sydney (Hawkesbury), the University of Queensland (St. Lucia), the University of Queensland (Gatton campus), Charles Sturt University (Wagga Wagga campus), the University of Melbourne (Parkville), and the University of Melbourne (Dookie). Curtin University of Technology was an additional site administered by a staff member. The ‘end of first year’ instrument (Study 1) and the instruments for Study 2 were administered in November. The interview schedules (Study 1 & 2) for first year students and near graduating students were administered in October/November. Data analysed Preliminary analysis for data for Study 1 and Study 2 has been completed. Structural equation modelling is ongoing. Several thesis chapters have been written including the chapter on the ‘Agricultural context’ which includes a collation of relevant information sourced from the ABS and DEETYA Higher Education Times Series data.

30

Project Title

Tools for participatory R&D in dryland cropping areas

RIRDC Project No.:

UM-38A

Start Date: 1/07/98 Finish Date: 30/06/00 Researcher: Dr R John Petheram Organisation: University of Melbourne

Institute of Land and Food Resources RMB 3000 HORSHAM VIC 3401

Phone: 03 5362 2222 Fax: 03 5362 2213 Email: j.petheram@landfood.unimelb.edu.au Objectives

• The main outcome delivered will be a manual of (tested) tools for gaining

participation of farmers and other stakeholders in rural R&D - including a worldwide review of literature on participation and participatory tools. The manual will provide a brief introduction to relevant theory of social intervention and will be accompanied by an instructional video to assist field workers to understand the operation of certain tools that require visual explanation.

• The aim is to provide an easily accessible "toolkit" for extension agents and other

rural facilitators - that will improve their abilitiy to achieve high levels of participation by stakeholders, and hence result in more effective R&D programs through higher level of ownership and commitment to R&D acitivities by farmers in dryland areas. The emphasis will be on tools for cropping systems but as sheep are a subsystem of most crop farms in Australia, some tools related to crop/livestock interaction will be included.

Current Progress

Discussions with a range of R & D professionals have resulted in a classification of participatory tools into various categories. Learning tools used in relation to technical aspects will be categorised under headings such as Soils, Land management, Weed control, IPM, Fencing. Other categories are “On-farm-trials”, “Decision support models” and “Group motivation” tools, although the latter two categories are well covered in other publications so will not be dealt with in detail in this manual. Materials on a number of tools for possible inclusion in the manual have been collected or documented, and R & D professionals in various states and disciplines have agreed to contribute items. Testing of some of the tools has commenced with groups. Research and extension agents interested in contributing ideas, materials or information on tools that they have tested and found useful in work with groups in dryland areas, are encouraged to contract the co-ordinator.

31

Project Title

Stock and station agents as information providers: improving farmers' productivity

RIRDC Project No.:

USA-7A

Start Date: 30/08/98 Finish Date: 30/04/99 Researcher: Dr Christopher David Martin Organisation: University of South Australia

Lecturer, Business and Management THE LEVELS SA 5095

Phone: 08 8647 6037 Fax: 08 8647 6082 Email: chris.d.martin@unisa.edu.au Objectives

• To investigate the factors influencing the effectiveness of stock and station agents as

providers of information and technology to farm owner/managers in Australia.

Current Progress

The above research project is nearly complete with the introduction, literature review and the survey of stock agents completed and written up in a report format. As I write the survey of broadacre farmers across Australia is being undertaken, and, barring no mishaps, should be complete by Friday the 21st May. This would leave me a few days to add the results in to the report and complete the conclusion. I am hopeful of May 31st completion as agreed. If there are delays in collecting the final survey data I anticipate these delays will be small.

32

Rural Communities and Social Issues Project Title

Missed Opportunities: Phase 2

RIRDC Project No.:

DPI-29A

Start Date: 1/02/99 Finish Date: 31/12/99 Researcher: Ms. Meredeth Taylor Organisation: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Women in Rural Industries Section GPO Box 858 CANBERRA ACT 2601

Phone: 02 6271 6362 Objectives

• This stage of the project will trial the strategies identified in the "Missed

Opportunities - Harnessing the Potential of Women in Agriculture" within two "case study" rural organisations, to develop "best practice" models of organisational change.

