Good methods for good farmers? Mapping the language of good farming with “diligent farmers” in Hong Kong

This paper explores two questions facing the use of concept ‘good farmer’ in rural studies: what are most appropriate methods to understand good farming; and is relevance non-western countries? The these issues context pig farmers' biosecurity decisions daily disease management practices New Territories Hong Kong. Specifically, we argue that broaden farming concept, need devise specific methodologies capture relational among farmers, non-human life forms substances construct meaning different cultural contexts. Firstly, consider language farming’, its possible translations, potential meanings alternative phrases used amongst Chinese-speaking farmers. Secondly, develop a farmer-oriented methodology analyse how locally translations constructed relation animal disease. Drawing on 12 mapping their interview discussion, narrated which creation farm maps acts as device illustrate talk about farming. visual method triangulates graphical data with subsequent maps. From this show idea ‘diligent has much stronger resonance Kong than Farm identify symbols diligence, highlighting values productivism, environmentalism social relationships. also reveals performative work involved becoming diligent farmer. In conclusion, considers broader methodological implications for farming, suggesting linguistic differences be recognised arguing further advancement.