This paper describes the research process and outcomes of a qualitative study with farm family members on their experience and perceptions of education and its association with good farm management. The study also reviews the extensive literature on education, training and productivity across all economic sectors over the last 30 years in Australia.

Based on the group of farmers interviewed near Wagga Wagga NSW insights were gained about how farmers defined and used their educational and learning experiences in their farm operations and daily life. In general there was agreement with the literature that education was useful and had a positive affect on farm management, but the definition of what was meant by ‘education and training’ was broad and needed to have local relevance. For instance the education levels of all family members was seen to be relevant and farm women’s education was important. Self education and local learning either by experience, informally and by short courses and in small groups was mentioned. There was general agreement that education and training was positively associated with good farm management. Farmers had definitions and an understanding of farm management as well as what is meant in a general sense which was also consistent with the literature.