Guidelines for developing beef cattle raising among farmers in Rattaphum district, Songkhla province

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to study the development of beef cattle raising for farmers in Rattaphum District, Songkhla Province. The samples used in the study were beef cattle farmers in Rattaphum District, Songkhla province. A hundred of beef cattle farmers, who registered with Rattaphum livestock offices Songkhla Province were interviewed. The sample size was determined using Taro Yamane tables with a 10% discrepancy. Interviews schedule and non-participating observations were used for data collection. The data were analyzed by using statistics of percentage, mean, standard deviation and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results of the study showed that the average age of farmers was 50.97 years, graduating in high school or vocational certificate. In 2019, the farmers received training on average 1.29 times and cost of raising beef cattle 1,331.16 Baht per body Knowledge and attitude about beef cattle farming were at a moderate level. There is a high level of practice. Overall, there was a moderate level of beef cattle development. Factors affecting for beef cattle raising development were at a moderate level. There were 7 factors divided into factors affecting for positive development of beef cattle (P> 0.05) 1) farmers knowledge of beef cattle production 2) participation in beef cattle groups 3) occupation of beef cattle farmers, and 4) Practices for raising beef cattle of farmers The factors affecting the need for beef cattle development were negatively: 1) the education level of farmers, 2) the specific debt for beef cattle raising, and 3) the beef cattle farming system. However the guidelines for the development of beef cattle raising of farmers were as follows:  Starting from training to farmers on various topics such as characteristics of beef cattle in each breed, forage crops, feed stock and forage preservation etc.