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Silvopasture is a land-use management practice which intentionally integrates trees, forage, and livestock. It is increasingly prevalent in outreach and extension, yet considerations for adoption are complex. The implementation of a cost-share initiative for silvopasture created by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in Virginia in 2011 provides an opportunity for landowners to establish silvopasture systems on their properties, thus diversifying land management and income, as well as providing environmental benefits. However, research on who might adopt silvopasture and why is needed. For this research, a mail survey was distributed to 307 cost-share enrollees in NRCS' livestock limitation initiatives and 139 were returned (45.3%). The first objective of this survey was to gauge interest in two forms of silvopasture implementation: a) thinning a woodlot and b) planting trees in a pasture. Furthermore, the study was utilized to test which hypothetical benefits might increase a livestock producers' interest in either implementation form. Results show that respondents preferred thinning to planting but risk and uncertainty were perceived in both. Environmental outputs and assistance from technicians increased interest in both practices over economic benefits; however, livestock performance was most important. Literature on the topic aligns with findings and highlights that more research is needed to understand risk, environmental, and resource-related factors. The second objective was to measure interest in silvopasture and classify respondents based on their operational or their beliefs-based characteristics and assess which classification set mattered more. Results indicated that interest in silvopasture varied but the majority (60%) indicated they were either interested or very interested. Two-step cluster analysis was used to classify respondents based on their operational considerations and a combination of Exploratory Factor Analysis and K-means clustering was used to group livestock producers according to their beliefs on traditional and land-use values. A Kruskal-Wallis independent samples analysis for each classification revealed no statistically significant differences in the interest in silvopasture between operational groupings. Conversely, there were statistically significant differences in silvopasture interest according to beliefs-based classifications. These results suggest that operations of livestock producers do not matter as much as their attitudes and beliefs related to the practice. A cross-tabulation of the operational classification and beliefs cluster resulted in no correlation. Literature suggest both operational characteristics and producer beliefs may matter in agroforestry adoption, but that positive or negative correlation in terms of interest may vary. / Master of Science / Silvopasture is a agroforestry conservation practice that integrates trees, forage, and livestock in a managed system. The adoption of this practice is complex, though education on the practice has been increasing. A cost-share initiative for silvopasture was created by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in Virginia in 2011, which creates the opportunity to implement silvopasture systems on landowner properties. This system could lead to more diversification of land and income, as well as providing environmental benefits. However, more research is needed. A mail survey was sent to 307 NRCS cost-share enrollees who were managing livestock and 139 were returned. The survey had two objectives; the first was to measure interest in the two forms of silvopasture implementation: a) thinning a woodlot and b) planting trees in a pasture. Hypothetical benefits which might increase a livestock producers’ interest in thinning or planting for silvopasture was also measured. Results show that respondents had a preference for thinning over planting. Economic benefits were not as effective in increasing interest compared to environmental outputs and assistance from technicians; however, livestock performance was most important. Findings were aligned with literature on silvopasture and agroforestry but more research is needed. The second objective was to measure interest in silvopasture and classify respondents based on their operational or their beliefs-based characteristics and to see which classification set mattered more. Results indicated that interest in silvopasture varied but the majority (60%) indicated some level of interest. Statistical analyses were used to classify respondents based on their operational considerations and used to group livestock producers according to their beliefs on traditional and land-use values. Outputs showed no statistically significant differences between operational groupings and their interest in silvopasture. There was a statistically significant difference in silvopasture interest according to beliefs-based classifications. These results indicate that the operations of livestock producers do not matter as much as their attitudes and beliefs on the practice. Previous literature indicates that both operational characteristics and producer beliefs may matter in agroforestry adoption, but interest may vary regardless.

