Extension & Adoption of Innovation and New Practices in the Livestock Industries in Australia

Instructions:
MUST BE WRITTEN BY A NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER! Also requires good knowledge of Australian livestock production systems and processes.

INSTRUCTIONS
Part A (2000 words; 20%)

Many extension and adoption programs that have aimed to improve productivity have failed to result in widespread change in farming practices. Write a review describing how the attributes of new practices or innovations and the characteristics of the farmers and the extension models can influence the rate and extent of adoption. The purpose of the review is to provide generic recommendations on how funding for extension and adoption programs to improve the productivity of the red meat industries across southern Australia can be used more effectively.

Part B (1000 words; 10%)

Write two case studies that assess the pathway from development to adoption of two different agricultural practices or innovations – one with widespread adoption and one with limited uptake. You should explain the different outcomes in terms of the attributes of the innovations, the types of producers that adopted or did not adopt and the roles of the extension models implemented. You should personalise your case studies by talking to one or many producers that have chosen to adopt or not adopt and gather their perspective on their decisions.
Assessment details

The assignment will be assessed against the following criteria

Submission on time
Presentation (legibility; spacing; margins and indenting; pagination; correct use of figures, tables etc.).
Clarity of expression, grammar, adequacy of English expression.
Structure and flow. (Headings, good sentence and paragraph construction, clear flow of ideas through the essay).
Quality of introduction to the review (do you tell us what it will cover?)
Adequacy of content relative to the topic set
Use of specific data or examples to support arguments.
Ability to identify and summarise key issues.
Critical evaluation of the material being reviewed
Extent and soundness of conclusions drawn.
Quality and scope of literature/references cited.
Correct use of, and methods for, citations and references