Evaluation of 2013 Survey of Beef Producers in Nebraska

Abstract Text: Methane is a type of greenhouse gas (GHG) that can capture heat in the atmosphere 21 times more efficiently than carbon dioxide, illustrating its potency as a GHG. Enteric fermentation by ruminants is a known contributor to methane production. A survey was sent to 3,391 Nebraska cattle producers with a 19% response rate. The objective of the survey was to evaluate producer opinions regarding beef cattle, climate and their interaction in order to direct Extension education at reducing GHG emissions in intensive and extensive beef systems. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared method in SPSS. Before accounting for size and type of operation, overall findings were not significant even though numerical differences were evident for many questions. When asked whether they agree or disagree with the statement “methane production impacts cattle performance,” 48.1% of all respondents neither agreed nor disagreed. Almost half (45.6%) disagreed with the statement “cattle diet influences methane production.” The majority of respondents believed cattle had a positive impact on the environment and reported their confidence in methane production as “not very confident” or “somewhat confident” (34.9 and 45.1%, respectively). After accounting for size and type of operation, significant variables were found using a 99% confidence interval. Feedlots of all sizes tended to agree they were likely to adopt practices that would improve animal performance (χ² = 45.8). Veterinarians tended to neither agree nor disagree with methane production being a concern to the environment (χ² = 22.0). Producers who obtain livestock production information from the government and other sources tended to agree that cattle diet influences methane production (χ² = 29.0). An open-ended question was included in the survey and responses contained themes on how methane production by cattle was a minor issue, cattle impact on the environment outweighs any negative effects by methane production and an acknowledgement of a lack of knowledge on the subject. While survey analysis has shown differences among groups for many of the questions, there does not appear to be one specific target group in need of outreach activities. Therefore, Extension outreach efforts should focus on current management practices that improve profitability of the operation while also including information about how to reduce methane production in intensive and extensive systems.

Keywords: greenhouse gases, methane, beef cattle, education