RIRDC Completed Projects in 2000-2001 & Research in Progress as at June 2001

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To Human Capital  Completed Projects
 

4.3 HUMAN CAPITAL, COMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION SYSTEMS  RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

Information and Communications Systems: 9; 19

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
CST-7A	Interactive internet support for farmers sitauted learning and planning: FARMSCAPE Online	Zvi Hochman	07 4688 1298	CSIRO Tropical Agriculture
RJP-1A & RJP-2A	Australian Farmer's Guide to the Internet Second Edition – website updates	Robert Parker	0407 021 336

Extension, Education and Training: 9; 22

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
ANU-43A	Government responses to farm poverty 1989-1998: The policy development process	Linda Botterill	02 6125 5534	Australian National University
ANU-46A	Indigenous participation in rural learning for Rangeland sustainability	Elspeth Young	02 6125 4954	Australian National University
GOC-1A	Short course for farmers using flexible delivery methods	Christopher Bell	03 9439 2019	Gossamer Communications
UNE-68A	Older farmers and retirement	Roslyn Foskey	02 6773 2094	University of New England
UNE-73A	Control, Innovation and strategy in farming	Geoff Kaine	02 6773 5146	University of New England
USO-2A	Identifying how attitudinal factors impact on family farm business performance	Evan Hunt	02 6360 5518	The University of Sydney

Rural Communities and Social Issues: 9; 26

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
BRR-5A	Options Series: Leaving the land, A study of farm families in transition	John Cary	03 9818 3763	Bureau of Rural Sciences
ECU-7A	Options Series: Costs and benefits of diversification – whole farm case studies	Alan Black	08 9400 5844	Edith Cowan University
ECU-9A	Evaluation of the efficacy and outcomes of Heywire, the ABC’s rural youth initiative	Fiona McKenzie	08 9273 8781	Edith Cowan University
SYC-8A	Options Series: Sources of farm household income	Tony Gleeson	07 3844 2370	Synapse Agricultural and Resource Consulting
UM-48A	Options Series: Techniques for the growth of the family farm business	Geoffrey Tually	03 5362 2222	The University of Melbourne
UNE-74A	Options Series: Adding value, the critical factors for farmers	Richard Stayner	02 6773 2281	University of New England
USA-11A	Staying at home – Integrating rural youth in rural communities	Lia Bryant	08 8302 4363	University of South Australia
UT-31A	School contribution to rural communities	Sue Kilpatrick	03 6324 3018	University of Tasmania

Policies and Institutions 9; 32

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
DAV-171A	Options Series: Practical guidelines for initiating and developing farmer/producer marketing groups	Greg Cahill	03 5430 4444	Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
MSA-3A	Options Series: Syndication of machinery, buildings and infrastructure	Mike Stephens	03 5341 7652	Mike Stephens & Associates Pty Ltd
MSA-4A	Options Series: Review of succession planning for farmers based on successful case studies	Mike Stephens	03 5341 7652	Mike Stephens & Associates Pty Ltd
SYC-5A	Fostering Creativity in Research	Tony Gleeson	07 3844 2370	Synapse Agricultural and Resource Consulting


 

Farm Health and Safety 9; 33

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
CUT-7A	Reducing all-terrain vehicle injury	Tony Lower	08 9359 4118	Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health
GAP-1A	Farm machinery safety regulatory review project	Neil Gunningham	02 6125 4899	Australian National University
STR-1A	Managing Farm Safety in the Sugar Industry Field Sector	Chris Allen	0412 203 733	STR Applications Pty Ltd
UMO-22A	Evaluation of farm injury prevention in Victoria 1998-2001	Lesley Day	03 9905 1811	Monash University Accident Research Centre
US-86A	National Farm Injury Data Collection – Australian Centre for Agricultural health and Safety	Lyn Fragar	02 6752 8210	Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety, The University of Sydney
US-87A	National Farm machinery safety program	Lyn Fragar	02 6752 8210	Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety, The University of Sydney

Leadership 9; 38

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
ANF-1A	Nuffield Farming Scholarship Review Implementation Project	James Hoadley	03 9281 7424	Australian Nuffield Farming Scholars Association
RWA-4A	Rural Women's Award 2001 - NSW state winner	Jon-Maree Baker	02 6792 5459
RWA-5A	Rural Women's Award 2001 - NT state winner	Carmel Wagstaff	08 8964 4522
RWA-6A	Rural Women's Award 2001- Vic state winner	Sharyn Munnerley	03 5368 9755
RWA-7A	Rural Women's Award 2001 - Qld state winner	Dianne Gresham	07 5483 5450
RWA-8A	Rural Women's Award 2001 - Tas state winner	Frances Bender	03 6295 8111
RWA-9A	Rural Women's Award 2001 - WA state winner	Rhonda Tonkin	08 9651 8010
RWA-10A	Rural Women’s Award 2001 - SA Winner	Jeanette Gellard	08 8553 3211


