Economic profitability and typology of Ripollesa breed sheep farms in Spain

The aim of this work was to study the economic results of Ripollesa breed sheep farms in Spain, and to establish a typology which would clarify the characteristics of the different types of existing farms. Data was collected using a survey of 52 farm owners, from which the mean economic results of the farms were calculated. To establish a typology, the data were treated using a multivariate statistical analysis (principal component analysis). Subsequently, a hierarchy analysis (cluster analysis) of the coordinates of the farms with the first five factors was applied. The results indicate that, in general and under our working conditions, the most diversified farms obtain higher income and higher net added value at factor cost (NAVfc). At the same time, public subsidies make up an average of 27% of total income and 52% of NAVfc. It was possible to typify four groups of farms. © 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.