Abstract
The extent of grazing is affected by technical factors like stocking desity per ha grassland. Previous research suggested that farmers themselves also play a key role in determining the extent of grazing since they decide on the day to day management on their farm. However, the effect of social factors on the extent of grazing had not been quantified. The aim of this research was to study the technical and social factors that affect the extent of grazing on commercial dairy farms. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, is was hypothesised that the extent of grazing is influenced by the attitude of farmers towards grazing, subjective norms about grazing, perceived behavioural control of grazing and technical possibilities for grazing. An on-line questionnaire was sent to commercial dairy farmers in the Netherlands and 212 valid responses were obtained. Results were analysed using factor analysis and linear regression analysis. Combining technical and social factors in multiple linear regression model could account for 47% of the variation in the extent of grazing. The results imply that future work on grazing in the Netherlands should take the mind-set of the farmer into account.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | The Multiple Roles of Grassland in the European Bioeconomy |
| Subtitle of host publication | Grassland Science in Europe |
| Publisher | European Grassland Federation EGF |
| Pages | 62-64 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 4 Aug 2016 |
| Event | 26th EGF General Meeting on “The Multiple Roles of Grassland in the European Bioeconomy” - Trondheim, Norway Duration: 4 Sept 2016 → 8 Sept 2016 http://www.europeangrassland.org/printed-matter/proceedings.html |
Conference
| Conference | 26th EGF General Meeting on “The Multiple Roles of Grassland in the European Bioeconomy” |
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| Country/Territory | Norway |
| City | Trondheim |
| Period | 4/09/16 → 8/09/16 |
| Internet address |