A study of cattle producer preferences for best management practices in an East Tennessee watershed

• DOI: 10.2489/jswc.69.1.41
• Publication Date: 2014-01-06T21:13:33Z
• Authors: D.M. Lambert; C.D. Clark; N. Busko; F.R. Walker; A. Layton; S. Hawkins
• Keywords: Best practice

Best Management Practices (BMPs) contribute to a broader range of efforts improve the environmental performance livestock sector and its impact on water quality. This research evaluates survey cattle producers in an East Tennessee watershed parts five surrounding watersheds, along with factors correlated preferences for BMPs designed reduce sediment, nutrient, fecal coliform contamination surface waters by limiting access streams. The objective was gather behavioral information about producer interest specific effort supplement long-term biophysical modeling project. Structures analyzed include stream crossings, rotational grazing, pasture improvement, tanks. physical economic constraints faced incentives provided state federal programs influence decision adopt set practices or structures that pathogen loading into There clear preference suite did not reinforcing anecdotal evidence maintenance associated frequent high flow events may willingness install crossings. Cattle were more willing implement grazing improvement BMPs, which health productivity. extensive distribution pastureland region analyzed, relatively inexpensive costs adopting supporting higher quality forage improved pastures suggest win-win outcome owners enhance