Agricultural knowledge transfer in Devon 1919 - 1933

This case study has examined ways in which agricultural knowledge was transmitted informally to Devon’s farmers in the interwar period. It argues that this shows distinct organisational differences to pre-WW1 and post-WW2 agricultural knowledge transfer. The study also identifies differences with agricultural education in adjacent counties. Interwar knowledge transfer received funding from central government, but was administered at the county level. Provision was permissive, not compulsory, and relied on the efforts of a small county staff, who were assisted by a large number of individuals. The organisations detailed in this study exhibit differing levels of support from the county however, all benefitted from county involvement. The individuals who helped run the organisations are numerous, mostly farmers but including staff of commercial companies. The foremost have been identified as fundamental, with both leadership and, in some cases, financial assistance. The inter-connectedness of the various bodies providing knowledge and of the organisations receiving it is acknowledged, as is the impact of increasing motorised transport in improving the accessibility of knowledge transfer. The perception of Devon’s farmers as backward and resistant to change has been shown as incorrect, many were willing to consider new ideas and seek advice to combine with their local knowledge, particularly when it could reduce costs. The main limitation on their adoption of new ideas was lack of capital, which made them cautious. The difficulty of finding relevant diaries and accounts makes it impossible to quantify the full extent of change; despite this, agricultural statistics have been used to indicate trends at county and more local levels. A number of other studies cover interwar economic and social developments; this study shows how organisations gave information on opportunities for change in previously unrecorded ways.<p></p>

Author dc:creator

• Penny Lawrence (21042440)

• Agriculture
• Knowledge Transfer
• Devon
• Agricultural Discussion
• Milk Recording
• Calf Club

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Identifier

10779/exe.32346117.v1

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:figshare.com:article/32346117