Abstract:
This study assessed whether agricultural experience influenced an individual's perceptions of the effect of livestock production on the environment. Survey data were collected (n=709) to assess public perceptions of the 1) effects of livestock production on air, water, soil, and food quality, 2) actions of livestock producers in protecting the environment and 3) need for more laws and regulations to protect the environment from potential hann caused by raising farm animals. Respondents without agricultural experience (n=240) scored the overall effects of agriculture as slightly more harmful to the environment, and were not as confident that persons raising farm animals are responsibly protecting the environment. In addition the non-agricultural respondents would be more supportive of additional laws and regulations to protect the environment. Water quality was the highest concern among all respondents, with or without agricultural experience, of specific environment coniponents mentioned in the study (air, soil, water, and food). This study cannot be generalized to a larger population because there was no randomization of participants; however, the findings can be used as baseline data for further investigations.
Keywords:
agricultural experience, livestock production, environmental quality
 Download Article | [ ] | 393 kB |
