Extension and knowledge transfer innovations at IGER

Abstract

This paper describes the Grassland Technology Transfer Programme (GTTP) and the Livestock Knowledge Transfer (KT) Programme operated by IGER in the UK. Both direct and indirect methods of information exchange through individual and farmer groups, including broad scale models, have been used by the GTTP. Under this programme, 10 Focus Farms with 200 associated member farmers have been set up in Wales. These farms include beef and sheep, dairy and organic units. As part of the consultation process for the KT programme, questionnaires were distributed to industry organizations, individual farmers, farmer associations and technically innovative farmers to identify the most pressing technical issues holding back the enterprise and also the most effective methods of delivery of technological information. This project has prepared 67 technical fact sheets addressing the issues raised by the industry survey and to date more than 50 000 orders have been distributed to the industry.