Socio-technical networks in rural contexts: Analysing shearing schedules and functioning in Patagonian sheep farming

Abstract

The interaction between farmers and rural contractors enhances the efficiency of agricultural processes. The seasonality of agricultural activities concentrates rural contractors work during specific time windows and requires detailed scheduling. In this article, we propose a socio-technical network perspective to study the shearing processes on wool production in Northern Patagonia, Argentina. We analysed the functioning of socio-technical shearing networks (STSN), consisting of farmers and shearing contractors, throughout the development of their work schedules. Data were collected from wool shearing records and semi-structured interviews with shearing contractors, and principal component analysis were performed to characterize the STSN. The analysis of STSN highlighted two main socio-technical configurations based on shearing capacity and farm production scale. The first corresponded to shearing contractors with lower shearing capacities and a higher proportion of small-scale sheep farming farms, developing shearing schedules with lower work volumes. The second consisted of shearing contractors with higher shearing capacities and sheep farming farms of varying production scales, developing shearing schedules with higher work volumes. However, similar socio-technical configurations did not always result in identical functioning. While some prioritised efficiency by maximizing work volume in fewer farms with shorter travel times, others adapted to wider temporal and geographical scopes. This highlights the complex interplay between socio-technical configurations and performance outcomes in scheduling implementation. It reflects different underlying economic and work strategies in applying technological practices within specific social and environmental contexts. STSN illustrated how harvesting processes can be understood through a more complex perspective than mere practice, integrating social actors during technology application.