Socio – economic comparison of IPARD supported and traditional beef cattle farms

In this research, it was aimed to compare the socio economic characteristics of the beef cattle farms that received IPARD (The Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance in Rural Development) support and the traditional beef cattle farms that did not receive IPARD support within the scope of red meat producing agricultural enterprises in Central Anatolia Region. The data obtained from questionnaires conducted with 88 beef cattle farms from seven provinces in the region constituted the main material of the research. In the study, it was determined that the average age of the farmers was 47.1 years, farming experience was 25.6 years, farming experience was 17.9 years, and cattle assets were 216 heads. According to the logistic regression analysis, a statistically significant relationship was found between whether or not beef cattle farms benefit from IPARD support and the variables of getting animal insurance, farming experience and silage production. In order to ensure sustainable beef cattle farming and the effectiveness of IPARD program, IPARD project monitoring period should be increased, and farms with more professional experience and/or training in agriculture should be prioritised. In addition, as the average age of farmers is gradually increasing, policies should be developed to encourage young people into beef cattle farming.