bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen-Fixing Winter Cover Crops and Production Risk: A Case Study for No-Tillage Corn
Authors: Larson James A. , Roberts Roland K. , Tyler Donald D. , Duck Bob N. , Slinsky Stephen P.
Published: July 2016

Winter legumes can substitute for applied nitrogen fertilization of corn. Stochastic dominance was used to order net revenues from legume and applied nitrogen alternatives. Stochastic dominance orderings indicate that systems combining vetch with low applied nitrogen fertilization (50 and 100 pounds/acre, respectively) were risk inefficient. By contrast, vetch and 150 pounds/acre applied nitrogen maximized expected net revenue and was risk efficient for a wide range of risk-averse and risk-seeking behavior. Farmers with these risk attitudes may not reduce applied nitrogen if they switch to a vetch cover. Extremely risk-averse or risk-seeking farmers would not prefer winter legumes.
A Nonparametric Efficiency Analysis for a Sample of Kansas Swine Operations
Authors: Rowland William W. , Langemeier Michael R. , Schurle Bryan W. , Featherstone Allen M.
Published: July 2016

This study evaluates the economic competitiveness of a sample of Kansas farrow-to-finish operations by estimating relative firm efficiency using nonparametric mathematical programming techniques. Measures of technical, allocative, scale, economic, and overall efficiency are then related to farm characteristics to identify sources of efficiency. Results indicate that overall efficient farms produce a high quantity of pork per litter, produce a portion of their own feed grains, generate a large portion of their income from swine and other livestock enterprises, and have a lower debt-to-asset ratio.
Government Policy, Wind Erosion, and Economic Viability in Semi-Arid Agriculture: The Case of the Southern Texas High Plains
Authors: Bunn Julie A.
Published: July 2016

The 1996 farm bill challenges agricultural producers to pursue conservation objectives while allowing flexibility and reducing subsidies. The nature of this challenge for semi-arid rainfed, wind-erosion-prone agriculture is explored via a behavioral model. Simulations of farm-firm decision making under scenarios in the southern Texas High Plains are evaluated. Results indicate that the removal of subsidies, while lowering farm incomes, does not, under most assumptions, alter cropping system choice. Alternatively, under a variety of assumptions, the imposition of an erosion tax shuts down cropping.
Finite Mixture Estimation of Size Economies and Cost Frontiers in the Face of Multiple Production Technologies
Authors: Smith H. Arlen , Taylor C. Robert
Published: July 2016

Finite mixture estimation (FME) is compared to estimated generalized least squares (EGLS) in the estimation of economies of size and production cost frontiers for Alabama dairy farms. FME provides several unique insights into the economic forces behind recent changes in Alabama's dairy industry. FME provides estimation of a stochastic average cost frontier with known statistical properties, which it was not otherwise possible to obtain using available stochastic frontier estimation packages.
Impacts of Incorporating Land Exchanges Between Forestry and Agriculture in Sector Models
Authors: Alig Ralph J. , Adams Darius M. , McCarl Bruce A.
Published: July 2016

The forest and agriculture sectors are linked by having a portion of their land bases suitable for use in either sector. A substantial part of the southern land base is suitable for either forestry or agriculture use, with most of forestation on U.S. agriculture land in the South. We examine how land exchanges between forestry and agriculture are influenced by specific federal conservation and farm support policies, including changes in the Conservation Reserve Program. Reallocation of land is a significant part of the sectors' responses to the policies, along with intensification of timber management on existing southern forests.
Hopes and Fears: The New World Trade Negotiations and Southern Agriculture
Authors: Marchant Mary A.
Published: July 2016

Understanding the impacts of the Uruguay Round (UR) Agreement on southern commodities serves as a starting point to assess the potential impacts of the next global trade negotiations in terms of hope (expanding export markets) and fear (new competition). Key issues examined include whether or not the UR Agreement resulted in new markets or new competition for key southern commodities—cotton, poultry, tobacco, and rice. For new markets, export data were analyzed to determine if exports increased since the passage of the UR Agreement in 1994. Also, countries that are leading world importers of these southern commodities were identified and data analyzed to determine whether the U.S. is exporting to these top markets. Alternatively, to assess whether the UR Agreement resulted in new competition for southern commodities, countries that are leading world exporters were identified and data analyzed to determine whether the U.S. is among them. Data analyses was supplemented with interviews of southern commodities experts who assess impacts of the GATT-UR and identify issues for the next round of global trade negotiations.
Lending by Rural Banks Involved in Mergers
Authors: Walraven Nicholas A.
Published: July 2016

