The social dimensions of mixed farming systems

Most mixed farms in Australia are family run, and so the goals of the family and of the farm are closely inter-related. This chapter describes and discusses social factors which influence decisions made on mixed farms with particular reference to the influence of drought. Decision making on mixed farms is an extremely complex process as many factors must be taken into account, some factors are difficult to quantify and uncertain variables such as climate and commodity prices are important. The factors influencing changes to the farming system and the influence of drought on changing the system are discussed. Some implications for research and extension are described. Two social research projects contribute to the chapter: the Grain and Graze Social Research project and the BCG-Critical Breaking Point research into effects of drought on farming families.