The purpose of the research was a formative assessment of Diné (Navajo) parents and community leaders' needs for a training program for the prevention of livestock injuries including those that are horse-related. The research objectives were to identify parents' perceived livestock and horse related injury risks to Diné children and describe Diné community stake holder input on prevention interventions for reducing injury risks to children associated with livestock and horse-related activities on the farm or ranch. The assessment utilized a survey constructed of closed and open-ended questions to gauge Diné farmers' and ranchers' perceptions of injury risks to children who live or work on an agricultural operation. Additional questions were asked to gauge Diné acceptance of an online training program as a prevention intervention to reduce livestock and horse-related injuries to children. A total of 96 individuals agreed to participate in the survey and provided usable responses. A total of 53% of participants were female. There were 58 individuals who perceived that a youth who worked with intact male livestock was at a high risk for injury. A total of 25 individuals perceived that a youth who rides a horse without an equestrian riding helmet was at a high risk for injury. There were 48 individuals who strongly agreed that they would utilize an interactive internet resource to promote agricultural safety for Diné youth. There were 22 individuals who strongly agreed that they would utilize internet social networks to promote agricultural safety and health for Diné youth. This project may serve as a model of collaboration to help researchers address the agricultural safety needs of other vulnerable populations. When participants were asked if there were safety issues associated with having youth working on the farm or ranch, a very large portion felt that the biggest issue was a lack of education and instruction from their elders.

The use of livestock guarding dogs (LGDs) to mitigate farmer-predator conflict in Namibia was evaluated. As farmer-predator conflict has two sides, LGDs were evaluated in terms of livestock production and conservation. The main objectives in terms of livestock production were to document: 1) the perceived ability of LGDs to reduce livestock losses in a cost-effective manner; 2) the farmers’ satisfaction with LGD performance; and 3) factors influencing LGD behaviour. The main objectives in terms of conservation were to record: 1) predator killing by farmers relative to LGD introduction; 2) direct impacts of LGDs on target (damage-causing) species; and 3) the impact of LGDs on non-target species. This evaluation was conducted on LGDs bred by the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and placed on farms in Namibia. The data were collected during face-to-face interviews with farmers using LGDs. Historical data from the CCF programme were used in conjunction with a complete survey of the farmers in the CCF LGD programme during 2009-2010. In terms of livestock production, 91 percent of the LGDs (n = 65) eliminated or reduced livestock losses. Subsequently, 73 percent of the farmers perceived their LGDs as economically beneficial, although a cost-benefit analysis showed that only 59 percent of the LGDs were cost-effective. Farmers were generally satisfied with the performance of their LGDs. However, farmer satisfaction was more closely linked to good LGD behaviour than the perceived reduction in livestock losses. The most commonly-reported LGD behavioural problems (n = 195) were staying at home rather than accompanying the livestock (21 percent) and chasing wildlife (19 percent). LGD staying home behaviour was linked to a lack of care on subsistence farms, as high quality dog food was not consistently provided. Care for LGDs declined with LGD age on subsistence, but not commercial, farms. In terms of conservation, predator-killing farmers killed fewer individuals in the year since LGD introduction than previously; this result was only significant for black-backed jackal Canis mesomelas. However, 37 LGDs killed jackals, nine killed baboons Papio ursinus, three killed caracals Caracal caracal and one killed a cheetah Acinonyx jubatus (n = 83). Farmers and LGDs combined killed significantly more jackals in the survey year than the same farmers (n = 36) killed before LGD introduction. Conversely, five farmers killed 3.2 ± 2.01 cheetahs each in the year before LGD introduction, whereas LGDs and these farmers combined killed only 0.2 ± 0.2 cheetahs per farm in the survey year. Only 16 LGDs (n = 83) killed non-target species. The high LGD success rate in terms of livestock production was facilitated by livestock husbandry practices in the study area. In terms of conservation, LGDs were more beneficial for apex predators than for mesopredators and had a minor impact on non-target species.

The purpose of the research was a formative assessment of Diné (Navajo) parents and community leaders' needs for a training program for the prevention of livestock injuries including those that are horse-related. The research objectives were to identify parents' perceived livestock and horse related injury risks to Diné children and describe Diné community stake holder input on prevention interventions for reducing injury risks to children associated with livestock and horse-related activities on the farm or ranch. The assessment utilized a survey constructed of closed and open-ended questions to gauge Diné farmers' and ranchers' perceptions of injury risks to children who live or work on an agricultural operation. Additional questions were asked to gauge Diné acceptance of an online training program as a prevention intervention to reduce livestock and horse-related injuries to children. A total of 96 individuals agreed to participate in the survey and provided usable responses. A total of 53% of participants were female. There were 58 individuals who perceived that a youth who worked with intact male livestock was at a high risk for injury. A total of 25 individuals perceived that a youth who rides a horse without an equestrian riding helmet was at a high risk for injury. There were 48 individuals who strongly agreed that they would utilize an interactive internet resource to promote agricultural safety for Diné youth. There were 22 individuals who strongly agreed that they would utilize internet social networks to promote agricultural safety and health for Diné youth. This project may serve as a model of collaboration to help researchers address the agricultural safety needs of other vulnerable populations. When participants were asked if there were safety issues associated with having youth working on the farm or ranch, a very large portion felt that the biggest issue was a lack of education and instruction from their elders.

