Small Commercial Farms Research Articles

An analysis of the social, cultural, and ecological factors that affect the implementation of biosecurity measures on smallholder commercial swine farms in Italy in the context of an emerging African Swine Fever outbreak

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease that infects wild and domesticated swine. In early 2022, the virus was found in wild boar in the Apennine mountains of mainland Italy.22https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9fe6aa3980ca438cb9c7e8d656358f35 Since then, it has spread from wild boar to domesticated swine. To control the spread of ASF, an effective surveillance system and the implementation of strict biosecurity measures on farms are required yet are unevenly implemented across husbandry systems. Smallholder farms in particular are known to have low levels of biosecurity. In the Apennine mountains of Italy, small commercial farms have been found to have low levels of biosecurity despite being located in areas with high densities of wild boar, and, hence, being high-risk sites for potential ASF incursion and subsequent diffusion. To address the question as to why the level of biosecurity is low, interviews and participant observation were conducted with smallholder commercial farmers. The interviews identified the social, cultural, and ecological factors that affect the implementation of biosecurity measures in small commercial swine farms in the Apennines. Farmers expressed knowledge of priority biosecurity measures and an overall willingness to follow rules and regulations; however, the application of the measures in practice was uneven across farms. Economic, political, and ecological factors as well as farmer beliefs about biosecurity emerged as important factors affecting the implementation of biosecurity measures. These include economic constraints, challenges posed by the mountain environment, a shifting regulatory environment, and ideas about animal welfare. Other important factors include cultural factors such as the use of traditional agricultural methods and norms about customer access to animals, time constraints and the perceived hassle of implementing the measures, farmer age, farmer relationships with government officials and veterinarians, and the role of pigs in reducing farm waste. The study confirmed that wild boar are present in high numbers and in close proximity to smallholder commercial farms in the Apennines.

Performance Evaluation of Evaporative Cooling Systems as Alternative for Increasing the Shelf Life of Perishable Crops at the Farmer Level in Vunjo-Moshi Rural

Postharvest handling in developing countries continues to be a major challenge for most of the farmers. The low economy in these countries is counted as a major obstacle toward the adaptation of modern postharvest technologies. The present study aimed to assess the existing post-harvest handling practises and test the suitability of evaporative cooling systems for reducing post-harvest losses by using Vunjo-Moshi Rural as a case study. A total of 30 questionnaires covering small commercial farmers were utilised to get information regarding the existing post-harvest handling practices in Vunjo. Two evaporative cooling systems, the Charcoal Cooler Chamber and Sand Cooler Chamber, were created and tested in Vunjo. Their effectiveness was measured by their response to temperature and humidity changes. Results indicated that 87% of the small farmers in Vunjo used local precooling and cold storage methods characterised by low efficiency. Further results showed 77% of all spoilage crops were randomly disposed of in the environment regardless of their impacts. Performance results of designed evaporative systems showed that the Charcoal Cooler Chamber (at its highest performance), could lower the daily ambient temperature by 8.8 °C while increasing the ambient relative humidity from 73.01% to 90.93%. The Sand Cooler Chamber could reduce the daily ambient temperature by 7.8 °C and increase the ambient relative humidity from 73.01% to 93.90%. The performance of both designed systems met the recommended standard for increasing the shelf life of most of the perishable crops cultivated in Vunjo, making them recommended as alternative precooling and cold storage technologies.

