ERIC Number: ED328377
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1987-Dec
Pages: 34
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Differences and Commonalities: Farmer Stratifications in the San Luis Valley Research/Extension Project Area. ARE Research Report.
Eckert, Jerry B.
A research project in the San Luis Valley of Colorado sought to isolate a few unique farm types that could become target groups for the design and implementation of agricultural research and extension programs. Questionnaires were completed by 44 of 65 farmers in one watershed area of Conejos County. Analysis revealed a complex pattern of associations. Of the 41 farmers whose responses were used, 21 were Hispanic, 28 were full-time farmers, 18 were more than 60 years old, and 24 owned large farms (containing more than 340 irrigated acres). About half of Hispanics and 15% of Anglos were part-time farmers. Large farms were more likely to be operated by full-time farmers, by younger Hispanics, and by older Anglos. Hispanic farms grew fewer crop species, tended to be particularly dependent on alfalfa, and held virtually all sheep in the area. Younger farmers and full-time farmers were more likely to borrow money. Farm size was the most important influence on short-term management objectives. Differences between Hispanic and Anglo farmers have implications for extension educators and agricultural policymakers. An appendix explains the interpretation of statistical confidence statements. (SV)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins. Dept. of Agricultural and Resource Economics.
Identifiers - Location: Colorado
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A