The Socio-Economic Analysis of Contracted Turkey Farms : The Turkish Case

Abstract

This study was examined socio economic characteristics of contracted turkey farms in Turkey. Results reveal that young labor force and literacy rate were at sufficient level. Although main production activity on farms was contracted turkey breeding, plant production, cattle, sheep and goats breeding were other activities carried out. While 83.980/0 of fann land under farrn property, 16.020/0 of that was used as rented and shared land. Grain production had the highest share in plant production. The number of turkeys, Iarge and small animals was, respectively 4845, 3.38 and 0.32 heads in average farm. Tractors were present on 40.820/0 of farms. While the share of variable cost in production cost was 62.540/0, the share of fixed cost was 37.460/0 in production cost. The highest shares in variable cost, respectively, belong to heating (16.510/0), Iightening (15.870/0) and pad (12.110/0) cost. On the other hand, the highest shares in fixed cost, respectively, belong to poultry-house depreciation (10.17010), poultry-house interest (l0.170/0) and perrnanent labor expenses (6.81010). Gross production value, gross income, and net income were, respectively, found as 6428.35$/year, 3083.18/year and 1293.91 $/year. Duration of contracted turkey breeding of farms was on average 2.63 periods. The most important factors causing to run a contracted turkey firm was price and sale guarantee. However, not having any influence in determining buying price of turkeys was the most important problem of farms. Even though 63.270/0 of farms were not satisfied income obtained from turkey breeding, 83.670/0 of farms stated that they will have maintained turkey breeding due to guaranteed income depending on marketing guarantee and input provision.