Learning from adversity: Small-scale commercial farming in Nepal amidst COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed various shortcomings in Nepal’s small-scale commercial farming system. Farmers who were transitioning from subsistence to a market-dependent model faced significant challenges during the pandemic. This has raised concerns about the well-being of these farmers, the sustainability of their farming practices, and their capacity to withstand future shocks. Our paper aims to assess the current resilience of small commercial farmers and identify factors that can enhance their ability to weather external disruptions like COVID-19. We use the case study in Ravi Opi, a farming village located in Dhulikhel Municipality, Nepal to explore the challenges experienced by the small commercial farmers during the pandemic and the strategic responses adopted at the household and institutional levels. Our analysis reveals that the small-scale commercial farming system demonstrated ‘buffering capabilities’ and ‘adaptability,’ but not ‘transformability.’ This is primarily because farmers adopted short-term responses that are necessary for addressing immediate crises, rather than responses that would facilitate longer-term transformation. We argue that there is a lack of adequate state support for farmers in Nepal, which worsened during the pandemic. As a result, farmers resorted to leveraging their community connections for help, which provided short-term relief, and aided in addressing only immediate but not their long-term needs. Our observations underscore the risks associated with the current approach used by subsistence farmers to transition into commercial farming. Based on our findings, we propose that longer-term initiatives involving the government and other stakeholders are essential to strengthen the supply network and promote community-based agriculture extension services. We posit that these initiatives can potentially enhance farmers’ resilience and their ability to withstand future disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can cooperatives help commercial farms to access credit in China? Evidence from Jiangsu Province

AbstractChinese agriculture is experiencing a transition from smallholder farming to the emergence of commercial farms that are characterized by intensification and specialization in production, as well as commercialization and cooperation in management. It requires substantial capital to facilitate such a transition, but it is very difficult for farmers in China to access bank credit. One way that commercial farms have to overcome such handicap is by organizing themselves into cooperatives. To assess the effect of cooperatives on the credit accessibility of commercial farms, we have developed a theoretical model as well as an empirical study of commercial farms in Jiangsu Province based on data from a survey of 754 commercial farm owners. Instrumental variable (IV) methods and the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method that control endogeneity problem are used in the analysis. The empirical results show that cooperatives have a significant positive impact on the credit access of commercial farms. Commercial farms participating in cooperatives may alleviated their credit constraints by about 17.3 percentage points and increase the average credit per capita by nearly 80,000 Yuan. Cooperatives improve the credit access of commercial farms by exerting strong market power and reputation effect based on its organizational advantages. A disaggregated analysis also reveals that small commercial farms tend to benefit more from cooperatives in improving credit access than large commercial farms.

Molecular Characterization of Eimeria Species in Broiler Chickens, Ethiopia.

BackgroundEimeria is a parasitic organism causing coccidiosis, an enteric disease of major economic importance in poultry. The conventional methods for species identification of Eimeria have major limitations.MethodsFresh fecal samples were randomly collected from 50 small and large-scale commercial broiler farms located in Adama, Bishoftu, Dukem, and Mojo towns. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay was used for the differentiation of Eimeria species circulating among study sites and broiler farms. DNA was extracted from Eimeria oocytes using a DNeasy Tissue Kit. The extracted DNA templates and the genus-specific primers (Invitrogen) were used for the amplification of the ITS-1 region from seven Eimeria species of chicken. Descriptive statistical analysis and t-test were used to summarize and analyze the data.ResultsThe PCR result confirms that all the seven species of Eimeria were detected in both small and large-scale broiler farms. Prevalence variation was found among broiler farms and between study sites. The frequency of E. brunetti (P<0.006) and E. tenella (P<0.04) in the small-scale broiler farms was significantly higher compared to that of in large-scale farms. A significantly higher frequency of E. acervulina (P<0.03) and E. brunetti (P<0.03) was detected in broiler farms of Dukem and Mojo compared to the broiler farms in Bishoftu. The study also revealed that multiple infections of Eimeria species per sample are common in most farms. Among the evaluated small-scale broiler farms of Bishoftu, 80% showed up to 5 mixed species. In addition, about 33% of large-scale and 20% of small-scale broiler farms showed 6–7 mixed species.ConclusionThis study characterized all the seven Eimeria species and revealed that multiple infections of Eimeria species per sample are common in most of the evaluated farms. The current findings might be useful for future anticoccidial vaccine development and for effective chemoprophylactic and control strategies.

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Mycoplasma gallisepticum Infection in Poultry Farms of Hawasa and Bishoftu, Central Ethiopia.

BackgroundMycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infection is an economically important respiratory disease in the poultry production system worldwide. It is characterized by rapid transmission and causing many obstacles to poultry industries in different parts of Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was employed from January to September 2021 to estimate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of MG in domestic layer chickens in large and small commercial poultry farms in Hawassa and Bishoftu area, Ethiopia. A total of 368 blood samples were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS version-20, reported as percent prevalence, and Pearson's chi-square was used to assess the association between factors considered to have association with MG infection. The samples were processed by using an indirect ELISA (ProFLOKIBV, USA) test coated with antibody against MG.ResultsThe total seroprevalence of MG infection was found to be 70.65%. Significant variation in environmental risk factors with seroprevalence was assessed and the higher prevalence of MG was significantly (χ2 = 14.42; p < 0.05) higher in layer chicken farms found in Bishoftu. Likewise, it was significantly observed in the adult chicken and commercial production system. There were significant difference between breeds and ages of birds with the occurrences of MG (χ2 = 19.60 and χ2 = 17.46, respectively). Management related risk factors found around the types of farms were significantly different with the occurrences of MG (OR = 52.5; p < 0.05).ConclusionThe evidence from seroprevalence of the MG infection in the current finding provides an indication of the eminence of infection in the study areas. Moreover, it provides an insight on the prevalence of MG infection and further molecular characterization of the organism needs to be conducted in the areas. Biosecurity measures combined with vaccination and sero-monitoring should also be implemented in the farms.

Buffalo production in small scale and commercial farms in Bangladesh

The present study was aimed to compare the production status and management practices of crossbred buffaloes between small scale and commercial farms in Bangladesh. The data were collected through personal interview from the individual respondent. The study revealed that duration of buffalo rearing was mostly practiced for more than two years. Various types of feed ingredients including rice straw, wheat straw, green grass, concentrate feed, cultivated fodder, tree leaves and unconventional feed resources were used for feeding buffaloes. In small scale, 83.34% farmers fed their buffalo in a group and 75% buffaloes reared under semi-intensive system while all buffaloes practiced individual feeding and reared under intensive system in commercial farms. The daily milk production, lactation length and yield of dam and birth weight of calves significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased in commercial farm than small scale. However, the weaning age and weight was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in village buffaloes than commercial farms. Similarly, age at 1st heat, 1st calving, services per conception and postpartum heat showed significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher values in village than commercial farms. The major diseases of buffaloes in those areas were foot and mouth disease, black quarter, hemorrhagic septicemia, mastitis and anthrax. A proportion of 88.3% village farmers performed vaccination, in contrast, all buffaloes were vaccinated in commercial farms. The cost-return analysis discovered that rearing of buffalo in commercial farms was more profitable than rearing in small scale. Finally, the results revealed that productive and reproductive performances of buffaloes were better in commercial farms than small scale condition. Buffalo rearing is more profitable in commercial farms than small scale farming. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2021, 7 (4), 323-331

Characteristics of Models of Farms in the European Union

The article describes and sets the definition of different farm models under the categories of being family, small, and large-scale commercial farms. The distinction was based on the structure of the workforce and the relationship between agricultural income and the minimum wage. Family farms were dominated by the farming family providing the labour and their income per capita exceeded the net minimum wage in the country. The larger commercial farms feature a predominance of hired labour. Based on surveys, it was found that in 2016 in the EU-28 there were 10,467,000 farms (EU-13—57.3%, EU-15—42.7%). They carried out agricultural activities on an area of 173,338,000 ha (EU-13—28.5%, EU-15—71.5%). Countries of the EU-28 generated a standard output (SO) amounting to EUR 364,118,827,100 (EU-13—17.2% and EU-15—82.8%). After the delimitation, it was shown that small farming (70.8%) was the predominant form of management in the European Union (EU-13—88.2% and EU-15—79.8%) compared to family farming (18.4%) (EU-13—10.5% and EU-15—29%). In most EU countries the largest share of land resources pertains to small farms (35.6%) and family farms (38.6%) (UAA—utilised agricultural area of farms).

