Farm Types Research Articles

Social carrying capacity of oyster mariculture on coast of South Carolina: Understanding stakeholders perceptions and thresholds for oyster mariculture development

There is a growing embrace of oysters as a local food and quality niche product, and considerable growth potential exists for oyster farming in South Carolina (SC), USA. However, it is unknown if the coastal stakeholders will support oyster mariculture’s growth and the extent or type of farm that could occur without opposition. This study examines the social carrying capacity for oyster farming in Charleston and Beaufort Counties, SC, USA. A survey of 383 stakeholders in the study counties was conducted to 1) identify thresholds for specific indicators, such as the size of oyster farms and 2) to determine the societal acceptability of potential actions or policies that may be used in the permitting and management of oyster farms. This survey used photographic simulations of oyster farms, including virtual reality (VR) 360° still images and videos, to elicit responses from participants. The goal of this research was to develop and deliver information on the social carrying capacity of oyster farming in ways that create utility to permitting agencies, extension services, shellfish growers, and other organizations that work directly with oyster farmers. The results show that Lack of Knowledge is the biggest hurdle in fully assessing the public’s acceptability of oyster mariculture and that consistent and scientifically factual information about oyster mariculture needs to be more readily available to the public. The authors also discuss the efficacy of the use of VR technologies for the purposes of conducting normative threshold research that utilizes visual based methods.

Air quality assessment of poultry and swine houses in Chonburi Province

ABSTRACT The increased consumption of animal products has led to a proliferation of animal husbandry operations, particularly in agricultural countries. Animal husbandry facilities or livestock farming directly impact the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the environment, giving rise to various issues such as odors, contamination of water and air sources with pathogens, and potential contamination of meat products originating from these facilities. This research aims to assess the impacts on the physical (temperature, relative humidity and air velocity), chemical (carbon dioxide, total volatile organic compounds and particulate matter), and biological air quality assessment (amount and type of bioaerosols) aspects resulting from pig and poultry farming. The findings will serve as valuable data for managing and addressing these aforementioned issues. It was found that both in poultry and swine houses generated total suspended particles (TSP) and PM10 (Particulate Matter with a diameter of 10 µm or less). Analysis of poultry house exhaust revealed elevated concentrations of TSP and PM10 exceeding established health benchmarks. Chickens tend to produce a higher concentration of VOCs (2.07 ± 0.57 ppm) compared to swine (0.82 ± 0.53 ppm). Staphylococcus epidermidis was predominant bacteria in both swine and poultry houses while Cladosporium sp was the most prevalent fungi in poultry houses. These results in this study are very useful for developing targeted mitigation strategies, products, devices to address specific pollutants produced by each type of livestock, reducing overall environmental impact and improving air quality within and around animal husbandry facilities. Implications: This research highlights how the growing demand for meat is affecting the environment, especially in farming areas. By studying the effects of pig and poultry farming on things like air and water quality, the study shows the challenges these farms pose, like bad smells and pollution. They found that both types of farms release a lot of tiny particles and smelly chemicals into the air, but there are differences between them. Understanding these findings can help us develop ways to reduce the pollution from these farms and make the air cleaner for everyone.

Optimal management plans and initiatives for the valorization and safeguarding of local breeds: a mathematical programming approach

In this study, a parametric programming model was developed in order to deliver optimal management plans for various types of farms rearing endangered Greek sheep breeds under three distinct scenarios. The first scenario investigated the optimal internal organization of farms (i.e., management practices and resource allocation strategies that increase profitability of farms) under current market conditions (e.g., product prices) without, however, considering subsidies and compensations. The second assessed the impact of an agri-environmental support scheme on farm optimal structure and socioeconomic performance. The third investigated the effects of integrating farms into value chains and niche markets where premium prices prevail. For this purpose, a questionnaire survey was conducted in the wider region of Epirus and Thessaly, collecting management data from 16 farms rearing (i) Kalaritiko, (ii) Orino Epiru and (iii) Katsika rare sheep breeds. The main finding of this study was that the optimal internal organization of farms is essential for their self-reliance and viability. Therefore, it should be the basis in the designing of any initiative aimed at the preservation and valorization of local breeds. Furthermore, the analysis showed that a niche marketing strategy (i.e., a premium price strategy) can have a broader positive impact on farms structure and socioeconomic performance, particularly those engaged in cheese production, compared to an agri-environmental scheme. However, due to the fact that both initiatives possess limitations that may render them inefficient under specific external conditions, the development of an integrated incentive mechanism, which will combine both policy schemes and market-based initiatives, appeared to be a more effective strategy for the long-term viability of farms.

