Understanding northeastern dairy producers' adoption of alternative management practices
Abstract
Alternative management practices, like selling into alternative markets, becoming certified organic, and grazing, may lead to greater economic, environmental, and social sustainability for dairy farmers. We interviewed 25 farmers across the Northeast to understand the values and motivations that influence decision making and adoption of these practices. Using thematic analysis, we found that farmers had complex and contradictory views or each other, consumers, and dairy marketing strategies, and felt a unifying need for increased attention to farm viability. This research explores emerging farmer points of view that can influence policy, research, and marketing.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
David Conner
Status
Graduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Program/Major
Food Systems
Primary Research Category
Social Science
Understanding northeastern dairy producers' adoption of alternative management practices
Alternative management practices, like selling into alternative markets, becoming certified organic, and grazing, may lead to greater economic, environmental, and social sustainability for dairy farmers. We interviewed 25 farmers across the Northeast to understand the values and motivations that influence decision making and adoption of these practices. Using thematic analysis, we found that farmers had complex and contradictory views or each other, consumers, and dairy marketing strategies, and felt a unifying need for increased attention to farm viability. This research explores emerging farmer points of view that can influence policy, research, and marketing.