Biosecurity assessment of layer farms in Central Luzon, Philippines

Biosecurity assessment in poultry farms is important for disease prevention and control. When specific biosecurity measures are assessed, they become more useful if they are quantified. While there are qualitative means to assess biosecurity, specific improvements can be implemented easily when compliance to biosecurity measures are quantified.To quantify biosecurity measures in 124 layer farms in Central Luzon, a survey was carried out using a modified Biocheck.UGent biosecurity scoring system. The study revealed that external and internal biosecurity scores among layer farms in Central Luzon were widely spread out suggesting that compliance to various biosecurity measures differed from farm to farm. This further suggests that layer farms need to improve their biosecurity practices.The overall biosecurity score of layer farms in the region is 65.9 % while the total regional scores for external and internal biosecurity are 63.3 % and 71.9 %, respectively. Bulacan had the highest overall biosecurity across provinces which was followed by Bataan. The two highest mean external biosecurity scores were those of the subcategories, supply of materials (mean = 87.1) and purchase of pullets (mean = 83.7) while the lowest was that of the category, transport of animals (mean = 50.6). In the internal biosecurity category, materials and measures between compartments had the highest mean score.Low to negligible correlations between external and internal biosecurity were seen among layer farms except for the province of Tarlac. This suggests that a farm with low external biosecurity score also had low internal biosecurity score while high external biosecurity score was equated to high internal biosecurity score. Analysis also showed that large commercials farms had biosecurity ratings that were 6.84 higher compared to small commercial farms. Results of this study may be beneficial for farmers to make necessary improvement to increase level of compliance to biosecurity measures. Policies to impose, implement and monitor compliance may also be instituted.

Feed Supply Sourcing Practices and Strategies of Commercial Swine Farms in the Philippines: Trade Insights and Implications

Purpose – Feeds comprise the majority of swine production expenses, and it has been the goal of livestock farmers to acquire feeds with the best value. This paper identified and analyzed the feed supply sourcing practices and strategies of commercial swine farms in a major hog-producing municipality in Bulacan, a province in the northern Philippines. Design/Methodology/Approach – Small, medium, and large commercial swine farms from Sta. Maria municipality in Bulacan province, 34 in all, were the study subjects. A descriptive method of inquiry/investigation was employed in the study using questionnaires in data gathering. Data was analyzed through mean, mode, frequency counts, and cross tabulation while a Chi-square Test of Independence and Cramer’s V were also used to scrutinize relationships between significant data results. Findings – Four feed supply sourcing strategies were identified in the study, namely: (1) self-production of feeds (64.7% of the farms), (2) buying unbranded feeds (23.5%), (3) buying branded feeds only for piglets’ pre-starter and booster feeds while self-producing the rest (23.5%), and lastly, (4) buying feeds from commercial feed mills (11.8%). As the scale of an operation increases, self-production of feeds becomes more prominent due to its overall lower cost, while for farms with a smaller scale of operation, buying unbranded feeds is the more dominant practice due to its lower capital requirement and the relatively lower cost of unbranded feeds compared to those branded. Balance (quality and price) is the decision criterion mostly used by swine farms when choosing feed suppliers. Scale of operation, type of ownership, and years in operation are significant variables associated with the feed sourcing strategy used by commercial swine farms. Research Implications – Few studies focus on the feed supply sourcing of swine farms. Many of the recent studies focus on production, success factors, profitability, technologies, and new farming systems. This study addresses the feed supply sourcing research gap by focusing on the different practices and strategies pertaining to the feed supply sourcing of commercial swine farms. Such insights have crucial and strategic trade implications on the part of feed ingredient and feed suppliers in the country, and it defines specific opportunities for government support as well.

Agricultural Development and Economic Transformation: Promoting Growth with Poverty Reduction, by John W.Mellor. Published by Palgrave Macmillan, New York, NY, 2017, pp. 259, ISBN: 978‐3‐319‐65259‐7.

Agricultural Development and Economic Transformation: Promoting Growth with Poverty Reduction, by John W.Mellor. Published by Palgrave Macmillan, New York, NY, 2017, pp. 259, ISBN: 978‐3‐319‐65259‐7.

