The influence of family and personal domains on change decisions on irrigated dairy farms

Research was conducted to identify the influences on change decisions in Victorian irrigated dairy farms. This qualitative research included the development of a conceptual model that draws on farm control, value chain, image theory and path dependence. An important finding was the influence that the family and personal domains of the farmer could have over farm decisions, even when the issue at hand did not relate to the farm (such as when a farmer directs limited family resources to a child's school fees rather than a farm development plan). this finding has relevance to the way extension, research and development and policy should seek to influence farm change decisions. Key Learning: The family and personal domains of the farmer can influence the capacity of the farmer to make changes to the farm, even where the family or personal issues are not related directly to the farm.