Why don't producers adopt best management practices? An analysis of the beef cattle industry

Abstract 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.