Prepared for

2000 Survey of FarmBis Training Participants March 1, 2001

- Prepared for – Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry - Australia Edmund Barton Building Barton ACT 2600

- Prepared by -

Roy Morgan Research 2nd floor, 232 Sussex Street Sydney, NSW 2000

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY For the past two years (1999 and 2000) The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has commissioned Roy Morgan Research to conduct a survey on FarmBis training programs. The research was designed to gauge the effectiveness of the FarmBis program by examining participants’ satisfaction with the training courses provided, the application and usage of their training to real life situations and their interests in future training. Overall satisfaction of the FarmBis course remained high between the two surveys, with 93% of farmers agreeing they were satisfied with the course. In line with this result, the specific criteria used to test satisfaction were also positive with more than 4 in 5 respondents in each case agreeing they were satisfied with the FarmBis course in terms of the following aspects: • • • •

Suitability of the course / met their needs (92%); Value for money (87%, an increase of 6% since 1999); Relevance of course content (92%); and Satisfaction with course trainers (94%).

As in 1999, course completion rates were high (95%), a result which was likely to be influenced by the high numbers of respondents who said they participated in the learning activity because the course content well suited their needs (52%). Government subsidisation, however, was still seen as a crucial factor in the decision to undertake the FarmBis course with over a third (36%) saying they would not have done the course if it wasn't subsidised. Approximately three quarters of these farmers (70%) said they would be unable to afford the full course fee. As a whole, farmers believed their farming business (in terms of profitability, competitiveness and sustainability) would improve as a result of the training course (66%), with the application of financial management, budgeting and accounting techniques learned during the course cited as the main reason as to why their farm business was expected to improve. The effectiveness of the FarmBis courses was also recognised with approximately 9 in 10 respondents (87%) believing that what they had learnt was both relevant and applicable to everyday farm management practices.

Roy Morgan Research

May, 2001

The use of business planning among the farming community is on the rise with threequarters (74%) saying they currently used a planning process or tool to assist with their business planning. Farmers were most likely to use a consultant to assist with this planning (42%), although written business plans (35%) and the processes set out in Property Management Planning (16%) were also commonly used. Over half of respondents (54%) studied natural resource management techniques as part of their course with the main topics covered being: • • •

Weed and pest management (37%) Resource monitoring (30%) Conservation farming techniques (27%)

Two in three respondents said they would be likely to adopt these new practices (68%), confident the course would invariably help manage their farm’s natural resources. The interest in training has continued to increase with more farmers participating in other training courses (56%) and more time and money being spent on training in 1999 - 2000 compared with 1998 - 1999. Respondents agreed that since completing their FarmBis course they have become more involved in training and would be likely to participate in other training courses or learning activities in the next 12 months (76%). Interest in courses which focus on farm business management is high (85%), with farmers also expressing interest in courses covering natural resource topics (68%). The specific type of courses mentioned in each of these areas, included: Farm Business Management Courses • • • •

Financial management/ accounting/book keeping/ budgeting (23%) Farm management planning/ business management (15%) Computers/internet (11%) Marketing (11%)

Natural Resource Management • • •

Water quality/irrigation/river improvement (20%) Soil conservation/dam construction (18%) Revegetation (11%)

Participation in these courses in the next 12 months, however, is largely dependant on cost with two in three respondents saying this would be a weighing factor (34% dependant on exact costs and 28% would only participate if subsidised).

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May, 2001

Farmers would also like to learn more about information technology with Internet and computer courses a popular mention for future training (24%). Marketing (12%), cattle and sheep management (10%), stock handling and breeding and courses explaining the GST were also mentioned. In terms of the different industries results indicated those in the grain and sheep and beef industries are very receptive to training, keen to adopt new practices and participate in future training courses. Fruit farmers on the other hand seemed more resistant to training, saying they only participated in courses due to compulsory industry requirements. As a whole this group begrudgingly participated in FarmBis courses, expressing reluctance to apply techniques learnt or attend future training programs. When examining the data demographically results show young respondents (those aged up to 34 years) were very keen on all aspects of training. They recorded high levels of participation and satisfaction in FarmBis courses, were willing to adopt new training practices (particularly those which focused on preserving the countries natural resources) and expressed interest in future training courses. This is an encouraging sign for Australian farming in the future. The older generation (65 years and above) were the least interested in training. Sizeable proportions of this group strongly resisted change, believing knowledge learnt in their training courses had limited practical applications. This group was the least likely to have any interest in attending future training courses. On a state basis results were comparable in most areas, with no notable trends developing. The only area where the states differed greatly was on the satisfaction with the FarmBis program, with Western Australians registering the least satisfaction with each of the measurable factors. In conclusion the research has illustrated some very positive results for the FarmBis program. High levels of satisfaction were recorded in all areas with respondents rewarding FarmBis for their relevant, good value and well delivered farm business management courses. The uptake of applying knowledge learnt in courses is also high with respondents encouraged to participate in future training as a result of their positive learning experience.

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May, 2001

INDEX 1.

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................................ 1 1.3 METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................................... 2 1.4 RESPONDENT CHARACTERISTICS .......................................................................................................... 3 1.4.1 Males and female participants................................................................................................... 3 1.5 RESPONSE RATES .................................................................................................................................. 4 1.6 WEIGHTING .......................................................................................................................................... 4 1.7 THIS REPORT ........................................................................................................................................ 5

2.

FINDINGS .............................................................................................................................................. 6 2.1 COMPLETION OF FARMBIS COURSE ...................................................................................................... 6 2.2 OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH TRAINING COURSE ............................................................................... 7 2.3 SATISFACTION WITH THE LEARNING ACTIVITY ..................................................................................... 9 2.3.1 Did the course meet their needs? ............................................................................................. 10 2.3.2 Did the course provide value for money? ................................................................................ 11 2.3.3 Satisfaction with Course Content............................................................................................. 13 2.3.4 Satisfaction with Trainer.......................................................................................................... 15 2.4 ABLE TO INCORPORATE LEARNING INTO FARM MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ....................................... 17 2.5 SPENT OWN MONEY INCORPORATING WHAT THEY LEARNT ................................................................. 18 2.6 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................. 20 2.6.1 Course Components ................................................................................................................. 20 2.6.2 Adopting Natural Resource Management Practices................................................................ 22 2.6.3 Would they change current practices relating to Natural Resource Management as a result of the course? ............................................................................................................................................. 24 2.7 IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FARMING BUSINESS....................................................................................... 27 2.7.1 Course would help improve farm business .............................................................................. 27 2.7.2 Course would not help improve farm business ........................................................................ 27 2.8 FARM BUSINESS PLANNING ................................................................................................................ 28 2.8.1 Use of Planning Processes....................................................................................................... 28 2.8.2 Learning Activity and Identified Needs.................................................................................... 30 2.8.3 Use of Business Planning tools in the next 12 months............................................................. 31 2.9 IMPORTANT FACTORS WHEN CONSIDERING TO DO A FARMBIS COURSE ............................................. 32 2.10 INTEREST AND PARTICIPATION IN OTHER / FUTURE LEARNING COURSES ...................................... 34 2.10.1 Other Learning Courses........................................................................................................... 34 2.10.2 Interest in Future Training Courses ........................................................................................ 35 2.10.3 Interest in Training Courses in the next 12 months ................................................................. 38 2.10.4 Interest in Farm Business Management Courses..................................................................... 39 2.10.5 Interest in Natural Resource Management Courses ................................................................ 39 2.10.6 Impact of Cost in participating in Farm Business or Natural Resource Management ............ 40 2.10.7 Interest in any other Courses ................................................................................................... 41 2.11 TRAINING NEEDS CURRENTLY BEING MET ..................................................................................... 42 2.11.1 Time and money spent in training courses over last 12 months .............................................. 42 2.12 COURSE SUBSIDISATION ................................................................................................................ 44 2.12.1 Participation in course without subsidy................................................................................... 45 2.13 COMMUNICATION AND ADMINISTRATION ISSUES ........................................................................... 47 2.13.1 Accessibility of FarmBis information....................................................................................... 47 2.13.2 Satisfaction with the time it took to get approval for subsidy .................................................. 49 2.13.3 Satisfaction with the time taken to receive reimbursement ...................................................... 49 2.14 FINAL COMMENTS ......................................................................................................................... 50

