North Dakota Beef Cow Producers: Identifying Current Management Practices and Factors that Influence Adoption Rates of Best Management Practices Relating to Surface Water Pollution

Abstract

Best management practices are methods that have been determined to be the most effective and practical means of preventing or reducing pollution. Best Management Practices (BMPs) relating to surface water pollution abatement for North Dakota beef cow operations are of particular importance due to the importance of the agriculture industry in North Dakota. North Dakota has yet to address the use of voluntary BMPs to address potential surface water pollution regulations. Probit models were used to estimate the likelihood of North Dakota beef cow operators adopting specific production practices to reduce potential surface water pollution through the use of BMPs. The six BMPs discussed in this research include nutrient management, rotational grazing, filterstrjps, riparian buffers, streambank fencing, and streambank bridging/crossing. Number of beef cows on operation, education, awareness of cost share programs, contact with extension service, ownership structure, debt level, record keeping method, and pasture season usage were found to be significant in the likelihood of adopting a BMP.