Farmers and Ranchers in North Dakota Value Their Land in Not Only Economic Terms

Abstract

Beliefs and attitudes are a critical component of future behaviors yet remain underexamined when assessing the intentions of agricultural producers to implement conservation practices. We examined the antecedents to agricultural behavior through qualitative interviews analyzed with consensual qualitative research (Hill, Thompson, & Nutt Williams, 1997) methodology. The results indicated complex relationships between stewardship beliefs and economic factors, as well as influences related to science and technology, weather and climate, and threats to family farm identity. Analyzing the findings using tenets of the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991), we present implications for interventions with agricultural producers as well as psychological theory and research, and suggest that farmers and ranchers value the land in important ways that extend beyond economic considerations.

Predictors of Job Satisfaction in Female Farmers Aged 50 and Over: Implications for Occupational Health Nurses

“…These factors emerged from studies of nonfarm work; however, some of the factors seem to contribute to farmers’ work satisfaction (Herrera et al, 2018). Family and colleague relationships, maintenance of family values, interesting variety of job tasks, and autonomy of work contribute to farm-work satisfaction; however, there is no standard measure across studies, making a comparison of studies of job satisfaction problematic (Besser & Mann, 2015; Herrera et al, 2018; Juntunen et al, 2019).…”

“…Farming is a way of life intertwined with the land and a strong sense of family (Juntunen et al, 2019; Löfgren & Olsson, 2019). Farmers report being more satisfied with farming than with off-farm work (Juntunen et al, 2019).…”

“…Farming is a way of life intertwined with the land and a strong sense of family (Juntunen et al, 2019; Löfgren & Olsson, 2019). Farmers report being more satisfied with farming than with off-farm work (Juntunen et al, 2019). In Amshoff and Reed (2005, p. 306), a farmer stated, “If you are doing it because you want to, then it’s not considered work.” This feeling is shared among current generations: “I love what I am doing, if you enjoy it, it isn’t work, so I haven’t thought about retiring” (Juntunen et al, 2019, p. 5).…”

“…Farmers report being more satisfied with farming than with off-farm work (Juntunen et al, 2019). In Amshoff and Reed (2005, p. 306), a farmer stated, “If you are doing it because you want to, then it’s not considered work.” This feeling is shared among current generations: “I love what I am doing, if you enjoy it, it isn’t work, so I haven’t thought about retiring” (Juntunen et al, 2019, p. 5). Factors that enhance job satisfaction in the non-farmer may not influence satisfaction in the farmer.…”

“…Factors that enhance job satisfaction in the non-farmer may not influence satisfaction in the farmer. Despite long work hours, economic uncertainty, and physically demanding tasks, farmers are generally satisfied with their work, some even fearing death if they could not farm (Besser & Mann, 2015; Droullard et al, 2017; Juntunen et al, 2019).…”