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1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background As part of the Commonwealth-State review of the Farm Business Improvement Program (FarmBis), the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry commissions an annual follow-up survey of FarmBis training participants. The first survey was conducted in 1999 and the second, (the basis of this report) in 2000 (using participants from 1999 - 2000 financial year records). The survey sample was provided by the Department and included farmers, and/or farm managers from all states and territories who had participated in a FarmBis-subsidised training program.

1.2 Research Objectives Broadly, the purpose of the annual survey is to gain feedback on participants’ satisfaction with the training courses subsidised by the FarmBis program and to gain insight into the courses’ effectiveness in terms of improving farm business management practices. A further aim of the survey is to examine how the program could be improved to better meet the needs of farmers. The 1999 survey questionnaire, developed in collaboration with staff from AFFA, was also used for the 2000 survey. However, in order to meet specific objectives for the 2000 survey a number of questions on natural resources management courses were added and, to ensure the length of the questionnaire did not exceed 15 minutes, some of the original questions were deleted. The questions deleted from the 2000 questionnaire were selected on the basis that the data could be sourced from elsewhere or was required every 2 years rather than annually.

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As in the 1999 survey, the questionnaire gathered information on the following: • measure the course completion rate; • measure participants’ satisfaction with the training undertaken; - satisfaction with the value of the course, course content and trainer • gauge the impact of the course upon farm management practices and natural resources management (if the course was applicable); • gauge the impact of the course upon farm competitiveness and/or profitability; • gauge the impact of the course upon natural resources management; • record the range of business planning tools used by farmers; • record the type of courses farmers are interested in doing in the future.

1.3 Methodology As in 1999, the survey was conducted using a CATI methodology (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing). Sample lists containing all FarmBis course participants were provided to Roy Morgan Research and respondents selected randomly. The sample of 1000 was spread across states and territories (aiming for 180 interviews in states with high populations and 100 in less populous states) so that comparisons could be made, and quotas were set at the national level to ensure a representative sample of participants from small, medium and large farms. Interviews were conducted between 30 November and 16 December. The spread of survey respondents across states and territories, and farm size is shown in the table below. Figure 1: Completed interviews with respondents, across States and Territories, and Farm Size Small Farm

Medium Farm

Large Farm

TOTAL

NSW

63

94

11

168

QLD

28

117

36

181

Vic.

20

121

40

181

WA

45

111

25

181

SA

19

66

15

100

NT

34

52

14

100

Tas.

15

65

22

102

TOTAL

224

626

163

1,013

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1.4 Respondent characteristics The following tables show the spread of respondent across age groups, farm industry and sex. Figure 2: The spread of respondents across age < 25 yrs

25-34 yrs

35-44 yrs

45-54 yrs

55-64 yrs

65+yrs

TOTAL

35

154

305

320

159

40

1,013

Figure 3: The spread of respondents across farm industry type

Farm industry type Beef Fruit Grain/sheep/beef Dairy Grain Sheep/beef Sheep Vegetable Sugar Viticulture Pigs Cotton Aquaculture Other TOTAL

Number of respondents 171 155 125 103 95 70 67 50 26 17 10 7 2 115 1,013

1.4.1 Males and female participants Of the 1,013 respondents 598 were male and 415 were female (59% and 41% respectively, compared to 72% males and 28% females in 1999). These figures show a significant increase in the number of women participating in the 2000 program. Given the increase in female participants it may be worth comparing the type of courses delivered in 1999 compared to the type of courses delivered in 2000 to see if there is any significant changes that may account for the increase in female participants.

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1.5 Response rates The refusal rate (as a percentage of completed interviews) for the 2000 survey was 45% (up from 26% in the 1999 survey), while 37% terminated the interview before finishing (up from 30% in the previous survey). One possible reason for the increase in refusal and termination rates is that interviews were conducted closer to Christmas (a time when people are busier than usual), while a second reason could be related to difficulties facing farmers in particular states at the time of the survey. The table below shows the response rates for each state. Figure 4: The spread of respondents across states TOTAL

NSW

Vic.

QLD

WA

SA

NT

Tas.

(%)

(%)

(%)

(%)

(%)

(%)

(%)

(%)

Refused to participate

46

51

37

29

68

45

60

27

Interview terminated

37

40

37

33

35

30

58

29

Had not participated / could not recall course

8

11

6

5

10

3

9

9

1.6 Weighting So that results more accurately reflect the total FarmBis population, the survey data was weighted by state, farm size and age. All comparisons with the 1999 survey, however, are based on unweighted data. (Comparisons using weighted data was not possible as the 1999 survey was not weighted due to the unavailability of reliable figures for the total population). While the unweighted and weighted percentages in the 2000 survey may vary slightly (as weighting adjusts percentages to account for sampling error), comparisons based on unweighted data should adequately reflect any changes in levels of satisfaction among farmers.

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1.7 This report This report provides a descriptive analysis of the 2000 survey results, highlighting any differences in responses between states and sub-groups at the national level. The subgroups examined for most questions were grouped using the following variables: sex; age; farm size; and farm (industry) type. The report also compares the 2000 results to those obtained in the 1999 survey however, as explained above, it is important to note that all comparisons are based on unweighted data. This means that in some instances the figures quoted in the 2000 findings (based on weighted data) may differ from those quoted when discussing comparisons with the 1999 results (as these are based on unweighted data). All comparisons between the 1999 and 2000 survey are written in italics throughout the report. Please note that in some instances the rounding of percentages may result in totals not sum to exactly 100, and that where sample sizes for particular sub-groups are small (less than 50 respondents), results have not been reported.

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2. FINDINGS 2.1

Completion of FarmBis Course

Research showed that the majority of respondents (95%) interviewed completed the learning activity they were involved in. This high incidence of completion was mirrored across all States and most industry groups. Figure 5: Completion of FarmBis Course “Did you COMPLETE this learning activity on…?”

