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Article
The benefits and challenges of machinery sharing among small-scale fruit and vegetable growers
Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development
  • Georgeanne M. Artz, Iowa State University
  • Linda Naeve, Iowa State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
1-1-2016
DOI
10.5304/jafscd.2016.063.003
Abstract

We worked with five groups of Iowa farmers who shared different pieces of machinery. Under our mentoring, each group developed sharing agreements; some groups continue to share equipment and other inputs. In this paper, we provide an overview of the project and case studies of machinery sharing as well as summarize the benefits and challenges faced by growers during the first year in machinery-sharing arrangements. Our results suggest that in addition to allowing growers to cost-effectively access specialized equipment and improve their labor efficiency, sharing can provide other benefits, including improved access to skilled labor, reduced risk, and idea sharing among peer groups of like-minded individuals. Commonly cited concerns with machinery-sharing arrangements, including having access to the equipment when most needed, can be alleviated with careful advanced planning and open communication.

Comments

This is an article from, Artz, G., & Naeve, L. 2016. The benefits and challenges of machinery sharing among small-scale fruit and vegetable growers. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 6(3), 19–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2016.063.003

Copyright Owner
New Leaf Associates, Inc.
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Georgeanne M. Artz and Linda Naeve. "The benefits and challenges of machinery sharing among small-scale fruit and vegetable growers" Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development Vol. 6 Iss. 3 (2016) p. 19 - 35
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/georgeanne-artz/24/