Information and Communications Systems
 

Project Title	Interactive internet support for farmers’ situated learning and planning: FARMSCAPE Online
RIRDC Project No.:	CST-7A
Start Date:	1/11/99
Finish Date:	31/10/02
Researcher:	Dr. Zvi Hochman
Organisation:	CSIRO Tropical Agriculture 203 Tor Street TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350
Phone:	07 4688 1298
Fax:	07 4688 1193
Email:	zvi.hochman@tag.csiro.au
Objectives	§ Conduct programs of internet-based interactions between farmers and professionals to develop (1) a practical and commercially feasible methodology for facilitating learning programs for farmers within their own farming situations and (2) an interactive online method for consultants to provide farmers with customised soil monitoring and simulation support for timely planning and decision making. § Develop online multimedia resources to aid farmers’ learning about key soil processes and agronomic practices that provides insights for better crop and soil management. § Actively demonstrate this approach to other researchers and interested persons through an interested observer program.
Current Progress	The researchers have established a relationship with farmers from the Birchip Cropping Group in Northern Victoria. It started with a face-to-face meeting, in which they demonstrated how simulation could be used to learn about subsoil limitations in the context of a farmer's five-year cropping history. This led to a joint program of soil and weather monitoring. Data from this monitoring program will be used to run simulations, situated for current conditions and issues experienced by Birchip farmers at an Internet farmer meeting in early June. Two short videos were produced depicting Internet based farm management discussions between farmers and researchers. The first video illustrates interactions centred on production issues while the second video features Internet discussions about the potential effects of alternative management practices on sustainability issues. These videos will be delivered via the FARMSCAPE website (www.farmscape.cse.csiro.au) and by CD-ROM. The researchers then undertook an evaluation of usability, compatibility, content and design of the FARMSCAPE website by interviewing representative users including farmers, commercial advisers and researchers. Users generally reported positive experiences, with some specific recommendations for improvement. We have acted on this by designing, developing and deploying version 2 of the FARMSCAPE website.


 

Project Title	The Australian Farmer's Guide to the Internet Second Edition - web site updates
RIRDC Project No.:	RJP-2A
Start Date:	01/03/01
Finish Date:	01/03/02
Researcher:	Mr. Robert J Parker
Phone:	0407 021 336
Email:	rjparker@bigpond.com
Objectives	§ To carry out ongoing maintenance of the web site which accompanies the Australian Farmer's Guide to the Internet (Second Edition), for a period of 12 months, in order to keep it up-to-date and relevant to the agricultural community. § To edit and update existing web sites reviewed in the Farmer's Guide site on a periodic basis to ensure each review accurately reflects the ever-changing content of each site (and to ensure each site is still relevant to the ag sector) § To delete those sites which are no longer of value/relevance to the agricultural extor (eg sites which are no longer updated or have changed their focus), and § To search the Internet on an ongoing basis for new online resources which are of relevance to the agricultural sector with a view to reviewing these resources for inclusion in the Farmer's Guide web site.
Current Progress	The RJP-2A project is a continuation of the research initiated and carried out through the 12 months of the RJP-1A project. Due to changing circumstances, the Farmers Guide web site has been relocated to the RIRDC web server and pointers have been established on the old web server to redirect site visitors to the sites new location. This redirection is seamless and immediate, so should cause little inconvenience for site visitors. Some necessary adjustments are being made to the site to accommodate for the requirements of the new host server. Web sites reviewed within The Australian Farmers Guide to the Internet site continue to be re-assessed, and re-written as necessary to accurately reflect each sites content. Similarly, ongoing research is being conducted on the web to identify prospective new entries for review and inclusion in the Farmers Guide site. At present some 25 sites are being assessed for inclusion in the site. To date, approximately 5 outdated or derelict sites have been removed from the site. The Farmers Guide site encourages users to recommend sites for inclusion in the site, offers an online order form for the purchase of the hardcopy version of the Farmers Guide, and links to the RIRDC online shopping service where other RIRDC publications can be purchased online.