This paper employed a variety of sources of data and a number of methods to describe rural lending markets. Over the sample period, 1992 through 1998, there was a pronounced trend towards affiliation of banks, both urban and rural, with holding companies, although over this period there was little change in the concentration of banking offices in rural areas. Using data from the 1993 National Survey of Small Business Finances, the study found some evidence that rural small businesses were less likely to apply for a loan than urban small firms although those rural firms that did apply were more likely to have their application accepted.
Independent Commercial Bank Mergers and Agricultural Lending Concentration
Authors: Ahrendsen Bruce L. , Dixon Bruce L. , Lee LaDerrek T.
Published: July 2016

In an era of rapid consolidation in banking, the effect of mergers on the availability of credit to agricultural businesses is unclear. Commercial bank mergers have profoundly altered the urban credit marketplace and are positioned to do the same for the agricultural credit marketplace. Adjustment models are estimated with data on independent bank consolidations from 1988 through 1995. The regression results bode well for agricultural lending if acquiring banks have larger concentrations of assets in agriculture than acquired banks. Conversely, if acquiring banks have smaller concentrations than acquired banks, acquisitions have a negative impact on agricultural lending. Since most acquiring banks have smaller agricultural loan concentrations than acquired banks, there is concern for agricultural lending. However, other lenders are likely to fill credit gaps that develop.
Evaluating the Performance of Agricultural Bank Management: The Impact of State Regulatory Policies
Authors: Armah Bernard K.N. , Park Timothy A. , Lovell C.A. Knox
Published: July 2016

We evaluate agricultural bank management performance, focusing on the impacts of interstate banking laws on productivity change. The generalized Malmquist productivity index decomposes productivity change into technological change, technical efficiency change, and change in scale economies. While managerial productivity rose from 1982 to 1991, states that adopted the most liberal interstate banking laws experienced the greatest improvement in productivity. Large agricultural banks were more efficient in states that had more liberalized interstate banking laws while small agricultural banks fared better in states with more restrictive laws.
Commodity R&D and Promotion
Authors: Richards Timothy J. , Padilla Luis
Published: July 2016

Considerable evidence exists of high returns to public and private investment in commodity research and development programs. This study investigates the potential returns to product research, development, and marketing in a dynamic commodity-market model. Theoretical hypotheses derived from the solution to this model are tested in an empirical example of Washington apples. Estimation results show that, despite significant spillovers to research and promotion expenditure in this industry, there is nonetheless considerable latitude to increase annual sales.
Import Demand for Disaggregated Fresh Fruits in Japan
Authors: Schmitz Troy G. , Seale James L.
Published: July 2016

Using annual Japanese fresh fruit import data from 1971 to 1997, this study analyzes the import patterns of Japan's seven most popular fresh fruits by implementing and testing a general differential demand system that nests four alternative import demand specifications. When tested against the general system using the five-good case (bananas, grapefruits, oranges, and lemons and aggregating pineapples, berries, and grapes), the analysis rejects the Almost Ideal Demand System and National Bureau of Research specifications but does not reject Rotterdam and Central Bureau of Statistics models. When estimated using the six-good case (bananas, grapefruits, oranges, lemons, and pineapples and aggregating berries and grapes), the analysis rejects all specifications except the Rotterdam model.
Environmental Regulatory Reform: Discussion
Authors: Norris Patricia E.
Published: July 2016

Within the general rubric of environmental policy reform, the three papers in this session address the current policy situation, the issues driving the policy reform movement, and how economics can contribute to the debate and its outcome. The papers fit together well to paint a picture of the evolution of environmental policy and some of the issues and challenges for economists associated with that evolution. Although the authors note a number of issues and challenges, there are other important points which deserve attention. In addition, I find myself challenging some of the points raised by the authors. It is toward these points that I focus this discussion paper.
Incorporating the 1990 Farm Bill into Farm-Level Decision Models: An Application to Cotton Farms: Comment
Authors: Önal Hayri , Monke James D.
Published: July 2016

