An Evaluation of Discussion Forums for Generating Program Support

Depressed incomes for farmers at the Northeast's urban fringe have been blamed on expensive real estate, high taxes, high utility rates, a lack of traditional farm services, environmental regulation, and a population distant from agriculture. This is exemplified by the New Jersey dairy industry, where the number of farms in the state has declined from more than 4,000 in the 1950's to less than 250 today. For the state as a whole, only about 50% of the land farmed in 1950 is farmed today. Property taxes for New Jersey farmers are more than twice the average of those in the surrounding states (NY, PA, MD, DE and CT) (Lund & Jones, 1994). A survey of New Jersey farmers indicates that many experience time and financial stress due to regulatory burdens. Low milk prices are also perceived to be a cause of financial difficulties.

The focus of this project was to bring state dairy farmers and others who work with the dairy industry together in several forums and allow them to discuss the future of dairy farming in New Jersey. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effectiveness of these forums to accomplish the above objective.

During the winter of 1994, two forums were held for dairy farmers in New Jersey. These were sponsored by the New Jersey Farm Bureau and Rutgers Cooperative Extension, with support from several other state organizations, and were designed to bring dairy farmers together so they could discuss the future of the state's dairy industry. The forums consisted of morning lectures, a shared luncheon, and breakout groups in the afternoon. The breakout groups, led by Rutgers Cooperative Extension facilitators, discussed both policy and individual changes that might influence the industry. A follow up meeting, composed of a smaller number of dairy producers and dairy industry representatives, was held to evaluate the forums.

Two similar forums were conducted, a year later, in the winter and spring of 1995-96. These meetings were distinct from the first two in that they were composed strictly of dairy farmers (representatives from the New Jersey Farm Bureau served a moderating role). The objective of all these meetings was to develop some consensus and direction about the future of the dairy industry.

The first two forums and the smaller group meeting culminated in a number of recommendations that were quite consistent between the two meetings. The first two forums resulted in both good turnout and good participation with about 75 people attending each meeting. Most participants felt that the chance to talk and air their concerns was the most effective part of the meeting. Most speakers were affiliated in some way with the dairy industry, and some participants felt that this took time away from open discussion. In one forum, the facilitators were more confrontational in their approach and may have intimidated some attendees. Future meetings may need to be directed by more of a moderator than a facilitator.

A smaller group of attendees met later to evaluate the forums. Most of these (n = 9 returned evaluations from the 12 attending the follow up meeting) rated the forums as good or excellent. Speakers were rated as fair (2.4 out of 5) and facilitators were rated as good (3.2 out of 5). This subgroup felt that more discussion time and fewer speakers would be an improvement. All said that dairy farmers should be involved in the development and leadership of future meetings.

These meetings resulted in a number of policy or educational proposals, including:

1. Tax and utility relief: The New Jersey Farm Bureau has worked with state government to facilitate both property tax and electricity rate reform (both proposals at the forums). As a result, dairy farmers can currently qualify for grants or low- cost loans to purchase technology for improving energy efficiency.

2. A manure and waste nutrient management program (with the assistance of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service). Several Rutgers Cooperative Extension programs are educating farmers through demonstrations and meetings about the importance of managing manure wastes as resources.

3. A milk quality program: This was designed to help dairy farmers determine, through bulk tank and individual cow milk sampling, what mastitis organisms are infecting dairy herds.

4. Johne's Disease: A joint project between Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the New Jersey Division of Animal Health is to educate dairy farmers and implement management programs to control this disease.

The most controversial proposal was to put a referendum on the state ballot to establish a surcharge of .01 or .02 cents per gallon of milk sold in the state. This would go into a fund to reimburse all dairy farmers. Few of the proposals related to improving efficiencies of dairy farm operations (such as. nutrition and management, costs of production, or labor efficiency).

Two smaller groups of producers met for more meetings in 1995-96. These meetings were moderated by farmers. Some issues were the same as discussed at the previous meetings. For example, many farmers were still concerned about the price they received for milk and felt that all efforts should be directed toward gaining higher prices for milk. New proposals focused upon the state's Right-to-Farm Act, fortified milk standards, Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and etc.

Farmers talked freely at these forums and brought forward many issues. Many felt that more leadership should be given to farmers in their development and administration. The use of speakers and facilitators was viewed as helpful provided it didn't take time away from producer participation. Forums such as these can be an effective means to develop support. The results of these forums, as judged by the pursuit of several ongoing measures, has been positive, and may be employed again.

Into the 21st century: Ensuring a fertile future for New Jersey agriculture. (1994). A Report of the Farms Commission. (Future for Agriculture, Resources, Missions, Strategies). Lund, D. B., & Jones, Jr., L. C., Co-Chairs. Rutgers University, Cook College, Publisher.