Abstract
Sustainable agriculture uses environmentally responsible farming practices to meet the needs of society without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It is a form of farming that is concerned with the health of the farmland and surrounding environment and works to protect both. Wisconsin’s economy is reliant on farming, with over 64,000 farms generating over $104 billion annually for the state. Despite the state’s reliance on agriculture, there is a lack of research on sustainable farming in Wisconsin; therefore, this study sent surveys to hundreds of dairy farmers throughout western Wisconsin asking them about their perceptions and use of sustainable practices. This study evaluated the use and knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices of farmers based on farm size, investigated hindrances to using such practices, and explored farmers’ willingness to engage in sustainable agriculture programs. These results found knowledge, acceptance, and use of sustainable agriculture practices varied by the need and size of farms with larger farms using more of these practices likely due to the knowledge and resources available to them because of their size.
Recommended Citation
Dekan, Morgan and Weichelt, Ryan
(2025)
"Perceptions of Sustainable Agriculture in Western Wisconsin Among Current Dairy Farmers,"
The Geographical Bulletin: Vol. 66:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/thegeographicalbulletin/vol66/iss1/4