TYPOLOGY OF CATTLE GROWERS IN THE NORTHERN ZONE OF THE STATE OF VERACRUZ

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to characterize the cattle growing systems in the northern zone of the state of Veracruz in order to establish a typology of cattle growers that will serve as the basis for the economic analysis of said activity. A semi-structured survey was carried out with 240 cattle growers in 16 municipalities of the region, using productive and socioeconomic variables. Statistical tools involving principal and conglomerate components were used to determine the typology and characteristics of each group. The results indicate that the cattle growers in the northern zone of the state of Veracruz are classified into three groups: conventional (90%), in transition (8.4%), and business (1.6%). Conventional cattle growers make a living selling weaned calves; they work with a surface area of 55 ha and 55 heads per herd. Cattle growers in transition work with a 177-ha grazing area and 174 heads per herd. Business growers work with an area of 382 ha and are exclusively dedicated to fattening the calves for slaughter. The economic analysis must consider all three groups of cattle growers and the characteristics that distinguish them. The resulting typologies are useful in decision making and creating differentiated support strategies.