Determination of Best Management Practices and Innovations in Beef Cattle Farming and Their Adoption in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to determine best management practices and innovations in beef cattle farming and their adoption in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey. A stratified random sample of 170 beef cattle farmers operated in the region was the participant of the study. Data were collected by administering a questionnaire filled during the face-to-face interviews conducted with each individual respondent. Results showed that adoption level was quite low and it was influenced by socioeconomic variables of cooperative membership, investments, farm size, owning improved breeds, and income; and by information-seeking variables of reading newspapers, using the Internet, contacts with extension personnel, and contacts with private veterinarians. It was concluded that governmental support for livestock sector had limited influence on the adoption of BMPs and innovations and therefore on the viability of beef cattle farming. The findings of this study are expected to provide useful information for scientists, policy-makers and extension organizations. © 2014, National Centre for Agrarian Sciences. All rights reserved.