Introduction to Benchmarking in Farming

Organization

OVERVIEW

In this lesson, you will dig deeper into the first step in benchmarking process. This is an experiential learning lesson where you will be learning by doing. You are expected to start the process of organizing a benchmarking learning group for your farm as part of this lesson. In this step-by-step field guide, you will learn how to form and manage a learning group. The objective of this first step in the process is to form a benchmarking learning group.

SUBJECT AND KEY TERMS

Organization, Learning group, group dynamics, leadership, self-management

OBJECTIVES

• Participants will be able to establish a learning group
• Participants will be able to develop a group agenda for benchmarking purposes 
  

RESOURCES

Reading - Click here: Farm Business Analysis Using Benchmarking

               Part 2 (pg. 41-45)

READING INSTRUCTIONS

Treat this reading as a practical step to organizing a learning group. As you start to read through this guide, brainstorms ideas and implement parts of the guide that are practical in your case. The objective of this reading is to guide you in the process of forming a benchmarking learning group. Take notes as you go through the different steps of organizing a group.

ACTIVITIES

• Form a learning group for benchmarking purposes.
• Develop an agenda for conducting benchmarking/farm business analysis.
• Plan future meetings dates and times that works with the all group members.

DISCUSSION

• What are issues that could affect learning group progress and effective operations?
• What are important consideration when forming a learning group?
• What issues could affect formation of a learning group?
• How can the group overcome this challenges?

CHECKING FOR UNDERSTANDING

• What is a Learning Group?
• How do you form learning group?
• What are some strategies to get your learning group to perform well?
• How do group dynamics affect learning group?
• What are important principles in group leadership?

SUMMARY

In preparing for the benchmarking process, farmers should form learning groups where issues of farm management and farm productivity can be discussed. Farmers do not usually come together by themselves and often need someone to facilitate this process. So, as an extension worker, you may be required to assist in the formation of learning groups (Kahan 2013, p. 22)

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