Yes

95

No

4

Can't say

1 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

%

Base: All respondents (1013)

Of those respondents (4%) who said they had not completed their FarmBis learning activity, just under a quarter (23%) stipulated that this was because their course was still running at the time of the interview and they expected to finish it in due course. A small number of farmers said their main reason for not completing the activity was because they were too busy to do so (21%), unexpected circumstances had prevented them finishing the course (13%) or that they felt the activity was not relevant to their situation (10%). Vegetable growers were the only industry group to produce any results which varied from the overall results with a fifth (17%) of this industry saying they had not completed their learning activity in comparison with just 4% of all respondents. The main reason being that their course was still running (32%). Course completion numbers were on a par with the 1999 survey.

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2.2 Overall Satisfaction with Training Course

Overall the FarmBis learning activities were very well received with over 90% of all respondents either very satisfied (56%) or somewhat satisfied (37%) with all aspects of the course. Only a small proportion of respondents (4%) expressed any dissatisfaction with their training course and 3% were indifferent. Figure 6: Overall Satisfaction with FarmBis Training Course “Thinking about ALL ASPECTS of the learning activity, OVERALL, how satisfied were you with the training course?”

Very satisfied

56

Somewhat satisfied

37

Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

3

Somewhat dissatisfied

3

Very dissatisfied

1

Can't say

1 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

%

Base = All respondents (1013)

On a whole this positive response was sustained when examined on a state and industry level. The Northern Territory and Western Australia proved to be the only states whose opinion skewed from overall opinion with slightly less respondents in these states prepared to say they were very satisfied with all aspects of the course (44% and 49% compared with 56% overall).

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Figure 7: Overall Satisfaction – State Breakdown “Thinking about ALL ASPECTS of the learning activity, OVERALL, how satisfied were you with the training course?” NSW VIC TAS QLD SA NT WA

Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied

62

57

56

57

64

44

49-1

34

36

35

38

32

50

38

2

3

4

2

2

2

5

2

2

5

1

1

3

8+

-

1

-

1

1

2

-

Base = All respondents (1013)

Fruit and grain farmers were less likely to give the highest satisfaction rating, with 46% and 45% respectively of this group saying they were very satisfied with their learning activity (compared to 56% of all respondents indicating they were very satisfied with the course).

1

Throughout the report, (+/-) indicates that the results are statistically significant.

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Figure 8: Overall Satisfaction with Training Course – Industry Sector “Thinking about ALL ASPECTS of the learning activity, OVERALL, how satisfied were you with the training course?” Fruit Vegetable Grain Grain/ Sheep/ Sheep Beef Dairy Sheep/ Beef Beef

Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neither satisfied nor satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied

46-

55

45-

55

62

61

66

50

44

38

49+

35

34

35

30

37

5

-

-

4

3

3

2

6

4

3

3

6

1

1

2

4

-

4

-

-

-

-

-

2

Base = All respondents (1013)

Overall satisfaction has remained constant over the two years.

2.3 Satisfaction with the Learning Activity

Four factors were examined in relation to the respondent’s perception of their learning activity. These included the following: (1) (2) (3) (4)

Suitability of the course / met their needs Value for money Satisfaction with the course content Satisfaction with the trainer

Responses for each of these questions were typically positive with high levels of satisfaction being recorded across key indicators. Findings for each question rated to satisfaction with the course is discussed in detail below.

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2.3.1 Did the course meet their needs?

Respondents were happy with their FarmBis learning activity, with the majority of respondents (92%) agreeing the course suitably addressed their individual needs (34% strongly agreeing and 58% agreeing that this was the case). Under a tenth of respondents (6%) found problems with their learning activity, saying it was not successful in meeting their individual needs. Figure 9: Learning Activity Met Farmers Needs “Do you agree or disagree that, overall, this learning activity MET YOUR NEEDS?”

Strongly agree

34

Agree

58 5

Disagree Strongly disagree

1

Can't say

2 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

%

Base = All respondents (1013)

Victorian farmers were particularly satisfied, with almost half (47%) strongly agreeing that the learning activity met all their needs (compared with 34% of all respondents).

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Figure 10: Learning Activity Met Farmers Needs – State Breakdown “Do you agree or disagree that, overall, this learning activity MET YOUR NEEDS?” NSW

VIC

TAS

QLD

SA

NT

WA

34

47+

46

30

35

32

25-

62 4 -

424 3

415 2

65 3 2

60 4 1

50 12 4

61+ 11+ 1

Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree

Base = All respondents (1013)

Fruit farmers were the least likely industry sector to strongly agree that the learning activity met their needs (22% compared with 34% of all respondents). Results were comparable between the 1999 and 2000 surveys overall, although there was a slight decline in the number of respondents who strongly agreed the learning activity met their needs (down 5%).

2.3.2 Did the course provide value for money?

Respondents also believed their learning activity represented good value for money with approximately 9 out of 10 farmers (87%) agreeing that FarmBis courses were good value (25% strongly agreeing and 62% agreeing). Only 11% of respondents felt the learning activity did not represent value for money, and of these a minority (2%) said they strongly disagreed that their learning activity provided value for money.

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Figure 11: Learning Activity provided Value for Money “Do you agree or disagree that this learning activity provided VALUE FOR MONEY?”

25

Strongly agree

62

Agree 9

Disagree Strongly disagree

2

Can't say

2 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

%

Base = All respondents (1013)

Industry breakdown reveals that fruit farmers were again the industry sector who reported the most dissatisfaction with the FarmBis learning activity. This group were the least likely to strongly agree that their learning activity was good value for money (just 10%) and had a significant number disagreeing (17% compared to 11% of all respondents disagreeing). Figure 12: Learning Activity provided Value for Money – Industry Sector “Do you agree or disagree that this learning activity provided VALUE FOR MONEY?” Fruit Vegetable Grain Grain/ Sheep/ Sheep Beef Dairy Sheep/ Beef Beef

Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree

10-

15

24

27

30

34

29

37

68 15 2

69 13 4

68 5 3

63 8 1

60 1 3

56 7 3

61 5 1

4417 -

Base = All respondents (1013)

When comparing the 1999 and 2000 surveys, results show that in 2000 respondents were slightly more inclined to agree that the learning activity provided value for money (increased by 6%).

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2.3.3 Satisfaction with Course Content

Course content received the most positive response of all indicators with very high levels of agreement across the board. Almost half of respondents (42%) said they were very satisfied with the content of their learning activity and a further half (50%) agreed they were somewhat satisfied. Two percent of respondents said they were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied and only 5% of respondents expressed any dissatisfaction with the course content. Figure 13: Satisfied with Course Content “Now thinking about COURSE CONTENT of the learning activity. Would you say you were very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, somewhat dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the course content?” 42

Very satisfied

50

Somewhat satisfied 2

Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

4

Somewhat dissatisfied 1

Very dissatisfied 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

%

Base = All respondents (1013)

When looking at the demographic breakdown it was seen that older respondents (those aged 65 years and over) were less satisfied with course content (33% were very satisfied compared with 42% of all respondents). In terms of industry, beef farmers registered the highest levels of satisfaction in relation to course content (52% were very satisfied), while fruit and vegetable farmers had fewer numbers giving course content the highest rating (31% for fruit farmers and 32% for vegetable farmers compared to 42% of all respondents).

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The following figure shows percentages from each industry sector who gave course content the highest rating, that of ‘very satisfied’.

