Perceptions Of Production Research Articles

Compounding disaster: Perceptions of coastal risk, extreme events, and oil and gas energy production in the Gulf of Mexico

With more than five million people living in proximity to oil and gas (OGA) infrastructure, the state of Texas has the largest population at risk for developing health problems attributable to the industry in the U.S. The interaction between environmental and technological events, one kind of compound disaster events, has the potential to increase future health risks and aggravate existing social and environmental impacts. To identify current knowledge and awareness of the risks of compound disasters among residents, this article presents findings from interviews conducted in 2017 and 2019 with key stakeholders from Corpus Christi, Texas. The city is a hub of OGA production and transport and has recently suffered from the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey. The primary set of interviews (n: 23) is also complemented by the analysis of 2 other collections (n: 20) from residents who were affected by Hurricane Harvey and which are stored at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's library. Findings underscore the lack of awareness of OGA activities in general and of problems related to environmental racism. We also found a normalization of the impacts of small oil incidents among respondents and biased perceptions of development. Knowledge of the risk of compound events is rare, an issue that poses significant concerns for the future of these communities and their ability to prepare and mitigate.

Promoting UAV autonomous aerial video to improve cross-cultural understanding, historical knowledge, and students’ perception

ABSTRACT We designed a cross-cultural learning activity leveraging unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology to enhance historical and cultural understanding among twenty university students from Indonesia and China. By recording and exchanging aerial videos of local cultural and historical sites using UAVs equipped with the latest AI features, students gained unique perspectives on these landmarks, unavailable through traditional ground-level photography. This study examined how such activities foster cross-cultural understanding and deepen historical knowledge, alongside participants' perceptions of UAV video production. Employing a mixed method approach, including video analysis, questionnaires, and interviews, we discovered that UAV technology not only facilitated a unique learning experience but also significantly impacted participants' cross-cultural and historical insights. The ease of UAV use and its effectiveness in cross-cultural education were particularly noted, with participants expressing intentions to use UAV technology in future learning contexts. Based on these findings, we offer recommendations for educators and researchers to integrate UAV technology into educational settings.

Public knowledge, sentiments, and perceptions of low dose radiation (LDR) and power production, with special reference to reactor accidents

Abstract People’s perceptions concerning radiation inform decision making in relation to nuclear power production. There have been extensive studies of people’s perceptions of radiation including in relation to the Fukushima and Chernobyl nuclear events. This paper reports on a social science literature review study and is concerned with public responses to low dose radiation (LDR) and nuclear facilities, particularly in the marine environment. This review confirms that people with little knowledge about radiation have the highest risk perceptions in relation to nuclear power; conversely people with a broader knowledge have lower risk perceptions and are more favourable to nuclear power. Education can increase positive perceptions, but the influence of underlying experience of feeling, emotion, attachment, or mood may dampen this effect. This paper reports studies which document anxiety within the Japanese community in relation to the Fukushima nuclear accident. Literature concerning specific radionuclides released is described. While there are uncertainties about the presence of health impacts following LDR exposures, public attitudes are not in line. There is a need for better dialogue between nuclear professionals and scientists to achieve better nuclear education and public communication outcomes; more specific communication surrounding multi-isotopes, and multi-elements of nuclear power plant disaster releases is warranted. Trusted communicators should include nuclear and social scientists as well as regulators. Given the importance of decarbonization in the context of climate change, this is increasingly important.

Tobacco policy (in)coherence in Mozambique: an examination of national and subnational stakeholder perspectives.

Mozambique ranks fifth on the list of tobacco producing countries in Africa, while also being a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Tobacco farming is regarded by some governments as a strategic economic commodity for export and remains deeply entrenched within Mozambique's political and economic landscape. This study uses a qualitative description methodology to identify tensions, conflicts and alignment or misalignment in policy on tobacco across government sectors and levels in Mozambique. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 33 key informants from sectors across national and subnational levels including health, agriculture, economic and commercial sectors, as well as non-state actors from civil society organizations, the tobacco industry, farmers unions and associations and individual farmers. Incoherence was present across sectoral mandates, perspectives on industry's presence in the country and regions and between FCTC provisions and informant perceptions of tobacco production as a development strategy. Despite tobacco being viewed as an important economic commodity by many informants, there was also widespread dissatisfaction with tobacco from both farmers and some government officials. There were indications of an openness to shifting to a policy that emphasizes alternatives to tobacco growing. The findings also illustrate where points of convergence exist across sectors and where opportunities for aligning tobacco policy with the provisions of the FCTC can occur.