Assessment of Knowledge and Biosecurity Practices Related to Avian Influenza Among Poultry Workers in a District of South India.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a contagious disease that affects both animals and humans, posing a significant threat to public health, animal welfare, and the economy. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge of avian influenza among poultry farmworkers and evaluate the biosecurity practices implemented on their farms. The study's primary objective was to assess the knowledge regarding avian influenza among poultry farmworkers and the biosecurity practices they follow at the farm. Cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in a district of South India. This study included 105 poultry farmworkers across 70 poultry farms in the district. Assessment of the participants' knowledge related to avian influenza, and the association between knowledge levels, demographic, and farm-related factors such as working experience in the poultry farm, type of poultry farm, type of poultry reared, and biosecurity practices. In the study, 90% of participants were aware of avian influenza, with 36% correctly identifying the virus as its cause, whereas 5% wrongly cited it to be a bacteria. Although 90% knew avian influenza was infectious, only 18% recognized its potential transmission to humans; however, 82% understood prevention methods. Participants with an education level beyond high school displayed significantly higher awareness ( P < .05), emphasizing importance of the education. The study showed diverse awareness levels among poultry farmworkers regarding avian influenza, emphasizing gaps in the knowledge, particularly about its transmission to humans. This underscores the need for targeted awareness campaigns focusing on zoonotic risks to improve the level of understanding and implement effective preventive measures against avian influenza.

The Configuration Path of the New Rural Collective Economy to Promote the Common Prosperity of Farmers: Based on Qualitative Comparative Analysis Method and the Rural Cases in Zhejiang, China

The new rural collective economy is an important external mechanism for promoting the common prosperity of Chinese farmers. At the same time, the livelihood capital of farmers provides an essential internal support. Achieving an effective match between the two elements is a significant research issue. This article, based on the survey data from 1024 rural households in 43 villages in Zhejiang Province, China, defines the economic functions, social functions, management functions, and cultural functions of the new rural collective economy. The study employs the qualitative comparative analysis method to explore the role of the new rural collective economy in the promotion of the common prosperity of rural households. The necessity analysis shows that the single-factor condition is not the necessary condition for the common prosperity of farmers. However, the adequacy analysis reveals that the linkage and match between the new rural collective economy and the farmers’ livelihood capital can create multiple equivalent pathways for the farmers’ common prosperity. These pathways include the economic function-driven model of the new rural collective economy, the driven model of the high-level livelihoods combined economic functions, the joint model of social function and management functions, the natural capital-driven model, and the joint model of human capital and social capital. Based on these findings, this article proposes targeted governance strategies, including creating pillar industries, strengthening public management services, expanding the scope of social services, and building a coordination mechanism between the new type of rural collective economy and farmers’ livelihood capital.

Understanding the Dairy Sector in Slovenia: A Modeling Approach for Policy Evaluation and Decision Support

This study investigates the dairy sector in Slovenia, focusing on farm heterogeneity, efficiency in resource utilization, and policy implementations. Through a modeling approach, we explore the differences among dairy farms, considering factors such as herd size, farm management, natural conditions, and production potential. Based on 32 typical dairy farms, representing the entire dairy sector, composed of 6400 dairy farms, the analysis was performed using the farm model (SiTFarm). We emphasize the importance of accurate assessments, given the variability of policy impacts across farm types. While medium-to-large, specialized farms dominate milk production, smaller farms, particularly in less favored areas, hold social and environmental importance despite facing competitive challenges. Addressing environmental sustainability could involve promoting practices that improve milk yield and include grazing, as this tends to lower greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of milk (−5%). Dairy farms contribute about one-third of the generated revenue in Slovene agriculture, of which a good half goes to farms located in less favored areas. They manage a good quarter of permanent grassland in Slovenia, and it is certainly the sector that can achieve the highest return on these areas. In 75% of the farms, the gross margin is higher than 1756 EUR/ha and using best practices they exceed 3400 EUR/ha. The model results indicate that the average hourly rate on dairy farms during the observed period falls within the range of EUR 7.3 to 17.4 of gross margin for most farms, with the top-performing ones exceeding 24 EUR/h. However, due to the significant reliance on budgetary payments (on average, 58% of the gross margin), the implementation of the common agricultural policy strategic plan generally leads to a deterioration in the economic indicators of dairy farms. This impact is particularly pronounced on medium-sized and larger farms, increasing the effect on income due to the substantial fixed costs involved. Our findings underscore the interplay between policy interventions, farm characteristics, and sectoral outcomes, offering valuable insights for policy-makers and stakeholders.

