Sub-Program 4.3 HUMAN CAPITAL, COMMUNICATIONS … · This program aims to enhance human capital and facilitate ... HOUSEHOLD INCOME ... Objectives Estimate the extent to which farm

RIRDC Completed Projects in 1999-2000 and Research in Progress as at June 2000

Sub-Program 4.3

HUMAN CAPITAL, COMMUNICATIONS &

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

September 2000 RIRDC Publication No 00/96

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© 2000 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 0 642 58127 4 ISSN 1440-6845 "RIRDC Completed Projects in 1999-2000 and Research in Progress as at June 2000 - 4.3 Human Capital, Communications & Information Systems" Publication No 00/96 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: [email protected] RIRDC Publications Manager 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: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Published in September 2000 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

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Foreword

This year RIRDC has produced Research in Progress, June 2000, which contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 1999-2000 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 1999-2000. 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 over 600 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/eshop

Peter Core Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

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Contents

COMPLETED PROJECTS 1999-2000

Information and Communications Systems: 1

PROJECT No

PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No

BDL-1A STAGE 4 OF ONLINE CONTENT FOR AUSTRALIAN FARMERS – MANAGEMENT IMPACTS OF INTERNET USE

JIM GROVES 07 5526 9698 BARADEL CONSULTING 1

CST-1A PILOTING INTERNET DELIVERY OF APSIM SUPPORT TO FARMERS, ADVISERS AND RESEARCHERS

ROBERT MCCOWN 07 4688 1458 CSIRO/APSRU 2

DAQ-255A AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS: A NEEDS AND BENEFIT/COST ANALYSIS

TED WHYBROW 07 3239 3261 QLD DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

3

FW-1A UNMET DEMAND FOR ONLINE SERVICES IN RURAL AUSTRALIA

ROBERT CERAMIDES 02 6273 6395 FARMWIDE PTY LTD 4

FW-4A THE AUSTRALIAN FARMER’S GUIDE TO THE INTERNET – SECOND EDITION

ROBERT PARKER 02 6273 6395 FARMWIDE PTY LTD 5

KDI-22A A NATIONAL ONLINE INFORMATION SERVICE WITH SEARCH INTERFACE FOR AGRI-INDUSTRY

LUI MARCELLI 08 9478 3343 THE KONDININ GROUP 6

NYP-1A COMMUNICATION TOOL WORKSHOP PAUL COMYN 02 9664 9191 NSW PITAB 7

Extension, Education and Training: 9

PROJECT No


BDL-5A ENCOURAGING BEST PRACTICE AGRICULTURAL WEB SITE DESIGN

JIM GROVES 07 5526 9698 BARADEL CONSULTING 9

RDP-1A JOINT RDC BUSINES/INVESMENT PLAN FOR EXTENSION AND FARMER LEARNING PROCESSES

SIMON READ 08 8842 1103 RURAL DIRECTIONS PTY LTD 10

UCS-13A

AGRICULTURE COURSES: STUDENT ENTRY AND EXIT ATTIRBUTES AND INDUSTRY NEEDS

BRIAN HEMMINGS 02 6933 2498 CHARLES STURT UNVIERSITY 10

Rural Communities and Social Issues: 12

PROJECT No


ABB-2A HEYWIRE II – THE ABC GIVES REGIONAL YOUTH A VOICE

JUSTINE MCSWEENEY 03 9626 1861 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING COMMISSION

12

NRH-1A UPDATE OF RURAL AND REMOTE HEALTH PAPERS

GORDON GREGORY 02 6285 4660 NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH ALLIANCE

13

Policies and Institutions: 14

PROJECT No


RMI-5A ACCOUNTING CONCEPTS RELATING TO SOIL QUALITY – A STUDY OF BROADACRE DRYLAND FARMING IN THE LODDON CATCHMENT

PATRICIA O’BRIEN 03 9925 5711 RMIT UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTING AND LAW

14

Farm Health and Safety: 15

PROJECT No


AHU-3A FARM INJURY/ILLNESS DATA CENTRE LYN FRAGAR 02 6752 8215 AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURAL HEALTH & SAFETY, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

15

AHU-5A TRAUMATIC FATALITIES ON AUSTRALIAN FARMS 1989-1992

RICHARD FRANKLIN 02 6752 8215 AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURAL HEALTH & SAFETY, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

16

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Contents continued

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 1999-2000

Leadership: 17

PROJECT No


DPI-29A MISSED OPPORTUNITIES – STAGE TWO MARGARET WINSBURY 02 6272 3984 WOMEN IN RURAL INDUSTRIES SECTION, AFFA

17

Information and Communications Systems: 19

PROJECT No


BNT-1A DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE SATELLITE FIRE MONITORING PROGRAM FOR RURAL NORTHERN AUSTRALIA

JEREMY RUSSELL-SMITH 08 8984 4000 BUSHFIRES COUNCIL OF THE NT

19

RJP-1A THE AUSTRALIAN FARMER’S GUIDE TO THE INTERNET – SECOND EDITION WEB SITE UPDATES

ROBERT PARKER 0411 812 730 20

FM-4A FARM MANAGEMENT 500 GLOBAL – GLOBAL NETWORKS AND ADOPTION OF THE WEB

NEIL CLARK 03 5441 6176 FARM MANAGEMENT 500 21

UCA-5A E-COMMERCE IN RURAL AREAS – CASE STUDIES AND WORKSHOP

FRANCO PAPANDREA 02 6210 5083 UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA, COMMUNICATION & MEDIA POLICY INSTITUTE

21

Extension, Education and Training: 22

PROJECT No


CST-7A INTERACTIVE INTERNET SUPPORT FOR FARMERS’ SITUATED LEARNING AND PLANNING: FARMSCAPE ONLINE

ZVI HOCHMAN 07 4688 1298 CSIRO TROPICAL AGRICULTURE 22

GOC-1A SHORT COURSE FOR FARMERS USING FLEXIBLE DELIVERY METHODS

CHRIS BELL 03 9439 2019 GOSSAMERCOMMUNICATIONS 23

UM-38A TOOLS FOR PARTICIPATORY R&D IN DRYLAND CROPPING AREAS

JOHN PETHERAM 03 5321 4101 UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE SCHOOL OF FORESTRY

24

UNE-73 CONTROL, INNOVATION AND STRATEGY IN FARMING

GEOFF KAINE 02 6773 3728 UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND, SCHOOL OF MARKETING & MANAGEMENT

25

USO-2A IDENTIFYING HOW ATTITUDINAL FACTORS IMPACT ON FAMILY FARM BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

EVAN HUNT 02 6360 5518 UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY, ORANGE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

26

Rural Communities and Social Issues: 26

PROJECT No


ECU-6A STRATEGIES FOR REVITALISING SMALL INLAND TOWNS AND RURAL COMMUNITIES

ALAN BLACK 08 9400 5844 EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY,. SCHOOL OF SOCIAL & CULTURAL STUDIES

26

UNE-68A OLDER FARMERS AND RETIREMENT ROSLYN FOSKEY 02 6773 2094 UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND, THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

27

UT-31A SCHOOL CONTRIBUTION TO RURAL COMMUNITIES – LEADERSHIP ISSUES

SUE KILPATRICK 03 6324 3018 UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA CENTRE FOR RESEARCH & LEARNING IN REGIONAL AUSTRALIA

28

WAC-1A WHAT MOTIVATES RURAL MEN TO IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH STATUS

SAMAR AOUN 08 9792 2500 WA CENTRE FOR RURAL HEALTH & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INC

29

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Contents continued

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 1999-2000 continued

Policies and Institutions 32

PROJECT No


DAV-171A OPTIONS SERIES: PRACTICAL GUIDELINES FOR INITIATING AND DEVELOPING FARMER/PRODUCER MARKETING GROUPS

GREG CAHILL 03 5430 4444 AGRICULTURE VICTORIA 30

SYC-5A FOSTERING CREATIVITY IN RESEARCH TONY GLEESON 07 3944 2370 SYNAPSE CONSULTING 31 SYC-8A OPTIONS SERIES: SOURCES OF FARM

HOUSEHOLD INCOME – POLICY IMPLICATIONS TONY GLEESON 07 3844 2370 SYNAPSE CONSULTING 31

Farm Health and Safety 33

PROJECT No


AHU-4A ESTABLISHING THE MANAGING FARM SFAETY COURSE DELIVERY SYSTEM

LYN FRAGAR 02 6752 8210 AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURAL HEALTH & SAFETY, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

32

GAP-1A FARM MACHINERY SAFETY REGULATORY REVIEW PROJECT

NEIL GUNNINGHAM 02 6249 3397 GUNNINGHAM & ASSOCIATES PTY LTD

33

STR-1A MANAGING FARM SAFETY IN THE SUGAR INDUSTRY FIELD SECTOR

CHRIS ALLEN 0412 203 733 STR APPLICATIONS PTY LTD 34

US-86A NATIONAL FARM INJURY DATA COLLECTION – AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURAL HEALTH & SAFETY


34

US-87A NATIONAL FARM MACHINERY SAFETY PROGRAM – AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURAL HEALTH & SAFETY


35

UMO-22A EVALUATION OF FARM INJURY PREVENTION IN VICTORIA 1998-2001

LESLEY DAY 03 9905 1811 MONASH UNIVERSITY, ACCIDENT RESEARCH CENTRE

36

Leadership 38

PROJECT No


DOY-1A RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD 2000 – ROWENA DOYLE

ROWENA DOYLE 03 5382 2811 37

GIB-1A RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD 2000 – DIANA GIBBS DIANA GIBBS 02 6942 3898 37 NEN-1A RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD 2000 – MARY NENKE MARY NENKE 08 9864 6054 38 PFE-1A RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD 2000 – ANNIE

PFEFFER ANNIE PFEFFER 07 4693 8191 38

SCH-1A RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD 2000 – CAROL SCHOFIELD

CAROL SCHOFIELD 08 8558 8215 38

TAY-1A RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD 2000 – ANNE TAYLOR ANNE TAYLOR 03 6398 6212 39 WAI-1A RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD 2000 – SUE

WAINWRIGHT SUE WAINWRIGHT 08 9871 2465 39

Scholarships: 39

PROJECT No


ANF-1A NUFFIELD FARMING SCHOLARSHIP REVIEW IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT

HARRY PERKINS 03 9281 7424 AUSTRLAIAN NUFFIELD SCHOLARSHIPS ASSOCIATION

39

ANU-31A POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP LOUISE SILVERS 02 6242 1537 PEST ANIMAL CONTROL CRC 40 ANU-40A POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP JENNIFER TICEHURST 02 6246 5961 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL

UNIVERSITY 41

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COMPLETED PROJECTS 1999-2000

Information and Communications Systems: Project Title:

Stage 4 of OnLine content for Australian farmers – FARM MANAGEMENT IMPACTS OF INTERNET USE

RIRDC Project No.: BDL-4A Researcher: Mr Jim Groves Organisation: 82 Cypress Drive

BROADBEACH WATERS QLD 4218 Phone: (07) 5526 9698 Email: [email protected]

Objectives Estimate the extent to which farm Internet use is impacting on farm management practices and hence economic and social outcomes of farming activity in Australia.

