Geason, L.A., C.K. Harris, C.K. Vanderpool,
Presented at the ASM at Snowbird (2000-08-02 to 2017-12-05 )
Sustainability is defined as the farms or farmers ability to continue producing a product which can economically support the farmer(s) operation and families, without compromising the ability of future generations ability of future generations ability to use the land. Our understandings from the literature (farming systems and international development) leads us to understand that sustainability at the farm level requires effective attention to five dimensions they are; environmental/ecological, cultural, social, political, and economic. The afore mentioned dimensions of sustainability will act as a means of conceptualization in order to demonstrate the complex social psychological decision making process which impacts farm operators choices of farm management practices (e.g. cover crops, integrated pest management). The literature within the fields of farming systems research dictates the categorical dimensions of sustainability, whereas the empirical examples within the model will illustrate the complex nature of farm management decisions. these examples are gleaned from interviews with farmers, as well as from the researchers practical life experience related to dairy farming systems. This conceptual model of sustainability is developed to help researchers understand the various trade-offs which farmer o=operators make concerning adoption of one farm management practice over that of a more ecological based management practice.
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