Investment climate constraints, network isomorphism and survival among small commercial poultry farms in Ghana

The study seeks to the role SME network isomorphism to survival using data from a two-year network survey of poultry enterprises in Ghana. The data was collected between January 2014 and March 2015. The study seeks to understand the usefulness of network isomorphism as structural conformance in a network in aiding the survival of SMEs. Isomorphism was measured as structural equivalence between actors in the collaborative network we developed from the data. First, it is found that there is a high failure rate among the SMEs of about 40%. Secondly, isomorphic SMEs have a better survival probability and such isomorphism was very useful in overcoming investment climate constraints. However, the isomorphism reaches an optimum and returns negative effects. The findings imply that while technical efficiency is important to the survival of enterprises, business managers must also be attuned to the influencing role of structural conformance in an industry.

Investment climate constraints, network isomorphism and survival among small commercial poultry farms in Ghana

Investment climate constraints, network isomorphism and survival among small commercial poultry farms in Ghana

Financial institution ties and survival of small commercial poultry farms (SCPFs) in Ghana

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to understand the usefulness of financial institution class ties in small commercial poultry farms’ (SCPFs’) survival in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses data from a network survey with associated attribute data on poultry small- and medium-sized enterprises. The data were collected in two waves between January 2014 and March 2015. Survival is estimated using a lagged probit model.FindingsIt was found that the survival rate of SCPFs is influenced by ties to universal banks and cooperative credit unions that have a positive effect while those with ties to savings and loans companies have a reduced survival probability.Originality/valueThe findings of the study make a significant contribution to the agricultural enterprise financing literature showing the relevance of the different financial institution types in the continued survival of agricultural SCPFs.

Give a Man a Fishpond: Modeling the Impacts of Aquaculture in the Rural Economy

Abstract The rapid growth of fish farming over the past three decades has generated heated debate over the role of aquaculture in rural development and poverty reduction. Central to these debates is the question of whether and how aquaculture impacts local incomes and employment, yet little empirical evidence exists on the issue. To address this question, we propose a Local Economy-wide Impact Evaluation (LEWIE) model which nests fish farm models within a general-equilibrium model of their local economy. The model is calibrated using primary data collected from 1102 households in Myanmar’s main aquaculture zone, representative of 60% of the country’s aquaculture farms. Using this model, we examine the impact of aquaculture on the incomes and labor market outcomes of fish farming households, but also crop farms and non-farm households in the cluster. Simulating one-acre increases in pond/plot surface we find that: (1) aquaculture generates much higher incomes per-acre than agriculture; (2) aquaculture generates larger income spillovers than agriculture for non-farm households by way of retail and labor markets; (3) small commercial fish farms generate greater spillovers than large fish farms. These results bolster the notion that fish-farming, and in particular small-scale commercial aquaculture, may have a significant role to play in rural development and poverty reduction.

The silent spread of Porcine Bocavirus in Croatian pigs: should we be concerned?

A survey was conducted to evaluate the presence and prevalence of Porcine Bocavirus (PBoV) in Croatian domestic pigs by means of PCR targeting the NS1 gene fragment of PBoV. This study included testing of faecal samples collected from 10 small commercial farms and 11 small backyard holdings in Croatia. The presence of PBoV was confirmed by PCR in 24 out of 57 composite faecal samples from small commercial farms and in 12 out of 43 composite faecal samples from small backyard holdings. The PCR products of 18 positive samples were sequenced for genotyping. PBoV sequences grouped into the PBoV-a, PBoV-b and PBoV-c groups with 90.81% to 99.25% nucleotide identity. All Croatian PBoV sequences showed a high nucleotide and amino acid identity with PBoV sequences from China and Hong Kong, the United States, Sweden, and Slovenia. These results clearly show that PBoV is circulating among the domestic pig population in Croatia.

Biosecurity Conditions in Small Commercial Chicken Farms, Bangladesh 2011-2012.