Thesis (M.Sc. Agriculture (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Raising cattle in South Africa and any other developing country in the Southern African region as part of livestock production, is one of the important means through which people sustain their livelihood. Inadequate efforts have been taken by the government to improve the marketing system of cattle, particularly to develop small-scale farming in the Limpopo Province and South Africa as a whole. With that being said, the small-scale sector has not been developed to the extent it is expected to. This study examined the factors affecting the participation of small-scale cattle farmers in livestock auctions in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province. The study had three objectives, namely; (i) To describe the socio-economic characteristics of the small scale cattle farmers in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province; (ii) To assess the perception of small-scale cattle farmers in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province towards livestock auction; (iii) To identify and analyse factors affecting the participation of small-scale cattle farmers in livestock auctions in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province. The Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in the selection of the representative sample. Three locations (Lepelle-Nkumpi, Molemole and Polokwane local municipalities) were selected purposively because a large number of small-scale cattle farmers in the Capricorn District rely on the agricultural sector economically. The Logistic Regression Model was used to analyse factors affecting the participation of small-scale cattle farmers in livestock auctions. The results showed that, out of the 120 sample size, 42% of small-scale cattle farmers were auction participants and 58% of small-scale cattle farmers were non-participants . There were 43 male-headed households of the participants and 61 female-headed households of the non-participants . An analysis of the farmers ’ socio-economic characteristics further showed that in order for the farmers to cut the costs of production, the majority of the small-scale cattle farmers preferred using family labourers or household labourers in their cattle farming. Farmers were asked a set of Likert type scale questions about their perceptions on the auctions. The Perception Index score ii was skewed to the left and therefore revealed that the small-scale cattle farmers had a negative perception towards the auction. Farmers who had a positive perception, on the other hand, often sold their cattle at a higher price compared to the non-participants who had a negative perception. Furthermore, small-scale cattle farmers who are participants tend to use the market avenue and through that, their cattle productivity is higher, resulting in a total revenue compared to the non-participants. Consequently, small-scale farmers who participate in auctions acquire valuable production information at the very auctions. Descriptive statistics such as means, minimum and maximum values, frequencies, percentages and standard deviations were used to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the small-scale cattle farmers in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province. The results revealed that only 4 variables were significant. The total herd size, distance to the market, gender of the household head and market information were significant at 1%, 5%, 1%, 5%, respectively and all had a positive effect towards auction participation. The study suggested that the government and other policy makers should increase the marketing information and abilities of small-scale cattle farmers through avenues like mass media, extension service and other means of capacity building. This will help the farmers to minimise transaction costs. Furthermore, farmers will not incur more costs when they participate in the markets, considering that market facilities such as auctions are often hosted far from the farmers, which results in farmers incurring more costs.

