The comparison of best farming practices and innovative technologies usage levels of beef cattle farms supported and non-supported by IPARD program: A case study of Central Anatolia Region

In this research, it was aimed to determine and compare the socio-economic characteristics, communication behaviours, innovative technology usage levels and best breeding practices of the beef cattle enterprises that received and did not receive IPARD support within the scope of red meat producing agricultural enterprises in Central Anatolia Region in the I. Period of IPARD Programme, to determine the problems they face in terms of practices and to develop recommendations for relevant institutions, farmers and policy makers. The data obtained from questionnaires conducted with 88 enterprises from 7 provinces in the region constituted the main material of the research. In addition, focus group interviews, a qualitative data collection tool, were conducted to reflect the perspective of sector stakeholders. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods were used in the study. In the study, it was determined that the average age of the farmers was 47.1 years, farming experience was 25.6 years, breeding experience was 17.9 years, and animal assets were 216 heads. According to the chi-square analysis, there was a statistical difference in terms of education level, farming and fattening experiences, computer recording, paddock, infirmary, caretaker building, manure scrapers, animal insurance, camera system, stubble grazing, scratching brush practices. As a result of logistic regression analysis, a statistically significant relationship was found between whether or not fattening enterprises benefit from IPARD support and the variables of farming experience, animal insurance, silage production, camera system, herd management software and education level. In order to ensure the effectiveness of IPARD programme and sustainable livestock breeding; IPARD project monitoring period should be increased, enterprises with more professional experience and/or training in agriculture should be prioritised, measures should be taken to reduce the investment costs of innovative technologies and expand their use in livestock breeding.