Figure 14: Very satisfied with Course Content – Industry Sectors “Now thinking about COURSE CONTENT of the learning activity. Would you say you were very satisfied with the course content?” 42

TOTAL Fruit

31-

Vegetable

32 38

Grain

40

Grain/Sheep/Beef

52

Sheep/Beef 48

Sheep

52+

Beef 42

Dairy 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

%

Base = All respondents (1,013) (Please note that some industry sectors have not been included in analysis as sample sizes are too small.)

Results were relatively consistent across states, however slightly more South Australians were very satisfied with course content (52%) while slightly less Western Australians gave this rating (36%). The spread across the states is shown below.

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Figure 15: Very Satisfied with Course Content – States “Now thinking about COURSE CONTENT of the learning activity. Would you say you were very satisfied with the course content?”

TOTAL

42 47

NSW VIC

46

TAS

45

QLD

40 52+

SA NT

43

WA

360

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

%

Base = All respondents (1013)

Results for course content were consistent with last year’s findings.

2.3.4 Satisfaction with Trainer

Respondents were given the opportunity to rate the person who conducted the training activity. Again results were invariably positive with almost all respondents (94%) saying they were satisfied with their trainer. Almost two thirds (64%) of this group gave their trainer the highest rating (very satisfied) with a further 30% agreeing they were somewhat satisfied with the person who trained them. Levels of dissatisfaction with the trainer were minimal with only 3% of all respondents giving a negative rating. Of the few respondents (26) who did report problems with their trainer the main reason for their dissatisfaction was that they felt that things were not explained enough, or they were taught too quickly (19%).

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When examining the demographic spread, female respondents were more satisfied with the trainer than their male counterparts (69% of women gave a very satisfied rating in comparison with 62% of men). On a state level, New South Wales respondents were more satisfied with the person who trained them with over three quarters (76%) indicating they were very satisfied with the trainer compared with 64% of all respondents Australia wide. On the other hand Western Australians again were the least satisfied state with the lowest proportion (53%) of very satisfied responses for this question. The percentage of respondents in each state who gave their training the highest rating is shown in the following figure. Figure 16: Very Satisfied with the Trainer – State Breakdown “Now thinking about the person who CONDUCTED THE TRAINING ACTIVITY. How satisfied were you with the WAY THE PERSON CONDUCTED THE TRAINING?” 64

TOTAL

76+

NSW 68

VIC 65

TAS

64

QLD

69

SA 64

NT 53-

WA 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

%

Base = All respondents (1013)

Again results were comparable with the 1999 survey’s findings

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2.4 Able to Incorporate Learning into Farm Management Practices

The effectiveness of FarmBis courses was again recognised by respondents with approximately 9 in 10 (87%) stating they were able to incorporate what they learnt into farm management practices. This finding was consistent across the various industries and ranged from a low of 82% for those involved in the grain/sheep/beef industry to a high of 92% for those engaged in the grain industry. Figure 17: Able to Incorporate Learning into Farming Management Practices by State “Thinking about what YOU LEARNT from the training activity. Were you able to incorporate any of that information into farm management practices?” TOTAL

87 86

NSW

89

VIC TAS

90

QLD

90

SA

93

NT

80 82-

WA 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

%

Base = All respondents (1013)

Those who said that they hadn’t been able to utilise any of knowledge and information from the learning activity into their own farm management practices (11%) were probed for reasons why this was the case. Some of the main reasons given were:

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• • • • • • •

Page 18

They did not feel the learning activity was relevant (30%) There was nothing that could be incorporated (15%) Training had no influence over farm management practices (11%) They did not learn anything (10%) Already had the knowledge (10%) Already using those practices (8%) Lack of time (5%)

Results were comparable between the two surveys.

2.5 Spent own money incorporating what they learnt

Of those respondents who were able to incorporate what they had learnt from their training into farm management practices, just over half (55%) said they had used some of their own money to do so. This was particularly the case for those working in the sheep / beef and pig industries with a sizeable proportion (79% and 76% respectively) of these groups injecting of their own funds to put the training into practice. The fact that these groups were willing to use their own money to incorporate what they learnt on training courses into their farm’s management, may represent a changing shift in business practices. Under half (38%) of the dairy industry said it had taken any financial contribution on their part to put to use their learning activities.

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Figure 18: Spent own money to incorporate learning activity into Farm Management Practice – Industry Sectors “Did you have to spend any of your own money to incorporate what you learnt from the learning activity into farm management practices?”

55

TOTAL

52

Fruit Vegetable

62

Grain

62

Grain/Sheep/Beef

67

Sheep/Beef

79+ 49

Sheep

53

Beef 38-

Dairy 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

%

Base = All respondents who were able to incorporate learning into practice (881) (Please note that some industry sectors have not been included in analysis as sample sizes are too small.)

Results were more consistent on a state basis. However more Tasmanians (68%) and Western Australians (67%) and less Queenslanders (44%) said they spent their own money to put learning from the FarmBis course into practice.

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Figure 19: Spent own money to incorporate learning activity into Farm Management Practice – State Breakdown “Did you have to spend any of your own money to incorporate what you learnt from the learning activity into farm management practices?” 55

TOTAL

53

NSW

56

VIC

68

TAS 44-

QLD

66

SA 58

NT

67+

WA 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

%

Base = All respondents who were able to incorporate learning into practice (881)

Slightly less numbers of respondents in the current survey said they had to spend some of their own money to incorporate what they had learnt from the learning activity into farm management practices (decreased 4%).

2.6 Natural Resource Management 2.6.1 Course Components

Respondents were given a list of natural resource topics and asked whether their course had contained any of the mentioned components. These components (considered to be part of courses on natural resource management) included: • • • • • • •

Weed and pest management Native vegetation management Water quality, irrigation management or river or stream improvement Revegetation Grazing systems or grazing pressures Soil conservation, including dam construction, contour banks, or gully stabilisation Conservation on farming techniques, including crop rotation or cropping technologies

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Page 21

Bio-diversity Resource monitoring, including ground water, pasture and soil composition

Just over half (54%) of all respondents indicated their course contained some of the listed topics. The main topic mentioned was weed and pest management (39%), followed by: • • • •

Resource monitoring (30%); Conservation on farming techniques (27%); Bio-diversity (22%); and Revegetation (14%).

The results are shown in the table below. Figure 20: Natural Resource Management Course Components “Did your course contain any components on…?”

Weed and pest mgent

39 30

Consv of farming tech

27 27

Grazing systems

26 22

Soil conservation

18 16

Revegetation

14 0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

%

Base = All respondents (1013)

On a state by state basis New South Wales respondents were the most likely to have covered any of the natural resource management topics with larger numbers of this state indicating their course covered these topics than any other state.

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Figure 21: Natural Resource Management Course Components – State Breakdown “Did your course contain any components on…?”

