| Scope and Method of Study. The purpose of this study was to identify current production and management practices of Oklahoma stocker producers. Results are based on surveys of recipients of the Oklahoma Beef Cattle Manual. Summary statistics plus chi-square and logit analysis are presented. Factors for analysis, including operation size, income dependency, specialization, and production system were identified and analyzed as factors affecting adoption of recommended management practices (RMPs).;Findings and Conclusions. Numerous statistical differences are identified in all aspects of stocker production between producer groups analyzed. In the chi-square analysis, mostly positive relationships are found between the base variables and management practices analyzed. Logit models were used to empirically estimate probabilities of adoption regarding six selected RMPs considering a larger of variety of socioeconomic and operation characteristics. Chi-square and logit results converge in identifying operation size and income dependency as factors positively impacting RMP adoption. Results from this analysis have implications for effective Extension education directed towards producer groups in the stocker industry found to lag behind in RMP adoption. |