Background Public policy in Australia aims to increase access to the Internet among rural and remote Australians. This policy stance rests on a view that there are social and economic benefits from such access sufficient to justify the costs of policy intervention. One such set of benefits may relate to improved farm management.

Research Desk research and email based interviews with 27 farm Internet users.

Outcomes Four types of farm business impact were noted 1. more convenient access to some information and communication that would occur

in any case 2. some access to information or communication that would not otherwise be available,

with some direct benefits identified, but the major impact being more long-term and diffuse

3. ability to purchase supplies more cheaply, partly through online purchases, but primarily through "comparison shopping"

4. ability to sell more profitably, although this impact was believed to be minor. In all, no farm Internet user interviewed could identify a negative impact of Internet use on their farm business; equally, none could quantify a very substantial positive impact. For some, there was no farm impact - the benefit to them was in terms of social communications. For others, there was some positive, but moderate, impact.

Implications For the Internet to have a significant impact on farm management outcomes, there needs to be continued growth in farm Internet use substantial improvements in access to adequate communications infrastructure continued growth in information content more effective search and retrieval systems to locate information more opportunities for transactions, including those relating to purchasing farm

supplies, selling farm produce, provision of government services, and programs of education and training.

Publications Farm Management Impacts of the Internet J Groves, RIRDC 1999

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Project Title:

Piloting Internet Delivery of APSIM Support to farmers, advisers, and researchers

RIRDC Project No.:

CST-1A

Researcher: Dr Robert McCown, Dean Hargreaves Organisation: CSIRO/APSRU

203 Tor Street TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350

Phone: 07 4688 1458 Fax: 07 4688 1390 Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Objectives • Design a working prototype for holding online discussions, both real-time and delayed, between farmers, advisers, and researchers about relevant management issues.

• Based on results from the prototype, design and build a web site to facilitate interactions between farmers, advisers, and researchers.

• Design and build an online forum to facilitate asynchronous interactions between project participants.

• Design and build a task specific multimedia instructional application to support and stimulate farmer learning and interaction.

• Evaluate and report.

Background Researchers at APSRU were puzzled as to why, after 15 years of R&D, and the release of various products from a number of organisations, significant demand for decision support systems (DSS) had not developed among farmers, despite dramatic increases in computer ownership. Similar indifference of decision-makers toward DSS has been well documented in other fields, such as management and medicine. In 1992 APSRU researchers set out to find why, and started by asking the question: ‘Under what conditions, if any, could farmers come to value crop simulation as an aid to their management?’ From seven years of research emerged an approach for relevant computer-aided decision support in the dryland grain-growing region of northern Australia.

Research Our approach involved using the internet to facilitate ‘real-time’ interaction between farmers, advisers and researchers; using a combination of ‘shared’ content and telephone-quality voice, supported by limited video acting as a social ‘lubricant’. Our research involved piloting this approach with a number of farmer groups around the Darling Downs, in South-East Queensland. We used a qualitative research approach including interviews, video, and audio recordings, observations, and interviews for data collection. This approach included an integrated approach to evaluation.

Outcomes The research reveals a number of findings: i) the practicality and efficiency of conducting interactive sessions on the internet ii) the online sessions were often preferred by farmers to meeting face-to-face, due to

increased timeliness and reduced travel; iii) for such an approach to be successful the content must be seen as highly

significant to farmers’ management; iv) such sessions are practical given current rural infrastructure limitations; and v) the internet has a potentially important role to play in facilitating interaction

between remote farmers and specialists around specific issues, where time and/or distance are constraints.

Implications This pilot project clearly demonstrates the feasibility of online meetings, and describes the constraints to conducting these with respect to current rural telecommunications infrastructure. The internet has the potential to reduce the effect of distance to the extent that it gives farmers access to services, which otherwise may not be accessible due to cost of delivery.

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Publications 1. Hargreaves, D.M.G. McCown, R.L. et al 1999. Piloting internet based support for farmers’ situated learning. Computer Supported Collaborative Learning Conference ’99, Stanford University, Stanford, USA.

2. Hargreaves, D.M.G. Dobson, P. et al 1998. FARMSCAPE Online: Using the internet for supporting interactions among farmers, advisers and researchers. Proceedings of the 9th Australian Agronomy Conference, Wagga Wagga, 1998 (pp 679-680).

3. Hargreaves, D. 1997. FARMSCAPE Online. In Proceedings of the 1st conference of the European Federation of Information Technology in Agriculture (EFITA). Grosetto, Italy.

Project Title:

Agricultural Statistics: A needs and benefit/cost analysis

RIRDC Project No.

DAQ-255A

Researcher: Mr Ted Whybrow Organisation: Qld Department of Primary Industries Phone: 07 3239 3261 Fax 07 3239 3685 Email: [email protected]

Objectives The project will produce a factual report on the agricultural and related statistical needs of agricultural industries, governments and other users in three Australian states (Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania) and in the Northern Territory. The needs of selected Federal Government agencies will also be examined. The report will match the availability of official statistics to cater for these needs. Particular emphasis will be given to the ability of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Stakeholders (NCASS - comprising representatives of the major users of agricultural statistics in Australia) will provide the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Resource Management (SCARM) advice on a viable way forward to ensuring the supply of agricultural statistics for use within Australia.

Background ABS has cut their annual Agricultural Census to one census every five years and a survey in the intervening years. No useful small area data will be produced in the survey years. Owing to the importance of these data to major users of agricultural statistics, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) formed NCASS. Member organisations of NCASS have agreed that a needs and benefit/cost analysis must be undertaken for NCASS to provide recommendations, based on factual data, to SCARM, NFF and the Federal Government as to a way forward. While the net benefit due to the availability of a comprehensive set of agricultural statistics will be calculated from data collected in this project, organisations affected by the reduced supply in statistics in recent years have indicated that a large number of important programs are at risk.

Research The research proceeded by surveying representatives of organisations and units within organisations in a number of states and one territory who the researcher and informed persons considered may use agricultural statistics. The surveys concentrated mainly on Queensland and South Australia. In all, 32 group interviews were conducted and 240 mail survey questionnaires were returned. Owing to difficulty in constructing a complete population frame of agricultural statistics users, the results of the surveys should be interpreted as the tabulated responses of those who responded to the surveys. They should not be considered as the inferred statistically correct response for Australia. ABS conducted a similar survey of Commonwealth Government agencies that use agricultural statistics and provided their results for inclusion in this report.

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Relevant text and material from various meetings involving ABS and the National Committee of Agricultural Statistics Stakeholders (NCASS) were also reviewed.

Outcomes ABS agricultural statistics are vital to numerous activities undertaken by the organisations surveyed

The community receives a wide variety of benefits from activities in which agricultural statistics are used. These benefits translate into hundreds of millions of dollars through the support given to making more informed decisions, assistance to industries/communities to obtain strategic direction, improved regional/ community economic activity and many other ways

The unavailable of annual sub-state ABS agricultural statistics will have severed detrimental effects on a large range of activities undertaken by respondents to the NCASS survey

The value of benefits lost to users of statistics and the community will be far greater than the savings made by the Commonwealth Government in not collecting reliable annual sub-state ABS statistics

While there is considerable demand for statistics on issues for which no or very few statistics are being collected (eg the environment, technology and social issues) relatively few respondents who indicated that these statistics were highly useful said that needed them annually at the SLA or GLA level

A relatively small number of organisations surveyed use statistics from sources other than ABS

Project title:

Unmet demand for online services in rural Australia

RIRDC Project No.: FW-1A Organisation: Farmwide Pty Ltd

Gr Floor, 14-16 Brisbane Avenue BARTON ACT 2600

Phone: 02 6273 6395 Fax: 02 6273 6413 Email: [email protected]

Objectives Estimate extent of unmet demand for online service in rural Australia and the extent to which infrastructure and other developments will meet this demand

Background Claims of unmet demand have been important in policy debates on rural telecommunications. However, evidence of the extent of unmet demand has been less prominent, and only partial, and has not been combined with an assessment of the implications of current and impending technological, market and policy developments.

Research Desk research and original research and survey material from on-line work and activities of Farmwide Pty Ltd.

Outcomes Unmet demand arising from quality and price problems in rural telecommunications is estimated to be equivalent to around 30% of the existing level of online usage in rural and remote Australia. Like all other studies of unmet demand, these figures do not take into account the very significant social and economic (“external”) benefits of online usage. It is very likely that some unmet social demand exists on top of these estimates of unmet private demand, but the extent of this gap is unknown, and probably unquantifiable. A number of technological, market and policy developments are likely to relieve a proportion of this unmet demand over coming years. These include ongoing improvements to rural telecommunications infrastructure, the impending availability of

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broadband telecommunications services, particularly satellite delivery, policy initiatives to subsidise some digital data capability and fund improvements to rural telecommunications infrastructure, and policy initiatives to reduce Internet access costs. However, these improvements will leave many rural subscribers - possibly as many as 50 percent - unable to access online services at a line speed equivalent to that available in metropolitan areas. In all, these policy developments, in the context of their technological basis, should approximately halve the extent of unmet demand.

Implications There is a clear case for further policy action, such as to include progressive

improvements to rural subscribers' line speeds within the Customer Service Guarantee arrangements. There is also a need for continuing work in realising the broader social and economic benefits of rural online access, such as in relation to content development, awareness raising and overcome barriers to online access arising from lower levels of support.

Publications Farmwide Online Services Pilot Project, Farmers Guide to the Internet Editions 1 & 2. Project Title:

The Australian Farmer’s Guide to the Internet – Second edition

RIRDC Project No.: FW-4A Organisation: Farmwide Pty Ltd

Gr Floor, 14-16 Brisbane Avenue, BARTON ACT 2600


Objectives The aim of The Australian Farmer's Guide to the Internet - Second Edition is to revisit the material included in The First Edition to amend, update, delete or include new contents where necessary, to ensure the forthcoming publication is relevant and up to date for the target audience at the time of publication.

Background The original Australian Farmer’s Guide to the internet was a comprehensive introductory text, which introduced the Australian agricultural sector to the services and applications of the Internet in layman’s terms. The original publication proved popular with its target audience, resulting in the sell out of a 3000 copy print run. Based on the popularity of the original publication, coupled with increased awareness and adoption of the Internet in rural and regional Australia, production of a second edition seemed a logical course of action.

Research In conducting research for, and compiling the second edition of The Australian Farmer’s Guide to the Internet, three essential principles were applied Delete any material from the original publication which was out-of-date or

diminishing in relevance to the target audience Add new material which was of increasing significance to the target audience which

was not relevant/available at the time of the original publication (eg changes in technologies/services) and

To amend the layout of the publication in order to improve the structure and logical progression of content within the publication.