The demand for agricultural credit in central Chile

PurposeThe design of effective policies that increase access to agricultural credit should consider understanding credit constraint farmers’ groups and their response to changes in the credit conditions. To contribute to this understanding, this study surveyed farmers from Chile and classified them into five credit constraint categories discussed in credit literature. In addition, these farmers indicated how they would react to a series of hypothetical conditions related to changing interest rates, loan maturity and grace periods. Their responses were employed to measure credit demand scores (i.e. relative elasticities). Regression tests evaluated how different types of farmers reacted to changing credit conditions.Design/methodology/approachFarmers from Chile were surveyed using a mix of random and convenience sampling. Surveyed farmers were classified into five credit constraint categories proposed by previous research. Farmers rated their demand for credit on a five-point Likert-type scale for hypothetical changes in interest rates, loan maturities and grace periods. Their responses were employed to measure credit demand scores or relative credit elasticities. The study evaluated credit elasticity as a function of farmers’ credit constraint and some control variables using several regressions, including OLS, ordered probit and hierarchical regression.FindingsThe study identified 44% unconstrained nonborrowing farmers, 23% unconstrained borrowers, 14% quantity-constrained, 16% risk-constrained and 3% transaction cost-constrained farmers. Unconstrained borrowers and quantity-constrained farmers responded most to changing interest rates and loan maturity conditions. In addition, unconstrained nonborrowers and risk-constrained farmers were statistically less sensitive to changes in credit conditions than unconstrained borrowers. This finding is significant because, as discussed, unconstrained nonborrowers represent 44% of our sample. Furthermore, risk-constrained farmers were the least sensitive to changes in interest rates and loan maturity across all other credit categories.Practical implicationsThis study gives insights that can guide agribusiness policies to enhance access to credit in developing countries such as Chile. Agricultural credit capital institutions can better target their clientele by identifying farmers’ possible reactions before implementing policy changes to increase access to credit. This study’s credit constraint categorization and the results discussed can guide that identification. For instance, policies directed toward unconstrained borrowing farmers may find positive responses. However, implementing policies targeting the other three groups (unconstrained nonborrowing, risk-constrained and transaction cost-constrained farmers) is more challenging because these farmers are less responsive to changing credit conditions.Originality/valueThis article correlates farmers’ propensity to borrow and credit constraints across five categories of farmers. Prior research using this categorization framework has not identified farmers into the five groups. Furthermore, in addition to interest rate and loan maturity credit demand relative elasticity, this study adds the grace period elasticity, which has not been included in previous studies on agricultural credit.

Exploring the Linkages between farm efficiency, farm environmental performance, and agri-environmental scheme adoption: Lessons from France

The agricultural detrimental effects on the environment are a source of concern. Public mea-sures, such as agri-environmental schemes (AES), have been designed to incentivize farmers to adopt more sound environmental practices on the farm. In this study, we examine the effects of past initial economic and environmental performances on AES adoption by focusing on crop farms. Using Firth's logistic regression to address small sample bias with French FADN data from 1997 to 2007, we mainly find that technical efficiency has heterogeneous effects on AES adoption, depending on environmental indexes. This result suggests the presence of windfall effects. We also show complex interactions (antagonism or synergy) between economic and environmental performances in adoption decisions, and heterogeneous effects depending on the type of farming.The agricultural detrimental effects on the environment are a source of concern. Public mea-sures, such as agri-environmental schemes (AES), have been designed to incentivize farmers to adopt more sound environmental practices on the farm. In this study, we examine the effects of past initial economic and environmental performances on AES adoption by focusing on crop farms. Using Firth's logistic regression to address small sample bias with French FADN data from 1997 to 2007, we mainly find that technical efficiency has heterogeneous effects on AES adoption, depending on environmental indexes. This result suggests the presence of windfall effects. We also show complex interactions (antagonism or synergy) between economic and environmental performances in adoption decisions, and heterogeneous effects depending on the type of farming.

