Rural training programs: effectiveness and profitability final report April 1996

The main thrust of this report is that education and training is a powerful influence on decision making on farms and an important contributor to farm profitability and long term viability. Learning events, including accredited training courses and informal programs such as field days and crop monitoring groups, have an important role in making farmers aware of new management strategies and practices and in aiding their adoption.

Sue Kilpatrick uses results from additional questions on the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Agricultural Financial Survey, and an interview survey of Tasmanian farmers in two sub-samples: of course participants and a random sample of farmers.

From her research she reaches some 22 conclusions, among which these are a few: Farm businesses which engage in training are more profitable than other farm businesses; Farm businesses which have agricultural qualifications within their management team are more profitable than other farm businesses; Farm businesses which engage in training are more likely to make changes to their practice which improve or are expected to improve long term profitability and viability; Effective training is conducted in small groups with the opportunity for interaction with the facilitator/instructor and with fellow participants.

Sue Kilpatrick suggests a number of recommendations which include: (1) Farm business management units should be encouraged to obtain agricultural qualifications. (2) Farm business management units should be encouraged to undertake non-accredited training such as seminars, workshops, and field days and to attend conferences and industry meetings. (3) The field day format should be considered as a model for attracting farmers to courses and other informal learning. (4) Delivery by distance education of a variety of accredited and non-accredited training to existing farmers should be trialed. This report includes an examination of the future training needs in agriculture, and a training program evaluation proforma.

The main thrust of this report is that education and training is a powerful influence on decision making on farms and an important contributor to farm profitability and long term viability. Learning events, including accredited training courses and informal programs such as field days and crop monitoring groups, have an important role in making farmers aware of new management strategies and practices and in aiding their adoption.

Sue Kilpatrick uses results from additional questions on the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Agricultural Financial Survey, and an interview survey ...  [+] Show more