Outcomes The outcome of this project resulted in a 426 page publication (approximately 100 pages

larger than the original publication), which is aesthetically similar to the first publication in order to capitalise on the brand recognition of the first edition. The second edition is a more comprehensive and well rounded publication than its predecessor, and contains new material on

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The history of the internet How the internet works The telecommunications environment The World Wide Web Searching the Internet Electronic commerce Internet Security Emerging technologies Web site reviews ISP’s available in Australia A number of troubleshooting tips and pointers

Implications The completion of this project has resulted in The Australian Farmer’s Guide to the

Internet – Second Edition going to market. The implications of this should result in a greater proporation of Australia’s agricultural community having access to a resource, which can help them Better understand the principles and processes of how the Internet operates and the

opportunities it presents to them as isolated Australians Be better informed about the issues associated with connecting to the Internet from

rural or remote Australia Enhance the lifestyle (from both a social and economic perspective) and Disseminate their newfound knowledge of the Internet throughout their community,

thereby increasing awareness of online services in regional Australia Publications The Australian Farmer’s Guide to the Internet – Second edition 1999 Project Title:

A national online information service with search interface for agri-industry

RIRDC Project No.:

KDI 22A

Researcher: Ruth McIntyre and Joanne Baines Organisation: Kondinin Group

PO Box 913 CLOVERDALE WA 6105


Objectives To develop an internet search interface that will assist farmers quickly locate quality agricultural research and extension information off the internet.

Extend the current FarmLine service into an electronic form that will meet a growing requirement by farmers for timely and accessible technical information.

To develop an internet starter information package for new users. Set-up a suitable management and commercialisation strategy to ensure the service

is ongoing and viable.

Background The recent rapid uptake of the internet by farmers is fuelling the demand for quality content and better ways to find relevant information quickly. Increasing the access to quality information will help farmers make more informed decisions and improve the profitability and sustainability of their business. This project aims to replicate the FarmLine information service on the internet. To do this it will incorporate an agricultural search interface with FarmLine information resources. This project will assess the most appropriate way to charge for information and gain revenue from advertising to ensure the site is profitable in the longer term.

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Research A desktop review of search interface technology, electronic information delivery and commercialisation strategies was undertaken.

The development of a search interface for the internet. Gather and convert information resources onto the internet. Testing of the prototype web site. Pricing options were determined, site launched and promotion ongoing Internet site launched and promotion and awareness undertaken.

Outcomes An internet site that is a portal for agricultural research and extension information.

Information providers such as state departments of agriculture have a central venue for distributing their information and farmers have acentral venue for accessing information. E-commerce on the site allows secure transactions to take place is information is purchased.

Implications Kondinin Insite focuses on delivering information that is practical, relevant and timely. An emphasis will be placed on quality with information being sourced from organisations that have a good reputation for producing quality information.

Providers should view the site as the best place to market and distribute information. Quick and easy access to quality information will help farmers obtain that

competitive edge. Using the best information available will help farmers make more informed decisions and ultimately improve their productivity.

Kondinin Insite will also be a location where information can be accessed either free or charged.

Publications No Publications except a CD-ROM, which provides tools for farmers to access the

internet and directions on using Kondinin Insite. Media releases were released and mention was made in the comment page of April issue Farming Ahead 1999.

Project Title:

Communication Tool Workshop

RIRDC Project No.: NYP-1A Researcher: Mr Paul Comyn Organisation: NSW Primary Industries Training Advisory Body Phone: (02) 9664 9191 Fax: (02) 9664 7676 Email: [email protected]

Objectives To further develop a communication tool that will

produce a communication tool that is both practical and theoretically sound determine what resources would be required to allow providers and producers to use

the tool; and to develop a marketing and dissemination plan for the tool and the benefits

associated with it.

Background In 1998, the then existing education and training arrangements for primary producers were noted as being characterised by: Complexity regarding the available services, including who delivers what and how

they can be accessed Confusion with regards to the comparative on-farm benefits of various programs and

ultimately their market positioning Competition for the utilisation of financial resources and the time of farmers Little coordination between the formal vocational education and training sector

(VET) and other providers of information and training Discussions between Property Management Planning Coordination and the Meat

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Research Corporation identified a need for an improved understanding by producers and their information providers of how various extension programs fit together, and the different benefits offered by them. These discussions progressed into a workshop at the Learning Communities, Regional Sustainability And The Learning Society International Symposium held in Launceston in June 1998. At the workshop, support was gained for a concept of “mapping” extension and training programs from the tertiary sector, extension providers and since then, farmers’ organisations and Primary Industry Training Advisory Boards. Some of this work has been attempted, albeit in an ad hoc and uncoordinated fashion. These informal consultations also elicited support for the concept of a ‘communication tool’ that would help farmers make better choices about the range of learning programs in the market, including accredited education programs which form part of the informal education system. It is envisaged that an appropriate communication tool would Allow providers to position their products against a common decision-making

template Allow producers to understand how the various programs on offer relate to each

other and their own information needs Increase the effectiveness of current delivery arrangements Encourage learning amongst primary producers.

RIRDC support was obtained to fund a national workshop to further develop the concept of such a tool. The project was managed by the NSW Primary Industries Training Advisory Body (PITAB).

Research The overall objectives of the workshop were

To further develop a communication tool that easily defines and positions educational and extension products in the market place

To determine what resources would be required to allow providers and producers to use the tool

To develop a marketing and dissemination plan for the tool and the benefits associated with it.

The workshop was held in 1999 and brought together a number of key stakeholders from each State and Territory. Representatives were drawn from industry, State and Commonwealth departments of Agriculture / Primary Industry, Industry Training Advisory Bodies (ITABs), private consultants, Registered Training Organisations including TAFE, agricultural colleges and research and development corporations. Over two days, participants worked through a process to identify the key issues that a communication tool could address. They also identified the features that would need to be included within the tool in order for it to be effective.

Outcomes The group determined that the tool would be an integrated national database of products and services that included a diagnostic device that would support the decision making processes of producers. It was felt that such a database would Be a searchable national resource Prove a framework for product comparison Incorporate a template to describe each ‘product’ in simple and consistent language Incorporate an interactive self assessment of needs by the users (farmers) Rely on providers of information and training to self assess their product or service

and complete description template Allow feedback and review by producers to ensure products meet descriptions as

provided by providers Be available if possible in different forms (media – paper, computer etc)

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As a result of the issues and features identified, it was concluded that there is an opportunity to fund a further project, or projects, which can put in place such a database.

Implications The workshop coincided with the activities of the Rural Industries Learning Committee (RILC) The RILC was formed through the work of the Rural Training Council of Australia who, with others, recognised the need for closer cooperation between the formal VET sector and the national extension based network of Departments of Primary Industries. The goals of the RILC have since been endorsed by the CEOs of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Resource Management (SCARM) agencies and the CEOs of the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA). A number of representatives of the RILC participated in the RIRDC funded communication tool workshop and have taken an interest in the outcomes of the project.

Extension, Education and Training Project Title:

Encouraging best practice agricultural web site design

RIRDC Project No.

BDL-5A

Researcher: Mr Jim Groves Organisation: Baradel Consulting

82 Cypress Drive BROADBEACH WATERS QLD 4218

Phone: 07 5526 9698 Email: [email protected]

Objectives To improve the accessibility of Australian agricultural information on the Internet.

Background Too much agricultural information on the Internet is inaccessible to users because it is not promoted properly, takes too long to download, or cannot be found through site navigation systems. This is resulting in user frustration, slowing down the adoption and use of Internet technologies and limiting the extent to which the potential of the Internet to transform the social and economic circumstances of rural Australia is realised.

Research The research is based on over three years experience in reviewing Australian agricultural Internet content, and a formal survey of over 400 web sites included in The Australian Farmer’s Guide to the Internet. This research show that, for example, some 70% of Australian agricultural web sites take an unacceptably long time to download at the telephone line speeds actually available in rural Australia.

Outcomes To improve the accessibility of agricultural information, there needs to be A conscious effort to assist those sites providing the most useful information to be

ranked as highly as possible against search engine searches Australian farmers actually undertake. Further work on the identification of the keywords used and assisting site owners/webmasters to rank more highly would be useful. Relevant techniques include the use of descriptive tiles, meat-tags, page summaries and placement of content on pages in order to gain maximum placement in search engines. A range of other web site promotion techniques is available and should be more widely adopted.

Improved download speeds. There should be fewer graphics, and available techniques to reduce the size of graphics should be more widely adopted. Similarly, there should be a more sparing use of other file formats and more attention paid to adopting available techniques to speed up the time taken for

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information to appear on the screen. Improved navigability schema to information within sites, including design

techniques and site specific search engines. Few Australian agricultural sites both contain all the features nominated above and provide substantial content or services. Yet these features could substantially improve users’ experience with the Internet.

Implications There needs to be more education of site designers and owners on these issues, and better recognition of these issues in available web site authoring software. Users should be more willing to complain about poor design, and more explicit reviews of site useability should be undertaken. While a number of web design guidelines exist, these need to be broadened to more adequately represent the concerns of users with slow communication links and more adequately communicated to, and adopted by, web designers.

Publications Web Sites for Rural Australia – Designing for accessibility, Groves, 2000, RIRDC RIRDC publication No. 00/13

Project Title

Joint RDC business/investment plan for extension and farmer learning processes.

RIRDC Project No.:

RDP-1A

Start Date: 01-Apr-2000 Finish Date: 31-Aug-2000 Researcher: Mr. Simon Read Organisation: Rural Directions Pty Ltd

PO Box 646 CLARE SA 5453

Phone: (08) 8842 1103 Fax: (08) 8842 1766 Email: [email protected]

Objectives To develop a business/investment plan for extension and farmer learning processes. The project aims to incorporate the structure for provision of extension/learning services, learning processes and barriers, as well as research and development in identification of processes that speed up adoption of change in agriculture.

Current Progress

This project was contracted in April 2000. A Compendium Summary will be available in the next Annual Research-in-Progress report.

Project Title:

Agriculture courses: student entry and exit attributes and industry needs

RIRDC Project No.:

UCS-13A

Researcher: Dr Brian Hemmings Organisation: Charles Sturt University

PO Box 588 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2678

Phone: (02) 6933 2498 Fax: (02) 6933 2888

Objectives 1. 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.

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

3. 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.

4. 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 critieria for industry.

Background The main aim of this investigation was to identify the factors that contribute to success

and satisfaction with, and persistence in, tertiary agricultural study. A second aim was to examine the extent to which the outcomes of tertiary agricultural courses meet the needs and expectations of industry.