The 1990 Farm Bill introduced planting flexibility options while at the same time imposing slightly different program participation provisions from those of the previous farm bill. An article published by Duffy, Cain, and Young (1993) in this journal presents a methodology to model farm-level decision making and program participation. Their model does not truly represent the set-aside and flex requirements when compared to actual program provisions. This comment addresses those shortcomings and proposes appropriate modifications to the model.
Economic Development in a Fledgling Democracy: The Potential of the Polish Agricultural Extension System
Authors: Doye Damona G.
Published: July 2016

Agricultural economists who serve as educators in emerging democracies have the opportunity to contribute to economic development by building human capital. A channel for educators to share lessons learned in these countries could benefit individuals preparing for assignments in foreign countries. Understanding the cultural and social differences in decisionmaking systems is critical to successful educational program development and implementation. Individuals in the emerging democracies often need training in management and market economics to apply at institutional as well as personal levels. Similar training for recipients of economic development funds could result in more effective application of funds.
The Effects of Sectoral and Economy-Wide Policies on Tobacco Production in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Peña Pedro Pablo , Norton George W.
Published: July 2016

This study analyses the effects of specific agricultural and exchange rate policies on tobacco production in the Dominican Republic. Direct protection resulting from output and input subsidies and taxes was positive on average from 1966 to 1988, but total protection was negative when exchange rate policies are considered. Tobacco policies were quite volatile and resulted in increasing production in the 1970s but decreasing production in the 1980s. Overall, tobacco production was 4.8 percent less than it would have been had there been no policy interventions. Several reasons are provided for the policies.
Trade Agreements, Competition, and the Environment: Gridlock at the Crossroads: Discussion
Authors: McClain Emily A.
Published: July 2016

Seale and Fairchild cover an ambitious array of issues in their paper on “Trade Agreements, Competition, and the Environment”. Perhaps it is this ambition that leads their discussion to be too generalized in some areas. Their paper is organized into several sections: (1) a review of trade theory and generalizations about resource use (“GATT or NAFTA, Does it matter?”); (2) issues that link trade and environmental policy; (3) observations on shifts in U.S. trade policy behavior; and (4) perspectives on the changes and adjustment facing southern agriculture. I would like to challenge some of their assertions about regional trading blocs, and the environment and resource use.
Migrant Farm Workers on Virginia's Eastern Shore: An Analysis of Economic Impacts
Authors: Sills Erin O. , Alwang Jeffrey , Driscoll Paul
Published: July 2016

The economic impact of migrant farmworkers on an agriculture-dependent region is investigated. The direct effects of inflows of state and federal dollars for migrant services, and production of high-valued commodities are computed. Indirect and induced effects are modelled through the use of the IMPLAN input output model. Various alternatives to migrant labor are investigated, including production of less labor-intensive crops, acreage retirement, and contract H2A workers. Migrants are found to create substantial economic activity on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Long-Term Planning of a Livestock-Crop Farm Under Government Programs
Authors: Kouka Pierre-Justin , Duffy Patricia A. , Taylor C. Robert
Published: July 2016

Optimal crop and livestock mix was determined for a representative Alabama farm using a dynamic programming model. Results indicate that decisions concerning livestock production are highly influenced by the amount of cotton base available on the farm. In most cases, increasing cotton base results in less cattle production. The triple base provisions of the 1990 Farm Bill, however, may give some cotton farmers an incentive to produce more stocker cattle during the winter months. Research results also indicate that the availability of farm programs can alter the optimal enterprise mix on a farm with no beginning base in cotton.
Industrialization in Agriculture: Discussion
Authors: Jensen Kimberly L.
Published: July 2016

Drabenstott and Davis and Langham both present insightful discussions of the causes and consequences of industrialization in agriculture. Their discussions address industrialization as defined by the Council of Food, Agriculture, and Resource Economics (CFARE). According to CFARE, industrialization includes two components, increased consolidation of farms and increased vertical coordination within the marketing channels for food and fiber. Davis and Langham focus primarily on the causes and consequences of increasing consolidation of farms, while Drabenstott focuses on the causes and consequences of vertical coordination. This definition of industrialization should be expanded to include consolidation of firms that provide inputs and services to agriculture and consolidation of firms that handle and process agricultural products.
Modifying the Neo-Classical Approach to Technology Adoption With Behavioral Science Models
Authors: Lynne Gary D.
Published: July 2016

