Improving the usability of information for the Australian macadamia industry through a web-based information bank (MC09002)
What was it all about?
This project, which ran from 2010 to 2014, improved access for macadamia growers to quality information to increase on-farm productivity through adoption of industry best practices.
A new online resource, macSmart.com.au, was developed for access by macadamia industry levy payers. Information was provided through macSmart including online publications and in a series of videos, with the content determined by a project steering group.
Initially the focus was on canopy management but it was subsequently broadened to include latest research findings, grower innovation and case studies of highly successful farms and farming practices.
A total of 55 videos were produced and published via the macSmart web site, with subscribers notified of each new post. By the end of the project, nearly 350 people had subscribed to receive updates.
An evaluation in 2014 showed that users reported that the new resources were very valuable. In particular, they reported that the case study format of videos made it easy to understand how to apply changes in their own situation. Two thirds of those surveyed indicated that the videos had directly contributed to practice change on their farms.
ACT NOW
Levy payers and members of the Australian Macadamia Society can access macSmart here.
ISBN:
978-0-7341-3470-7
Funding statement:
This project has been funded by Hort Innovation
Copyright:
Copyright © Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited 2011. The Final Research Report (in part or as whole) cannot be reproduced, published, communicated or adapted without the prior written consent of Hort Innovation (except as may be permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth)).