From Herd Health to Public Health: Digital Tools for Combating Antibiotic Resistance in Dairy Farms.

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant threat to global food security, human health, and the future of livestock production. Higher rates of antimicrobial use in dairy farming and the sheer lack of new antimicrobials available for use focused attention on the question of how the dairy production sector contributed to the development of AMR and paved the path toward taking action to curtail it on the targeted type of farms. This paper aims to provide an introduction to a phenomenon that has gained considerable attention in the recent past due to its ever-increasing impact, the use of antimicrobial drugs, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on dairy farms, and seeks to discuss the possibilities of approaches such as digital health monitoring and precision livestock farming. Using sensors, data, knowledge, automation, etc., digital health monitoring, as well as Precision Livestock Farming (PLF), is expected to enhance health control and minimize disease and antimicrobial usage. The work presents a literature review on the current status and trends of AMR in dairy farms, an understanding of the concept of digital health monitoring and PLF, and the presentation and usefulness of digital health monitoring and PLF in preventing AMR. The study also analyses the strengths and weaknesses of adopting and incorporating digital technologies and artificial intelligence for dairy farming and presents areas for further study and level of use.

Quantitative Risk Assessment of Wind-Supported Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus to Dutch Poultry Farms via Fecal Particles from Infected Wild Birds in the Environment.

A quantitative microbial risk assessment model was developed to estimate the probability that the aerosolization of fecal droppings from wild birds in the vicinity of poultry farms would result in the infection of indoor-housed poultry with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIv) in the Netherlands. Model input parameters were sourced from the scientific literature and experimental data. The availability of data was diverse across input parameters, and especially parameters on the aerosolization of fecal droppings, survival of HPAIv and dispersal of aerosols were uncertain. Model results indicated that the daily probability of infection of a single poultry farm is very low, with a median value of 7.5 × 10-9. Accounting for the total number of poultry farms and the length of the bird-flu season, the median overall probability of at least one HPAIv-infected poultry farm during the bird-flu season is 2.2 × 10-3 (approximately once every 455 years). This is an overall estimate, averaged over different farm types, virus strains and wild bird species, and results indicate that uncertainty is relatively high. Based on these model results, we conclude that it is unlikely that this introduction route plays an important role in the occurrence of HPAIv outbreaks in indoor-housed poultry.

Farming Systems and GAP Adoption in JASS Coffee in Tlahab, Temanggung Regency, Indonesia

Farming systems provide information about the complexity of agriculture at the household level in a region. In Temanggung, Indonesia, the Java Arabica Sindoro-Sumbing (JASS) coffee intercropped with tobacco and vegetables provides an interesting interaction study. Despite its potential, no in-depth research has been conducted on farming systems and the level of good agricultural practices (GAP) adoption in JASS plantations. This study sought to analyze farming systems and determine the level of GAP adoption by the JASS coffee farmers in Tlahab, Temanggung, Central Java Province. One hundred fifty-eight purposively sampled farmers were interviewed in depth. The study employed agrarian system diagnosis as tool for analyzing farming systems, and calculated GAP adoption using the chi-square test. Before 1999, the simple farming system consisted of planting tobacco and red beans during the dry season, switching to corn during the rainy season, and keeping livestock for emergency savings and manure. However, erosion was a major problem because few wood trees existed. Farmers grew JASS coffee in large quantities and positioned it as a conservation plant and as a new income source. After 2000, they grew JASS coffee alongside tobacco and red beans during the dry season, followed by more diverse cropping during the rainy season. The study classified the JASS coffee farmers as specialist, rainforest, and diversified coffee farmers. Plant spacing and intercropping had more than 75 percent adoption rate, water and soil conservation, along with growing shade trees, had 30 to 50 percent adoption, while fertilizing and pruning had less than 25 percent. Specialist coffee farmers dominated the practice of GAP cultivation and had higher yield and income from coffee cherries than two other types of farmers.

