Calls for increased farmer involvement in research and extension programs
have been numerous and well supported. One approach to integrate the collective
knowledge and experience of agricultural scientists and farmers is through whole
farm case studies (WFCS). An interdisciplinary team of 34 research and extension
personnel at Oregon and Washington State Universities conducted WFCS of 16
vegetable and small fruit farms beginning in April 1989.
The objectives of the Oregon/Washington case study project were to: (1)
increase farmer involvement in research and education programs; (2) develop an
interdisciplinary team to address issues of agricultural sustainability in western
Oregon and Washington; (3) examine the use of the case study approach in
agricultural situations; (4) prepare a guide to assist other persons interested in
conducting WFCS; (5) develop a better understanding of vegetable and small fruit
farming systems in the region; and, (6) identify sustainable agriculture research
and education needs in western Oregon and Washington.
The WFCS process proved useful in developing an interdisciplinary team,
and the vast majority of team members participating in the study stated they would
consider using the WFCS approach again in their work. However, the primary
constraint cited by all team members was the amount of time required to conduct
the study.
The process of conducting WFCS in western Oregon and Washington
improved communication among a wide group of people. Team members gained a
better understanding of the complexity of farms and identified several areas
requiring further research. Farmers stated they enjoyed participating in the case
study project and discovered new information that will assist them in managing
their farming systems. Farmer-developed innovations were identified that are useful
to other farmers and to the research process.
Included in this thesis are: (1) a guide for conducting whole farm case
studies; (2) a summary of data collected from 16 farms in western Oregon and
Washington participating in the WFCS, including a summary of interaction among
interdisciplinary team members; and, (3) a profile of one of the farms
participating in the WFCS. / Graduation date: 1994
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/35633 |
| Date | 08 September 1993 |
| Creators | Murray, Helene |
| Contributors | Karow, Russell S. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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