Smallholder farmers’ decision-making style in the process of adopting beef cattle feed innovation in Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta

Abstract

Decision-making style describes anecdotally the way each individual makes decisions. The aim of this research was to analyse the decision-making style of farmers in the process of adopting innovative feed for beef cattle fattening. This research is a case study of a group of beef cattle farmers in Kapanewon Bantul, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. The method for determining groups uses a purposive sampling method. Respondents in this study were all members of groups determined using the census method. Data collection was carried out by direct interviews with respondent farmers using prepared instruments. The data collected was analysed descriptively. Farmers’ decision-making styles based on rational (81.2%), intuitive (72.3%), and dependent (63.4%) dimensions are in the high category, while avoidant (54.4%) and spontaneous (64.4%) decision making styles are in the medium category. The conclusion in this research is that smallholder farmers are very careful in making decisions. Strong priorities emerge for the rational decision-making style. Fattening cattle farmers have considered the risks and benefits of the profits obtained when having to make decisions about using feed innovation because it is seen as a determinant in the livestock business.