Bayesian clustering of farm types using the mixtures model

Tiffin, R. (2006) Bayesian clustering of farm types using the mixtures model. Journal of Agricultural Economics, 57 (3). pp. 547-562. ISSN 0021-857X doi: 10.1111/j.1477-9552.2006.00064.x

Abstract/Summary

A Bayesian method of classifying observations that are assumed to come from a number of distinct subpopulations is outlined. The method is illustrated with simulated data and applied to the classification of farms according to their level and variability of income. The resultant classification shows a greater diversity of technical charactersitics within farm types than is conventionally the case. The range of mean farm income between groups in the new classification is wider than that of the conventional method and the variability of income within groups is narrower. Results show that the highest income group in 2000 included large specialist dairy farmers and pig and poultry producers, whilst in 2001 it included large and small specialist dairy farms and large mixed dairy and arable farms. In both years the lowest income group is dominated by non-milk producing livestock farms.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/9277
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Uncontrolled Keywords	Bayesian methods, cluster analysis, farm classification, mixtures model
Publisher	Wiley-Blackwell
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