In Bangladesh, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 is endemic in poultry. This study aimed to understand the biosecurity conditions and farmers' perception of avian influenza biosecurity in Bangladeshi small commercial chicken farms. During 2011-2012, we conducted observations, in-depth interviews and group discussions with poultry farmers in 16 farms and in-depth interviews with seven local feed vendors from two districts. None of the farms were completely segregated from people, backyard poultry, other animals, households, other poultry farms or large trees. Wild birds and rodents accessed the farms for poultry feed. Farmers usually did not allow the buyers to bring egg trays inside their sheds. Spraying disinfectant in the shed and removing feces were the only regular cleaning and disinfection activities observed. All farmers sold or used untreated feces as fish feed or fertilizer. Farmers were more concerned about Newcastle disease and infectious bursal disease than about avian influenza. Farmers' understanding about biosecurity and avian influenza was influenced by local vendors. While we seldom observed flock segregation, some farmers used measures that involved additional cost or effort to protect their flocks. These farmers could be motivated by interventions to protect their investment from diseases they consider harmful. Future interventions could explore the feasibility and effectiveness of low-cost alternative biosecurity measures.

Network ties and survival

Poultry farming has been touted as one of the major ways by which poverty can be reduced in low-income economies like Ghana. Yet, anecdotally there is a high failure rate among these poultry farms. This current study seeks to understand the relationship between network ties and survival chances of small commercial poultry farms (SCPFs). We utilize data from a 2-year network survey of SCPFs in rural Ghana. The survival of these poultry farms are modelled using a lagged probit model of farms that persisted from 2014 into 2015. We find that network ties are important to the survival chances of the SCPFs in Ghana. Distribution ties are associated with negative survival chances and this is not even reversed if the human capital of the owner increases although managers with higher human capital and higher distribution ties experience positive effects. Industry ties are associated with positive ties but this probability reduces as the number of industry ties increases but moderation with dynamic capability of the firm reverses this trend. Our findings show that not all network ties aid survival and therefore small commercial poultry farmers need to be circumspect in the network ties they cultivate and develop.

Effect of mastitis on post-partum conception of cross bred dairy cows in Chittagong district of Bangladesh

Objective: The study was conducted to investigate the effect of mastitis on post-partum conception in crossed cows (Local x Friesian or Sahiwal x Friesian) in Chittagong area of Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A total of 100 lactating cows were randomly selected from thirteen small and medium size commercial dairy farms. The cows were reared under traditional feeding and management systems. Age and number of parity of the cows were 2.5 to 6 years and 1-5, respectively. On-farm California Mastitis Test (CMT) and Whit Slide Test (WST) were performed with the milk samples to diagnose mastitis. Besides, productive and reproductive data were recorded by examining the animals and interviewing the farmers. Results: The incidence of mastitis was significantly (P=0.037) higher (76% for CMT and 62% for WST) in 3.5-4.5 years old cows and lower (P=0.037) (47% for CMT) in 2.5-3.5 years old cows. The highest percentage of CMT (72%) and WST (59%) positive cases were found in cows having parity number 2. The CMT (71%) and WST (53%) test results were similar in third parity cows. The first parity cows were less prone to mastitis (47%). Mastitis had significantly (P=0.002) negative effect on days required to first heat after parturition. Mastitis was also negatively correlated with calving interval (CI) (P=0.030). More the incidence of mastitis prolongs the calving interval and the highest percentage (85% for CMT and 71% for WST) of mastitis was found in cows having 380-400 days calving interval. Lowest mastitis (54% for CMT and 48% for WST) incidence detected cows’ lowest calving interval. Significantly, more number of Service per Conception (SPC) was also required in cows having more incidence of mastitis (P=0.03). SPC was 4 for subclinical to clinical cases and 3 for clinical cases. Conclusion: Significant correlation between mastitis and post-partum conception is recorded in this study that may hamper reproductive performances. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2017.d203 XML PubReader

An Assessment of Sustainability of Bulgarian Farms

The New Institutional and Transaction Costs Economics framework is incorporated to transitional Bulgarian agriculture, and level of sustainability of dominating subsistent farming, production cooperatives, small-scare commercial farms, and large agro-firms assessed. New framework for assessing sustainability of farms and for governing of sustainable development is suggested taking into account: role of specific institutional environment, comparative efficiency of various market, private, public and hybrid governing modes, transaction costs and critical factors (frequency, uncertainty, asset specificity, and appropriability) of farm transactions. Analysis of sustainability of different types of Bulgarian farms is made, and further domination of subsistence farming, cooperatives, large agro-firms, and some part of small commercial farms projected.