Current Progress

Stage Two commenced in April 1999 with Phoenix Projects being appointed as the consultants for the project. The Victorian Farmers' Federation (VFF) and the South Australian Farmers' Federation (SAFF) were selected as the case study organisations. Initial meetings between the Consultant and stakeholders from the VFF have taken place and a steering committee has been formed. The VFF has developed an Action Plan which details project activities. The SAFF has also convened its initial stakeholder meeting. An Action Plan focussing on both an internal organisational approach as well as an external approach has been drafted. It is apparent even this early in the project that the VFF and the SAFF are at different stages of development in their approach to diversity and change management. From a project management perspective, this variation is useful as it is likely to reflect the disparate realities of many more organisations than was potentially the case had both the VFF and the SAFF followed similar paths, with similarly disposed groups of women. Workshops and other project activities are expected to continue over the next 3-4 months in both States.

33

Project Title

Owner characteristics and strategic planning as determinants of Australian Family Farm Business growth

RIRDC Project No.:

UMO-20A

Start Date: 15/10/98 Finish Date: 15/01/00 Researcher: Prof Claudio Romano Organisation: Monash University

The National Mutual Family Business Research Unit Dept of Accounting & Finance CAUFIELD EAST VIC 3145

Phone: 03 9903 2171 Fax: 03 9903 2422 Objectives

This research will provide a better understanding of strategic planning among farm family businesses in Australia. The investigation also will help to identify and describe some of the family concnerns and preferences that influence the choice of farm business strategy. The primary objectives of this study are • To describe family background (demographic) characteristics and the type and extent

of strategic planning undertaken by farm family business owners • To identify family concerns and preferences that influence the choice of farm

business strategy • To assess the extent to which background characteristics, type(s) of strategic

planning, and other key variables lead to farm family business growth • To assess the extent to which the prevalence of strategic planning acts as a mediator

of farm family business growth and • To contribute to the development of macro and microeconomic policies related to

farm family business.

Current Progress

This is a three-stage study that has been developed as a one-year project. Stage 1 of our research project, which was completed in early May this year, was primarily concerned with conducting semi-structured focus group interviews. Six focus group interviews involving farm family members (of different income types) and professional groups (such as farmer advisory groups, farmer organisations, and grower groups) were conducted. The focus groups consisted of 8-12 people and were conducted in broadacre areas of NSW, Queensland, and Victoria. In addition, two Farm Management-500 groups were interviewed in the Riverina and Mallee regions, whereas a Property Management Planning advisor has been consulted on succession issues. Focus group interviews have been transcribed, producing approximately 60 pages of text, and themes generated by interviewees are being used as a basis for the development of the self-report questionnaire. Stage 2, which is currently in progress, is concerned with the development and pre-test of the Strategic Planning and Growth self-report questionnaire. The questionnaire will comprise seven parts: background of the farm business, background of the owner, strategic management and planning issues, risk assessment, communication, locus of control, and family business issues. A random sample of approximately 50 farm family owners and farmer groups in Victoria is to be used to pretest the self-report questionnaire in June/July. This phase will help to evaluate the questionnaire, identify any ambiguities and design flaws, and determine whether the strategic planning variables and background characteristics of farm family owners predict growth. Stage 3, that is, a national self-report questionnaire survey of 5000 farm families will be conducted in July/August.

34

Farm Health and Safety Project Title

Farm injury/illness data centre

RIRDC Project No.:

AHU-3A

Start Date: 1/07/96 Finish Date: 30/06/99 Researcher: Dr Lyn Fragar Organisation: Australian Agricultural Health Unit

PO Box 256 MOREE NSW 2400

Phone: 02 6752 8210 Fax: 02 6752 6639 Email: lfragar@doh.health.nsw.gov.au Objectives

• Maintenance of timely data and information on farm deaths, injury and illness to

support policy and program development in occupational health and safety by agricultural industries, government and farm safety organisations.

• Production of occupational health and safety profiles, hazard profiles and hazard guidance sheets based on up to date Australian and overseas data and information.

Current Progress

The Farm Injury Data Centre project continues to have a profound impact on agriculture’s capacity to address farm injury as a key priority. Reports and data generated by the Centre have resulted in: • Development of relevant and industry specific on-farm resources for managing

OHS risk • Development of relevant Guidance Notes for managing OHS risk • Identification of major health and safety issues for rural and farming communities,

otherwise not addressed – injury, suicide, road deaths, child injury, machinery injury, commodity specific injury, heart disease deaths, cancer deaths, drownings. All of these issues are now the subject of specific programs projects and strategies to reduce the incidence and impact of these problems.

• Development of improved farm injury data definitions in key datasets • Increased and relevant farm injury data collection by universities, rural doctors,

rural hospitals and government agencies. • Advice for evaluation of farm injury data The Data Centre Project has presented its system of farm injury surveillance at the 4th International Farm Injury Conference in Saskatchewan, Canada, and has achieved an international and national reputation as a model for transfer of information and research findings into action by key stakeholders.