Doenjang in the Air: Maangchi and the Mediation of Korean Cultural Authenticity

In this article, I explore the ways that women of the Korean diaspora engage in cultural meaning-making through material culture in efforts to redefine what it means for people, things, and ideas to be considered “authentically Korean”. Using the case study of famous internet chef Maangchi, I examine one of her best-selling cookbooks and her digital presence to identify the tactics she uses to exert agency in the meaning-making and community-building process, using Korean food and her role as a maternal figure as vehicles for analysis. Due to her roles as a mother and her positioning as a quintessential immigrant subject in the US context, I argue that Maangchi challenges colonial and Eurocentric models of cultural authenticity as part of a long history of women of color that actively disrupt social perceptions of value, expertise, and knowledge production. By exploring her business ventures, I consider how embedded pieces of knowledge, racialization, perceived expertise, and cultural assumptions are all connected to challenge the historical concepts and applications of authenticity in favor of a more inclusive, radical, and politically potent understanding of what truly makes something “Korean”.

PERSEPSI PETANI TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI KAKAO JENIS BIBIT SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS (SE) DALAM KEGIATAN PEREMAJAAN DI KELURAHAN PALARAHI KECAMATAN WAWOTOBI KABUPATEN KONAWE

The success of cocoa cultivation is the use of quality plant seeds, one of which is cocoa seedlings obtained through the technique of Somatic Embryogenesis (SE) propagation is the latest method that can produce planlets that are the same as the source, have taproots and branching structures similar to plants from seeds. Another advantage of the SE technique is that it can mass produce seedlings, free of pests and diseases, more uniform growth, better vigor, high yield and drought resistance. This study aims to determine Farmers' Perceptions of Growth and Production of Cocoa Seedlings of Somatic Embryogenesis (SE) in Rejuvenation Activities in Palarahi Village, Wawotobi Subdistrict, Konawe Regency. The sample size was 20 respondents determined by the census method. Data collection techniques used were interviews, observation, and recording. Data analysis used in this research is descriptive qualitative processed in the form of Likert scale level 5, which is then done scoring and the results are summed and averaged to classify high, medium and low perception of farmers. The results showed that farmers' perceptions of the growth and production of Somatic Embryogenesis (SE) cocoa seedlings were in the high category, in other words, better than the previous cocoa plants. So that the quality and profit they feel has been achieved although not fully maximized, but it has given its own satisfaction by planting SE seedlings.

Farmers concerns in relation to organic livestock production

The study describes organic producers’ perceptions of organic livestock production, product commercialisation, use of contentious inputs such as allopathic antibiotics, antiparasitics and vitamins and bedding materials availability in Mediterranean (MED) and North/Western European (NWE) countries. A total of 426 MED (46.2%) and NWE (53.8%) responses were analysed revealing more difficulty finding information on alternatives to antiparasitics and antibiotics than on bedding materials. They identified ‘feeding/nutrition’, ‘animal health’ and ‘welfare’ as the most relevant topics in their farms. Whereas ruminants and monogastrics farmers in the NWE region also indicated ‘organic regulation’ as relevant, farmers rearing ruminant species in the MED region identified farm profitability and commercialisation. Farmers still mainly relied in conventional treatments but they often applied phytotherapy, although >61% of the participants did not treat their animals in the last year. If treated, most of them administered on average one course of antibiotic treatment per animal (>62%). In the MED region, the main sources of information on alternative treatments were veterinarians (>60%) and the Internet (>32%). In the NWE region, it was other farmers for producers including ruminant species (>63%) and veterinarians (>77%) for monogastric farmers. In the NWE region, direct commercialisation and through a cooperative and/or food industry were the most frequent channel used; while, in the MED region, they were the food industry and/or direct commercialisation. In conclusion, this survey provides novel cross-European insights into organic livestock producers' concerns. A particular value of the survey is that MED countries, which are often underrepresented, were well sampled.

