Exploring Alabama beef producers’ perceptions and implementation of sustainable practices within the beef industry

Objective

With sustainability in the agriculture industry becoming a greater focus, it is important to understand how beef producers view sustainability and sustainable initiatives. The objective of this research study was to assess Alabama beef producers’ opinions of sustainability, sustainable practices within the industry, and their implementation rate of those practices.

Materials and Methods

An online survey with 36 questions was developed and distributed to Alabama beef producers from July to November 2024. Questions asked producers their opinions on the importance of resources and stakeholders when it comes to environmental impact and sustainability, their knowledge of Climate-Smart Commodities programs, their implementation of certain sustainable practices, and what tools or resources are necessary for their operation to adopt or further improve sustainability practices.

Results and Discussion

Results show that 105 primarily cow-calf producers from 42 of the 67 counties in Alabama have varying implementation rates (~9%–90%) of practices that can improve sustainability and resource management, specifically utilizing grazing management plans, growth-promoting technologies, and animal handling and welfare training. There appears to be a stated interest in learning more about sustainable practices, but further research and financial information are important for continuing interest in sustainability and implementation.

Implications and Applications

Providing producers with information or counseling about the financial implications of sustainability practices and carbon programs could increase interest or implementation on their operations. Extension professionals can use the results from this survey to inform financial programming development and sustainability resources to provide information to producers in the region.