Research The investigation was carried out in stages. The first stage involved surveying the relevant literature on factors which influence: student choice of agricultural study; which students stay on with the selected course; student satisfaction and success; and, the development of understandings, skills, and competencies. In the second stage, students in rural and urban-based universities studying agriculture were surveyed and a sub-set was interviewed. The interviews and surveys involved students in their first and final year of study. The next stage (Stage 3) focused on surveying and interviewing employers and employees (i.e., recent and longer standing graduates). These surveys were based on the AIAST Standards. In the fourth and final stage, data from the sources identified above were coded and analysed using a variety of techniques.

Outcomes The results of the analyses were reviewed and a set of recommendations and implications were developed. In general, the findings of the investigation were in accord with the literature and the predictions made from that literature. It was found that a number of factors influenced student satisfaction, success, and persistence, including knowledge of agriculture, career commitment, how well they fitted into the course, and their feelings of confidence and capacity to succeed (self-efficacy). Students in their final year also recognised the significance of both generic skills such as problem solving and communication and competencies (e.g., handling information and familiarity with systems). Recent and experienced graduates, and employers of such graduates, acknowledged the importance of the attributes identified in the industry standards. Nevertheless, the two groups differed in their estimates of the degree to which graduates displayed such attributes.

Implications The project’s findings have implications for

The nature and purpose of future courses in agriculture and related fields The content, organisation and marketing of such courses The framework of Standards to be used in monitoring and reviewing the outcomes

of these courses The role of employers and industry, in general, in contributing to the process of

reviewing and developing Standards Tasks to be executed by the professional body viz the AIAST The need for further research and development

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Rural Communities and Social Issues Project Title:

Heywire II – The ABC Gives Regional Youth a Voice

RIRDC Project No.: ABB-2A Researcher: Justine McSweeney

Heywire Co-ordinator Organisation: Australian Broadcasting Corporation

ABC Local and Regional Services GPO Box 9994 MELBOURNE VIC 3001

Phone: 03 9626 1861

Objectives The Heywire project is an initiative of the Rural Department within the ABC’s Local and Regional Services portfolio and is aimed at giving young people living in regional Australia a voice.

Background While much is presented about the issues facing regional and rural communities and how these impact upon young people, the actual voice of youth on the matters that affect them is not widely heard. Heywire is the result of the ABC’s desire to present the experience, issues and concerns of young people in regional and rural Australia as expressed in their own words, voice and style. It is hoped that by raising the profile of these issues and providing some leadership training to the Heywire winners, the issues of youth have more strength in being heard and addressed

Research Heywire makes contact with young people in regional and rural Australian via a vast distribution of printed material to all secondary schools, universities, TAFE’s and tertiary institutions in regional areas; to youth groups and peak organisations; to industry organisations and some companies. Contact is also made via promotions on ABC Local Radio and on Triple J. Information is also disseminated via the Heywire website. Young people are invited to submit their story about what life is like for them. The guidelines for entries are few other than that the story is to be non-fiction and in the form of a script for a three minute radio piece. They can write about any aspect of life as they know it in regional and rural Australia. The winning entry in each of over 40 ABC regions is produced by the ABC for broadcast on ABC radio and online. The Heywire winners are all invited to attend the Heywire Youth Issues Forum in Canberra where they undertake a personal development and youth issues leadership training program.

Outcomes Heywire received just over 250 entries from young people from around Australia. Many stories this year expressed a clear sense of worth about the role of young people and their views and a frustration at being stereotyped. The winning stories were about a broad range of particular issues - the advantages of country life; the misconceptions of life in other places; the clash of values in communities; loss through suicide; learning to drive; the necessity of leaving home; boredom leading to alcohol abuse; personal stories of making the most of life; the value of the arts; overcoming isolation through the internet; keeping young people in the country; the angst of making life decisions. The winning stories were played extensively throughout summer – in regions and nationally on networked Local Radio programs as well as on Triple J. All stories can be heard via the Heywire website. 37 regional winners attended the Youth Issues Forum in Canberra.

Implications Heywire works on two levels – it raises with impact significant issues for young people within the public arena and it encourages the positive and personal development of young community leaders

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Project Title:

Update of Rural and Remote Health Papers

RIRDC Project No.: NRH-1A Researcher: Mr Gordon Gregory Organisation: National Rural Health Alliance Phone: 02 6285 4660 Fax: 02 6285 4670 Email: [email protected]

Objectives To produce 1000 copies of an updated version of the Rural and Remote Health papers CD ROM.

Background There has been much interest over the past decade in the state of health of people in rural and remote Australia. Since 1991 there have been two biennial conferences running on the subject: the National Rural Health Conference (the first of which was in 1991) and the Infront-Outback Rural and Remote Health Scientific Conference (the first of which was in 1992). These conferences have resulted in a large number of research papers and reports on aspects of rural health. Since its establishment in 1993 the National Rural Health Alliance has also produced papers on a variety of topics related to rural and remote health. There has also been a series of national rural health strategies, the latest of which is Healthy Horizons (1999).

Research RIRDC provided support to the NRHA for the production and update of a CD ROM on which all of these papers are collected together, including the papers from the 1999 biennial National Rural Health Conference.

Outcomes The CD was launched in December 1999 at a ceremony in Parliament House at which the guest speakers included Senator Ian Macdonald, Minister for Regional Services, and Dr Roslyn Prinsley, RIRDC’s General Manager, Research. The CD Rom has been widely publicised and made available to both individuals and institutions. Its greatest asset is that the contents are all searchable by key words and phrases. This makes the 8,800 pages of hard copy information and 1,100 individual research papers and reports accessible to all users as never before.

Implications Plans are in place for an update in mid-2001 of this successful information tool. The Rural and Remote Health Papers CD Rom makes readily accessible a range of facts and statistics on health, which is a key issue for rural and remote people and their communities.

Publications Rural and Remote Health Papers 19991-1999 National Rural Health Alliance October 1999 ISSN 1441 1849 RIRDC publication No. C99/001

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Policies and Institutions Project Title:

Accounting concepts relating to soil quality: a study of broadacre dryland farming in the Loddon Catchment

RIRDC Project No.: RMI-5A Researcher: Patricia O’Brien Organisation: School of Accounting and Law,

RMIT University, 239 Bourke Street, MELBOURNE VIC 3001

Phone: (03) 9925 5711 Fax: (03) 9922 55741 Email: Patricia.o’[email protected]

Objectives To determine the extent to which farmers use market prices to manage their soil quality. If market prices are not useful then the objective is to determine what factors are important to farmers in the management of their soil quality over the long term.

Background Market prices are recommended by agriculturalists and the Australian government as the least cost way of assessing the performance and level of sustainability of farmers. In accounting this refers to gross margins, net margins and return on assets. These measures are questioned for three reasons: (1) these figures give information on short-term profits not long-term wealth; (2) not all resources have informed markets therefore market prices are limited in the information they provide; and (3) many on-farm resources used by farmers are not traded, especially good land, and a transaction is a pre-requisite for entries to be made in financial accounts. Farmers have not been asked how they value both their soil quality and how they measure their financial performance. To achieve this, a greater understanding of the factors connecting the physical location, management of soil quality, and the accounting being undertaken is necessary.

Research There were three major stages to the research. Stage 1 consisted of a search of the literature, surveys and other research into the field of agricultural sustainability in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The main issues resulting from this stage identified that on-farm field studies were more informative than those on research stations; most studies concentrated on profits, not wealth; and gross margins were the dominant method in assessing performance. Stage 2 consisted of a pilot study with leading farmers which was designed to find out, from these farmers, which financial and physical activities were undertaken for both the short-and long term. Stage 3 consisted of a survey using a questionnaire to interview seventy-five farmers and their spouses. The questionnaire consisted of the financial and management accounting measures available to farmers based on ‘best practice’ and the available knowledge on farming techniques to maintain soil quality. The responses consisted of the interviewees’ opinions and actions. Broadacre farming was chosen because it provided an opportunity to study the importance of diversification as a way of managing risk. The area chosen was the Loddon Catchment and the High Level Riverine Floodplain land management unit. This Catchment had been chosen by the Australian Government as one of five focal areas to be studied.

Outcomes In contrast to recommendations in Stage 1, Stage 3 confirms that the survey farmers think in terms of on-farm resources, they are interested in wealth more than just profits, and do not find gross margins useful. What the survey farmers find meaningful are cash flow for liquidity and non-financial indicators for soil quality. The farmers do not use only financial indicators to measure the sustainability of their farms. The financial indicators recommended to farmers are financial accounting reports which require a constant recording of all transactions in accounting records. Diversification is used by ninety percent of the farmers to maintain the quality of the soil and to reduce the market risk implicit in monoculture, and

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manage cash flow therefore the usefulness of the financial accounting system to track and assess results is limited. They do not use computers which confirms other studies in that the commercial software packages available at the time are not specific enough. They do not choose market prices as the major tool to measure their natural resources. Market prices are scanned regularly for decision-making purposes but this process can occur several times before a decision is made and a transaction takes place and only then are the accounting records appropriate. The farmers recognise that competition takes place through better quality of their products and this is the major facet of the market that they can influence given the depressed commodity prices. Their land is similarly valued by them for its quality and that is unlikely to be fully known in market prices. Significant use is made of on-farm resources built up over many years on an opportunity cost basis. A soil quality model based on soil depth, soil fertility and soil structure as separate manageable activities was tested. The farmers are clearly able to distinguish the content and process of management for each of these three categories of soil management. They understand best practice principles and how to overcome problems they face. The closest correlation made is between soil quality and product quality. Problems emanating from external sources such as water flows are becoming unmanageable by individual farmers.

Implications Farmers have to manage competitive commodity markets which means that using traditional accounting measures can give incorrect signals to those outside the farm. This is because farmers use on-farm resources that cannot show in financial reports. There needs to be recognition of the limitations of financial indicators in that they represent short-term results. Quality of product and quality of soil are clearly related and this is achieved over the long term and not primarily through the use of inputs. To correctly distinguish between sustainable and non-sustainable farmers involves the assessment of on-farm soil quality and the recognition of external negative influences from other farmers and other institutional causes. To achieve this, a greater understanding of the factors connecting the physical location and the management of soil quality is necessary. This includes policy making at different levels of government and regulatory bodies.

Farm Health and Safety Project Title:

Farm injury/illness data centre

RIRDC Project No.: AHU-3A Researcher: A/Prof Lyn Fragar Organisation: Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety

University of Sydney PO Box 256 MOREE NSW 2400

Phone: 02 6752 8215 Fax: 02 6752 6639

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.

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Background Farmsafe Australia and its member organisations have adopted objective goals and targets and defined national strategies for the reduction of farm injury and illness from 1996-02001. Data from workers compensation, rural hospitals, coronial enquiries, the National Injury Surveillance Unit and special surveys have been accessed to define key hazards and associated risks for priorities to be established. Implementation of programs to address health and safety in agriculture must continue to be guided, outcomes evaluated, and performance monitored evaluated by an effective data system.

