FARMERS' REASONS FOR NOT ADOPTING CONTROVERSIAL TECHNIQUES IN GRASSLAND FARMING

It is commonly said that'resistance to change' is a basic factor preventing farmers from adopting new techniques, but such a statement depends on an external judgement as to the suitability of the technique studied for the farmer. In a recent survey, farmers were asked to give their reasons for not taking up recommended techniques for grassland farming, and these reasons are examined. In some cases it is clear that the farmer has no good reason for not using the technique except that he dislikes it, and differences between techniques in this respect are discussed.