Why don\u27t producers adopt best management practices? An analysis of the beef cattle industry

Cattle producers were surveyed to determine their adoption rates and reasons for non-adoption of 16 best management practices. Potential reasons for non-adoption included unfamiliarity, non-applicability, high cost, still considering adoption, and preference not to adopt. The two most commonly cited reasons for non-adoption were unfamiliarity and non-applicability of the practice. Results highlight the importance of educational efforts in encouraging adoption, as well as farm type and financial situation of the farmer. © 2007 International Association of Agricultural Economists