Research This project builds on work undertaken under a RIRDC grant which established a National Farm Injury Data Collection. It will maintain the national Farm Injury/Illness Data Centre with a Research Officer at the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety (formerly the Australian Agricultural Health Unit).

Publications The Health & Safety of SA Farmers, Farm Families & Farm Workers, ACASH 1999

Farmsafe Australia, Goals Targets & Strategy 1996-2001 Mid-term Review November 1999¸ ACASH

Rural Injury in Central Queensland February 2000, ACASH Farm Injury Optimal Dataset Version 1.2 February 2000 ACASH

Project Title:

Traumatic fatalities on Australian farms 1989-1992

RIRDC Project No.: AHU-5A Researcher: Richard Franklin Organisation: Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety



Objectives To describe the frequency, incidence, nature and circumstances of non-suicide traumatic deaths on farms in Australia with the aim of providing direct and indirect information useful for actions designed to prevent such occurrences.

Background This information regarding farm related fatalities in Australia during 1989-1992 comes from the second study of work-related fatalities conducted by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC). Prior to this the most recent national information regarding fatalities in the agricultural industry was for the period 1982-1984 and come from the first work-related fatalities study conducted by NOHSC.

For this report, NOHSC and the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety collaborated to analyse all farm-related fatal injuries during 1989-92.

Research The information regarding farm-related fatalities was collected as part of a larger study of all work-related traumatic deaths in Australia during 1989-1992. Coronial records were primarily used to identify all farm-related fatalities and then the relevant information on the circumstances of the fatal incident was collected, coded and analysed. Included in the report is specific information regarding people who are working at the time of the fatal incident, people who are bystanders to workplace activities or equipment and people who are fatally injured on a farm, but not in connection with any work activity or equipment.

In the report from the study, the overall results are initially presented and then detailed analysis has been conducted for several areas. These areas include:

Specific commodities (orchard and other fruit; vegetables including potatoes; cereal grains; sheep-cereal; grains; meat cattle-cereal grains; sheep-meat cattle; sheep; meat cattle; dairy; and sugar cane)

States and the Northern Territory

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Specific age groups (children; young adults; and older adults) Major agents involved in the fatal incident (trucks; utilities; cars; two wheel

motorcycles; aircraft; tractors; firearms; dams; horses; and trees being felled) Specific mechanisms of the fatal incident (drowning; electrocution; falls) Intentional fatalities and OHS and worker’s compensation coverage information.

Outcomes Farm related fatalities in Australia continue to contribute significantly to the number of people fatally injured while working. Agriculture, with its unique environment where people are living and working at the same location, increases the risk to those not working of being involved in a farm accident. This study of 607 farm related fatalities collected between 1989 and 1992 provides a comprehensive collection of farm related fatalities for those years, allowing detailed examination of the injury event. Of these, 587 were unintentional and 20 were intentional (homicides). There were 387 people working at the time of the fatal incident. The rate of fatal injury was 20.6 per 1000,000 workers per year.

This study compared the information found to that of similar studies from Australia and internationally. Many similarities were found including rates of injury, types of injuries, agents and mechanism involved and location on farms. This study, unlike many other studies, collected detailed information on those who were not working but were bystanders to work activity. Drowning especially, was unique to Australia and a particular concern for farms where children are present.

Implications This study also demonstrated that the traditional providers of the information of work related fatalities underestimate the true number of farm-related deaths up to a factor of five. However, by the continued good work of many organisations throughout Australia and farmers, the number of deaths on Australian farms will hopefully decline in the ensuing years.

Publications Farm related fatalities in Australia, RIRDC 2000 Leadership Project Title:

Missed Opportunities: Stage 2

RIRDC Project No.:

DPI-29A

Organisation: Women in Rural Industries Section Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry - Australia GPO Box 858 CANBERRA ACT 2601

Phone: 02 6272 3984 Fax 02 6272 3025 email [email protected]

Objectives The objectives of Stage 2 are to increase women’s recognition and input within the rural sector by Applying the strategies identified in Stage 1, and other agreed change management

strategies, in two case study organisations, in order to identify those strategies most likely to succeed

Utilise the outcomes from the case study activities to develop ‘best practice’ models for increasing women’s input and influence in organisations within the sector.

Background In 1997 the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia (AFFA) (formerly the Department of Primary Industries and Energy) commissioned a national three stage research project to investigate the role that women play in the agricultural sector. This is a report on Stage 2 of the project.

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Stage 1 involved extensive consultation with a range of players in the agriculture and resource management sectors. Its outcomes are recorded in the report, Missed Opportunities-Harnessing the Potential of Women in Australian Agriculture. The Report documents the potential contribution women can make to agriculture, both directly and through participation in decision-making. It also identifies barriers to women’s participation in numerous areas such as leadership, decision-making and innovation as well as identifying possible change strategies and best practices for involving women in the agricultural sector.

The Stage 1 report identified three common issues, recurring across different components of the agricultural sector, which need to be addressed by those who are involved within the sector. These issues form the basis for the work undertaken in Stage 2 of the project. The issues are

• The culture within the sector, which is seen to be male-oriented and unwelcoming, or even exclusive of women as leaders and managers

• The competing demands of work within the sector and family responsibilities, the overwhelming burden of which still fall to women

The extent to which women’s self-perception or lack of confidence inhibits their progress to positions as leaders and managers within their sector

Research In line with the project design and implementation process, the project proceeded in the following manner.

1. AFFA invited a variety of non-Government, non-profit rural organisations to participate as case study organisations in Stage 2 of the Missed Opportunities project. Two suitable applicants were selected, the South Australian and Victorian Farmers Federations.

2. The selected ‘case study’ organisations were consulted in the appointment of change management consultants to work with senior and middle management and boards of management, women staff, women members and members of selected organisations to implement relevant strategies from the “Missed Opportunities” report.

3. The consultants undertook a needs analysis exercise with each case study organisation to determine what issues needed to be addressed, the priority of identified issues, and the exact nature of the change processes to be undertaken.

4. An ‘action research’ process was implemented with the consultants undertaking and/or guiding a major organisational change process within each case study organisation, and monitoring the impacts on women’s involvement/influence throughout the process.

Outcomes Based on the experience of two case study organisations, several critical factors in successfully applying organisational cultural change management in rural organisations were identified. The following have been identified as having significance in the cultural change process.

Understanding the Need for Change Strong Leadership Change Agents Involvement of the target group and stakeholders Evaluation Reporting of the results Sharing of results with other organisations

Publications The Short Report No. 79 Stage 2 – Missed Opportunities, Missed Opportunities –

Unlocking the future for women in Australian agriculture

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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: 31/12/00 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. The project is now in its final year, with all field verification studies having been completed. Over the past couple of years verification studies have been undertaken in the Kimberley region of WA, the Victoria River District (VRD) of the NT, and on Cape York Peninsula, QLD. Independent assessment of mapping of fires in above study areas, undertaken by DOLA (WA) for the period 1997-1999, indicates that mapping achieved overall accuracies of between 70% and 90%. Importantly, these fire-map data are being used increasingly by relevant management agencies, property managers, and researchers, particularly in the Kimberley and throughout the NT. Mapping of fires in QLD is under development through the QLD Dept. of Natural Resources. A full report will be available by the end of the year.

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Project Title

The Australian Farmer's Guide to the Internet Second Edition - web site updates

RIRDC Project No.:

RJP-1A

Start Date: 10/01/00 Finish Date: 31/12/00 Researcher: Mr. Robert J Parker Organisation:

PO Box 1158 FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD 4960


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)

• 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

• To develop a site specific search engine to increase accessibility to the already considerable database of information behind the Farmer's Guide web site.

Current Progress

Progress on the RJP-1A project is developing well, with a number of objectives being achieved in the early stages of the project. Numerous pages of the web site have been re-written or edited to better reflect the content of the second edition of Australian Farmers’ Guide to the Internet. The homepage now refers to the second edition, the order form page takes into account the new pricing and shipping charges for the second edition, and the web sites book contents page accurately reflects the contents of the second edition. Work has been carried out on the Farmers Guide web structure to improve its performance and appearance to the end user. The search engine for the Farmers Guide site has been developed and integrated into the site structure. This new feature allows visitors to quickly and effectively search for resources through the use of keyword searches rather than needing to browse the site to locate content. This added functionality saves both time and money for site visitors. Ongoing research has been carried out on the web to identify prospective new entries for review and inclusion in the Farmers Guide site. To date over 40 new web sites have been evaluated for inclusion, resulting in approximately 10 new entries to the database. Existing entries within the site are being systematically re-evaluated and updated as appropriate. To date, approximately 55 existing entries have been updated since the beginning of the project and about 3 sites have been deleted.

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Project Title

Farm Management 500 Global – Global networks and adoption of the web

RIRDC Project No.: FM-4A Start Date: 01/07/98 Finish Date: 30/11/00 Researcher: Mr Neil Clark Organisation: Farm Management 500 Phone: 03 5441 6176 Fax: 03 5444 4299 Email: Fm500 @netcon.net.au

Objectives Create Global networks for FM500 farming families and accelerate the adoption of email/internet 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

Training Over 30 FM500 groups have accessed hands on internet training over the last 12 months. An internet/IT conference was held in March with over 100 attendees. The conference brought in practitioners from the internet/e-commerce industry to interact with farmers and discuss the practical implications of e-commerce on farm businesses. The outcome of this conference was a plan to follow up the specifics of e-commerce with on-going FM500 small group meetings. Internet audit An audit of FM500 members’ internet use and skills is underway. With only one third of businesses audited, preliminary results show that 77% are on the internet, 11% intend to get connected in the next 12 months. Twenty two per cent of the businesses use email daily, while 38% use it 2-3 times a week. Only 6% have used the internet to purchase inputs or sell farm produce. Searching the internet efficiently is a urgent training need for 66% of respondents to date. Global networks In response to the difficulty of sustaining group to group communication with overseas farm management groups, the project is currently developing a simple online database. This will be a specific referral service for leading consultants and farming families who wish make contact or study agriculture overseas.

Project Title

E-commerce in rural areas: Case Studies and Workshop

RIRDC Project No.: UCA-5A Start Date: 1/11/99 Finish Date: 31/07/00 Researcher: A/Prof. Franco Papandrea

Organisation: University of Canberra Communication and Media Policy Institute


Objectives To encourage greater adoption of e-commerce in rural areas by highlighting its benefits through a workshop based on case studies of practical e-commerce applications and preparation of a related report for wider distribution

Current Progress

Extensive searches with major Internet search engines were undertaken to identify potential case studies. The searches, augmented with a review of previous studies and

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reports on the use of the Internet by rural sector enterprises, led to the identification of over 80 websites associated with rural business activities. Although unrelated to the primary objective of the research, the sectoral distribution of the identified websites suggests that not all rural activities are equally conducive to the adoption of e-commerce practices. For example, very few websites were related to some major agricultural commodities suggesting that market structures are likely to have an influence on that adoption of e-commerce practices. Some 30 websites were selected for more detailed analysis resulting in almost 20 case studies of enterprises, large and small, that were gaining benefits such as increased sales and lower costs from e-commerce activities. Several of the case studies, illustrating a range of e-commerce activities including developments such as electronic markets and electronic supply chain management systems for agricultural commodities, were selected for presentation at a workshop to be held on 23 June 2000. About fifty people attended the workshop.

