Perception and risk management strategies for ranchers and their determinants: a case study from Turkey

In this study, beef cattle farmers' perceptions of risk and risk management strategies, and their determinants were analyzed using factor analysis and partial least squares regression analysis. The data set used in this study came from a survey conducted in Erzurum Province. The results demonstrated that variability in fodder price, insufficient farm income, uncertainty in government policies were perceived as the most important risks. Clean cattle shelter, off-farm income, monitoring and preventing livestock diseases were perceived as the most important risk management strategies. Results, also, demonstrated that some characteristics of farmers affected farmers' perceptions. In this study, it was identified that the most important risk sources were economics-based. So, it was recommended that the government policy should be focused on preventing the fluctuations in input/output prices.