Good Science Isn't the Problem. Our Assumptions Are.

In our April article, Steve Roche looks at a familiar challenge in agricultural knowledge mobilization: why strong science and good intent don’t always lead to change on farm. These reflections move beyond the idea that farmers need more information and instead focus on how decisions are actually made in practice. Key takeaways include:

Farmers are navigating real constraints: balancing priorities, risks, and what feels feasible in their unique situation. Understanding a problem does not automatically lead to action in these real world contexts.

This is where qualitative insight becomes valuable. It helps surface the beliefs, perceptions, and experiences that shape behaviour and influence whether recommendations are acted on.

Too often, efforts default to more communication or recommendations without addressing what’s really driving decisions. When that happens, even well-intentioned work can miss the mark.

A simple shift sits at the core of this. Ask more questions, earlier in the process, and be willing to adjust based on what you hear.

If you’re working in research, extension, or knowledge mobilization, this piece offers a grounded look at the gap between understanding and action. We hope you’ll give it a read!

What Are We Reading This Month?

Development of a calf health decision tool to support the implementation of management practices to prevent calf morbidity and mortality in western Canadian cow-calf herds

In a nutshell: Calf health is a primary driver of revenue for cow-calf producers, but deciding which preventative practices to use isn’t always straightforward. This study developed and evaluated a decision tool that brings together existing research and helps guide conversations between producers and veterinarians. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all recommendations, the tool focuses on identifying risks within a specific herd and working through practical options. When tested, both producers and veterinarians found it easy to use and helpful for structuring discussions. Overall, it shows promise as a way to reduce morbidity and mortality and turn research into more practical, on-farm decision-making.

Real-World Resources

Video
Priority Areas for the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System’s Beef Network

The Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS) recently conducted analyses in order to identify it’s top 10 priority areas in the Canadian beef sector, based on analyses conducted with Network members. Our team at ACER was pleased to be able to the support CAHSS in the development of this video series, showcasing the expertise of the Network and highlighting their key areas of focus.

Check out the video on the CAHSS YouTube page channel! 👇