Extension, Education and Training

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


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 We supported a group of participating farmers in a program of soil and crop

monitoring that spanned two seasons. The data gathered was then used in online discussion sessions as input for simulation-aided discussions. Three online ‘workshops’ held at Phil Egan’s property at Moonie were supported by APSRU researchers in Toowoomba. Farmers and researchers using an Action Research approach designed these workshops. Topics discussed in these workshops included: description of soils and the implication for potential crop yields;

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benchmarking actual crop yields and protein content against potential as calculated by simulation using APSIM; evaluation of tactical options for the upcoming season; and comparative evaluation in $/ha/yr of alternative crop rotations. Evaluation of online workshops and their impact is integral to the project. Preliminary results suggest that it is possible to establish a degree of credibility in APSIM outputs among farmer participants via internet based discussion sessions. The project is also having a significant impact on farming practice. One case study revealed that a farmer achieved a yield increase for his 1999 winter wheat crop of 50% and a protein increase of 2%. This farmer directly attributes this to participation in the online discussion sessions.

Project Title

Short course for farmers using flexible delivery methods

RIRDC Project No.:

GOC-1A

Start Date: 12 August 1999 Finish Date: 15 February 2001 Researcher: Dr. Chris Bell Organisation: Gossamer Communications Phone: (03) 9439 2019 Fax: (03) 9471 0224 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • To 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

• To decide whether such courses are acceptable to them in their efforts to improve their knowledge, know-how and farming skills

Current Progress

A short course on the technology used in precision farming has been developed, based on the Internet as primary delivery medium. Work is progressing on appropriate methods of testing comprehension and providing feedback to the user. This will include a questionnaire to be completed by the farmer at the conclusion of the course. The course covers the basis of GPS (the Global Positioning System), the methods of positioning and yield monitoring, and the analysis of spatially referenced yield data to extract useful agronomic information. The aim of the course is to give enough information to the farmer so that he or she can decide whether it is appropriate for them to invest in the technology, to use a contractor or consultant who has the technology, or to wait for further developments. The course has been installed on a web site provided by La Trobe University and evaluated by final year students in the Department of Agricultural Sciences studying advances in cropping technology, and revised based on their comments. It is expected that it will be advertised to farmers in the next few weeks, and that the first farmers will be using it shortly afterwards.

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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. John Petheram Organisation: The University of Melbourne

School of Forestry Creswick Campus CRESWICK VIC 3363

Phone: (03) 5321 4101 Fax: (03) 53214194 Email: [email protected]

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 ability 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.

Current Progress

A series of mail and phone contacts, followed by visits across Australia, resulted in commitments from around 50 R&D professionals to contribute tools. Participatory approaches to R&D have progressed rapidly since inception of this project – towards a deeper understanding of participation, and a much greater emphasis on “process” than on tools or activities. Valuable comment has been proffered by extension agents working intensively in this mode. In general, the concept of the Manual of Tools has been greeted with enthusiasm, even by those concerned about the danger of prescribed tools being “misused”. Some have suggested that the Manual become a Web-site on Participatory Tools, that could be updated and improved. One third of tools offered have been delivered, together with vast amounts of supporting material. There has been discussion with RIRDC and type-setters on how best to make the manual easily readable and useful. The challenge in the remaining few months is: (1) to consummate delivery of tools currently in gestation in various institutions and

minds (2) to arrange tools in a manner and context that will emphasise the importance of

process over the tools themselves (3) to edit and typeset the publication in an attractive and user-friendly RIRDC

publication.

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Project Title

Control, Innovation and Strategy in farming

RIRDC Project No.: UNE-73A Start Date: 24/01/00 Finish Date: 31/12/00 Researcher: Mr Geoff Kaine Organisation:

University of New England School of Marketing and Management ARMIDALE NSW 2351


Objectives 1. Classify farmers into strategic types based their perceptions of control over farm production and business performance.

2. Classify farmers into types based on measures of internal and external locus of control (a personality predisposition).

3. 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-efficacy.

4. 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.

5. Determine if differences in farmers' perceptions of control over farm production and business performance and their locus of control are linked to their propensity to adopt innovations and their participation in extension activities.

Current Progress

Work commenced on this project in January 2000. Progress to date has proceeding satisfactorily and close to schedule. A review of the key relevant literature has been conducted and a trial survey instrument has been prepared. The survey is intended to collect information in four key areas. These are farmers' locus of control as a personality trait, farmers' perceptions of control over farm production and business performance, measures of farm performance and participation in extension activities. The scales measuring locus of control and perceptions of control over farm production and performance are adapted from studies reported in the literature. The survey instrument will be tested and piloted with farmers over the next two months. The survey will be posted to primary producers in New South Wales and Victoria in July.

Project Title

Identifying how attitudinal factors impact on family farm business performance

RIRDC Project No.: USO-2A Start Date: 1/09/99 Finish Date: 30/11/01 Researcher: A/Professor Evan Hunt Organisation:

University of Sydney Orange Agricultural College PO Box 883 ORANGE NSW 2800


Objectives The research will examine whether the attitudinal characteristics of management

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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

The project has had a delayed start due to zero response to Nationwide advertising on two occasions for a Masters postgraduate research scholar to participate in design, data collection and analysis. By networking a suitable person with a background of twelve years rural counselling experience has now been interviewed and offered the position to commence in May 2000. The late appointment will require re-arrangement of some milestones but the experience brought to the project should improve the outcomes.

Rural Communities and Social Issues Project Title

Strategies for revitalising small inland towns and rural communities

RIRDC Project No.:

ECU-6A

Start Date: 1/10/99 Finish Date: 30/11/00 Researcher: Prof. Alan Black Organisation: Edith Cowan University

School of Social and Cultural Studies JOONDALUP WA 6027


Objectives The overall objective is that of Sub-Program 4.3, namely ‘to enhance human capital and facilitate innovation in rural industries and communities.’ The more specific objectives are: 1. To identify twelve small inland towns or rural communities that have, in recent

years, experienced some form of economic and social revitalisation. 2. To identify innovations, strategies and initiatives that are associated with this

revitalisation, and to analyse any salient or recurring features. 3. To review technical assistance programs, especially community

opportunity/future planning workshops, designed to stimulate revitalisation initiatives.

4. From the preceding analyses, to identify strategies for revitalisation that can potentially be applied in other inland towns and rural communities.

5. To develop a user-friendly resource kit on strategies for revitalising small towns and rural communities.

6. To publicise and promote the use of the resource kit in such towns and communities

Current Progress

The following twelve Australian communities have been chosen for intensive case study: Benalla (Vic), Boonah (Qld), Burra (SA), Coolah and Mendooran (NSW), Coorow (WA), Deloraine (Tas), Donald (Vic), Harrow (Vic), Hyden (WA), Kulin (WA), Mitchell (Qld) and Tumby Bay (SA). At the time of writing this report, data gathering had been completed in six of these communities, using the following methodologies – • review of relevant existing documentation and statistics • interviews with relevant community members and local organisations

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• interviews with commentators and organisations outside community who have knowledge and an understanding of the community's history, dynamics and experiences in revitalisation activities

• community focus group meetings. It is anticipated that data gathering in the other six communities will be completed by August 2000.

Project Title

Older farmers and Retirement

RIRDC Project No.:

UNE-68A

Start Date: 15/06/99 Finish Date: 30/06/02 Researcher: Ms. Roslyn Foskey Organisation:

University of New England The Rural Development Centre ARMIDALE NSW 2351


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

No Research-in-Progress report was provided by the researcher.

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Project Title

School contribution to rural communities: Leadership issues

RIRDC Project No.:

UT-31A

Start Date: 1/10/99 Finish Date: 30/09/01 Researcher: Dr. Sue Kilpatrick Organisation:

University of Tasmania Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia PO Box 1214 LAUNCESTON TAS 7250


Objectives • To examine the extent and nature of the contribution of rural schools in their communities' development beyond traditional forms of education of young people include: the use of the skills and knowledge of the school staff in initiating, organising and/or running wider community acitivities 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

This study uses a case study methodology to investigate the contribution of local schools to their communities’ development, and the associated leadership issues, in five different rural sites: Walla Walla (NSW); Cooktown (Qld); Cowell (SA); Meander (Tas), and Margaret River (WA). These communities were selected from over 100 invited nominations from stakeholders in rural education around Australia, and represent diversity in respect of population size and background, school configuration, type of rural and other industry, degree of isolation, and nature and stage of the school-community partnership. Data are being collected from three sources: semi-structured interviews with school and community members, written documentation from school and community sources, and observation. Data collection is due to finish in August 2000. The study is being informed by a reference group of Australian and overseas stakeholders in rural education and community development. Information about the project and its preliminary findings is being disseminated on a regular basis through the professional networks of the reference group and project team members; through the web page of the Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia at http://www.crlra.utas.edu.au, and through the planned presentation of papers and workshops at appropriate educational leadership and community development conferences.

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Project Title

What motivates rural men to improve their health status?

RIRDC Project No.:

WAC-1A

Start Date: 25/06/99 Finish Date: 25/06/00 Researcher: Dr. Samar Aoun Organisation:

WA Centre for Rural Health and Community Development Inc. South West Population Health Unit Bunbury Tower 8th Floor, 61 Victoria Street BUNBURY WA 6230


Objectives • Undertaking a creative health initiative to cater for the special needs of rural men and using diabetes screening as a mechanism for health promotion

• Increasing the understanding of what motivates at-risk but symptomatic men to seek care from general practitioners

• Identifying the actual percentage of the study sample who are diagnosed with Type 2 or IGT after screening undiagnosed men

• Adding to the body of research on the effectiveness of risk factor and symptom assessment as brief health intervention

• Suggesting education and support strategies for those identified in the sample as being at-risk, involving workplaces and medical services.