The dualistic nature of humans has been recognized for centuries. The intriguing question is the extent to which the human being with her/his display of concern for others can simultaneously act as an egoist, the latter being descriptive of the homo oeconomicus rendition of the human. Multiple utility theory suggests a way to approach research on such issues. A test case of water conserving technology adoption behavior by Florida growers is examined. Empirical evidence supports moving toward an expanded version of the mono-utility or I-utility model to include a We-utility.
The Commanding Heights of Mexican Agriculture
Authors: Guerra Manuel Zertuche , Eaton David W.
Published: July 2016

V.I. Lenin, in defense of communism, often defended governmental control over the “commanding heights” of the means of production. Upon consolidation of the revolution in the 1920s, Mexican leaders wholeheartedly adopted Lenin's approach to government intervention in the economy. The revolution was driven, in part, by a widely accepted need for land reform. The revolutionaries proceeded to restructure Mexican agriculture and adopt socialistic policies which promoted centralized planning. Also, state-owned enterprises (SOE's) began to participate in everything from the production, processing, distribution and commercialization of agricultural products. In recent years, policies have changed and Mexican agriculture is currently going through a dramatic process of reformation.
Variation in Marginal Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer between Locations
Authors: Graybeal Dale K.
Published: July 2016

A logistic growth equation with time and location varying parameters was used to model corn response to applied nitrogen. A nonlinear dummy-variable regression model provided a parsimonious representation of site and time effects on parameter values. The model was used to test for the equality of the mean marginal product of nitrogen fertilizer between locations on the coastal plain of North Carolina. Monte Carlo simulation and bootstrap simulation were used to construct finite sample covariance estimates. Results support rejection of the hypothesis that mean marginal products are equal when nitrogen is applied at 168 kg/ac. A comparison of bootstrapped errors and asymptotic errors suggests that results based on asymptotic theory are fairly reliable in this case.
International Variation in Return on Equity in the Food and Beverage Industries
Authors: Acheampong Yvonne J.
Published: July 2016

The objective is to analyze the effects of country- and firm-specific factors on the return on equity in the beverage and tobacco and food and consumer-products industries for 11 industrialized nations. The results indicate that country- and firm-specific factors are important in explaining variation in return on equity within countries but not generally across countries or time.
Regulation in Quality Differentiated Markets: Pesticide Cancellations in U.S. Apple Production
Authors: Roosen Jutta
Published: July 2016

If agricultural output results from non-separable multiproduct technologies, environmental regulation can change the set of possible output combinations. This will be important when regulation affects the quality composition of a crop. As a result, market and welfare changes have to be assessed in technology-related markets. We present a model that serves to estimate the economic impacts in such instances and use it in the assessment of pesticide regulation in the U.S. apple industry. Impacts for four pesticide cancellation scenarios are assessed. It is shown that changes in the quality of a crop lead to significant market reallocation effects.
Handler Reactions to Potential Compulsory Country-of-Origin Labeling of Fresh or Frozen Beef
Authors: Schupp Alvin , Gillespie Jeffrey
Published: July 2016

Interest in mandatory county-of-origin labeling of fresh meats exists at both the state and national levels. A sample of beef handling firms in Louisiana (processors, retailers and restaurants) was surveyed by telephone to identify the characteristics of these firms that would help explain their decision to support or reject the law. A factor supporting the label use was a belief that the label is valuable to buyers. Negative factors were that the firm is a restaurant, is part of a chain or franchise, or has experience handling imported beef, and the belief that labeling merely reflects more government interference in free trade.
Agricultural Economists' Use of Classroom Economic Experiments
Authors: Barnett Barry J. , Kriesel Warren
Published: July 2016

Economics belongs in everyone's education once we have learned how to teach it.