Extension, Education and Training
 

Project Title	Government responses to farm poverty 1989-1998 The policy development process
RIRDC Project No.:	ANU-43A
Start Date:	01/06/00
Finish Date:	30/05/02
Researcher:	Ms. Linda Botterill
Organisation:	School of Social Sciences Australian National University CANBERRA ACT 0200
Phone:	02 6125 5534
Fax:	02 6125 5054
Email:	Linda.Botterill@anu.edu.au
Objectives	§ To complete a PhD thesis within the Department of Political Science at the Australian National University  § To then rework the thesis for publication in an appropriate form by RIRDC in order to generate debate within policy circles and the broader rural community about the way in which government, the community and interest groups respond to farm poverty and how that response can be improved. The thesis may also be submitted to University of NSW Press in its entirety for publication in a form more suitable to an academic audience.
Current Progress	The first phase of the project was finished ahead of schedule with the submission of the PhD thesis for examination on 26 April 2001. Discussions were held with RIRDC on 11 May and the format for the RIRDC publications agreed. A book and two reports will be produced for RIRDC by 31 December 2001 based on the content of the PhD thesis.

Project Title	Indigenous participation in rural learning for Rangeland sustainability
RIRDC Project No.:	ANU-46A
Start Date:	01/01/01
Finish Date:	31/5/02
Researcher:	Dr. Elspeth Young
`Organisation:	Australian National University Reader Graduate Studies in Environmental Management & Development NCDS CANBERRA ACT 0200
Phone:	02 6125 4954
Fax:	02 6125 5570
Email:	elspeth.young@anu.edu.au
Objectives	§ An overview of indigenous participation in currently available agricultural rural learning opportunities, particularly in the pastoral sector  § Identification of key factors hindering/enhancing participation in rural learning opportunities to enhance rangeland sustainability, with emphasis on the pastoral sector  § Recommendations for changes in delivery and content of rural learning opportunities to make them appropriate to indigenous needs.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)	Research conducted so far (basically April 2000 – present) has focused on objective 1. It has involved a literature review examining:- a) the history of indigenous involvement in pastoralism, emphasising labour usage, training opportunities, assimilation/self-determination, land rights, the acquisition of pastoral leases for indigenous groups, and the transition from stockworker to station-owner/manager; (Sources: Palmer, 1988, Coombs, 1978, May, 1995, Berndts, 1987, McGrath, 1987, Young, 1995, Coombs et al., 1989, Ross and Bray, 1989 etc) b) the evolution of pastoral training programs, including content, provision of institutional and financial support, method of delivery; (Sources: Phillpot, 2000; Young et al., 1991; Orchard et al., in press; Loveday and Young, 1984; Hanlon and Phillpot, 1993; Ellanna et al., 1989.  Additional components, including analysis of pastoral training in the context of indigenous education and training policies, and the contemporary provision of indigenous rural learning opportunities require interviews/identification of data, reports etc from a range of agencies including ILC/LEA, ATSIC, AFFA, Commonwealth and State education and training providers (TAFE and tertiary institutions), indigenous land councils, adult education institutions and cattle management organisations. This process, which is currently underway will provide information for selection of case-studies for primary data collection.

Project Title	Short course for farmers using flexible delivery methods
RIRDC Project No.:	GOC-1A
Start Date:	12/08/99
Finish Date:	30/06/01
Researcher:	Dr. Christopher Bell
Organisation:	Gossamer Communications 181 Ryans Road ELTHAM NORTH VIC 3095
Phone:	(03) 9439 2019
Fax:	(03) 9444 0686
Email:	c.bell@latrobe.edu.au
Objectives	The project will test  § the possibility of offering short courses on subjects appropriate to farmers in such a way that they do not have to spend more than a short period away from their farms and  § whether such courses are acceptable to them in their efforts to improve their knowledge, know-how and farming skills.
Current Progress	The course ( has been available for 8 months, and widely advertised within the Victorian cropping regions through newspaper advertisements. Unfortunately, these resulted in comparatively few enquiries and enrolments.  The next stage was to advertise using other methods. Links to the site were put into agriculture-related web directories, and this resulted in many "hits" but few enrolments, with none from farmers. The researcher also attended the Wimmera Field Days at Horsham in March to gauge interest and to promote the course in conjunction with the equipment supplier GPS-Ag. While gaining some interest and handing out many brochures, the uptake was also quite low.  The final stage of promotion has been to advertise in the more technical farming press, and advertisements will appear in Farming Ahead (Kondinin Group) and Agriculture Today (NSW Department of Agriculture). An article about the advantages of precision farming (and promoting the course) have been sent to various farmer groups and publications (Ground Cover, North-East Farmer, VFF, Weekly Times) for publication. Questionnaires about the acceptability of this type of course have been prepared and will be sent to those who have taken the course by early June, with a final report to be prepared shortly afterwards.

