Factors in Decision-making in Farming Problems

A study based on an interview survey of a random sample of 100 dairy farmers in the Goulburn Valley irrigation district in Victoria. The hypothesis is tested that where a problem exists, its recognition & an understanding of its causes effect the decision to adopt adequate remedial measures. The Chi-square test developed by Gregory (1961) was used. The perception of both adopters & non-adopters of the goals served by 5 specific practices forms the basic data. Open ended & directed questions were used; the latter concerned the value of the particular practice for: (a) increasing production, (b) increasing econ returns, & (c) convenience of operation. Gregory's technique was used to isolate the effect of a single goal on adoption. The practices used were: (1) improvements in irrigation facilities, (2) weedicides, (3) A. 1., (4) herd testing, (5) herringbone sheds. Both adopters & non-adopters see each practice as serving the same goals in the same order. This suggests that the diff may lie in the diff value they place on these 3 goals. Value diff's fall into 4 categories: (A) situational factors, (B) doubts about the technical efficiency of a practice, (C) resources of finance or labor, & (D) goals & barriers. Non-adopters see more barriers to adoption than adopters. Non-adopters put more value on convenience than on increasing production& income, &vice versa. Modified AA.