Enhancing landowner adoption of the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s recommended beef cattle grazing management practices

Taylor Olsovsky; Robert Strong; Allen Berthold

doi:10.37433/aad.v2i1.89

Authors

Taylor Olsovsky Texas A&M University, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0476-1440
Robert Strong Texas A&M University, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5279-4808
Allen Berthold Texas A&M University, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2604-1447

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37433/aad.v2i1.89

Keywords:

adoption, landowners, water, beef cattle, management practices

Abstract

Water has a significant role in society, whether through human consumption or agricultural use. The Lavaca Watershed is an agricultural community affected by nonpoint source pollution, and water quality protection is of high concern. Beef cattle operations are linked to nonpoint source pollution which contaminates surrounding water sources. If proper grazing management practices are not used, wastes from the operation impair water quality in the area. Landowners should use proper stocking rates and implement best management practices to benefit land and water quality in addition to overall operation profit. Females reported a higher intention to adopt, indicating these respondents are more open to practice changes on their own operation. Results indicated a need for the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board to conduct further outreach to increase interaction with landowners. NRCS agencies could help increase the use of water conservation plans and inquiries by making this clear to current landowners participating in their program as well as potential clients by sending informational flyers or speaking at local organizational gatherings. The importance of adopting water management practices and barriers to adoption are ongoing global concerns.

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