Project Title	Older farmers and Retirement
RIRDC Project No.:	UNE-68A
Start Date:	15/06/99
Finish Date:	31/07/02
Researcher:	Ms. Roslyn Foskey
Organisation:	University of New England The Rural Development Centre ARMIDALE NSW 2351
Phone:	02 6773 2094
Fax:	02 6773 3245
Email:	rfoskey@metz.une.edu.au
Objectives	§ Review of Australian and international literature on retirement in general, farmers and retirement and farm succession. § A study in two selected regions (North Western and the North Coast of NSW) to provide a greater understanding of how Australian farmers define and experience retirement and ageing. § Comparison of the retirement experience of farmers and other groups in the Australian community. § Review of factors likely to influence farmers' retirement planning education program for farmers in the two selected regions. This will be developed in consultation with appropriate Government and community sector services.
Current Progress	The literature review has been drafted and in order to ensure it remains current and up to date it is being updated with additional material as it becomes available. Research fieldwork has been undertaken in two areas within each study region (Alstonville area and Nambucca Valley on the NSW North Coast, Gunnedah and Glen Innes in the New England / North West of NSW). This included interviews via home visits to older former and current farmers, as well as two rounds of focus groups with both current and former farmers and service providers. Overall, 41 participants in the research sample can be classified as active farmers (including eight who had retired to farming following another career), eight can be classified as being semi-retired, and fifteen can be classified as being retired from farming. The research sample covered a broad range of farm types. The collected data are undergoing quantitative and qualitative analysis.  The research to date has identified the need for an innovative and comprehensive education program targeting farmers at various life stages. The pilot program will be centred around the selection, training and use of a group of retired farmers as retirement mentors or guides. This pilot program is currently under development.

Project Title	Control, Innovation and Strategy in farming
RIRDC Project No.:	UNE-73A
Start Date:	24/01/00
Finish Date:	30/04/01
Researcher:	Mr. Geoff Kaine
Organisation:	University of New England Dept of Marketing and Management ARMIDALE NSW 2351
Phone:	(02) 6773 5146
Fax:	(02) 6773 3245
Email:	gkainejo@metz.une.edu.au
Objectives	§ Classify farmers into strategic types based on their perceptions of control over farm production and business performance. § Classify farmers into types based on measures of internal and external locus of control ( a personality predisposition. § Determine if differences in perceptions of control over farm production and business performance are linked to differences in locus of control (internal or external) and self-efficiacy. § Determine if farmer's locus of control and their perceptions of control over farm production and performance are related to measures of farm business performance. § Determine if differences in perceptions of control over farm production and business performance and their locus of control are linked to the propensity to adopt innovations and participation in extension activities.
Current Progress	This project is nearing completion. The quantitative data needed for the project were to be obtained through a mail survey of primary producers. In the past year the survey questionnaire used to obtain the data has been finalised. Progress on the questionnaire was significantly delayed by difficulties encountered in obtaining suitable scales measuring producers¹ propensity to adopt innovations and to participate in extension activities (see the fifth project objective). These difficulties have been overcome. Some 4000 surveys were mailed to primary producers in the wheat-sheep zone of eastern Australia during March and April of 2001. The response rate was approximately 30 per cent. The responses have been entered into a database. The data are currently being analysed and a project report is being drafted.

Project Title	Identifying how attitudinal factors impact on family farm business performance
RIRDC Project No.:	USO-2A
Start Date:	01/09/99
Finish Date:	30/09/02
Researcher:	A/Prof. Evan Hunt
Organisation:	The University of Sydney Orange Agricultural College PO Box 883 ORANGE NSW 2800
Phone:	02 6360 5518
Fax:	02 6360 5590
Email:	ehunt@orange.usyd.edu.au
Objectives	The research will examine whether the attitudinal characteristics of management have an influence on a farming family's capability to manage and implement change to achieve high levels of business performance. The project will identify how these characteristics are acquired, and establish how the training and learning methodologies used in current farmer training programs might be improved to become more economically effective.
Current Progress	A pilot study surveying management teams involving 71 persons on 37 farms, in the central and north western slopes and plains areas of NSW, which had been nominated as being in the top or bottom 20% of producers by their accountants, rural advisors or consultants has been completed. The aim was to establish whether linkages could be developed between farm business performance and attitudes held by the farm management team. Attitudes have been measured as aggregated scores for "self efficacy" and "progressive management" and compared with a variety of business performance measures. Business benchmarks over five years included; debt to income ratio; business costs/income; finance costs/income; equity; earnings on capital; earnings on equity; gross turnover on assets; and a constructed Business Performance Index (BPI) designed to reflect wealth growth, income generation, financial management, and utilisation of assets. The BPI construct was significantly related to the nominated performance classification, however there was a normal distribution of BPI which indicated great variation in consultant perception of how well or poorly individual farmers were performing. Further refinement of the scoring models using expert panels is expected to strengthen established trends between BPI, Self efficacy, Gross assets and amount of Training for management in the management team.


