Farmer goals and management styles: Implications for advancing biologically based agriculture

• Published in: Agricultural systems Vol. 89; no. 1; pp. 90 - 105
• Main Authors: Brodt, Sonja, Klonsky, Karen, Tourte, Laura
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2006; Elsevier
• Series: Agricultural Systems
• Subjects: agricultural education; Biologically integrated farming systems; California; Extension; extension education; farm management; Farm management style; integrated agricultural systems; Q methodology; California; Extension; Q methodology; California; Farm management style; Biologically integrated farming systems
• ISSN: 0308-521X; 1873-2267
• DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2005.08.005

This paper examines differences in the management styles of a purposive sample of almond and winegrape growers in California’s Central Valley, including participants and non-participants in biologically integrated farming systems programs. Using Q methodology, we elicited rankings of economic and social values and goals as they relate to farm production, environmental stewardship, family and community, and leisure. These rankings led to three distinct management styles, labeled as Environmental Stewards, Production Maximizers, and Networking Entrepreneurs. The results demonstrate that farmers make decisions following diverse management strategies and suggest that outreach programs aimed at advancing biologically based farming practices must address these differences to be most effective.