391 Common Knowledge Or Common sense? Identifying Systematic Misconceptions of Animal Agriculture and Food Familiarity in Higher Education Individuals

Abstract Knowledge gaps in the context of agriculture contribute to mistrust and negative worldviews of the animal agricultural sector. The purpose of this quasi-experimental survey study stood on three tiers: quantify perceived connection to food production (FP) of the participants, their understanding, knowledge and perceptions of animal agriculture (AA) and FP, and determine predictors which may have contributed to their knowledge and perceptions of food animal production. A southeastern land grant institution served as the convenience sample for this study, where 265 completed responses were returned. The electronic survey collected several types of data including a Gapminder-influenced (Rosling et al., 2019) Animal Agricultural Knowledge and Perceptions Questionnaire, a Food Familiarity Index Questionnaire, and demographic questions. The study reports that almost 50% of participants demonstrated a negative worldview (P < 0.05) of animal agriculture, regardless of food familiarity scores. Natural and self-identified demographic characteristics impacted AA knowledge and perceptions, including gender, ethnicity, dietary preference, perceived connection to FP, and affiliation with the College of Agriculture. Additional research should be done to replicate the findings with broader question pools and other demographic groups to identify areas that need improvement in agriculture communication efforts designed to dispel misinformation.

Exploring undergraduate students’ perceptions of food animal production and their sense of belonging in an introductory animal science course

New animal science undergraduates are further removed from agriculture than ever before, many coming from non-agricultural backgrounds lacking experience with food animals. In addition to beginning a degree program in which they have little experience, undergraduates face unique challenges during their transition to college, which could impact retention and success in their chosen major. The focal course, Food Animal Science: ANEQ 101, is an introductory animal science course composed primarily of first year animal science students. This course utilized experiential learning by implementing laboratories with dairy calves providing hands-on experience. Pre- and post-surveys were developed to assess students’ perceptions of food animal production, welfare, and sense of belonging in the Animal Science major at the beginning and end of this course that was characterized by hands-on opportunities; quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed on 114 paired survey responses. Respondents were mostly female (79%, n = 91), white (80.7%, n = 92), and from non-agricultural backgrounds (83.3%, n = 95). Despite only half (51.8%, n = 59) of respondents indicating that they had experience with food animals, most respondents indicated that they agreed being comfortable with food animal production (96.5%, n = 110) and working with food animals (95.6%; n = 109); agreement with these statements was similar in the post-survey (P > 0.05). More students agreed with the statement “In the United States, food animals are raised with an acceptable level of animal welfare” (P = 0.016) in the post-survey as compared with the pre-survey. In the pre- and post-survey, questions related to belonging garnered positive responses, consequently, there was no evidence that students’ sense of belonging in the major was altered during the course. Two free-response questions asked respondents to comment on their sense of belonging in the major. Thematic analysis of these answers identified themes related to belonging, including Learning and Curriculum, Career Goals and Aspirations, Passion for Working with Animals, Self-Assurance, and Community and Classroom Environment. The majority of students had positive views about production and their sense of belonging within the major highlighting the value of integrating experiential learning opportunities for students studying animal science.

Generation Z Nursing Students' Perceptions of Sustainable Production and Consumption Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Qualitative Study.

Background and Purpose: 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, an in-depth understanding of undergraduate nursing students, and experiences are needed. This study aims to explore and describe the experiences and challenges faced by undergraduate nursing students concerning sustainable production and consumption based on the theory of planned behavior. Methods: An inductive design was used for this qualitative study, which included open-ended, and in-depth interviews with 24 undergraduate nursing students. Throughout the study, the authors followed the COREQ checklist. Results: The audio was recorded and lasted 24-48 minutes (x̄ = 30.8 minutes). The audio recordings were subjected to repeated listening, followed by the creation of observation notes for each interview and transcription of all the interviews. It was determined that data saturation had been achieved after the final interview. The participants confirmed the findings by reviewing daily summaries at the conclusion of the interview data. To analyze the data, the thick description method was employed. The coded similarity rate of the data set was calculated. The similarity rate in this study was 91.0%. Five themes were identified: (a) "behavioral beliefs," (b) "normative persons, organizations, and institutions," (c) "motive," (d) "facilitative," and (e) "challenges." Conclusions/Implications for Practice: The climate crises experienced during the formative years of undergraduate nursing students belonging to Generation Z, as well as the impact of pandemic diseases, have significantly influenced their views on sustainable production and consumption. In order to meet the needs of the socially conscious Generation Z, modern nursing education must incorporate advanced practices that reflect their values.