 


Rural Communities and Social Issues
 

Project Title	OPTIONS SERIES: Facing the future - A study of farm families in transition
RIRDC Project No.:	BRR-5A
Start Date:	15/08/00
Finish Date:	31/12/01
Researcher:	A/Prof. John Cary
Organisation:	Burnley College, University of Melbourne Yarra Boulevard RICHMOND VIC 3121
Phone:	03 9818 3763
Fax:	03 9818 0269
Email:	jcary@unimelb.edu.au
Objectives	To improve the process of social change in rural industries by better understanding the social factors and psychological processes in family decisions about occupational change and industry exit in rural adjustment. The research will provide farmer accessible information about, and examples of, successful transitions from agriculture, a descriptive model of the influences in decision making processes based upon family farm case studies and documentation of the conditions for successful transitions from farming.
Current Progress	Extensive in-depth interviews with the adult heads of 12 families located in the Western Division of New South Wales have been completed. Of the 12 families recruited to the study to date, 10 are currently managing their own properties and two have exited from their property. Analysis of interview transcripts have highlighted a range of factors that influence the decision-making processes of families under adjustment stress, including strong emotional attachments to place, concerns over saleable skills and employability, and a commitment to a pastoralist identity including the desire to ensure its reproduction through intergenerational transfer. Analysis has also highlighted the strategies adopted by grazing families to cope with adjustment stress. A survey of graziers, originally located in the Western Division, who have left the industry has been designed and will be implemented shortly. A national overview of farmer demographic and farm business characteristics related to family decision-making will provide a broader context for the regional farm family case studies and the exit survey.


Policies and Institutions
 

Project Title	OPTIONS SERIES: Costs and benefits of diversification - whole farm case studies
RIRDC Project No.:	ECU-7A
Start Date:	01/05/00
Finish Date:	31/12/01
Researcher:	Prof. Alan Black
Organisation:	Centre for Social Research Edith Cowan University JOONDALUP WA 6027
Phone:	(08) 9400 5844
Fax:	(08) 9400 5866
Email:	a.black@ecu.edu.au
Objectives	To facilitate informed decision-making by land managers about opportunities for diversification of the farm business, especially  § within traditional agricultural enterprises to take advantage of a wider range of output options;  § diversification into non-traditional farm crops and/or livestock;  § diversification into other on-farm activities such as rural tourism.
Current Progress	A review of literature on farm diversification was completed in November 2000. The literature review is structured around the What, Why and How of Farm Diversification. In February 2001 the researchers visited 10 farmers around Australia who had diversified their farm businesses. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the aim of documenting the farmers’ experiences, issues that arose, lessons learnt, including financial and other impacts on the family. Detailed financial records were obtained to allow cost benefit assessment of each business. Draft reports for each case study were completed by the end of May 2001 and returned to the case study participants for feedback, to check the accuracy of the reports, and to allow the case study participants to edit out any personally or commercially sensitive information. The draft reports highlight the experiences, issues and impacts of diversification for each of the case study participants. Cost benefit analysis is conducted for each business and comparison of financial indicators before and after diversification is used to determine the net financial impact that diversification has had on the farm business.

Project Title	Evaluation of the efficacy and outcomes of Heywire, the ABC's Rural Youth Initiative
RIRDC Project No.:	ECU-9A
Start Date:	01/11/00
Finish Date:	01/06/02
Researcher:	Fiona Haslam-McKenzie
Organisation:	Edith Cowan University Pearson Street CHURCHLANDS WA 6018
Phone:	(08) 9273 8781
Fax:	(08) 9273 8754
Objectives	§ To assess the efficacy of HRYI in providing public voice, leadership and community development skills to participants.  § To determine whether the opportunities, skills and tools provided through participation in HRYI have a long term benefit for the participant and their community.  § A better understanding of the issues, aspirations and opportunities for youth in regional Australia.  § The development of an understanding of intangible and tangible benefits of participation in the initiative.  § A better understanding of ways in which young people wish to participate in decision making regarding their future.
Current Progress	Each of the 2000 Heywire winners (bar two, who have moved away from their contact addresses with no forwarding address) was contacted late in 2000 and the research project was introduced and explained to them. Each participant was asked background information, such as motivation for entering the competition, community involvement prior to participation in the HYRI, and intentions after the forum. They were also asked to explain their focus topic and why they chose that particular topic. Heywire 2000 winners were contacted after the forum and interviewed regarding their experiences at the forum and what each winner thought it would provide them as a future leader, particularly from a rural perspective. They have also been asked about their experiences as a media award winner and what it has meant to them to have their story broadcast.  The research assistant is now contacting past Heywire winners (1998 and 1999) and interviewing them regarding their Heywire experience and whether it has provided them with leadership and community development skills that are being used by them. (This is a protracted process because rural youth in particular, are a mobile cohort and tracking them down takes time and patience). Information regarding other programs and courses targeting rural, regional and remote leadership programs is currently being collated.

