Effect of socioeconomic factors on bovine somatotropin adoption choices

Adoption and use of bST by dairy farmers will likely be influenced by socioeconomic factors. This article examines the effects of dairy farmers' socioeconomic characteristics on the probability of adopting bST. Hypotheses that adoption is associated with herd size, specialization, financial status, management skills, educational level, and age of operator were tested. Potential adopters of bST are characterized as being young, having more formal education, having larger herds, and operating with relatively low net worth.