Mining for tourists in China: a digital ethnography of user-generated content from coal mining heritage parks

ABSTRACT Mine parks and industrial heritage are relatively recent tourism phenomena, emerging in Europe and North America during the mid-twentieth century. In the People’s Republic of China, government officials undertook large-scale promotion of mining heritage between 2005 and 2021, when 88 former state-sector mines were designated national parks. From an official vantage point, transforming former extractive industries into heritage sites helped communities negatively affected by the social and environmental legacies of mining and mine closure to pursue a future in China’s lucrative tourism sector. To date, this endeavour has been little studied, with research on visitors’ experiences particularly limited. In this article, we interrogate Chinese tourists’ responses to national mining heritage by analysing online user-generated content (tourist reviews) from three coal-mines-turned-heritage parks. We ask how visitors made meaning at these sites, and whether and how the mining tourism imaginaries they co-constructed in online reviews resembled visitor experiences of mining heritage elsewhere. How Chinese tourists respond to the parks not only affects the state’s ability to achieve its development goals, but also informs perceptions of mining, energy production, and tourism more broadly. Such perceptions have implications for sustainable resource and energy use.

Beautytube: Enacting postfeminism on the YouTube multi-channel network ICON from 2015 to 2016

This production study utilizes postfeminist theory as a lens for seeing ‘beauty work’ on YouTube via the multi-channel network (MCN) ICON Network, a collaboration between the production company Endemol Shine and beauty YouTuber Michelle Phan. By bringing to focus the unique year of 2015–2016 when YouTube beauty production was largely produced within MCNs, the study sets the stage for the proceeding professionalization of YouTube content creation under legacy production and distribution companies in the 2020s. In-depth producer interviews with ICON management and YouTubers illuminated MCN business practices and producer perceptions of YouTube beauty production. Interview data was analyzed for its articulation within ICON as a postfeminist media culture (Gill, 2007) through (a) work conditions of beauty video production and (b) best practices of beauty video production. Results indicate that ICON is a site where the markers of feminism, postfeminism, and transnational feminism intersect and collide. These intersections contextualize today’s beauty influencing landscape which pushes for independence from MCNs, transparency, and authenticity.

Environmental, social and economic perceptions of local food production: a case study of Aberdeenshire farmers’ markets

ABSTRACT Sustainable food systems are an important aspect of curbing the impacts of climate change and meeting targets of global food security. It is increasingly recognised that a wider suite of indicators is required to assess sustainability beyond the traditional environmental factors. This study focuses on Aberdeenshire, an atypical area of the UK where soils, climate and topography are not conducive to diverse or large-scale fruit and vegetable production, which in other areas, are a dominant feature of farmers’ markets. Nevertheless, Aberdeenshire needs economic diversification to offset some of the impacts of the decline in the oil and gas industry. Face-to-face questionnaires were conducted across Aberdeenshire farmers’ markets in summer 2022 to assess buyer and seller perceptions of the environmental, social and economic benefits of local food products. There was a positive attitude to local products with the majority of buyers perceiving the quality, nutrition, organic status and use of sustainable farming practices to be high. Conversely, the main products bought, baked goods and meat, are associated with negative impacts on the environment and/or human health. We discuss why, despite these shortfalls, farmers’ markets provide a valuable opportunity to distribute and promote high quality wares to support the local economy.

Eucalyptus woodlot adoption and its determinants in the Mecha District, Northern Ethiopia