Weed and pest mgent Native veg mgent Water quality/irrigation mgent and stream imp Revegetation Grazing systems or pressures Soil conservation Consv farm techniques Bio-diversity Resource monitoring

NSW

VIC

TAS

QLD

SA

NT

WA

61+ 29+ 40+

3322 27

32 19 31

291120-

32821-

41 17 40+

49+ 9 27

25+ 35+

16 34

15 19

615-

926

14 13-

15 28

26+ 40+ 34+ 48+

19 26 21 37

28+ 23 21 32

10141117-

1532 1228

13 18 29+ 34

22 39+ 30+ 30

Base = All respondents (1013)

There were some differences between the sexes with more males having covered natural resource topics in their learning activity than females. In most cases the resource management topic covered was well matched with the industry sector. A larger number of sheep and beef farmers recorded participation in areas such as grazing systems and soil conservation, whereas more vegetable growers mentioned covering topics such as weed, pest and native vegetation management.

2.6.2 Adopting Natural Resource Management Practices

Of those who covered any of the topics mentioned, two thirds of respondents (68%) were confident their course would invariably help in the overall management of their farms’ natural resources. A further tenth (11%) said possibly or maybe while the remaining fifth (18%) believed that the course would not help manage their farms’ natural resources.

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Figure 22: Will the course improve overall management of natural resources? “Do you think the course you participated in will help to improve the OVERALL MANAGEMENT of your farm’s NATURAL RESOURCES?”

Yes

68

No

18

Possibly/Maybe

11

Can't say

3 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

%

Base = Those whose course contained topics on natural resource management (544)

The fruit and vegetable industries were least likely to believe the learning activity would improve the overall management of their farm’s natural resources (58% and 57% respectively compared with two thirds of all respondents). Although larger numbers of New South Wales farmers participated in courses that covered these topics, fewer believed these courses would aid in improving management of their farms natural resources (61% compared to 68% of all respondents). When comparing results across states, Victorians were the most positive with 4 in 5 of this group (83%) indicating they felt the course would help improve the overall management of their farm’s natural resources.

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The results across the states are shown in the following figure.

Figure 23: Course will help to improve management of farms natural resources – State Breakdown “Do you think the course you participated in will help to improve the OVERALL MANAGEMENT of your farm’s NATURAL RESOURCES?” 68

TOTAL NSW

6183+

VIC 76

TAS 62

QLD SA

86 66

NT

63

WA 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

%

Base = Those whose course contained topics on natural resource management (544)

2.6.3 Would they change current practices relating to Natural Resource Management as a result of the course?

Respondents who had participated in the course components covering natural resource management were then asked how likely they would be to change their current practices as a result of the undertaking the course. Results show that topics on natural resource management practices had a significant impact on educating the way farmers think about managing their farm. Two thirds (69%) of respondents said they would be likely to adopt new practices as a result of what they had learnt on their course (27% very likely and 42% likely). Only a fifth of respondents (19%) said they would be unlikely to change their farm management practices.

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Figure 24: Likely to change natural resource management practices as a result of the course. “And how likely are you to CHANGE ANY PRACTICES relating to the management of your farm’s natural resources as a result of what you learnt on the course?”

Very Likely

27

Likely

42

Neither likely or unlikely

10

Unlikely

14

Very unlikely

5

Can't say

2 0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

%

Base = Those whose course contained topics on natural resource management (544)

When looking at results across age groups, young respondents (under 25, and 25 to 34 years of age) were the keenest to adopt new practices which focused on preserving the countries’ natural resources, while those aged 65 years and over had the highest proportions who said they would be unlikely to change their current Natural Resource Management practices (40% unlikely compared to 19% of all respondents). When looking at the results based on industry sectors it can be seen that fruit farmers are the group least likely to change any of their farm management practices. After learning about natural resource management through their FarmBis course Tasmanians were the state most willing to put this knowledge into practice on their farm (51% agreed they would be very likely to change farm management practices), while farmers in the Northern Territory were less likely to change current practices (21% compared to 27% of all respondents).

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Figure 25: Likely to change natural resource management practices as a result of the course – State Breakdown “And how likely are you to CHANGE ANY PRACTICES relating to the management of your farm’s natural resources as a result of what you learnt on the course?” NSW VIC TAS QLD SA NT WA

Very likely Likely Neither likely nor unlikely Unlikely Very unlikely

27 37

33 47

51+ 19-

30 35

25 43

21 36

1949+

7

6

10

14+

10

7

10

21 7

9 4

411

9 6

15 5

21 8

17 5

Base = Those whose course contained topics on natural resource management (544)

2.6.3.1 Reasons for not changing Natural Resource Management practices

When respondents were probed for reasons why they would be unlikely to change any practices relating to the management of their farms natural resources a number of comments were made. One of the main reasons for not adopting more environmentally friendly farm management techniques was because respondents already had these practices in place on their farms (42%). Other reasons included: • • •

Topics covered in the courses were not relevant to their type of farm (17%); Not applicable or relevant (12%); or It would be too expensive to adopt some of these new techniques (6%).

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2.7 Improvements in the Farming Business 2.7.1 Course would help improve farm business

Just under two thirds of respondents (66%) thought it was likely that the learning activity they undertook would result in an overall improvement in their farming business (a quarter 26% saying it was very likely and 40% saying somewhat likely). When asked why they thought their farming business would be improved 13% said due to better financial management, budgeting and accounting techniques they learnt on the course, while 13% said due to improved general knowledge of the industry and 12% said due to better management skills. Other reasons given for saying their farming business would be improved included: • • • • • • • • •

Learnt how to keep better records and documentation of our business (9%) Improved knowledge on farm productivity / producing better quality product (8%) Greater knowledge of chemicals and their uses / safety of chemicals (5%) Gained knowledge on soil structures and management (4%) GST information (4%) Improved marketing strategy (3%) Computer skills (2%) Better pasture management / sustainability (2%) Updates on new technology and changes in farming industry concepts (2%)

2.7.2 Course would not help improve farm business

On the other hand, one in five respondents (21%) on the other hand believed the learning activity was unlikely to assist in improving the profitability, competitiveness or sustainability of their business. When asked why the course wouldn’t improve their farming business most said because the course was only relevant to a small aspect of farm management and it was not about farming practices (36%).

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Other reasons for saying the course would not lead to an improvement in farm profitability, competitiveness or sustainability included: • • • • •

They were already applying what they learnt beforehand and they were already doing everything right (11%); They only did the course to receive accreditation or for personal reasons (9%); Other factors have more influence on the farm (8%); The cost of implementing (6%); and The course failed to teach them anything new (5%).

It was again the older generation who provided a negative response to the FarmBis training courses, with just under a third (30%) saying that it was unlikely that there would be any improvement to their farm as a result of their completion of the learning activity. Results remained unchanged between the two surveys.

2.8 Farm Business Planning 2.8.1 Use of Planning Processes

More than three-quarters of respondents (74%) currently used a planning process or tool to assist with their farm business planning. The majority of respondents used a consultant to assist them with their planning (42%), some followed a written business plan (35%) and others used Property Management Planning processes (16%). Other commonly used planning tools were: • Skills audit (14%) • Own budget / financial planning (5%) • Own business plan / family plan / discussions (5%) • Accountant (2%) When categorising the results by industry marked variations occur. Grain, cotton and grain/sheep beef farmers were far more likely to use a consultant than all other industries (64% of grain farmers, 73% of cotton farmers, 54% of grain/sheep/beef farmers compared with 42% of all respondents), whereas dairy farmers were most likely to use a written business plan as their planning tool (43% cf. 35% of all respondents).

