The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Selected Practices by Small Livestock Producers in Florida

Abstract

Socioeconomic factors could affect the practices of small livestock producers who produce and sell locally or regionally. Yet, there is limited research on the issue in the Southeastern U.S., for example, Florida. Thus, this study assessed the impact of socioeconomic factors on practices of small livestock producers in Florida. The data were obtained from a sample of seventy producers from several counties in Florida, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. The results showed that a majority practiced rotational grazing; did not test soil regularly; had parasite problems; did not use veterinary services, and practiced record keeping. Further, the binary logistic regression analyses showed that selected socioeconomic factors had statistically significant effects on selected practices. For instance, gender had a statistically significant effect on soil testing; household income had a statistically significant effect on parasite problem; gender had a statistically significant effect on the use of veterinary services; and farming status, race/ethnicity, education, and household income had statistically significant effects on record keeping. The findings suggest that socioeconomic factors may be important in producers adopting practices.

Keywords: Socioeconomic Factors, Selected Practices, Farm Practices, Small Livestock Producers, Small Producers