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Context. The aim of farm-systems research is to test concepts in a holistic context that enables results to be as applicable as possible to commercial farmers. A downside of such research has been that it can take several seasons to be confident in the consistency of the outcomes and interpretation of the results. Scientists are often reluctant to communicate outcomes until they have clear conclusions, which conflicts with farmers' desire to see rapid answers and engage with research. Aims. This paper reviews a 3-year farm-systems research project investigating flexible milking strategies for New Zealand dairy farmers. The aims of this paper are to (1) examine the impact of real-time science communication in achieving farm system change, and (2) develop a framework for science communication and engagement in adaptive farm-systems research. Methods. The project involved farmer interviews, a farmlet experiment, a component experiment, partner farms, modelling, and a farmer reference group. We use data from sources such as e-newsletter engagement, webinar participation, web-page engagement, presentation attendance, and farmer feedback to collect insights on the impact of the project. Key results. The analysis highlighted that farmers do not always seek complete information and will follow a project as it evolves, particularly when it is highly topical. We propose a framework for delivering adaptive farm systems research and communication. The framework includes the critical aspects for real-time farm-systems research: credible evidence, rapid results, inclusion of farmer voices, meaningful outcomes, flexible communication channels, iterative feedback loops, and adaptable research design. Conclusion. Farm-systems research can be designed to communicate results to farmers as a project develops, while simultaneously using the engagement with farmers to refine the direction of the research. Implications. This framework can guide scientists leading multi-year farm systems projects to design, implement, and communicate the project outcomes to improve farmer engagement and adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately one-third of New Zealand dairy farms have in-shed feeding systems, and quarter of these systems have individual-cow feeding capability. There is little information about the factors motivating farmers to install individualised feeding technology in New Zealand and their management practices. A survey was conducted of 42 farmers using individualised feeding, followed by interviews of 32 farmers and five farm consultants. The aim of the study was to understand why farmers were installing individualised feeding, how they were using it, and what challenges they were facing. Results indicated that these farmers were commonly motivated by improving productivity and most farmers strongly believed that they were gaining value with this approach compared with flat-rate feeding. However, there was also uncertainty about the most profitable feeding strategies. The farmers were most commonly feeding cows in distinct groups rather than as individuals, and were typically adjusting feed allocation at three to four stages of the lactation. Consultants identified a lack of a value proposition for investment, limited justification for feeding-decision rules, and the absence of information to support the perceived productivity (and other) benefits. The perceived productivity benefit of individualised feeding held by farmers in the present study is contrary to recent research that has indicated no marginal milk-production benefit compared with flat-rate feeding. Although, few of these studies relate to individualised feeding in grazing systems where pasture allowance is restricted as is typical of New Zealand farm systems, indicating a need for further experimental and modelling research to quantify the potential value in these systems. Farmers were seeking reliable information on the response rate and cost effectiveness of various feeds and feeding rules, how to distribute a fixed amount of feed to the herd most profitably, and technical expertise, support and back-up for specific feeding systems. Findings from the present study suggest a lack of advisor expertise related to in-shed feeding of concentrate supplement in pasture-grazed systems, signalling opportunities for more training of rural professionals to provide informed advice and improved communication channels with farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]