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Fruit farmers were the least likely of all industry sectors to use a planning process in the farm management. Figure 26: Type of Planning Process used – Industry Sector “Now thinking about business planning. Do you currently use any of the following planning processes or tools to help you with your FARM BUSINESS PLANNING?"

Consultant Business Plan Skills Audit No planning process

Fruit

Vegetable

Grain

Grain/ Sheep/ Beef

Sheep/ Beef

Sheep

Beef

Dairy

2624

37 30

64+ 43

54+ 42

25 24

41 38

3539

45 43+

12 39

22 28

7 11-

17 18

16 34

13 28

13 28

18 29

Base = All respondents (1,013)

On a state level, results also vary. Results indicate that Western Australians are extensive planners making good use of a number of the planning tools mentioned and are ardent users of both consultants and written business plans. Queenslanders, in comparison are less likely to use any sort of planning tool to assist them with farm business planning. Farmers in the all states except Victoria use the processes set out in Property Management Planning to assist them with their farm business planning. The planning tools used by farmers across states, are shown in the following table.

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Figure 27: Type of Planning Process used – State Breakdown “Now thinking about business planning. Do you currently use any of the following planning processes or tools to help you with your FARM BUSINESS PLANNING?" NSW

VIC

TAS

QLD

SA

NT

WA

2926-

36 34

55+ 40

37 31

51 35

28 43

59+ 46+

7 18+

14 -

14 16

14 15

13 37+

13 27+

18 26+

22

28

22

38+

20

25

14-

Consultant Business Plan Skills Audit Property M’gent Planning No planning process

Base = All respondents (1013)

Results remained unchanged from the previous survey.

2.8.2 Learning Activity and Identified Needs

Almost two thirds (64%) of respondents who said they used a business planning process agreed that they had attended the learning activity in order to meet needs identified through their planning process. This finding was consistent among the various industries, however on a state basis results were somewhat varied. Queenslanders, who were identified as not being big business planners, were the most likely to attend the learning activity to meet the needs identified through their business plans, whereas Western Australians were less likely to have attended the learning activity in order to meet needs identified through their farm business planning. The breakdown across the states is shown in the following figure.

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Figure 28: Attended learning activity in order to meet needs identified through farm business planning – State Breakdown “Did you attend the learning activity in order to meet needs identified through your farm business planning?” TOTAL

64

NSW

64 65

VIC 56

TAS

72

QLD 68

SA 52

NT

58-

WA 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

%

Base = Respondents using planning process (737)

Results remained the same between the two surveys.

2.8.3 Use of Business Planning tools in the next 12 months

Those respondents who don’t currently use any planning process were asked if they were likely to use any of the listed tools in the next 12 months to help with farm business planning. • • • •

A written business plan A consultant or consultants The process set out in Property Management Planning A Skills Audit

Just under half (46%) said they would be likely to use one of the listed tools with the use of consultants (11%) and written business plans (11%) being the most commonly mentioned tools.

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However, 54% of this group stated they would not be using any of the specified tools to assist in their business planning in the next 12 months. Overall, there was a slight rise in the number of respondents who said they would be likely to use one of the business planning tools in the next 12 months (increase of 7%). Respondents who did not currently use any planning processes went on to say they would be far more likely to use a consultant in the next 12 months, than those who answered the same question last year, tripling from 1999 (3%) to 2000 (10%)).

2.9 Important Factors when Considering to do a FarmBis Course

When asked about the factors they considered when deciding whether or not to undertake a FarmBis course over half (52%) said an important influencing factor in their decision to participate in the learning activity was the content of the course itself, as they felt it appropriately suited their needs. The cost of the course being subsidised was also a major determining factor for many respondents (20%). Figure 29: What factors were important when deciding to do the FarmBis course “Now thinking about your decision to participate in the FarmBis learning activity. What sort of factors did you consider to be important when weighing up whether or not to do the FarmBis course?”

Course content suited my needs

52 20

Location

13 7

Providers reputation

7 6

Gain more knowledge

6 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

%

Base = All respondents (1013)

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Reasons for participating in the learning activity varied for each industry with sheep and beef farmers stating the course suited their needs (74%), although the fact that the course was subsidised was also a major underlying factor (34%). For fruit and vegetable farmers one of the most important reasons for completing the learning activity was because it was compulsory in their industry (15% for those in the fruit industry, and 23% for those in the vegetable industry cf. 6% of all respondents), whereas for dairy farmers timing was a weighing factor in influencing their decision (10% cf. 7% of all respondents). While course content as a determining factor was high across all states, the slight differences to emerge are as follows: • • •

Tasmanians placing a higher degree of importance on the course being subsidised (47%) and the course location (37%); New South Wales farmers were more likely to be influenced by the provider’s reputation (17%); Victorians and Queenslanders were influenced by the learning activity focusing on financial and budgeting skills (8% of those in Victoria and 7% of those in Queensland cf. 4% of all respondents).

When respondents were probed for which of these factors discussed would be the most important factor they considered when deciding whether to do the FarmBis course almost half (42%) said the course content, followed by: • • • • •

The course was subsidised (7%); The course was compulsory (5%); Location (5%); To be more profitable (4%); and To gain more knowledge (4%).

Government subsidisation (7%) was seen as far less important when respondents were asked for the single most important factor in their decision process. When comparing 1999 and 2000 results, course content as a determining factor for undertaking the course increased by 11% in the 2000 survey, while subsidisation doubled. The course being compulsory was rated as a less important factor in the current study (down 11%).

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2.10 Interest and Participation in Other / Future Learning Courses 2.10.1 Other Learning Courses

Over half of respondents (56%) interviewed had taken part in other courses in the past 12 months aside from the FarmBis learning activity. This was more so the case for South Australian farmers with three quarters undertaking additional learning activities (75%), but less likely for Queenslanders (52%). Participation in other courses, by state can be seen in the following diagram. Figure 30: Participation in other learning activities over the past 12 months “In addition to this learning activity, have you participated in any OTHER learning courses over the past 12 months?” TOTAL

56 53

NSW VIC

54

TAS

54 52-

QLD

75+

SA 60

NT

58

WA 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

%

Base = All respondents (1013)

Over three-quarters of respondents (78%) who had participated in additional courses listed farm business management as the main study area. The numbers of farmers participating in learning activities has increased since 1999 with 11% more respondents saying they had participated in such training in the last 12 months. Farm business management has remained the main study area. Roy Morgan Research

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These extra courses were typically part-time with 57% of respondents saying they had spent on average between 11 and 70 contact hours on the course in the past 12 months. The amount spent on fees for these additional courses varied considerably, with over half (51%) of those who did extra courses paying under $349 in the last 12 months, 24% between $350 and $999 and 15% paying more that $1,000 on other courses in the last 12 months. Figure 31: Amount paid in fees for additional courses “Approximately how much money have you spent on course fees participating in these other courses over the past 12 months?”

Under $349

51

$350 - $999

24

$1000 +

15

0

10

20

30

%

40

50

60

70

Base = Respondents who participated in other courses (587)

Results on costs and hours spent on additional training courses were comparable between the two surveys.