—George J. Stigler

Results are presented from a Web-based survey of instructors in agricultural economics and related departments about their use of, and attitudes about, classroom economic experiments.
Agricultural Insurance as an Environmental Policy Tool
Authors: Coble Keith H. , Hanson Terry , Miller J. Corey , Shaik Saleem
Published: July 2016

This paper examines the possibility that insurance for row crops, livestock, and aquaculture can be used effectively to encourage producers to adopt practices that will improve environmental behavior. Examples of agricultural environmental insurance are provided and considered in the context of alternative policy mechanisms. The current state of agricultural insurance and the nonagricultural environmental insurance market are explored. We also lay out the characteristics of an insurable risk along with the theoretical basis of insurance provision. An empirical example of an environmental insurance design is provided, and the behavioral implications of such a design are examined. Finally, we discuss important considerations that should be evaluated when considering an attempt to implement an agricultural insurance program directed at environmental behavior.
Mitigating the Compliance Cost of a Phosphorus-Based Swine Manure Management Policy
Authors: Yap Crystal , Foster Ken , Preckel Paul , Doering Otto , Richert Brian
Published: July 2016

Regulatory changes by federal and state agencies portend a switch from nitrogen-based livestock manure disposal policies to phosphorus-based policies. This paper estimates the compliance costs of such a policy change for a hypothetical hog-grain farm in North Central Indiana. The farm includes 1,500 acres of cropland and has the capacity to raise 11,970 grow-finish hogs annually. The farm model also has the potential to produce four different crops on six different land types. A nonlinear math-programming model was developed to determine the optimal mix of management activities for a phosphorus-based regulation. The model allows mitigation of compliance costs via the choice between four different pig diets, three alternative methods of manure disposal, changes in timing of manure application, and crop pattern adjustments. This analysis concludes that the new regulation will result in a decrease in whole-farm returns above variable costs, the use of phytase enzyme in pig diets, and an increase in wheat acreage. The model also reveals that it is optimal for the farmer to hire a custom hauler to assist in application of manure in an effort to reduce the degree to which available field days constrain farming activities and land application of manure. The estimated cost to the farmer, as a result of the policy change, ranges between $0.56 and $21.74 per unit of pig production capacity.
Global Demand for U.S. Environmental Goods and Services
Authors: Avery Brock , Boadu Fred O.
Published: July 2016

This paper reports import demand elasticities for environmental goods and services (EGS) for the world in aggregate and for six world regions. The paper involves a pooled cross-section and time-series estimation procedure and makes per capita demand for EGS a function of economic, political, and structural factors. The results show that per capita incomes, exchange rates, political and economic freedoms, and debt affect the demand for EGS. The results also show that demand for EGS is tied to the particular environmental problem facing a particular region. Exporters of EGS need to disaggregate world markets to better target products.
Firm-Level Competition in Price and Variety
Authors: Richards Timothy J. , Patterson Paul M.
Published: July 2016

Consumer product manufacturers often compete in dynamic, multi-firm oligopolies using multiple strategic tools. While existing empirical models of strategic interaction typically consider only parts of the more general problem, this paper presents a more comprehensive alternative. Marketing decisions are dynamically optimal, consistent with optimal consumer choice, and responsive to rival decisions. Using a single-market case study that consists of five years of four-weekly data on ready-to-eat cereal sales, prices, and new brand introductions, we test several hypotheses regarding the nature of strategic interaction among several rival manufacturers. We find that cereal manufacturers price and introduce new brands cooperatively in the same period, but behave more competitively when dynamic reactions are included.
Spatial Price Dynamics in U.S. Regional Broiler Markets
Authors: Awokuse Titus O. , Bernard John C.
Published: July 2016

The U.S. broiler industry is highly vertically integrated and increasingly concentrated in the number of firms and production areas. These structural elements could have implications for performance and the functioning of the law of one price (LOP) across regions. This article investigates this using data on four regional markets. Cointegration results indicate that regional prices are spatially linked in the long run, but pairwise cointegration was not found, suggesting that the LOP does not hold. Causality tests confirm the relative importance of price shocks from the South. This finding is reflective of price coordination by firms with production in multiple regions.
Effects of Seed and Farm Characteristics on Cottonseed Choice: A Choice-Based Conjoint Experiment in the Mississippi Delta
Authors: Banerjee Swagata “Ban” , Hudson Darren , Martin Steven W.
Published: July 2016

Producers' preferences for cottonseed with respect to price, seed type, yield, and fiber quality are examined by a willingness-to-pay approach via mail surveys. Results indicate a positive willingness to pay (WTP) for technology relative to conventional cottonseed, and WTP increases with the level of technology. Yield and quality also show a positive WTP. Larger farms have a higher WTP for technology, and farms with more farm labor have a lower WTP for technology. These results suggest economies of size in technology adoption (biotechnology is not size-neutral) and that labor and biotechnology are direct substitutes.
Living on the Edge: Residential Property Values in the Urban-Rural Interface
Authors: Espey Molly , Fakhruddin Fahmida , Gering Lawrence R. , Lin Huiyan
Published: July 2016

