The diversity of sheep production systems in Aragón (Spain): characterisation and typification of meat sheep farms

Abstract

The general aim of the present study was to characterise and typify a group of meat sheep farms that form part of the record data network of an Aragonese co-operative using different variables: sociological, structural, technical, income and costs and economic results. The sample was formed by 56 Aragonese farms. In order to avoid inter-annual variations, data used were the mean data of a five-year period running from 2000 to 2004. A factor analysis was used to reveal the interrelations between different variables that characterise farms. The results of this analysis served as the basis for a subsequent segmentation by applying a cluster analysis. After the establishment of groups, a variance analysis was performed to identify statistical differences in a set of additional variables that were considered necessary to gain practical significance in the typology. Four groups of farms were differentiated, mainly based on structural, technical and economic variables. According to the variables that characterise the defined typologies, the different possibilities of evolution of each of them were analysed to adapt to changing contexts in terms of costs, income, labour and agricultural policy measures.