Exploring the factors influencing adoption of adaptive grazing practices in pasture-based beef cattle systems

There is an urgent need to produce food sustainably and minimize negative environmental impacts using practices such as adaptive grazing to reverse the environmental degradation caused by industrial agriculture. Therefore, understanding the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of adaptive grazing practices is crucial for encouraging management practices that support ecosystem health and function. This case study was conducted with pasture-based beef farms in Michigan, USA. To understand adoption, we administered an online survey to develop context and inform an interview protocol. Subsequently, we conducted semi-structured follow-up interviews to gather in-depth qualitative information about how social norms, attitudes, perceptions of control and values impact: (1) farmers’ decisions to adopt adaptive management practices and (2) farmers’ overall wellbeing. Findings revealed that a combination of attitudes, perceptions of control and values significantly influenced farmers’ choices to use adaptive grazing practices. Social norms perpetuated by previous generations, attitudes about finances and stewardship, and values related to preserving traditions, played strong roles in shaping the selection of grazing management practices. Further, wellbeing was supported by spending time in nature and farmers generally reported high levels of wellbeing. Understanding these factors is essential for encouraging adoption of adaptive grazing, fostering resilience and environmental regeneration.