Table 4 Short summaries of the three advisor styles

Purpose

Creating results by working together. The collaboration process is important in itself

Achieving specific production-oriented goals. Working together is a method to obtain better results, than one advisor could alone

Long term focus on strategy and economy. The collaboration process itself is less important

High priority statements, examples

To benefit from the advisors’ different competencies

To create results by working together

To ensure value in terms of the money invested by the farmer in transdisciplinary advisory services

To help the farmer achieve the farm strategy

To make use of all available knowledge regarding the interaction between feed and health

To improve the production results of the farm

To improve dairy herd health

To work with the farmer toward a common goal

To contribute positively to the net income of the farm

To offer advice focusing on the economic consequences of current actions

To support the farmer in reaching his/her goals

To help the farmer achieve the farm strategy

High priority distinguishing statement, example

To transfer knowledge from several professional perspectives

To improve dairy herd health

To contribute positively to the net income of the farm

Low priority distinguishing statement, example

To improve animal welfare

To help the farmer achieve the farm strategy

To cooperate on an equal footing with other professions