Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Article Title

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

Authors

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

Abstract

Abstract

The study assessed the characteristics and practices of small livestock producers, emphasizing production and processing. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 121 small producers from South Central Alabama, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. The socioeconomic factors showed most were part-time farmers; middle-aged producers; producers with at most a two-year/technical degree or some college education, and producers with $40,000 or less annual household income. A majority practiced rotational grazing, fed a combination of forage (direct from pasture), hay and concentrate, and about half conducted soil tests regularly. Furthermore, many had goats with parasite problems that were treated these primarily with anthelmintics; most sold live animals. The chi-square tests showed that farming status, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and household income had statistically significant relationships with production and processing characteristics. Socioeconomic factors should be considered in programs assisting producers in the study area.

Keywords: Livestock Producers, Small Producers, Characteristics and Practices, Production and Processing

Recommended Citation

Bartlett, Jannette R.; Jahan, Mst Nusrat; Tackie, David Nii O.; Adu-Gyamfi, Akua; and Quarcoo, Francisca A. (2016) "An Analysis of the Characteristics and Practices of Selected Alabama Small Livestock Producers: A Focus on Production and Processing," Professional Agricultural Workers Journal: Vol. 3: No. 2, 6.
Available at: https://tuspubs.tuskegee.edu/pawj/vol3/iss2/6