Abstract
Abstract Commercial chicken is giving contribution as animal protein sources and earning for farmers in village areas. The success of this commodity business depends on the individual characteristics of farmers, which determine maintenance management and technology adoption capabilities. This study aims to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of commercial chicken farmers in Sukoharjo, Karanganyar, and Boyolali Regencies, Central Java Province, as the significant commercial chicken production centers in Indonesia. A total of 118 respondents were selected purposively and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis provided the socio-economic profile of farmers, including age, education, family members, farmers’ experience in raising livestock, and the livestock populations. The findings showed that the farmers’ average were predominantly in the productive age (45 years). The average level of formal education obtained is 11.29 years, equivalent to secondary education. Farmers have around 4-5 family members. The farmers’ experience is 11.70 years, showing long-term involvement in the process of chicken farming. Chicken populations vary, with Sukoharjo having the highest average population. These findings indicate that farmers in the study area have sufficient experience but face limitations in formal education. Understanding these socio-economic characteristics is important for extension services and agribusiness stakeholders to design appropriate interventions to improve the productivity, sustainability, and welfare of commercial poultry farmers.