35

Project Title

Establishing the Managing Farm Safety course delivery system

RIRDC Project No.:

AHU-4A

Start Date: 30/03/98 Finish Date: 31/08/99 Researcher: Dr Lyn Fragar Organisation: Australian Agricultural Health Unit

PO Box 256 MOREE NSW 2400

Phone: 02 6752 8210 Fax: 02 6752 6639 Email: lfragar@doh.health.nsw.gov.au Objectives

• To establish the necessary framework for delivery of the Managing Farm Safety

course to farmers and farm managers in all states and for all industries in Australia.

Current Progress

Farmsafe Australia has established the National Farm Safety Training Centre at the Australian Agricultural Health Unit in Moree, NSW. Its program of work is under the supervision of the Farmsafe Australia Farm Safety Training Committee. State Farm Safety Training Centres have been formally established and accredited by Farmsafe Australia in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. Negotiations are under way for the accreditation of the South Australian Farm Safety Training Centre. A total of 71 instructors have been trained and accredited to deliver the 2-day Managing Farm Safety – 13 in Queensland, 19 in NSW, 25 in Victoria, 6 in South Australia and 8 in Western Australia. More than 900 farmers have successfully completed the Managing Farm Safety course to date.

Project Title

A publication about the safe storage of farm chemicals

RIRDC Project No.:

KDI-23A

Start Date: 1/08/98 Finish Date: 30/06/99 Researcher: Mr Iain Chalmers Organisation: Kondinin Group

PO Box 913 CLOVERDALE WA 6105

Phone: (08) 9478 3343 Objectives

• To help reduce the personal, environmental, security and social hazards associated

with the storage and handling of chemicals on farms • To do this by producing an information package, including simple plans, with

guidelines for such storage situations, in an easy to follow format.

Current Progress

There is limited information available on the design of on-farm chemical storage sheds. This has been identified by both farmers and farm chemical safety officers. This project will present easy to use plans for construction of chemical sheds and the appropriate safety guidelines.

36

The report on chemical sheds will be completed by 30 September 1999 and published in a Research Report covering on-farm chemical storage and safety to be published in Farming Ahead magazine October 1999. The information will also for the basis of an information package for general purchase. A draft of the report will be forwarded to RIRDC for comment before publishing in the magazine. The project was initially delayed to give time for a national standard to be developed. This has not happened and after being advised by regulatory authorities the information will be compiled taking into consideration both national and state guidelines.

Project Title

Evaluation of farm injury prevention in Victoria 1998-2001

RIRDC Project No.:

UMO-22A

Start Date: 1/08/98 Finish Date: 31/12/02 Researcher: Dr Lesley Day Organisation: Monash University

Accident Research Centre Building 70 Wellington Road CLAYTON VIC 3168

Phone: 03 9905 1811 Fax: 03 9905 1809 Email: Lesley.Day@general.monash.edu.au Objectives

The primary objective is to compare the impact of differing approaches to farm injury prevention in Victoria and Queensland. A secondary objective is to develop a set of generic guidelines for the evaluation of farm safety rograms. The process of development will include a meeting of other evaluators and project officers to workshop the guidelines. The main outcomes will be the • documentation of farm injury prevention activities and approaches in Victoria and

Queensland; and the determination of • changes in attitudes, knowledge and practice over time, • possible associations between changes in these parameters and exposure to farm

injury prevention activities; • differences between the major commodity groups, and • differences in farm safety progress between the two states and • a set of generic guidelines for the evaluation of farm safety programs.

Current Progress

The main activities of the project are to conduct surveys of Victorian farmers in 1998 and 2001 to document safety knowledge and practices, to document and compare approaches to farm safety in Queensland and Victoria, and to prepare a set of generic guidelines for the evaluation of farm safety programs. The 1998 survey has been completed, resulting in 1228 owner/manager, and 401 employee, returned surveys. Survey data has been entered and is currently being cleaned and analysed. The survey questionnaire was developed in close collaboration with the Department of Employment, Training and Industrial Relations in Queensland. A similar survey has also been completed in Queensland, and the results will be compared later in 1999. Interviews of the major players in farm safety in both Queensland and Victoria have been undertaken and historical documents reviewed. A draft of the historical statement of activity has been prepared and circulated for comments.

37

This information will assist in the interpretation of the comparison of the survey results from the two states. Work on the generic guidelines for the evaluation of farm safety programs will commence in the second half of 1999.

