Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Article Title

An Analysis of the Characteristics and Practices of Selected Alabama Small Livestock Producers: A Focus on Economics and Marketing

Authors

Jannette R. Bartlett, Tuskegee UniversityFollow
Nii O. Tackie, Tuskegee UniversityFollow
Mst Nusrat Jahan, Tuskegee UniversityFollow
Akua Adu-Gyamfi, Tuskegee UniversityFollow

Abstract

Abstract

The study examined the characteristics and practices of small livestock producers, focusing on economics and marketing. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 121 small producers from several South Central Alabama counties, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. The socioeconomic characteristics reflected a higher proportion of part-time farmers; a higher proportion with at most a two-year/technical degree or some college education; and a higher proportion with $40,000 or less annual household income. A majority had been farming more than thirty years, and most had small herds. Also, very few made profits; many sold animals live on-farm or at auction/stockyard, and kept records. The chi-square tests showed that farming status, gender, race/ethnicity, age, education, and household income had statistically significant relationships with selected farm, economic, and marketing characteristics. Educational programs should be implemented in the study area emphasizing economics and marketing, and taking into consideration socioeconomic factors.

Recommended Citation

Bartlett, Jannette R.; Tackie, Nii O.; Jahan, Mst Nusrat; and Adu-Gyamfi, Akua (2015) "An Analysis of the Characteristics and Practices of Selected Alabama Small Livestock Producers: A Focus on Economics and Marketing," Professional Agricultural Workers Journal: Vol. 3: No. 1, 8.
Available at: https://tuspubs.tuskegee.edu/pawj/vol3/iss1/8