Indicators for ecological carrying capacity of bivalve and seaweed aquaculture

AbstractWithin the framework of Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture (EAA), ecological carrying capacity (ECC) is a key concept that helps to determine the upper limit of production without compromising ecosystem functioning. The implementation of ECC is complex as ECC differs between type of farms and location and standardised methods should be developed for management. There is therefore a clear need for operational indicators. The objectives of this paper were: (1) to carry out a systematic literature review on shellfish and seaweed aquaculture‐environment interactions to list the most used environmental indicators, (2) to classify the indicators according to the effects they measure (i.e., benthic, water quality, food web interactions, cultured organism health, resource use) and the scale at which they are applied, and (3) to assess their potential based on four indicator criteria categories: sensitivity, accuracy and precision, feasibility and utility, and ecosystem‐level scalability. Overall, indicators describing benthic effects were the most highly cited and scored. Indicators identified for bivalve and seaweed culture were discussed and compared to previous work on salmon aquaculture indicators to highlight similarities and differences across trophic levels. In addition, questions related to the challenges of ECC indicators implementation were presented to a panel of experts. The scoring and consultation provided the source of discussion on environmental management consistent with EAA.

Comparison of Antibiotic Use and the Frequency of Diseases Depending on the Size of Herd and the Type of Cattle Breeding.

Diseases are responsible for losses in livestock production by increasing animal mortality and reducing productivity. The administration of antibiotics can help mitigate these negative effects. However, inappropriate use can lead to severe complications, such as raising antibiotic resistance. The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of antibiotic use and disease frequency over four years, based on the size of dairy farms and the type of farm. The study covered a 4-year period and included medium dairy farms (20-50 cows, n = 13), large dairy farms (>250 cows, n = 8), and large beef farms (n = 8). The collected data involved antimicrobial use but also included farm demographics, animal health, disease frequency, and herd management practices. The criteria used to categorise antibiotics into groups A-D were based on the EMA guidelines. The carried-out study showed that the large dairy cattle farms had the highest antibiotic consumption (18.29 mg·PCU-1), due to the high frequency of diseases, and consequently, the treatment of calf (diarrhoea, lung inflammations) and cow diseases (general treatment and mastitis). Cattle on large beef farms suffer mainly from general diseases caused by maintenance and herd management conditions. The use of restrict antibiotics was, in some cases, unjustified (antibiotics for dry cow therapy). Future studies should consider a larger number of farms, taking into account the given direction of cattle production.

BADANIA WSTĘPNE NAD STĘŻENIEM SELENU I MIEDZI U BYDŁA MIĘSNEGO POCHODZĄCEGO Z RÓŻNYCH TYPÓW GOSPODARSTW

To maintain proper beef cattle health and performance, it is essential to provide adequate amounts of trace elements in their diet. A growing body of research has recently assessed the interaction between different microelements and macroelements, especially those needed by the body; such knowledge is important for assessing differences in their bioavailability. The aim of the study was to compare the selenium and copper content in the serum of cows raised on various types of farms, and to examine the interaction between these elements. Selenium content was determined using spectrofluorometry (Shimadzu RF-5001 PC spectrofluorimeter), while copper levels were studied using colorimetry (Marcel Media spectrophotometer). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13.3 PL software. The accuracy of the analytical method was determined using Seronorm Trace Elements Whole Blood L-2 as reference material. The recovery ranged from 95 to 97% of the reference value. Our results found beef cattle from conventional farms to be characterized by higher serum levels of selenium (0.09 ± 0.034 vs. 0.015 ± 0.057 μg·ml−1) and copper (0.834 ± 0.14 vs. 0.658 ± 0.176 μg·ml−1) than those from organic farms. In addition, no statistically significant correlation was found between Se and Cu concentrations for organic or conventional farms. In order to ensure optimal coverage of the demand for essential elements, animal supplementation is recommended.

