Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
A recent focus group study on perspectives of Western Canadian dairy farmers on outdoor access for cows identified several key areas requiring more research. Participating farmers shared that more education of the public on dairy farming practices is needed to improve public perfection of the dairy industry. However, research has demonstrated that educational efforts do not necessarily lead to increased acceptance of farming practices.
This work aims to assess the effects of producer-guided farm tours focused either on one-way education efforts or on the use of an open-ended dialogue approach that promotes the identification of shared values between industry and public. Focus group participants also shared that they experienced difficulties obtaining research information, making the adoption of evidence-based practices difficult. Improved dissemination of research results to producers is crucial for successful adoption of evidence-based practices on dairy farms.
Secondly, this study aims to understand how dissemination of research results to producers can be more effective, using a questionnaire and focus group discussions with Western Canadian dairy farmers and other industry affiliates.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
Both studies will improve the Canadian dairy industry's sustainability by focusing on ways to improve public trust as well as improving knowledge transfer and translation efforts directed towards farmers.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Results will be shared with the international scientific community via peer-reviewed scientific journal publications and through presentations at scientific conferences. Additionally, the results will be written for a lay audience and communicated to the Canadian dairy industry utilizing half-yearly update reports and presentations to provincial milk board industry partners and their members.
Further outreach to dairy producers will be achieved through industry publications and utilizing social media to disseminate results.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.