Grazier adoption of spray grazing

Abstract

In this study we examine the level of adoption, perceptions of problems and reasons for non-adoption amongst graziers of the integrated weed control technique of spray grazing. A postal survey of graziers across southern Australia was undertaken in January 2004. Awareness of spray grazing was high amongst respondents (87.9%) with many of those familiar with this technique intending to use it in the future (53.5%). Respondents highlighted a range of problems associated with the use of spray grazing, most commonly involving stocking rate and the technical aspects of chemical application. The most common reason for non-adoption was an aversion to using chemicals. Other non-adopters of spray grazing provided a range of well thought out reasons for having not applied this weed control method. Further research is required to understand the barriers to adoption of weed management strategies amongst less motivated producers.