study did not follow up whether these actions / changes actually occurred, and again did not consider the additionally aspect of the grazing BMP program.
The Grazing BMP was also evaluated by Roberts Evaluation( 2014). This study found that about half of participants in the program had implemented changes and found graziers were generally satisfied with the program and most would recommend the program to others, based on surveys of 41 graziers. This evaluation also reported that the project had exceeded targets with regard to the number of modules delivered to graziers, although the number of audits completed, leading to graziers receiving accreditation, were below target.
D. 3.2
Success in improving profitability of program participants
The impact of the Grazing BMP program on grazier and beef industry profits was evaluated using a cost benefit approach, developing scenarios to compare the relative financial benefits of adopting the project or not over a ten-year time frame( Moravek & Nelson, 2015). The cost-benefit analysis found that participation in the program had positive net present value and thus improved profits of participating graziers, and sensitivity analysis demonstrated robustness of these findings( Moravek & Nelson, 2015).
D. 4
Factors found to encourage participation in schemes and adoption of improved practices
Generally, landholders are likely to adopt new land management practices if these will help them achieve their goals, be they economic, social or environmental, or a combination of these( Waterhouse, Greiner, Bainbridge & King, 2017). These goals can be varied, and other factors relating to future ambitions and current capacities also influence whether programs are adopted. A good summary, which includes discussion specifically relating to the Burdekin region, can be found in Waterhouse et al.( 2017, pp. 59-70). Furthermore, programs should be a good fit with existing land management or farming practices( Blackmore & Doole, 2013; Waterhouse et al., 2017).
D. 4.1
Demographic factors
Landholders have been found to be more likely to adopt conservation practices if they are younger and better educated( Waterhouse et al., 2017).
D. 4.2
Economic factors
For landholders who are driven by the desire to earn a high income or maximize profits, these financial motivations may encourage participation in programs that are seen to bring economic benefits( Waterhouse et al., 2017). Landholders with strong financial motivations are more likely to be concerned regarding the opportunity costs of participation in programs and changing practices( Waterhouse et al., 2017), and are more likely to require financial incentives to encourage participation( Greiner, Patterson, & Miller, 2009; Waterhouse et al., 2017).
Practices may be adopted if a landholder believes that the practice would bring production benefits( increase cattle weight / quality, or improve ease of managing cattle)( Lankester, Valentine,
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