Factors influencing the adoption of best management practices for feedlot ammonia emissions

Abstract

Gaseous ammonia emissions from feedlot operations pose serious risks to human and ecosystem health. In particular, nitrogen deposition in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park may be associated with livestock feeding in the western Corn Belt and Colorado. Feedlot operators can implement a variety of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce ammonia emissions. These BMPs vary in effectiveness, simplicity, managerial time, effort and financial capital. Although the ammonia-mitigating potential of various BMPs is well-researched, little research examines the barriers that prevent feedlot operations from adopting these BMPs. This research uses discrete choice modeling to evaluate factors influencing adoption for the average producer as well as subsets of producers. Explanatory variables include farm characteristics as well as operator perceptions of cost, profitability, ease of adoption, and environmental impact. Size of operation and perception of profitability of a given BMP most impact probability of adoption, indicating that cost-sharing programs may assist adoption.