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Factors affecting cattle producersâ €™ 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Best management practices (BMPs) are promoted to reduce water pollution from agricultural activities. This study investigates the likely determinants of Louisiana dairy farmers' decisions to voluntarily implement BMPs. Adoption rates of 21 BMPs ranged from 28 to 83 percent, with "not applicable to my farm" as the most often cited reason for non-adoption. Larger, more productive farms with greater financial resources were the most frequent adopters of BMPs. Use of sources of information such as seminars and the Cooperative Extension Service were associated with greater adoption, underscoring the importance of information in encouraging adoption. Younger, more educated farmers who had been in business a shorter time, as well as those who had a family member planning to take over the farm upon the farmer's retirement were more likely to adopt BMPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]