Current Progress

The response to the project has been positive considering that this health promotion program was an innovation that needed time and skill to be diffused at several layers of decision making. Twenty five industries/organisations or combined groups of smaller organisations participated, requiring 29 educational/screening sessions mainly on site. Fourteen industries/organisations declined to participate. Most of the participating employers have been accommodating in allowing their employees an hour of education and screening. The best collaboration has been with industries staffed with a health nurse or an occupational health and safety officer. 525 men participated in the education/screening session with 446 in the target group of 40-65 years (some were younger or older but they were interested to participate). These men were very appreciative of the education provided to them: 94-100% found the education session interesting, useful and easy to follow; 64-74% reported that the session had greatly increased their awareness of the consequences of diabetes, of whether they are at risk of developing diabetes and what they can do to reduce their risk of getting diabetes; 32% and 62% were greatly or partly motivated to make some changes to their lifestyles as a result of the project. Findings of the screening session show that 64% of men, who volunteered to be screened, are at high risk (47% in the younger age group 40-49 and 85% in the older age group 50-65). In terms of risk factors, 31% of men had high blood pressure and 62% were overweight which is consistent with the literature; 26% had a family history of diabetes and 8% had a predisposing ethnic background. 261 at-risk men were referred to their GP to have a blood test done and to discuss diet and exercise changes with their doctor to reduce their chance of getting type 2 diabetes. All GPs have been informed of this program. It is encouraging that, in the follow-up surveys so far, 71% of men who were referred, have acted upon our advice and have consulted with their GP regarding the factors that put them at high risk. As a result, 4% had discovered they had diabetes and 5% needed more investigations. Of those who had other tests done in addition to blood glucose tests, 45% needed

30

medication for their high blood pressure, or had high cholesterol levels or enlarged prostate. More follow-ups are still due within the next month. The last phase of the project consisted of a workshop between selected industry representatives, GPs and other health professionals to discuss education and support strategies for those identified at risk. Feedback is being currently analysed.

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: 30/10/01 Researcher: Mr Greg Cahill Organisation: Agriculture Victoria

Bendigo Field Services Unit PO Box 2500 BENDIGO DELIVERY CENTRE VIC 3550


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 choose

the best option, using the case studies as examples Promoting the findings through various groups and educational institutions.

Current Progress

There is a range of reasons (eight basic ones have been identified) why farmer/producers might want to form an industry marketing group, and it is this variety of reasons which will ultimately determine what is the most appropriate structure for a particular group. There are eight different “models” or business structures that have been identified – associations, partnerships, limited companies, private or proprietary companies, public companies, co-operatives, alliance marketing groups and trusts. “New Age” Co-operatives have also been identified as a recent development in the USA and this concept is also being studied. For each model, a number of key criteria have been identified as being crucial in the selection of the most appropriate structure for a particular group. These criteria include the cost and complexity of formation, membership requirements, flexibility of activities, liability of members, government regulations and access to finance. The legal and fiscal requirements are being studied at a very basic level and differences between States are being noted. A list of various marketing groups is being compiled and selected ones will be investigated to illustrate the lessons learnt from groups who have tried the various options available.

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Project Title

Fostering Creativity in Research

RIRDC Project No.:

SYC-5A

Start Date: 1/03/00 Finish Date: 1/03/02 Researcher: Mr. Tony Gleeson Organisation:

Synapse Agricultural and Resource Consulting PO Box 3746 South Brisbane Business Centre SOUTH BRISBANE QLD 4101


Objectives To identify factors constraining and enhancing creativity in agricultural resarch and development and propose concrete ways to encourage creativity. Economic, environmental and social benefits for Australia generally and for agriculture systems and rural Australia more specifically will flow from more creative R&D.

Current Progress

The first phase of the project is concerned principally with resolving design issues and with establishing partnerships with relevant organisations and individuals. A Project Reference Group, three Creativity Action Teams and a data collection component based on paired high and low creative experiences of researchers will be established. It is noteworthy that the Government has now requested Research and Development corporations to consider what priority they should place on enhancing creativity.

Project Title

OPTIONS SERIES: Sources of farm household income - policy implications

RIRDC Project No.:

SYC-8A

Start Date: 01-Jun-2000 Finish Date: 31-Dec-2001 Researcher: Mr Tony Gleeson Organisation: Synapse Agricultural Consulting

PO Box 3746 SOUTH BRISBANE QLD 4101


Objectives Increased awareness by farmers of the potential to gain off farm income strategies for gaining off-farm income the implications of multiple streams of household income.

Current Progress

This project was contracted in June 2000. A report will be available in the next Annual Research-in-Progress report.

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Farm Health and Safety Project Title

Establishing the Managing Farm Safety course delivery system

RIRDC Project No.:

AHU-4A

Start Date: 30-Mar-1998 Finish Date: 30-Aug-2000 Researcher: Assoc Prof Lyn Fragar Organisation: Australian Centre for Agricultural Health & Safety

PO Box 256 MOREE NSW 2400

Phone: (02) 6752 8210 Fax: (02) 6752 6639

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

The National Farm Safety Training Centre was established by March 1999 at the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety and Farmsafe Australia lays down the arrangements. Mr James Houlahan was appointed as the Manager of the National Farm Safety training Centre, and has negotiated the arrangement for establishment of the State Training Centres. Responsibilities of the National Farm Safety Training Centre include Prepare reports for, and provide executive services to the Farm Safety Training

Committee of Farmsafe Australia Liaise with State Managing Farm Safety Training Centres to ensure smooth

operation of the program, and that the policies and procedures of the Management Committee are implemented.

Prepare budgets, maintain the necessary financial accounts and accounting arrangements and prepare financial reports for the Farm Safety Training Committee

Provide training of accredited instructors for the Managing Farm Safety program Maintain the Register Of Instructors accredited to provide the Managing Farm

Safety course Oversee the maintenance of a Register of Participants who have successfully

completed the Managing Farm Safety course in each state Oversee the dispatch training material, supplies and certificates Prepare relevant promotional material in support of the training program,

All of these functions have been carried out by the manager and the Centre.

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Project Title

Farm machinery safety regulatory review project

RIRDC Project No.:

GAP-1A

Start Date: 1/01/00 Finish Date: 31/05/01 Researcher: Prof. Neil Gunningham Organisation:

Gunningham and Associates Pty Ltd PO Box 142 LYNEHAM ACT 2602


Objectives A review of the regulation of farm machinery safety, in particular to • Identify and distinguish between national, state and territory legislation,

regulations and standards, which relate to farm machinery design, and safe work practices.

• Review the effectiveness and appropriateness of legislation and standards in improving farm machinery safety, including issues of national uniformity and interpretation.

• Examine the relationship between legislation, standards and codes of practice, including the appropriateness of "deemed to comply" provisions.

• Assess the relative efficiency and effectiveness of specification, performance and process/systems based standards.

• Recommend the optimal mix of different types of standards in the context of improving machinery safety.

Current Progress

A draft for stage 1 of this project has been completed, with three particular foci. First, an overview is given of the general duties set out in the main occupational health and safety legislation in each Australian jurisdiction that are relevant to farm machinery design. Identified, in particular, are the bearers of obligations and their corresponding duties. Second, the development and strategy of the National Standard for Plant is examined. Third, an overview of the regulations and codes of practice in each state is provided, and the responsibilities of obligation-bearers under the regulation and codes is examined in light of the general legislation and the National Standard. Related issues, emerging criticisms, and international comparison references have been noted during the draft, pertaining to the later stages 2-5 of the project. A review of the effectiveness and appropriateness of existing legislation and standards in improving farm machinery safety will begin shortly.

34

Project Title

Managing Farm Safety in the Sugar Industry Field Sector

RIRDC Project No.:

STR-1A

Start Date: 01-May-2000 Finish Date: 31-Jul-2002 Researcher: Mr. Chris Allen Organisation: STR Applications Pty Ltd

PO Box 41 James Cook University TOWNSVILLE QLD 4811


Objectives • To develop an effective safety management system for the sugarcane growing industry in Australia and provide the training and extension services to introduce and test the system in the work place.

This project seeks to work for and with the sugar cane industry to: • Develop a profile of OH&S hazards and risks • Develop and pilot sugarcane farm health and safety audit checklists • Produce specific industry guidance for managing relevant health and safety

hazards and risks • Develop and test a sugarcane farm worker safety induction resource • Develop and test a sugarcane farm management safety training course • Evaluate the success of this project in enhancing health and safety associated

with sugarcane production

Current Progress

This project was only contracted in May 2000. The project will be reported on in next year’s Research-in-Progress publication.

Project Title

National Farm Injury Data Collection - Australian Centre for Agricultural Health &Safety

RIRDC Project No.:

US-86A

Start Date: 01/04/00 Finish Date: 30/09/02 Researcher: Assoc Prof Lyn Fragar Organisation: Australian Agricultural Health Unit

PO Box 256 MOREE NSW 2400


Objectives To provide relevant data reports for the national farm health and safety programs • Revision of the Farm Injury Optimal Dataset • Reports of injury and cost associated with falls in the agriculture sector • Reports of Health and Safety in specific industries - Grains, Cotton, Sheep and

Wool, Horticulture, Dairy, Beef Cattle • Agreed research methodology to establish costs (including unpriced costs)

associated with injury and illness in agricultural industries

35

• Machinery safety reports for the Farm Machinery Safety Project • Biennial Report of Health and Safety on Australian Farms • State Farm Health and Safety profiles for Queensland, NSW and Western

Australia • Annual report of child deaths on farms • Review report of Farmsafe Australia Goals and Targets • Strengthening of the capacity and skills of farm injury data managers in all states

through maintenance of the existing network, newsletters and a training seminar • External evaluation report of the National Farm Injury Data Centre

Current Progress

Version 1.2 of the Farm Injury Optimal Dataset has been published and is being circulated for comment by those who have used the dataset. Comments are being received and revision will be undertaken in consultation with users and those who are guiding injury data collection more generally. The National Farm Injury Data Centre has produced newsletters for a growing network of personnel involved in farm injury data collection and reporting. The mid-term review of the Farmsafety Australia Goals, Targets and Strategy has been undertaken and is available through the National Farm Injury Data Centre and RIRDC. An Advisory Group has been assembled and is working with project staff on preparing guidelines for costing farm injury and farm safety programs.

Project Title

National farm machinery safety program - Australian Centre for Agricultural Health & Safety

RIRDC Project No.:

US-87A

Start Date: 01/01/00 Finish Date: 30/11/01 Researcher: Assoc Prof Fragar Organisation: Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety



Objectives Implementation of the Farmsafe Australia National Farm Machinery Strategy, and specifically:

1. Establishment of the national framework for action through maintenance of the National Farm Machinery Safety Reference Group to oversee the program

2. Identification of farm machinery safety priorities for action (with the National Farm Injury Data Centre Project)

3. Recommendations for safe working practice, safer machine design, modifications of current standards, further research action for 4 key problems, being a) Tractor runovers b) Grain augers c) Post-hole diggers d) PTO shaft guards.

4. Development of education and training resources for farm machinery safety 5. A review of relevant national, state and territory legislation/regulations/standards

and their implementation (To be undertaken by the Farm Machinery Safety Regulatory Review Project)

6. A media and promotion strategy aimed at ensuring participation of all stakeholders

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Current Progress

The Farm Mechanisation Centre of the University of Queensland will recruit a Project Officer to work with the National Farm Safety Reference Group to undertake the project work. Priorities that have been established will be the subject of Working Group review: Tractor run-over, PTO shaft guarding, Grain augers and post-hole diggers. Data has been assembled and a draft research plan for evaluation of the Safe Tractor Platform has an effective intervention for reducing deaths from tractor run-over has been drafted in preparation for the Working Group considering tractor run-overs.