Technical Efficiency and Allocative Efficiency of Beef Cattle Fattening in the Content of Digital Economy: An Empirical Study Based on Survey in China

This study applies data envelopment analysis (DEA) to gauge technical efficiency and allocative efficiency in China’s beef cattle-fattening industry using survey data. The Tobit model considers the salient determinants that drive these efficiencies. The results indicate that (1) large-scale farms exhibit robust TE and pure technical efficiencies (PTE), whereas scale efficiencies (SE) diverge significantly between large and medium-sized operations. The cost efficiency (CE) of smaller farms lags behind their larger counterparts, with the latter displaying greater revenue efficiencies (RE) and profit efficiency (PE). (2) The influence of identical factors on the efficiency of beef cattle fattening production can vary, sometimes antithetically, across different scales. Local policy interventions must be differentiated according to farm type and size. (3) The unique context of China’s national conditions and the status quo of livestock farming render the dual implementation of environmental regulations and technological subsidies less viable for Chinese beef cattle farms. These entities should prioritize production over technological innovation and advancement. Policymakers should adopt strategies such as targeted skill/technological training for farm managers at particular scales of operation. This could represent a critical trajectory to augment the efficiency of beef cattle production and increase beef yield in China.

Displaying the realities of the villagers from the Voronezh Province in their folk accent

The article represents the speech of the senior age group from the Central Black Earth Region. The purpose of this scientific essay is to describe, by means of the folk dialect, the 20 th -century realities of the residents from the village of 2nd Voznesenovka, the Talovsky District. The subject of the study is the world of man in the Voronezh Province of the last century. The object of this work is the Voznesenov dialect. In the course of writing the article, we used the methods of stationary observation, interviewing, analysis and description. As a result, through one of the dialects of the Voronezh Region, we present the realities of the villagers: their family, war and the memory of it, times of hunger, their housing, education, different types of work, farming, local authorities and relations with them, field work and gardening, the material side of life, etc. It is concluded that the villagers’ peculiarity is their simplicity, openness, hard work, sincerity, generosity, original ingenuity, ability to overcome temporary misfortunes, remaining honest and decent. The article shows that there is special care for each other and the truly great rural spirit, coupled with faith in a higher power. Based on the realities of the Voznesenovites, presented in the article, we get an idea of the South Russian dialect (the system of vocalism). This material has been introduced into scientific circulation for the first time.

A Qualitative Enquiry of On-Farm Rules About Quad Bikes (ATVs): How Rules Are Determined and Implemented at a Farm Level in Rural Australia

ABSTRACT Objective Quad bikes are a leading cause of death and incident-related injury on farms, yet little is understood about rules used by farmers to ensure their safe operation. This study explored rules about quad bikes set by those who live or work on farms. Through the case of quad bikes, this study sought to understand how rules are determined and implemented at the farm level. Setting A mix of farm types and locations in rural Australia including Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales. Participants Eight farmers were interviewed and recruited from information sheets at farmers’ markets, through a local health organisation, and a media release. Design Thematic analysis was used to transform data from eight semi-structured interviews with farmers in rural Australia. Results Data were distilled into two themes – “Rule content” described the explicit rules farmers had set on their properties, while the theme “Underlying rule principles” explored the values and norms which underpinned the creation and implementation of these rules. Conclusions Through the case of quad bike rules, this study illustrated how rules are determined and implemented at the farm level. Perceptions of risk were tied to farmers being experts in their own environment and therefore able to mitigate risk. In contrast to injury data, reckless use of quad bikes was perceived to cause incidents, and this was the basis of rules for adults and children.

Enhancing drought resilience and vulnerability assessment in small farms: A global expert survey on multidimensional indicators