Project Title	OPTIONS SERIES: Sources of farm household income
RIRDC Project No.:	SYC-8A
Start Date:	01/06/00
Finish Date:	31/12/01
Researcher:	Mr. Tony Gleeson
Organisation:	Synapse Agricultural and Resource Consulting PO Box 3746 SOUTH BRISBANE QLD 4101
Phone:	(07) 3844 2370
Fax:	(07) 3844 1755
Email:	syncons@ozemail.com.au
Objectives	Increased awareness by farmers of the potential to gain off farm income, of strategies for gaining off-farm income and of the implications of multiple streams of household income.
Current Progress	Qualitative information on off-farm income has been collected from a range of innovative farmers throughout Australia and, for illustrative purposes, the tax policy arena has been selected and examined in relation to how it deals with off-farm income. The original theses that off-farm income is quantitatively important and not well taken into account in policy analysis have been verified. More importantly it appears that off-farm income is a feature of innovative farming systems.

Project Title	OPTIONS SERIES: Techniques for the growth of the family farm business
RIRDC Project No.:	UM-48A
Start Date:	15/08/00
Finish Date:	31/12/01
Researcher:	Mr. Geoffrey Tually
Organisation:	The University of Melbourne Longerenong Campus RMB 3000 HORSHAM VIC 3401
Phone:	03 5362 2222
Fax:	03 5362 2213
Email:	g.tually@landfood.unimelb.edu.au
Objectives	§ To provide farm families in Australia with an alternative to the traditional perspective of handing on the family farm. § To develop methods/techniques of using legal ownership structures to maintain the farm family business integrity from one generation to the next and how this can be used as a vehicle for growth of the farm family business. The developed methods/techniques will take into consideration the effects of current and proposed changes to the taxation legislation.
Current Progress	An extensive literature search has been carried out and is presently being  summarised. Numerous contacts have been made, mainly overseas and my research has attracted considerable interest, as it is multidisciplinary.  Case studies for focus groups have been developed to determine key issues. The tax changes have been reviewed that will impact the use of legal  ownership structures. Ownership examples have been developed.

Project Title	OPTIONS SERIES: Adding value - The critical factors for farmers
RIRDC Project No.:	UNE-74A
Start Date:	01/05/00
Finish Date:	31/12/01
Researcher:	Mr. Richard Stayner
Organisation:	University of New England Institute for Rural Futures ARMIDALE NSW 2351
Phone:	(02) 6773 2281
Fax:	(02) 6773 3245
Email:	rstayner@metz.une.edu.au
Objectives	This project will assist farmers in the planning and implementation of value adding opportunities through the publication of a series of case study analyses that focus on value adding activities of farmers across industries and geographic locations. In this publication the factors that contribute to the successful implementation of value adding activities by farmers will be identified and examined. An analysis of farmers who have successfully created value for consumers or the next stage of production will highlight the difficulties they faced, and how they overcame them. Access to this information, distilled from the experience of others, will allow farmers who are interested in considering their options for change to be better prepared when making decisions regarding their potential for involvement in value-adding activities.
Current Progress	A literature review has been drafted. A list of 40 value-adding farm businesses was compiled from which thirteen were selected for interview and visit. The selected case studies are in six groups: red meat (pork, lamb, beef); horticulture, (salad vegetables); dairy (cheese, milk); wool (knitwear, apparel); grain cropping (cereals, oilseeds); and cotton, (fashion apparel).  Ten interviews have been conducted, and the remainder will be completed by mid-June. Interviews have focussed on the reasons for undertaking the value-adding activity, how the option was pursued, and the ways in which plans were adapted to changing circumstances. A range of development processes has been observed. Interviewees have readily identified and discussed the key issues. Marketing usually consumed considerable time and effort, often determining the success of the venture. The report will analyse the key issues across the range of product characteristics represented. Other important issues include capital requirements, infrastructure and change management, complementary industries, the role of business and social networks, and the acquisition of additional personal skills. Discussion of these factors leads to an assessment of financial, social and environmental effects of the value adding enterprise.

