Information required from research programmes when introducing legume forage systems into challenging environments

Abstract

Abstract The use of legumes to increase animal performance is well known, but why are sheep and beef farmers not using a legume forage system in New Zealand hill country, and what information do they need before introducing a legume forage system? A co-innovation process was started to explore the challenges sheep and beef farmers face introducing a legume forage system into hill country and their information needs. The first step in this process, reported here, was to run eight workshops throughout New Zealand which 105 farmers and agribusiness representatives attended. Results showed that getting the right information from trusted sources was the highest priority for farmers looking to introduce a legume forage system. Information provided by the science community and industry needs to be region specific as the range of knowledge around legume species differs across regions. Some of the information required by farmers is already well documented, but may not be in the hands of the right people. Keywords: challenges, forage, farm system, information requirements, knowledge, legumes, sheep and beef farmers