Analysing variation in Russian dairy farms, 1990-2001

Although Russian dairy enterprises underwent dramatic changes during the period 1990-2001, little is known about the situation of these enterprises under the new conditions. This study examined a sample group of dairy enterprises in the Moscow region to try to identify similarities and differences in historical background, performance, and managerial and structural characteristics. A farm-level data set from 1990-2001 was used. Assessment of historical characteristics revealed that the most successful enterprises were those that had already shown better economic performance in pre-reform years. For the period studied, these farms also had smaller percentages of reduced resources, no major debt problems, and better overall management.