ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER RESEARCH 24 to keep them going; the growers all appreciate it, but they’re busy as well. So, when push comes to shove, attending the study group isn’t always the priority you’d hope it would be.” BRIDGING THE GAP Agricultural extension systems remain essential to bridging the gap between research and practical application on the farm, but their structure and effectiveness vary depending on the broader policy and funding environment. The way that extension is organized and delivered varies significantly between countries. The Australian system demonstrates the significant impact of farmer-leadership on influencing public-funding models, while the U.S. system illustrates how a publicly funded model can foster trusted, locally relevant support when institutions are well-resourced and incentives are in place for those involved. The Dutch case, by contrast, illustrates how privatization can drive innovation and responsiveness, yet also presents challenges around access and coordination. Both public and private extension models can be effective in meeting farmers' needs, but each depends on specific conditions to function well. Public systems require stable funding and structures that reward engagement with producers rather than academic metrics alone. Private systems depend on a market that can support the cost of advisory services, and on mechanisms to ensure accessibility and continuity. Across both systems, there is a need for skilled intermediaries who can navigate complex knowledge landscapes and connect stakeholders in meaningful ways. As agriculture continues to evolve in response to climate, market, and policy pressures, so too must extension systems ensure they remain inclusive, adaptive, and grounded in both science and farmer experience. Lauren Benoit is the recipient of the 2024 Grain Farmers of Ontariosponsored Nuffield Scholarship. She is a technical solutions agronomist with Bayer CropScience and a former delegate in District 8 (Huron). Find out more about Nuffield Scholarships at www.nuffield.ca. • continued from page 23 Talk to your Agro-100 representative or Ag retailer. Fix the pH. Fuel the profit. One Application. Four Nutrients. Scan to discover how KaLime improves soil health agro_KaLime_OntGrainFarmer_half_august2025_05.indd 1 2025-06-16 16:33 Lauren Benoit, Lotte van Duren den Hollander (BO Akkerbouw) and Marijn Van Doojn (BO Akkerbouw) at a field day in the Netherlands last year.
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