Dairy farmers' evaluation of dairy cooperatives

Survey data of 2,538 dairy farmers located in 12 southern states were used to analyze the factors influencing farmers' degree of satisfaction with the overall performance of milk marketing cooperatives. Results from an ordered probit model indicate that southern dairy farmers perceive cooperatives' ability to hold down operating and marketing costs, to provide higher prices and competent field services, and assure a market for their milk as important attributes of efficient viable cooperatives. Furthermore, the study found that there are significant differences in the degree of satisfaction with the cooperatives among the dairy farmers located in the 12 southern states. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.