Using Realistic Evaluation to understand how interventions work on dairy farms

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Extension
• Animal Husbandry
• Intervention Science

Background:

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for colostrum management are increasingly vital for dairy farm animal welfare assurance programs.
• Failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulins is a common issue on dairy farms, necessitating effective management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an intervention designed to help farmers modify and implement SOPs for colostrum management.
• To understand the mechanisms and contextual factors influencing the adoption of these SOPs using Realistic Evaluation.

Main Methods:

• A multiple case study approach was employed across five dairy farms over an eight-month period.
• Data collection involved interviews, participant observation, document analysis, and field notes.

Main Results:

• Three key mechanisms influenced SOP modification and use: perceived purpose (learning vs. compliance), perceived utility (daily usefulness vs. not), and physical text engagement (using provided templates).
• A critical contextual factor was the belief in having capable and engaged farm staff, essential for SOP adoption.

Conclusions:

• Realistic Evaluation provides a robust framework for understanding how complex interventions facilitate change in agricultural contexts.
• Intervention developers should actively engage with farmers, understand their goals, and integrate practical resources to improve intervention success and tailor approaches to specific farm needs.