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Sociology Studies/Ranching Innovation Adoption
Investigators: Dr. Mark W. Brunson and Elizabeth A. Didier
Introduction:
CMI research is intended to lead to the development of range improvement practices that Utah's livestock producers can use to enhance both the economic and environmental sustainability of their ranches. In theory, research such as this is conducted, beneficial technologies or practices are developed as a result, ranchers adopt the new methods, and this benefits the individual ranchers themselves, rural communities, sportsmen, and other Utah citizens. In order for this process to work, not only must the research be successful, but ranchers must change their operations as a result of the new knowledge. Therefore, the Initiative's success depends not only on the research, but also our ability to turn the research into management action. To help make this happen, we are studying the processes by which ranchers adopt new practices in their livestock operations.
Methods:
In Spring/Summer 2001 we worked with members of Utah's range and livestock management community to identify some of the factors that might affect a decision to adopt a new ranching practice, and they also helped us identify some of the state's most progressive ranchers. In Fall 2001 we conducted in-depth interviews of these ranchers.
Results and Discussion:
Through these interviews we expect to identify the reasons how and why some Utah ranchers take up new research-based practices while others do not. Using this information we can recommend education/extension strategies that will be most helpful to producers, as well as ways to reduce obstacles to adoption of new practices. With more information about the factors that influence the use of range improvements, USU Extension and other natural resource professionals may be able to serve Utah's livestock producers more effectively. Most importantly, by sharing their experiences, participating ranchers will be helping producers who desire to improve their rangelands.
Future Work and Research:
A publication will be prepared which describes case studies of innovation
among Utah livestock producers, focusing on the factors that encouraged ranchers to adopt new practices as well as some of their experiences after changing their practices. In addition, a follow-up study of innovation-adoption practices is planned as part of the USDA-funded Consortium for the Application of Behavioral Principles to Management. This study will follow the decision processes of ranchers as they shift to new practices, and is intended to identify ways to shorten the "lag time" between when an innovation is first adopted and when it begins to produce tangible benefits.