IntroductionThe land area under Eucalyptus plantations has now significantly increased among Ethiopian smallholder farmers whereby Eucalyptus is grown on their farms in the form of a woodlot primarily for income generation. Despite its widespread adoption, studies and systematic documentation on its adoption and economic impact are inadequate to inform evidence-based policy development. The purpose of this study was to investigate the variables influencing the adoption of Eucalyptus woodlot in Mecha District, northern Ethiopia.MethodsA multistage sampling method was used to sample 186 respondent households from three villages namely Enashenifalen, Addisameba, and Rim in the district. Primary data was gathered through key informants (13), in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (3), and direct observations, which were complemented by data from secondary sources obtained from published and unpublished documents. A double-hurdle econometric model was used to identify factors influencing households’ adoption decisions and adoption intensity of Eucalyptus woodlot.Results and discussionThe findings indicate that household adoption decisions are significantly influenced by the number of parcels of land, off-farm work engagement, credit availability, and farmers’ perceptions of woodlot production. Family size (negatively), land holding size, number of parcels of land, market access, the adjacent farm, and farmers’ perceptions of Eucalyptus woodlot production all significantly influenced the adoption intensity of Eucalyptus woodlots. Furthermore, the major constraints were a lack of support and training, a lack of land segregation, and limited technologies. Providing support and training, alternative options for farmers, cluster planting, technology adoption, developing and implementing Eucalyptus policies, and enforcing rules and regulations are all areas that need to be addressed to improve the livelihood of the community.

Consumer perception of the challenges facing livestock production and meat consumption

With the global meat market growing and intensive livestock farming systems increasing, the impacts of livestock are a growing concern among consumers, further influencing their meat consumption. Understanding consumer perceptions of livestock production is therefore a key issue. This study surveyed 16,803 respondents in France, Brazil, China, Cameroon and South Africa to investigate the different perceptions of the ethical and environmental impacts of livestock production among consumer segments in different countries based on their sociodemographic characteristics. On average, the current respondents in Brazil and China and/or who consume little meat, are female, not in the meat sector and/or more educated, are more likely to think that livestock meat production causes serious ethical and environmental problems; while those in China, France and Cameroon and/or who consume little meat and/or are women, younger, not in the meat sector, and/or more educated, are more likely to agree that reducing meat consumption could be a good solution to these problems. Additionally, an affordable price and sensory quality are the main drivers of food purchases for the current respondents. In conclusion, sociodemographic factors have significant effects on consumer perception of livestock meat production and meat consumption habits. Perceptions of the challenges facing livestock meat production differ between countries in different geographic regions based on social, economic, cultural contexts and dietary habits.

Undergraduate student attitudes to current poultry industry issues over four semesters: surveying an introductory poultry science course

Individual background and demographics affect student perceptions of animal production. Understanding how science-based education alters these opinions is a critical aspect of improving university instruction as well as increasing consumer engagement in the poultry industry. The study objectives were to quantify the effects of student background, career interests, and science-based instruction on opinions regarding current issues in the poultry industry. Undergraduate students enrolled in a one semester poultry science course at Iowa State University between 2018 and 2021 were anonymously surveyed at the start and end of the semester as part of a 4-yr study. Students who opted to take the survey answered three demographic questions indicating their 1) livestock experience, 2) sex, and 3) career goals. The body of the survey consisted of 16 "poultry issue statements" where students were directed to mark a vertical dash on a 130 mm horizontal line indicating their level of agreement with each statement. Post-survey collection, the line was separated into 5 sections for discussion: responses within 0%-20% indicated strongly disagree, 21%-40% disagree, 41%-60% neutral, 61%-80% agree, and 81%-100% indicated strongly agree. Responses were analyzed using Proc Mixed in SAS Version 9.4 with a Tukey-Kramer adjustment for all pairwise comparisons using main effects including demographic categories, education (pre- or post-instruction), and year the survey was taken. Responses to various issue statements were affected by students' livestock experience (P < 0.05; 6 out of 16 statements affected), sex (P < 0.05; 5 out of 16 statements), and ultimate career goals (P < 0.05; 4 out of 16 statements). Pre- vs. post-education responses differed significantly in 6 out of 16 statements (P < 0.05), and in 2 out of 16 poultry issue statements, the year of instruction affected student response (P < 0.05). These data indicate that individual student background, sex, and differing career interests impact opinions of current topics in the broiler and layer industries. Further, science-based education as well as the year the course was taken over consecutive semesters significantly altered student opinions.

