Working conditions on livestock farms, a personal and multifaceted topic: some recommendations to help farmers' advisers

Abstract

On the one hand, working conditions constitute a major concern for livestock farmers. On the other hand, farmers rarely raise this issue nor ask for advice about it. In parallel, many advisers find it difficult to provide services to farmers on this topic. We analyzed the difficulties they meet through several field experiences, in order to formulate recommendations that could help to better support farmers. Some difficulties are linked to the personal and multifaceted characteristics of the topic. This aspect has to be taken into account by advisers when choosing their position towards farmers (technical expert, facilitator...), depending on the moment and the situation. Other troubles refer to the collaboration with colleagues, since additional skills or knowledge must be solicited to treat working issues. To improve the situation, we point out that it is essential to help advisers to adapt their practices and positioning, to increase their knowledge of the work on livestock farms, to gain new skills, approaches and tools to support farmers. The organizational framework also has to be worked so that complementary work involving several organizations and players is possible.