Do Socioeconomic Factors Matter in Acreage Owned and Acreage Farmed by Small Livestock Producers in Georgia?

Although socioeconomic factors may influence acreage owned and acreage farmed by small producers, limited studies have been conducted on this topic in the Southeastern U.S., such as in Georgia. Therefore, the study ascertained the effect of socioeconomic factors on acreage owned and acreage farmed by small livestock producers in Georgia. The data were obtained from a sample of producers, and assessed by using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression analysis. The findings revealed that a majority had farming experience and livestock farming experience of 30 years or less, respectively, 82 and 77%. Corresponding proportions for 20 years or less were 74 and 71%. Additionally, a little less than half (48%) owned over 60 acres of land, and a majority (55%) farmed over 60 acres. The ordinal logistic regression analyses revealed that, of the socioeconomic factors, farming status, education, and household income had statistically significant effects on acreage owned and acreage farmed. The findings suggest that socioeconomic factors matter in farm size in the study area, and they should be taken into consideration when designing programs for small producers.