Project Title	Staying at home - Integrating rural youth in rural communities
RIRDC Project No.:	USA-11A
Start Date:	01/09/00
Finish Date:	31/12/01
Researcher:	Dr. Lia Bryant
Organisation:	University of South Australia School of Social Work and Social Policy St Bernards Road MAGILL SA 5072
Phone:	(08) 8302 4363
Fax:	(08) 8302 4377
Email:	Lia.bryant@unisa.edu.au
Objectives	To facilitate processes to encourage younger people (15-30) to remain in rural communities by using a SA community as a case study to develop an adaptable model accessible electronically and therefore nationally which documents the consultative process and its outcomes in identifying the social needs of youth and successful and unsuccessful strategies to enhance the participation of youth.
Current Progress	The project has now been running for 8 months in the Upper South East of South Australia. The project has received ethics clearance from the University of South Australia and from the Sa Education Department. A focus group has been held with 8-10 students aged 15-16 years to determine their interest in returning to the rural community after further study and their needs with regard to social (recreational and community affairs), educational and employment. The focus group was a pilot for future research with students aged 15-16. The core part of the project involved youth aged between 18-30. About 50 telephone interviews were held with a cross section of rural youth including those who remained in the rural community and those who have left. The telephone interviews aimed to ascertain the extent that youth have been integrated into communities and the relationship between their social and recreational integration and their desire to remain or return to rural areas. The telephone sample consisted of an equal amount of young women and men and a diverse cross section of rural youth including farm youth, tertiary students, unemployed, young people working in the rural community and those in the city. To develop more detailed data and case studies, detailed interviews were held with a sample of 10 men and women who had left and 10 who had remained in the community. In addition to collating data about demographics, industry and social participation and family networks, data was sought to investigate strategies to integrate rural youth into community life and determine their interest in returning to the country. To further develop strategies community stakeholders who also participated and are participating in the development of the project were personally interviewed. About 10 key stakeholders were interviewed. Data is now being analysed and it is expected that completion of this first stage of the funded project will be by December 2001.

Project Title	School contribution to rural communities: Leadership issues
RIRDC Project No.:	UT-31A
Start Date:	01/10/99
Finish Date:	30/09/01
Researcher:	Dr Sue Kilpatrick
Organisation:	University of Tasmania Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia Locked Bag 1-313 Launceston TAS 7250
Phone:	03 6324 3018
Fax:	03 6324 3040
Email:	Sue.Kilpatrick@utas.edu.au
Objectives	§ To examine the extent and nature of the contribution of rural schools to their communities’ development beyond traditional forms of education of young people, including: the use of the skills and knowledge of the school staff in initiating, organising and/or running wider community activities and projects; the opportunities provided for adults in the community for personal development and skill acquisition through involvement in school activities and school bodies such as school councils; and the importance of the physical school resources to small communities.  § To investigate the ways in which the modes of leadership of the school and community leaders influence the extent and nature of the school’s contribution to the community. § To consider the constraints to schools being put to other uses (eg issue of insurance cover).
Current Progress	Data collection from the five study sites was completed in August 2000. The study sites were: Walla Walla (NSW); Cooktown (Qld); Cowell (SA); Meander (Tas), and Margaret River (WA). Following data collection, the project team members developed a data analysis framework, which was derived from key themes identified in the data, in conjunction with themes identified in the literature. The framework was then cross-checked against the research questions. Interview transcripts and written documentation were manually coded against the framework and then imported into the NUD*IST (Non-Numeric Unstructured Data Information Searching and Theorising) computer software program for qualitative data analysis. Data were analysed by site, with the aid of NUD*IST, and case studies for each of the five sites prepared. Cross-site analysis is currently being undertaken. From the case studies, a summary of key project findings has been prepared and forwarded to members of the project’s Reference Group for comment. In June 2001 project team members will return to each of the five study sites to conduct community meetings. The purpose of the meetings is to inform school and community members of project findings, and to seek their input into drafting recommendations, which will be incorporated into the final project report.


