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

Abstract

Production and processing issues are of importance to small livestock producers. The study, therefore, analyzed the characteristics and practices of selected Georgia small livestock producers, emphasizing production and processing. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of forty small producers from selected counties in Georgia, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. The results showed slightly more full-time than part-time producers; more female producers than male producers; more producers with at least a two-year/technical degree than otherwise, and more producers with at least $40,000 annual household income than otherwise. A majority practiced rotational grazing, fed a combination of forage and concentrate, and conducted soil tests regularly. Moreover, a majority had parasite problems and treated primarily with anthelmintics. Most of the producers sold animals live, implying little processing. The chi-square tests showed that that race/ethnicity had a statistically significant effect on “veterinary services” among the selected production characteristics, and age had a statistically significant effect on “how animals are sold” among the selected processing characteristics. Based on the results, more processing could be encouraged. In addition, selected socioeconomic factors of importance could be emphasized in program planning and implementation for small producers.

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