2.10.2 Interest in Future Training Courses

Those respondents who had not completed any other training activities were asked if since completing the FarmBis course they had a more or less interest in attending training courses (farm related or other) in the future.

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On what is a positive finding for FarmBis, almost two thirds of respondents (61%) admitted that since completing their learning activity they had gained a greater interest in training and would be now more likely to participate in courses in the future.

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Figure 32: Level of interest in future training courses “Since completing the learning activity, would you say you have MORE interest or LESS interest in attending training courses in the future?”

More interest

61

Less interest

8

About the same

26

Can't say

5 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

%

Base: Respondent who had not participated in any other training course (422)

Respondents aged 65 years again were the most indifferent towards training, with just a quarter (26%) of this group saying they would be more interested in attending any future training courses as a result of participation in the FarmBis learning activity. Interestingly female respondents were more responsive to the FarmBis learning activity than males with 65% expressing a greater interest in attending future training as a result of the course, compared with just 60% of males. Fruit farmers were least interested in participating in future courses as a result of their completed learning activity with only a third (32%) saying they had more interest in training since finishing their course. This result ties in with earlier findings where this group admitted that one of the main reasons they completed the FarmBis learning activity was because it was compulsory. Interest levels towards future training remained the same between the two surveys.

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2.10.3 Interest in Training Courses in the next 12 months

Three out of 4 respondents (76%) said they either intended or were interested in participating in other courses or learning activities during the next 12 months. Again grain farmers expressed high levels of interest in training with 91 percent indicating they were likely to participate in other courses or learning activities over the next 12 months. In keeping in line with previous results fruit and vegetable farmers were the least responsive to future training courses. Figure 33: Interested in other training courses or learning activities in the next 12 months – Industry sectors “Thinking ahead, do you intend, or are you interested in, participating IN OTHER COURSES or LEARNING ACTIVITIES during the next 12 months?” 76

TOTAL 65-

Fruit

62

Vegetable

91+

Grain 81

Grain/Sheep/Beef Sheep/Beef

74

Sheep

81

Beef

75

Dairy

69 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

%

Base = All respondents (1,013) (Please note that some industry sectors have not been included in analysis as sample sizes are too small.)

Predictably, the older generation had the least intention of attending training courses in the next 12 months. This result remained unchanged from the previous survey.

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2.10.4 Interest in Farm Business Management Courses

Respondents who said they intended or were interested in participating in other courses or learning activities over the next 12 months were asked how interested they would be attending courses related to farm business management. The majority (85%) expressed interest in this type of course (either very interested 51% or mildly interested 34%) and only 2% stated they were not at all interested in farm business management courses. The types of farm business management courses this group mentioned they were interested in included: • Financial management / accounting / book keeping / budgeting and cost reduction (23%); • Farm management / business management planning (from basic to advanced), time management (15%); • Computers, software and the Internet (11%); • Marketing (11%); and • GST / Taxation (4%).

2.10.5 Interest in Natural Resource Management Courses

Respondents who said they intended or were interested in participating in other courses or learning activities over the next 12 months were asked how interested they would be attending courses related to natural resource management. Respondents were slightly less interested in natural resource management courses than with farm business management, with two thirds of respondents (68%) expressing interest in this type of course. A quarter of this group (24%) admitted they had little or no interest at all in studying in this area. The types of natural resource management courses this group mentioned they were interested in included: • Water quality / irrigation / river improvement (20%) • Soil conservation / dam construction (18%) • Revegetation (11%) • Grazing systems (9%) • Pest / weed control (8%) • Organic farming (5%) Roy Morgan Research

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2.10.6 Impact of Cost in participating in Farm Business or Natural Resource Management

Those who mentioned interest in either farm business management or natural resource management courses were probed to find out what impact cost had on their level of interest. Almost a third of respondents (28%) said they would only be interested in doing a course in either area if the course was subsidised. A further third of respondents (34%) said that it would depend on the cost of the course and just under a fifth (19%) stated they would be willing to pay the full cost to participate in a course about farm business or natural resource management. Figure 34: Impact of cost in decision to participate in further training “Would you want to participate in farm business management or natural resource management courses ONLY if they were subsidised, or would you be willing to pay the full cost to undertake these courses?"

Depends on the full cost

34

Only if course is subsidised

28

Willing to pay for the full cost

19

Depends on other course options

10 0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

%

Base: Respondents interested in business or natural resource management course (712)

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2.10.7 Interest in any other Courses

All respondents were then asked if there were any other courses they would be interested in doing. Courses focusing on I.T were the most popular with a quarter (24%) of all respondents indicating an interest in doing computer or Internet courses. Respondents also mentioned an interest in marketing (12%), cattle / sheep management, stock handling and breeding (10%) and courses on the GST (8%). Figure 35: Other courses interested in doing “What other types of courses, if any, would you be interested in doing?”

Computer/Internet/ IT

24

Marketing

12

Cattle care/ breeding/ sheep management

10

GST

8

Chemical use

7

Accounting

3 0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

%

Base = All respondents (1013)

Grain farmers were particularly keen to participate in computer or Internet courses than any other industry sector, as were Tasmanians. Fruit and vegetable growers, who registered the least interest in any training courses were most interested in the following courses: • • • • •

Computer / Internet / IT (both 19%) Marketing (10% and 16%) GST (5% and 13%) Chemical use (6% and 16%) Accounting (>1% and 12%)

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Tasmanians and New South Wales farmers had more of an interest in Marketing courses than the other states.

2.11 Training Needs currently being met

Two thirds of farmers (64%) feel their current training needs and requirements are being adequately met with courses provided by FarmBis and other training operators. This result was consistent across all states and industry sectors. For the quarter (26%) who said they had not been able to find a suitable course, the main areas identified were: • Computer / Internet Training (10%) • Marketing (9%) • Farm management planning / practices (6%) • Agronomy / Cropping / Crop rotation (6%) • Soil management / Testing / Composition / Nutrition (6%) • Natural / Organic farming / Biodynamics / Free range (5%)

2.11.1 Time and money spent in training courses over last 12 months

Almost half of respondents (45%) said they had spent more time in the last 12 months attending courses as compared to the 12 months previously, while a further 37% said they spent about the same amount of time attending courses.

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Figure 36: Time spent attending courses in the last year compared to previous year “Comparing the last 12 months with the 12 months before that, would you say you’ve spent more time, less time, or about the same amount of time attending courses?”

More time

45

Less time

17

The same amount of time

37

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

%

Base = All respondents (1013)

When looking at the demographic breakdown, it was seen that those aged under 25 years and those aged 65 years and over were less likely to have spent more time in the last 12 months attending courses (31% of those aged 25 years and under, 39% of those aged 65 years compared with 45% of all respondents). In terms of industry sectors the findings were fairly consistent, however those involved in the sugar industry were significantly more likely to say that they spent more time in the last 12 months attending courses (70% compared with 45% of all respondents). Results were relatively consistent when examining the state breakdown, and ranged from a high of 53% of respondents in Queensland stating they spent more time attending courses, to a low of 36% of respondents in Victoria. Almost half of all respondents (45%) said they had spent more money on course fees in the last 12 months as compared to the 12 months prior to that. A third (37%) felt that they had spent the same amount of money and 16% said they had spent less on course fees.