Policies and Institutions
 

Project Title	OPTIONS SERIES: Practical guidelines for initiating and developing farmer/producer marketing groups
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-171A
Start Date:	01/07/99
Finish Date:	31/12/01
Researcher:	Mr. Greg Cahill
Organisation:	Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic) PO Box 3100 BENDIGO DELIVERY CENTRE VIC 3554
Phone:	03 5430 4444
Fax:	03 5448 4982
Email:	Greg.Cahill@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	To maximise the potential success of new farmer/producer marketing groups by § identifying and detailing the range of options available  § Documenting case histories of success and failures and the lessons learnt § Identifying appropriate training opportunities available  § Producing a publication that outlines practical guidelines for producers to choos the best option, using the case stuides as examples  § Promoting the findings through various groups and educational institutions.
Current Progress	Practical options for new farmer/producer marketing groups have been identified as partnerships, associations (incorporated and non-incorporated), alliances, companies (limited and proprietary) and co-operatives (non-trading, trading and "new generation" co-ops.) A manual is being developed comparing the options, outlining the strengths and weaknesses of each option and the steps needed to develop each one. Also, a direct comparison of the company versus co-operative option is outlined. A checklist has been developed to help producers select the best option for their situation. A list of case studies has been developed. The following 8 case studies have been identified and investigated. Seymour Wool Marketing Group (no formal structure), Southern Agricultural Producers Co-op. (formerly a prime lamb Incorporated group), Australian Goldfields Flowerproducers Group (AGFO) (a loose information group), the Australian Lucerne Co-operative (a failed co-op.), Essential Organic Oils Aust. P/L (a company that acts like a co-operative), Australian Persimmon Export Co. (a very successful export company), North East Flower Growers Co-op. (started as a company but changed to a Co-op.), and CASMARK (a successful lamb alliance). Negotiations are still underway to include two other case studies. The case studies will illustrate helpful strategies and the lessons to be learnt.

Project Title	OPTIONS SERIES: Syndication of machinery, buildings and infrastructure
RIRDC Project No.:	MSA-3A
Start Date:	30/08/00
Finish Date:	31/12/01
Researcher:	Mr. Mike Stephens
Organisation:	Mike Stephens & Associates Pty Ltd RMB N506 Yendon BALLARAT VIC 3352
Phone:	(03) 5341 7652
Fax:	(03) 5341 7630
Email:	mstephen@netconnect.com.au
Objectives	To identify, analyse and document case studies of farmers who have used syndication of machinery, buildings and infrastructure and to contribute to the Farmer options publication. The case studies should be across industries and geographic areas (eg Grain (Downs), Cotton (Nth NSW), Dairy (Vic), Cane (Qld), Potatoes (SA), Meat Sheep (WA)
Current Progress	Information has been gathered that has led to defining the characteristics of syndication in Australian agricultural enterprises and, for comparison, agricultural enterprises in other countries.  Australian examples of syndication have been identified and preliminary contact made with farmers involved. Interviews have been conducted with farmers from Western Australia to Queensland. These interviews have provided a valuable insight into the farmers' attitudes towards syndication and when they believe it to be most appropriate. The interviews explored the following issues: 1. What are the economic cycles that encourage syndication and what are the social needs that allow it to take place successfully? 2. What are the vehicles that allow successful syndication? 3. What does the term 'successful' mean in relation to a syndicate?

Project Title	OPTIONS SERIES: Review of succession planning for farmers based on successful case studies
RIRDC Project No.:	MSA-4A
Start Date:	01/08/00
Finish Date:	31/12/01
Researcher:	Mr. Mike Stephens
Organisation:	Mike Stephens & Associates Pty Ltd RMB N506 Yendon BALLARAT VIC 3352
Phone:	(03) 5341 7652
Fax:	(03) 5341 7630
Email:	mstephen@netconnect.com.au
Objectives	A "new" publication addressing issues of succession planning and retirement for farmers, including a comprehensive literature review of appropriate existing publications and the development of relevant and modern case studies exploring the options available in the developing financial and social environment.
Current Progress	The project to this stage has gathered an array of literature dealing with succession planning or family farm transfer. Through the information gathering process, it has been revealed that the majority of research (and hence literature) is of an international nature with a great deal of study conducted in Europe and North America. Some of the most notable Australian research has been conducted through the University of Western Sydney by authors including Gamble, Blunden and Kuhn-White. Following the interviews with the industry specialist, a number of landholders were identified and interviewed regarding their process of creating succession plans. Farmers from all six categories have been interviewed. A young farming family who has been trying to get their farming family to discuss farm succession has also been interviewed. This interview provided an insight into the process from the next generation and the problems that the lack of a succession plan can create. All interviews with industry specialists and farmers have been written up and collated. This information is being used as the basis for the case study development.

Project Title	Fostering Creativity in Research
RIRDC Project No.:	SYC-5A
Start Date:	01/03/00
Finish Date:	01/03/02
Researcher:	Mr. Tony Gleeson
Organisation:	Synapse Agricultural and Resource Consulting PO Box 3746 SOUTH BRISBANE QLD 4101
Phone:	(07) 3844 2370
Fax:	(07) 3844 1755
Email:	syncons@ozemail.com.au
Objectives	To identify fact