Often as enablers of change we’re required to understand farm systems and how to best support farmers when system changes are required. So in this episode, we’re going to explore a recent paper that delves into understanding the different types of changes farmers can make to their systems to adapt to environmental pressures and climate change.
Geoff Kaine, Vic Wright, and Suzanne Vallance recently co-authored a paper titled ‘Navigating changes in farm systems: Strategic, tactical, complex, and simple adjustments’. In it they outline a framework for classifying changes to commercial farm systems. This framework provides a way of determining the resources, skills, knowledge, planning and time needed to implement different types of changes. This is incredibly useful as an enabler of change, as it helps us work out what might be needed to accelerate adoption or prompt discussion with policy makers about change and compliance with change.
In the paper, four types of changes are outlined. First are strategic changes. These are big-picture changes that alter what is produced and how the farm is organised. An example is switching from sheep and cattle breeding, to bull beef fattening to manage pasture better and reduce soil erosion. These types of changes require significant planning and new skills, but they can substantially improve farm resilience.
Second are tactical changes. These involve tweaking existing practices without changing the overall farm structure. An example is using a new type of drill to plant cover crops earlier, improving land productivity. These changes can be implemented more quickly, helping farmers adapt to input variability.
Next are complex changes. These involve significant alterations to both the components and the relationships within the farm system. An example is creating wetlands to reduce nutrient emissions, which might require reconfiguring farm infrastructure like fences and laneways. These changes are more disruptive but can lead to substantial long-term benefits.
And finally there are simple changes. These types of changes are minor adjustments that don’t significantly alter the farm’s structure. An example is fencing off a small wetland area to improve water quality without affecting overall farm operations. These changes are easy to implement and can provide quick wins for environmental performance.
The authors highlight how understanding the type of change can help us tailor advice and support to farmers. For simple changes, farmers will draw on their own and their peers’ experience, along with any expertise required from their network. As enablers of change we could help by ensuring that appropriate expertise is highlighted as needed and that farmers have opportunities to hear from their peers about this type of change. Change could be accelerated by raising awareness of the innovation and by offering incentives.
Complex changes on the other hand may require modification of much of the farm system. With this type of change, new skills and ways of thinking will be needed. Farmers will need a wider network of resources than for simple changes. This change takes time and there are rarely shortcuts in the process. As enablers of change we can help connect farmers with different networks of peers, advisors and consultants to help with planning and implementation of complex change.
Tactical changes might be quite simple or complex. The authors highlight the important role of policy interventions for this type of change. They use the example of a regulation that limits nutrient emissions along with a mechanism for trading in nutrient emissions. This allows some farmers to respond tactically by purchasing emissions rights, while others will use the sale of those emissions rights to fund strategic change. This takes time and can be supported by research.
The key message from the paper is that we need to carefully assess the type of change being promoted, recognising that it may differ between farmers and farm systems. However, by better understanding the diverse needs of farmers we can provide more effective support. This framework helps us move beyond generic advice and tailor our recommendations to the specific challenges and opportunities each farm faces.
Well, you’ve heard our thoughts, now we’d like to hear yours! Add a comment below the blog post and tell us what you think of this framework for understanding change on-farm, including any tips and further ideas about it. We don’t want this to be just a one-way conversation—join in by sharing your thoughts and ideas with us!
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Resources
Kaine, G., Wright, V., & Vallance, S. (2024). Strategic, tactical, complex and simple changes to farm systems. Systems Research and Behavioral Science. Available online.
A good framework but it is missing that people quite often need ‘modification’ to their ‘attitude to change’ and or planning, particularly strategic planning. People are far less likely to be open to change ideas and actions, if they have emotional blockages. Heart Head and Hands!
That’s a good addition thanks Mal!