Factors influencing the implementation of best management practices in the dairy industry

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.