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Figure 37: Money spent attending courses in the last year compared to previous year “Comparing the last 12 months with the 12 months before that, would you say you’ve spent more money, less money, or about the same amount of money on course fees?”

More money

45

Less money

16

The same amount

37

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

%

Base = All respondents (1013)

Smaller numbers of fruit and sheep farmers (39% and 32% respectively) indicated they had spent more on course fees, whereas the dairy industry (52%) were the sector who spent the most on course fees in the last 12 months. Whilst greater extremes are apparent they are based on small sample sizes and are not statistically reliable. The finding was also consistent across the states and ranged from a low of 39% of those respondents in Victoria, to a high of 51% of respondents in Queensland and South Australia. There was a slight fall in the amount of time and money respondents said they spent on training in the last 12 months results (falling by around 5% in each case).

2.12 Course Subsidisation

The vast majority of respondents (85%) were aware that their learning activity was subsidised by the FarmBis program. This high level of awareness was consistent across all states ranging from a low of 81% of respondents in Western Australia aware, to a high of 94% in Tasmania.

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Figure 38: Aware the learning activity was subsidised by FarmBis “Before participating in this survey tonight, were you aware that this learning activity was subsidised by the FARMBIS PROGRAM?”

85

TOTAL

91

NSW 87

VIC

94+

TAS 83

QLD

92

SA 89

NT 81-

WA 0

10

20

30

40

50

%

60

70

80

90

100

Base = All respondents (1013)

In 2000 more respondents were aware that their learning activity was subsidised by the FarmBis program (an increase of 4%)

2.12.1 Participation in course without subsidy

Just over half (55%) of respondents said they would have still participated in their course if it had not been subsidised, over a third (36%) said they would not have completed the course without government subsidies and 9% were undecided.

Roy Morgan Research

May, 2001

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Figure 39: Would you have participated in course if it was not subsidised “Do you think you would have participated in the learning activity if the course was not subsidised?”

55

Yes

36

No

9

Can't Say 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

%

Base = All respondents (1013)

Results were consistent across states, but slight variances were found on an industry and demographic level. Although only a small number of sugar industries farmers were interviewed (a total of 26) a significant proportion of these (68%) said they would not have completed the course unless it was subsidised. Younger (those under 25) and older respondents (those over 65) were also less likely to have participated if the course was not subsidised (47% and 45% respectively). Of those who said they would not have done the course if it wasn’t subsidised, cost was the determining factor with 70% of respondents saying they simply would not have been able to afford it. Smaller number of respondents said the course was not worth the full amount and without subsidisation would not have been worth doing (12%). The cost of the course was a more weighing factor for beef, sheep and grain farmers, however, was seen as less of a determining factor among fruit farmers.

Figure 40: Could not afford to do course unless it was subsidised Roy Morgan Research

May, 2001

FarmBis 2000 survey

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“Why wouldn’t you have done the course if it wasn’t subsidised?” 70

TOTAL 55

Fruit

81

Vegetable 77

Grain

77+

Grain/Sheep/Beef Sheep/Beef

64 87

Sheep Beef

74

Dairy

66 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

%

Base: Those whose would not participate in course unless subsidised (374) Sample Sizes per Industry: Fruit 53, Vegetable 23, Grain 33, Grain/Sheep/Beef 47, Sheep/Beef 27, Sheep 21, Beef 59, Dairy 45.

Government subsidisation increased in importance in 2000 with the number of those who said they would not have participated in the learning activity unless it was subsidised rising (up 15%). Cost of the course was again given as the main reason with respondents saying that they simply could not of afforded it (up 7% from 1999).

2.13 Communication and administration issues 2.13.1 Accessibility of FarmBis information

Respondents were asked to comment on a number of statements about FarmBis information and their dealings with staff in relation to accessing this information. Results show that all statements were met with a positive response, particularly the fact that FarmBis provided prompt and easily understood information to respondents. As a whole, respondents believed the staff were knowledgeable about the course information and were helpful both on the phone and in face-to-face dealings.

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May, 2001

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The area which most respondents felt could be improved was FarmBis being able to provide comprehensive information on the range of course and options available (although only 15% mentioned that they did not think this was currently the case). The following table summarises these results: Figure 41: Access to FarmBis information “Do you agree or disagree that…?”

Statements

Strongly agree

Agree

TOTAL AGREE

Disagree

Strongly disagree

TOTAL D’AGREE

Easy for me to obtain information* Information was easy to understand Information provided without unreasonable delays

17

48

65

8

1

9

22

67

89

5

-

5

19

67

86

3

1

4

Comprehensive information on the range of courses available to me Staff were knowledgeable about course information Staff were helpful (on the phone and face to face)

11

52

63

13

2

15

15

55

70

5

1

6

22

57

79

1

-

1

*Base = All respondents (1013) Base = Those who deal with FarmBis staff (756)

When comparing on state basis results are very similar for all statements. The only notable differences were that farmers in Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania found it slightly harder to obtain course information than the other states. Victorians were more inclined to believe the FarmBis staff were helpful with a third (35%) of this state strongly agreeing staff were very helpful on the phone and in person. However, just 13% of Western Australians on the other hand were prepared to give FarmBis staff the highest rating for helpfulness. When comparing against the 1999 survey results indicate that levels of agreement have remained constant over the two years. However the number of respondents prepared to “strongly agree” declined slightly in each case, with more respondents indicating they just “agreed” with the statements. Roy Morgan Research

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2.13.2 Satisfaction with the time it took to get approval for subsidy

The vast majority of respondents were satisfied (75%) with the length of time it took for them to find out if their application for subsidy was approved (41% were very satisfied and 34% were somewhat satisfied). Only 7% of respondents expressed any dissatisfaction in the amount of time taken to get approval for the study. This result was consistent amongst the various states, with only those in Tasmania significantly less likely to be satisfied with the time taken to get subsidy approval, while those in the Northern Territory were significantly more likely to be satisfied. Satisfaction levels remained constant between the two surveys.

2.13.3 Satisfaction with the time taken to receive reimbursement

Two thirds of respondents then went on to say they were satisfied (67%) with the length of time it took for them to be reimbursed the amount of the subsidy (37% were very satisfied and 30% were somewhat satisfied). Less than 1% of respondents said they were very dissatisfied with the delay. This result was fairly consistent amongst the various states, however those in Queensland appeared to be particularly satisfied with the time taken to receive reimbursement (77%). Note: a number of respondents said that this was not relevant to them as the government subsidy was included in the total course amount, therefore there was no waiting period. Respondents were more dissatisfied with the amount of time taken to receive their reimbursement than in the previous year with satisfaction levels decreasing by 9%.

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2.14 Final Comments

Respondent were asked if there were any final comments they would like to make about FarmBis in general or the learning activity they took part in. Just under half of respondents (44%) chose to make further comments and keeping in line with the rest of the study these comments were invariable positive. Some of the main mentions were: • • • • • • • •

FarmBis are doing a good job The courses are a good idea Recommend these courses to other farmers More people should participate in these courses It is important to have these courses More variety of courses needed FarmBis should promote themselves more / provide more information on courses available Course was very informative / practical / beneficial

Roy Morgan Research

May, 2001