Smallholder Farmers’ Perception on Coffee Production under Geographical Indication Scheme

Geographical Indication (GI) coffee production is an alternative that smallholder farmers can adopt to improve the quality of their coffee and provide an opportunity for farmers to increase their income. In terms of production standards, ease of implementation, and economic benefits, and intention to adopt, this article examines farmers’ perceptions of coffee production based on the GI’s scheme. To answer the research question, we interviewed 178 farmers who were purposefully chosen to represent two coffee geographical indication areas: Sindoro-Sumbing Java Arabica coffee and Temanggung Robusta coffee. The perceptions of farmers toward geographical indication schemes were evaluated using quantitative analysis and correlation test. The results of this study show that farmers believe that (a) the geographical indication scheme as it relates to coffee production standards is well perceived by farmers; (b) the GI scheme is perceived not very favourably by the farmers based on the ease of implementation, which indicates that the farmers are not too sure about implementing coffee production standards based on the GI scheme; (c) farmers generally have a favourable perception of the GI’s standards; and (d) farmers are enthusiastic or have a strong intention to implement GI-standards. As a result, more campaign and socialization are required to raise farmers’ enthusiasm for implementing the GI scheme.

Green hydrogen powering sustainable festivals: Public perceptions of generators, production and ownership

This paper is the first to explore public perceptions about a particular market niche for hydrogen; mobile generators. By utilising a combined research approach including in-situ surveys and online focus groups, this paper explores what festival audience members and residents who live near festival sites think about the displacement of incumbent diesel generator technology with hydrogen alternatives. We investigate if hydrogen production methods are important in informing perceptions and subsequent support, including the extent to which participants are influenced by the organisation or entity that produces the fuel and stands to profit from its sale. In addition to a primary focus on hydrogen energy, we reflect upon how sustainability might be better conceptualised in a festival context. Our findings reveal broad support for hydrogen generators, the use of green hydrogen as a fuel to generate electricity and community-led hydrogen production.

Choosing Nitrogen Application Rate Recommendation Given Florida’s Regulatory Water Policy

State and federal policies in the United States focus on agricultural best management practices (BMP)—such as improving nutrient management—to address water quality issues. BMP development is a challenging process as a new BMP may also affect farm profitability. This article explores the economic feasibility of nitrogen (N) management programs, including nitrogen application rates (N rates), given alternative scenarios for current nitrogen use and producer risk perceptions of carrot production in Florida. In this study, eight alternative N rates are ranked to find the economically optimal BMP. Carrot profitability is determined based on carrot yields per hectare, input costs, and carrot sale prices, using data from a 2-year carrot production experiment. The analysis applied stochastic simulation to account for the uncertain factors by using Simetar Add-In for Excel. We found that 224 kg·ha−1 N fertilizer rate is the most preferred by the producers among the eight rates considered. According to Florida’s agricultural water policy, BMP recommendations should balance water quality improvements and agricultural productivity. We consider the potential reduction of nitrogen fertilizer rate BMP from 224 kg·ha−1 to 168 kg·ha−1 and show that the effect of such reduction depends on producers’ current fertilizer application rates and their risk aversion levels. For example, reducing the N fertilizer rate from 336 kg·ha−1 to 168 kg·ha−1 decreases mean net returns by only 2% ($49/ha). In contrast, reducing the nitrogen fertilizer rate from 224 kg·ha−1 to 168 kg·ha−1 reduces the mean net returns by $151/ha, with an almost 10% reduction in the certainty equivalent of the net returns (for extremely risk-averse producers). Overall, if most producers in the region are very or extremely risk-averse, and if most of them operate close to the optimal level of fertilizer use, then setting the more restrictive BMP of 168 kg·ha−1 N can be perceived as undermining their economic profitability and require significant cost-share incentives to ensure targeted 100% adoption of BMP recommendations.

Changes to California Alfalfa Production and Perceptions during the 2011–2017 Drought

California experienced a severe multiyear drought stretching from 2011 through 2017, significantly reducing surface water supply for ecosystems, agriculture, and humans and prompting coordinated conservation efforts. Given that agriculture is the largest consumptive use of water in the state, one anticipated response to a severe drought would be to decrease production of low-value, high-water-use crops such as alfalfa. In this article we use a multimethod approach to examine both spatial distribution and public perceptions of alfalfa production in California over the course of the 2011 through 2017 drought. We find that although California alfalfa production did decline at the state level, it persisted and even increased in specific areas of the state. We also find that alfalfa persisted even though discourses and understandings that were critical of alfalfa production emerged in public forums during this time. We situate these findings within a broader context of California’s water management system, which meant that in practice, infrastructure and water rights allocation practices left many growers with little incentive to change growing practices, even in the face of serious meteorological drought.