The Rapid Adjustment Farm Program's Influence on Other Farms in the Community.

The study investigated the diffusion of innovative farming practices from Rapid Adjustment Farms (RAF) to other farms in southeast Ohio. The RAF program, begun in 1968, introduced new technology and management practices to its participant farmers. After reviewing literature of farming programs' information diffusion, a descriptive survey was made of Rapid Adjustment farmers, county extension agents, and other farmers in the RAF area. Three dairy farms of similar tenure in the program were selected from more than 20 RAFs. A stratified random sample was drawn of 30 dairy farmers in each of three counties, with alternative farms also selected by random number. The 90 respondent farmers were asked whether they: (1) viewed the Rapid Adjustment farmer as an opinion leader; (2) adopted RAF practices, and for how long; and (3) knew the Rapid Adjustment farmer, and in what way. The respondent farmers also gave information about themselves and their farming operations. The interview schedule was pretested in June 1974 and administered in August 1974. Major findings and conclusions of the study are presented, along with recommendations for future RAF administrative decisions. Fifty-three tables give respondents' answers to questions on the interview schedule, often with county breakdowns and statistical analysis of the data. Appendixes contain some of the tables and the interview schedule. A bibliography of materials on diffusion research is included. (SD)