Work

Community perceptions of the dairy industry and waste management technology adoption in the United States’ third largest dairy producing state

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Technological innovations to manage dairy waste and upcycle excess nutrients into value-added products in a consolidated industry raise questions about their impact on public perceptions. Using a mail survey and quantitative methods guided by the community capitals framework, this study examines public perceptions of dairy industry impacts and waste management technology adoption in Idaho, the third largest dairy producing state in the United States. The majority of respondents view the dairy industry and adoption of new waste management technology as having an overall positive community impact. Perceived impacts on financial, social, and natural community capitals are significant predictors of these views. Negative perceptions of dairy industry community impacts overall are associated with less support for waste management technology while negative perceptions of the industry’s environmental impact are associated with greater support. A positive view of the industry was found to predict a positive view of the adoption of new dairy waste management technologies, but not the reverse. Avian flu concern increased support for new waste management technologies but decreased overall industry favorability. Familiarity with anaerobic digestion increased positive perceptions of new waste management technologies. However, the majority had not heard of biochar, hydrochar, or bioplastic value-added products associated with dairy waste management innovations. Results highlight both the need for public engagement and communication about waste management innovations that can improve environmental outcomes and advance circular economies and suggest improving perceptions of the industry among those who are not already positive will require addressing not only environmental and technological concerns but community financial and social concerns as well.

Source: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2026.1939015

Authors: Jane Kolodinsky, Soren Newman, Darin Saul, Michelle Tynan

Language: English

Topic: Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,353

Funders: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Montana State University, National Institute of Food and Agriculture