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


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 (i) documentation of farm injury prevention activities and approaches in Victoria and Queensland; and the determination of (ii) changes in attitudes, knowledge and practice over time, (iii) possible associations between changes in these parameters and exposure to farm injury prevention activities; (iv) differences between the major commodity groups, and (v) differences in farm safety progress between the two states and (vi) a set of generic guidelines for the evaluation of farm safety programs.

Current Progress

Over the last 12 months progress has been made towards meeting both the primary and secondary objectives. Analysis of the 1998 farmer survey has been completed and comparison with Queensland undertaken. The results were presented at the Third Biennial Farm Injury Conference in Cairns in 1999. It is clear that the differences in geography, characteristics of the agricultural industry, and legislative history between Queensland and Victoria necessarily influence the approach to farm safety. Generally speaking, the survey results on farm safety characteristics and practices were consistent with the major emphasis of the prevention strategies in the two states. For example, Victoria had higher proportions of tractors with roll-over protection, and properties with children under 5 years having a secure play area. Queensland had higher proportions of properties having conducted a formal safety check in the last 12 months, and a higher farm safety index score. The Victorian survey will be repeated in 2001 to gauge the impact of farm injury prevention programs. The guidelines for the evaluation of farm safety programs have been drafted and further developed in a national workshop conducted in March 2000. The guidelines are currently being finalised.

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Leadership Project Title

Rural Women’s Award 2000 - Rowena Doyle

RIRDC Project No.:

DOY-1A

Start Date: 13-Mar-2000 Finish Date: 31-Aug-2001 Researcher: Ms. Rowena Doyle Phone: (03) 5382 2811 Email: [email protected]

Objectives The researcher’s plan is to provide a hands on training facility for prospective and existing mohair producers so that they can learn mohair classing standards, animal selection, shearing techniques and animal nutrition for fibre production. The researcher will do a diploma in elite fibre production, work with the Australian Mohair Marketing Organisation and undertake a three week study tour to South Africa, the largest mohair producing country in the world.

Current Progress

The Victorian winner of the Rural Women’s Award 2000 received a bursary to further develop her skills and the opportunity to take part in a national leadership / media skills training course. This Award was made in March this year and will be reported on in the next Annual Research-in-Progress report.

Project Title

Rural Women’s Award 2000 – Diana Gibbs

RIRDC Project No.:

GIB-1A

Start Date: 13-Mar-2000 Finish Date: 31-Aug-2001 Researcher: Diana Gibbs Phone: (02) 6942 3898 Email: [email protected]

Objectives The researcher proposes to establish a direct marketing business to sell ‘Riverina Wool’ into Europe. She also proposes to establish a joint venture with the Wiradjuri people and incorporate the Koori culture in the wool garment design.

Current Progress

This NSW winner of the Rural Women’s Award 2000 received a bursary to further develop her skills and also the opportunity to take part in a national leadership / media skills training course. This Award was made in March this year and will be reported on in the next Annual Research-in-Progress report.

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Project Title

Rural Women’s Award 2000 – Mary Nenke

RIRDC Project No.:

NEN-1A

Start Date: 13-Mar-2000 Finish Date: 31-Aug-2001 Researcher: Mary Nenke Phone: (08) 9864 6054 Email: [email protected]

Objectives To travel the United States to study the craw fish (US fresh water lobster) and cat fish industries as a means of improving the Western Australian yabby industry.

Current Progress

This WA winner of the Rural Women’s Award 2000 received a bursary to further develop her skills and also give her the opportunity to take part in a national leadership / media skills training course. This Award was made in March this year and will be reported on in the next Annual Research-in-Progress report.

Project Title

Rural Women’s Award 2000 - Annie Pfeffer

RIRDC Project No.:

PFE-1A

Start Date: 13-Mar-2000 Finish Date: 31-Aug-2001 Researcher: Annie Pfeffer Phone: (07) 4693 8191 Email: [email protected]

Objectives To promote monounsaturated sunflower oil for improved health.

Current Progress

This Queensland winner of the Rural Women’s Award 2000 received a bursary to further develop her skills and gave her the opportunity to take part in a national leadership / media skills training course. This Award was made in March this year and will be reported on in the next Annual Research-in-Progress report.

Project Title

Rural Women’s Award 2000 – Carol Schofield

RIRDC Project No.:

SCH-1A

Start Date: 13-Mar-2000 Finish Date: 31-Aug-2001 Researcher: Carol Schofield Phone: (08) 8558 8215 Email: [email protected]

Objectives To see the fresh water Crayfish Farming Industry (yabbies and marron) reach its full potential.

Current Progress

This South Australian winner of the Rural Women’s Award 2000 received a bursary to further develop her skills and gave her the opportunity to take part in a national leadership / media skills training course. This Award was made in March this year and will be reported on in the next Annual Research-in-Progress report.

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Project Title

Rural Women’s Award 2000 – Anne Taylor

RIRDC Project No.:

TAY-1A

Start Date: 13-Mar-2000 Finish Date: 31-Aug-2001 Researcher: Anne Taylor Phone: (03) 6398 6212 Email: [email protected]

Objectives To conduct on-farm training workshops on a technique for manual handling, designed to prevent injuries caused by lifting.

Current Progress

This Tasmanian winner of the Rural Women’s Award 2000 received a bursary to further develop her skills and gave her the opportunity to take part in a national leadership / media skills training course. This Award was made in March this year and will be reported on in the next Annual Research-in-Progress report.

Project Title

Rural Women’s Award 2000 – Sue Wainwright

RIRDC Project No.:

WAI-1A

Start Date: 13-Mar-2000 Finish Date: 31-Aug-2001 Researcher: Sue Wainwright Phone: (08) 9871 2465 Email: [email protected]

Objectives To establish an export standard facility which will offer the Territory a new direction for maximising domestic production.

Current Progress

This NT winner of the Rural Women’s Award 2000 received a bursary to further develop her skills and gave her the opportunity to take part in a national leadership / media skills training course. This Award was made in March this year and will be reported on in the next Annual Research-in-Progress report.

Scholarships

Project Title

Nuffield Farming Scholarship Review Implementation Project

RIRDC Project No.:

ANF-1A

Start Date: 27/03/00 Finish Date: 30/04/02 Researcher: Dr Harry Perkins Organisation:

Australian Nuffield Scholarships Association Royal Showgrounds Epsom Road ASCOT VALE VIC 3032

Phone: (03) 9281 7424

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Fax: (03) 9376 8156

Objectives A "new" Nuffield farming scholarship program with a much larger number of enhanced scholarships; better targetted to the needs of rural R&D corporations and agribusiness stakeholders; focussed on enhancing the management capacity of Australian farmers (including financial, technological, entrepreneurial and marketing skills) and on building and management of effective social and business networks.

Current Progress

This project commenced in March 2000. Progress will be reported in the next Annual Research-in-Progress report.

Project Title

Scholarship - Louise Silvers

RIRDC Project No.:

ANU-31A

Start Date: 1/01/98 Finish Date: 31/12/00 Researcher: Ms Louise Silvers Organisation: Pest Animal Control CRC Phone: 02 6242 1537 Fax: 02 6242 1511 Email: [email protected]

Objectives TOPIC OF THESIS: "To examine the biological basis of host specificity of myxoma virus strains from North and South America in different leporid species at both the cellular and molecular level."

Current Progress Species specificity of viral infections and the ability of a virus to shift into new host species are poorly understood. This is being examined for myxoma virus (Poxviridae; leporipoxvirus) in three species of rabbit: Sylvilagus nuttallii, S.audubonii and Oryctolagus cuniculus, which have different susceptibilities to infection with Brazilian and Californian myxoma viruses but are not natural hosts for either virus. Brazilian and Californian types of myxoma viruses are found in S.brasiliensis and S.bachmanii respectively. Each virus is adapted for arthropod transmission from its natural host, in which it induces a benign cutaneous fibroma. However, both virus types induce the systemic disease myxomatosis in European rabbits (O.cuniculus). The aim is to understand the mechanism by which virus dissemination and replication are controlled by the different species for each virus and which virus proteins are important in host specificity. S.nuttallii developed systemic disease when infected with the Brazilian virus (Lausanne strain), and virus was present in the lung, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. Primary and secondary skin lesions contained virus above the transmission threshold (107pfu/g). Lausanne-infected S.audubonii developed large lesions in the skin at the inoculation site. Systemic disease was not observed, although virus disseminated to draining lymph nodes and distal skin. When infected with the Californian virus (MSW strain), both S.nuttallii and S.audubonii developed small primary lesions with virus titres below transmission thresholds. Thus each virus can replicate and disseminate in both species, however, there are different levels of control in the different species. It is suggested that this reflects the ability of each virus to suppress the innate and adaptive immune responses in each species.

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Project Title

Scholarship – Jennifer Ticehurst “Hydrological analysis of the spatially explicit intergration of agroforestry into Australia’s farming systems.”

RIRDC Project No.:

ANU-40A

Start Date: 7/2/00 Finish Date: 7/2/03 Researcher: Ms Jennifer Ticehurst Organisation: ANU Phone: 02 6246 5961 Fax: 02 6246 5965 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • Contribute to a landscape scale biophysical framework to enable the development of new mosaic land-use systems by CSIRO Land and Water.

• To increase the understanding of water flow paths through the whole regolith (surface flow, rootzone water movement and groundwater processes) in an integrated analysis.

• Provide knowledge to assist in the efficient identification of spatially explicit recharge and discharge sites.

Current Progress

In the past 4 months I have been studying literature to identify the gaps in knowledge of landscape hydrology that limit the incorporation of agroforestry into agricultural systems. Agroforestry designs, such as those discussed in ‘Agroforestry Guidelines’ (Stirzaker et al in press), exist to optimise water use for various hydrological scenarios. In order to implement some of these designs an efficient means to identify where subsurface lateral flow occurs needs to be developed. This study will focus on the occurrence and possible morphological indicators of subsurface lateral flow. Many farming simulation models currently in use do not adequately consider lateral flow at the hillslope or catchment scale. The results from my research will also be used to support the incorporation of simple subsurface lateral flow components into such models. The Billabong Creek catchment has been confirmed as the case study catchment for this research. This area is also being studied as part of the CSIRO/MDBC Heartlands project. Following a visit to the area and meeting with the local extension staff and Landcare members, several potential field study sites have been identified. In order to limit potential sources of error in extrapolating small scale field and laboratory hydraulic data to catchment scale models, a combination of integrative soil water measurements will be used at a scale appropriate for catchment processes. Currently the potential of environmental tracers are being explored.

Documents

Sub-Program 4.3 HUMAN CAPITAL, COMMUNICATIONS … · This program aims to enhance human capital and facilitate ... HOUSEHOLD INCOME ... Objectives Estimate the extent to which farm