38

Scholarships Project Title

Scholarship - Louise Silvers

RIRDC Project No.:

ANU-31A

Start Date: 1/01/98 Finish Date: 31/12/00 Researcher: Louise Silvers Organisation: Vertebrate Biocontrol CRC

CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology PO Box 284 CANBERRA ACT 2602

Phone: 02 6242 1537 Fax: 02 6242 1511 Email: l.silvers@dwe.csiro.au Objectives

• To examine the biological basis of host specificity of myxoma virus strains from

North and South America and from Australia in different leporid species at both the cellular and molecular level.

Current Progress

Using the collaboration established with Utah State University, we have examined the species specificity of myxoma strains Lausanne (Brazilian) and MSW (Californian) in North American lagomorphs Sylvilagus nuttallii and S.audubonii. Both virus types induce systemic disease (myxomatosis) in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). We aim to investigate the mechanism by which virus dissemination and replication are controlled by different species for each virus and which viral proteins are important in host specificity. S.nuttallii developed systemic disease when infected with Lausanne. The virus was present in the lung, thymus, spleen and lymph nodes. Primary and secondary skin lesions contained virus above the transmission threshold (107 pfu/g). Lausanne-infected S.audubonii developed large skin lesions at the inoculation site. Systemic disease was not observed, although virus disseminated to the draining lymph nodes and distal skin. MSW-infected S.nuttallii and S.audubonii developed small primary lesions with virus titres below transmission thresholds. Virulence and pathogenesis experiments with MSW -infected O.cuniculus (wild and domestic) have been completed and data are being analysed. Work to date shows that each virus can replicate and disseminate in the rabbits tested, however distinct levels of control exist for each species. The variation in control may be indicative of the ability of each virus to suppress the innate and adaptive immune responses of particular species.

39

Project Title

RIRDC Postgraduate Scholarship- K. Lawrence

RIRDC Project No.:

UA-39A

Start Date: 1/01/97 Finish Date: 31/12/99 Researcher: Kate Lawrence Organisation: C/- Graduate Studies and Scholarship Branch

University of Adelaide ADELAIDE SA 5005

Phone: 03 57 297 584 Email: klawrenc@arts.adelaide.edu.au Objectives

The focus of this thesis is the interrelationship between public policy, local/regional decision-making, and the ordering and provision of vocational education and training in regional Australia. The aims of the thesis are: • to map and critically analyse current public policies of regionalisation and

subsidiarity in Australia in regard to vocational education and training; • to identify and critically analyse theories of community within current political

theory and policy contexts; to develop a concept of 'regional community' which can inform critical policy analysis;

• to map and critically analyse the emerging discourse of 'empowerment' of and 'partnership' with and within regional communities, within current political and VET policy contexts;

• to map and critically analyse decision-making structures and practices currently available to local/regional communities within the framework of the national VET system;

• to identify potential strategies for enhancing the capacity of local/regional communities to develop effective structures and processes for collaborative decision-making in regard to VET.

Current Progress

Primary data collection has been based upon case-study research in the Murraylands region of South Australia, with testing of findings in other regions of Australia. Interviews have been conducted with members of regional, industry (particularly agriculture and health services industries), and community organisations. All primary research (involving policy document analysis, interviews and observation of selected organisations) has now been completed. The thesis is currently in the writing-up stage.

40

Project Title

Postgraduate Scholarship Award - Ms Nerida Donovan

RIRDC Project No.:

US-37A

Start Date: 1/01/96 Finish Date: 30/06/99 Researcher: Ms Nerida Donovan Organisation: Dept of Crop Sciences

University of Sydney SYDNEY NSW, 2006

Phone: 02 9351 3894 Email: donovann@agric.usyd.edu.au Objectives

• To investigate the effect of stubble management and crop rotation on the long-term

health of the soil, by examining soil biodiversity, disease suppression, mycorrhizal fungi and the activity of the microbial buffer.

Current Progress

The project uses long-term stubble management and crop rotation trials managed by the University of Sydney in Moree, and NSW Agriculture in Croppa Creek and Warialda. The treatments tested include no-till, stubble incorporated and stubble burnt for both continuous wheat and wheat / chickpea or wheat/sorghum rotations. Fungal diversity was found to be greatest in a rotation at one site, and favoured by no-tillage at another site. Disease suppressiveness was used as an indicator of soil biological resilience, by introducing a ‘foreign’ pathogen, takeall (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici) and examining the disease severity of a susceptible host plant. Stubble retention caused significantly lower takeall disease scores in both continuous wheat and wheat-chickpea rotations. Stubble burning and tillage was found to adversely affect the survival of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, at two of the three sites burning had a greater effect than tillage. These findings are important to help create an integrated picture of the effects of management on biological processes in the soil.