O presente trabalho aborda as situações que levam o pecuarista de corte a permanecer com investimentos na raça Nelore no Estado de São Paulo. O pano de fundo é quanto às competências gerenciais em conhecer a rentabilidade de sua atividade econômica. O estudo segue, inicialmente, com a tarefa de sinalizar o cenário econômico para o setor pecuário de corte que necessariamente atravessa fases de reestruturação e necessidades de controle gerenciais da atividade. No segundo capítulo, considera-se o estudo teórico sob os acontecimentos recentes no setor pecuário do país, abordando aspectos de competitividade, cadeia, mercado, custos, rentabilidade e tendências no Estado de São Paulo. Os dois primeiros capítulos estruturam a análise e compreensão da pesquisa de campo, tomando como base para o resultado do estudo. O terceiro capítulo baseia-se no procedimento metodológico da pesquisa, em que a análise de regressão linear múltipla representa a ferramenta para o tipo quantitativo da pesquisa, cuja tarefa de pesquisa de campo, junto a pecuaristas da raça Nelore, através de aplicação de questionário. No quarto capítulo a análise estatística multivariada aplicada aos pecuaristas da raça Nelore, retratou a situação atual de rentabilidade, permitindo verificar que, fundamentalmente, essa atividade necessita de reordenamento de gestão como fator decisivo para o produtor. E por fim, no quinto capítulo, tem-se como considerações gerais, as implicações gerenciais no que compete a limitações, conclusões e sugestões para investigações futuras de pesquisa. / This paper will approach the situations that lead the herdsman to keeping investing in the Nelore breed in São Paulo State. The backdrop regards the managerial competences in knowing the profitability of its economic activity. The study proceeds, initially, with the task of signaling the economic scenery for the livestock section that necessarily goes under restructuring phases and managerial control needs of the activity. Afterwards, in the second chapter, it is considered the theoretical study under the recent events in the livestock section of the country, approaching aspects of competitiveness, chain, market, costs, profitability and tendencies in São Paulo State. The first two chapters structure the analysis and understanding of the field research, taking it as the base for the study result. The third chapter bases on the methodological research procedure, where the analysis of multiple lineal regression represents the tool for the quantitative type of the research whose field research task along with herdsmen of Nelore breed, will be through questionnaire application. In the fourth chapter the multi-diverse statistical analysis applied to herdsmen of Nelore breed portrayed the current situation of profitability, it allows to verify that, fundamentally, this activity needs administration reordering as a turning point for the producer. At last, in the fifth chapter, as general considerations, there are the managerial implications in which the limitations, conclusions and suggestions for future investigations of research are regarded.

O presente trabalho aborda as situações que levam o pecuarista de corte a permanecer com investimentos na raça Nelore no Estado de São Paulo. O pano de fundo é quanto às competências gerenciais em conhecer a rentabilidade de sua atividade econômica. O estudo segue, inicialmente, com a tarefa de sinalizar o cenário econômico para o setor pecuário de corte que necessariamente atravessa fases de reestruturação e necessidades de controle gerenciais da atividade. No segundo capítulo, considera-se o estudo teórico sob os acontecimentos recentes no setor pecuário do país, abordando aspectos de competitividade, cadeia, mercado, custos, rentabilidade e tendências no Estado de São Paulo. Os dois primeiros capítulos estruturam a análise e compreensão da pesquisa de campo, tomando como base para o resultado do estudo. O terceiro capítulo baseia-se no procedimento metodológico da pesquisa, em que a análise de regressão linear múltipla representa a ferramenta para o tipo quantitativo da pesquisa, cuja tarefa de pesquisa de campo, junto a pecuaristas da raça Nelore, através de aplicação de questionário. No quarto capítulo a análise estatística multivariada aplicada aos pecuaristas da raça Nelore, retratou a situação atual de rentabilidade, permitindo verificar que, fundamentalmente, essa atividade necessita de reordenamento de gestão como fator decisivo para o produtor. E por fim, no quinto capítulo, tem-se como considerações gerais, as implicações gerenciais no que compete a limitações, conclusões e sugestões para investigações futuras de pesquisa. / This paper will approach the situations that lead the herdsman to keeping investing in the Nelore breed in São Paulo State. The backdrop regards the managerial competences in knowing the profitability of its economic activity. The study proceeds, initially, with the task of signaling the economic scenery for the livestock section that necessarily goes under restructuring phases and managerial control needs of the activity. Afterwards, in the second chapter, it is considered the theoretical study under the recent events in the livestock section of the country, approaching aspects of competitiveness, chain, market, costs, profitability and tendencies in São Paulo State. The first two chapters structure the analysis and understanding of the field research, taking it as the base for the study result. The third chapter bases on the methodological research procedure, where the analysis of multiple lineal regression represents the tool for the quantitative type of the research whose field research task along with herdsmen of Nelore breed, will be through questionnaire application. In the fourth chapter the multi-diverse statistical analysis applied to herdsmen of Nelore breed portrayed the current situation of profitability, it allows to verify that, fundamentally, this activity needs administration reordering as a turning point for the producer. At last, in the fifth chapter, as general considerations, there are the managerial implications in which the limitations, conclusions and suggestions for future investigations of research are regarded.

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LD2668 .T4 1940 M36 / Master of Science