PSI-26 Beef cattle producer’s perceptions, familiarity, and adoption of forage tests in the Southeast.

Abstract Managing the optimal level of supplementation in the beef sector during the dormant season for perennial forages for cattle operations in the Southeast continues to be a challenge for producers in the region. In 2024, only 300 forage samples were submitted to the LSU AgCenter for analysis from across Louisiana. Forage test results allow cattle producers to make more informed production choices in supplement decisions, which can impact profit, animal health, and operational efficiency. As a part of a larger project, this study utilizes online survey results from cattle producers in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi to assess perceptions, familiarity, and use of forage tests, along with other influential factors. The survey instrument was revised following feedback rounds and a pilot study from both the non-population and targeted populations. Out of 29 respondents, nearly 34% adopted this tool, 10% did not understand the test results after adoption, 25% were familiar with the test but never submitted one for analysis or did not know or think the results were useful, and another 10% of producers were entirely unfamiliar with a forage test. An ordinal logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with producers’ adoption and familiarity (1 = Never used, unfamiliar; 2 = Never used, familiar; 3 = Used rarely; and 4 = Used annually). This model reveals statistically significant relationships between forage test use and proficiency, and five key variables. Employment (P < 0.05), education (P < 0.05), profit margin per calf in the past 12 months (P < 0.05), involvement in industry groups (P < 0.05), and percentage of household income coming from the beef operation (P < 0.05) have all exhibited a positively correlated relationship with the likelihood of adoption and recognition. These results suggest producers are more likely to utilize and/or understand forage tests if they work full time on their on their operation, obtain a higher level of education, have a wider profit margin per calf, are involved in industry groups, and/or a larger share of their household income comes from raising beef cattle. In terms of extension programming, understanding the gaps in adoption and those who are less likely to use the forage tests can increase productivity in producer education and outreach. The environment, management, and goals in which each beef cattle producer operates display a unique combination of characteristics that can make it difficult to understand producer-specific needs. The results from this study will enable extension agents and staff to tailor programming to types of producers in their area or producers they want to target.