The purpose of the paper is to evaluate drought vulnerability and resilience within the context of small-scale farms. Small-scale farms are distinguished by their family-oriented motives, which prioritize maintaining the stability of the household farm system. This type of farming is responsible for a significant part of the world's food production, thus identifying their vulnerability and resilience to drought is essential to avoid adverse socioeconomic impacts. The paper contributes to this issue by presenting the findings of a comprehensive global survey conducted among experts on drought risk analysis, focusing on indicators related to drought resilience and vulnerability in small-scale farming. An online questionnaire was sent to experts asking them to rate a list of 36 indicators in terms of five metrics: relevancy, accessibility, objectivity, understanding, and temporal consistency. Each indicator was rated on a three-point scale (low, medium, and high). The survey was entirely completed by 120 experts from 42 countries and different areas of expertise. The survey results offer a comprehensive evaluation of multiple indicators, contributing to future research by guiding the selection of indicators for composite drought resilience indexes and enhancing the understanding of farmers' and food systems' climate resilience. The survey results indicate that: i) government and institutional indicators are very relevant for drought resilience assessment; ii) there is an undefined role for social indicators in drought vulnerability assessment; iii) experts still do not perceive the importance of local engagement in drought risk management; iv) the use of relevant indicators in drought risk assessment can be limited because of a lack of accessibility and temporal consistency.

Holistic analysis of cropping diversity and intensity implications for productive, environmental, and nutritional performance of smallholder farms in Bihar, India

The agricultural productivity and sustainability in Eastern Gangetic Plain Zones of India are threatened because of the inefficiency of current production practices, shortage of resources, and socioeconomic constraints. We hypothesized the potential impact of intensified cereal systems with mung bean as a third crop within the annual cropping cycle. We assessed economic, social, and environmental indicators for intensified and current cropping system management practiced by different farm types in the region using the FarmDESIGN model. Building on a farm typology constructed for the region in our past research, we used five types of farmers: part-time (PT), well-endowed (WE), small-scale (SS) crop and livestock mix, medium-scale (MS), and resource-poor farmers (RP) in this study. The performance indicators of the 229 original cropping systems cultivated within the 43 farms varied strongly in the eight performance indicators. This variability of cropping systems performance within the farm types resulted in the absence of significant differences between the types. Compared to the original cropping systems, the intensified cropping systems with mung bean not only performed high in dietary energy (DE) production and organic matter (OM) inputs into the soil but also had high application rates of biocides and minimized losses of nitrogen (N). The intervention systems were low in labor requirement and scored at an intermediate level for crop gross margin, water use, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The ranges of areas of maize- and rice-based systems that could be replaced by intensified systems were largest for the WE and RP farm types. This was reflected in large ranges of change in the performance indicators, but no significant differences in response were found between the farm types. The intensification of maize- and rice-based systems with the proposed intervention cropping systems involving mung bean would result in increased profitability, higher DE yield, and lower requirements for labor and water as the proportion of the farms being converted increases. However, the use of biocides would increase, while the intervention cropping systems would have no significant effect on OM input, GHG emissions, and soil N losses.

Barriers and facilitators to adopting safe farm-machine related behaviors: A focus group study exploring older farmers’ perspectives

Background: Tractors and quad bikes pose a significant risk of fatal injuries among farmers, particularly affecting older farmers. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to the adoption of machine related safety behaviors among older farmers in Irish farm settings. Method: Four focus groups were conducted via Zoom in February 2021. Nineteen Irish farmers from four farm types participated. The discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using an inductive, reflexive thematic analysis approach. The themes identified were then mapped to the COM-B (Capability-Opportunity-Motivation) model, providing a systematic theoretical basis for designing a future intervention to reduce machine-related accidents. Results: The analysis identified five inductive themes that encompassed both barriers and facilitators in farm safety practices: (1) Capability to manage competing responsibilities; (2) Characteristics of the farm and its work environment; (3) Availability and affordability of resources; (4) Prevailing sociocultural opportunities; and (5) Perceived likelihood and cost-benefit analysis in safety decision-making. These themes captured the complex interplay of capability, opportunity, and motivation in farmers’ decision-making processes. The study also revealed limitations in existing interventions, such as voluntary guidelines and educational methods, in effectively addressing these barriers. Conclusions: Farmers’ abilities (capability), prevailing sociocultural factors, resource availability (opportunity), and their perceived consequences and benefits (motivation) affect how safely they work with machines. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive, theory-driven approaches that consider the interplay of capability, opportunity, and motivational factors that may support or impede machine safety. Understanding the challenges faced by Irish farmers highlights potential strategies for safety intervention, and these strategies should be co-designed with farmers and attentive to the local context. Practical applications: The study provides a template for understanding farmers’ perspectives using the COM-B model. The findings can inform the development of theoretically informed intervention strategies based on the Behavior Change Wheel framework.