effect of socioeconomic factors on the adoption of best management practices in beef cattle production

• Published in: Journal of soil and water conservation Vol. 60; no. 3; pp. 111 - 120
• Main Authors: Kim, S, Gillespie, J.M, Paudel, K.P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ankeny, IA Soil and Water Conservation Society 01.05.2005; Soil & Water Conservation Society
• Subjects: Agricultural and farming systems; Agriculture; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Animal feeding and feeds; animal production; Animal productions; Beef cattle; Best management practices; Biological and medical sciences; Cattle industry; Environmental policy; equations; erosion control; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agroecology. Agricultural and farming systems. Agricultural development. Rural area planning. Landscaping; General agronomy. Plant production; Generalities. Agricultural and farming systems. Agricultural development; Government regulation; grazing management; innovation adoption; Laws, regulations and rules; mortality; nutrient management; pesticide application; probit analysis; Socioeconomic factors; socioeconomic status; Soil erosion, conservation, land management and development; Soil science; statistics; Terrestrial animal productions; Vertebrates; Louisiana; United States; North America; America; Soil erosion; Environmental policy; Socioeconomic study; Probit model; Relief shape; Beef cattle; probit; Animal production; Code of practice; Ungulata; Adoption; Production system; Natural resources; Subtropical zone; Farming animal; best management practices; Vertebrata; beef cattle production; Mammalia; Conservation of resources; Pasture; Artiodactyla; Farmer; Resource management; Farming
• ISSN: 0022-4561; 1941-3300

Factors affecting cattle producers' adoption of best management practices (BMPs) are examined using probit analyses. Results show that in situations such as when the farm includes more enterprises, the farmer has had contact with Natural Resources Conservation Service personnel at least once within the past year, the farmer holds a college bachelor's degree, the percentage of income from beef cattle production is higher, or the operation includes hilly land, the likelihood of BMP adoption is greater. Having a greater number of other agricultural enterprises and having a greater percentage of income from the cattle operation were significant factors in the adoption of companion practices. Results of this study suggest changes in formulating future environmental policies associated with pasture-based beef cattle production.