This study estimates the contribution of both urban-rural fringe location and lake proximity on residential property values in three upstate counties of South Carolina through estimation of spatial hedonic housing price models. Location in the urban fringe and the urban–rural interface are found to have a positive impact on residential housing values relative to either urban or more rural locations. Lakes in the upstate contribute positively to housing values to the extent that the house has a view of a lake, lake access, or lake frontage.
Risk-Reducing Effectiveness of Revenue versus Yield Insurance in the Presence of Government Payments
Authors: Vedenov Dmitry V. , Power Gabriel J.
Published: July 2016

Government farm support programs such as Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) and Counter-Cyclical Payments (CCP) have payoff structures that effectively make them costless price insurance instruments. A combination of these payments with yield insurance may provide a viable alternative to revenue insurance. This paper finds that, contrary to expectations, the revenue product analyzed is uniformly superior to yield insurance under both current (2002) and proposed (2008) Farm Bill structures of government payments. Given minor adjustments, however, yield insurance combined with government payments can provide more effective risk management than revenue insurance in production areas with low yield–price correlation.
Economic Efficiency of Short-Term Versus Long-Term Water Rights Buyouts
Authors: Wheeler Erin , Golden Bill , Johnson Jeffrey , Peterson Jeffrey
Published: July 2016

Because of the decline of the Ogallala Aquifer, water districts, regional water managers, and state water officers are becoming increasingly interested in conservation policies. This study evaluates both short-term and long-term water rights buyout policies. This research develops dynamic production functions for the major crops in the Texas Panhandle. The production functions are incorporated into optimal temporal allocation models that project annual producer behavior, crop choices, water use, and aquifer declines over 60 years. Results suggest that long-term buyouts may be more economically efficient than short-term buyouts.
Economic Factors and Body Weight: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Schroeter Christiane , Lusk Jayson L.
Published: July 2016

With this study, we investigate the effects of changes in economic factors on body weight by constructing a utility theoretic model. The model is empirically estimated by combining data on individuals' body weight, demographic and physical activity information, and state-level measures pertaining to the prices of food away from home, food at home, and wages. By combining these data sources, we aim to estimate directly the weight effects of price and income changes. The empirical analysis suggests that decreasing the price of food at home could decrease body weight, a finding which has important public policy implications.
A Joint Estimation Method to Combine Dichotomous Choice CVM Models with Count Data TCM Models Corrected for Truncation and Endogenous Stratification
Authors: González Juan Marcos , Loomis John B. , González-Cabán Armando
Published: July 2016

We update the joint estimation of revealed and stated preference data of previously published research to allow for joint estimation of the Travel Cost Method (TCM) portion using count data models. The TCM estimation also corrects for truncation and endogenous stratification as well as overdispersion. The joint estimation allows for testing consistency of behavior between revealed and stated preference data rather than imposing it. We find little gain in estimation efficiency, but our joint estimation might make a significant improvement in estimation efficiency when the contingent valuation scenarios involve major changes in site quality not reflected in the TCM data.
An Empirical Analysis of Louisiana Small Farmers’ Involvement in the Conservation Reserve Program
Authors: McLean-Meyinsse Patricia E. , Hui Jianguo , Joseph Randolph
Published: July 2016

The study examines Louisiana small farmers' reasons for not participating in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), their awareness of the program, and their willingness to participate in the program. The results suggest that: farmers do not participate in the CRP if revenues from cropland are an important source of income, or if they are tenants; awareness is significantly related to education, income, race, and average return per acre; willingness is positively influenced by payment per acre, age, and farm status. Participation depends on whether payments per acre are comparable to the opportunity costs of removing cropland from production.
A Logit Analysis of Participation in Tennessee's Forest Stewardship Program
Authors: Bell Caroline D. , Roberts Roland K. , English Burton C. , Park William M.
Published: July 2016

This study determines the likely effect of cost-share incentives on participation in the Tennessee forest Stewardship Program and identifies other factors that may contribute to participation. A random utility model is used to determine the probability that a landowner will choose to participate in the program. A binary choice model is specified to represent the dichotomous decision and a logit procedure is used to fit the model. Data are obtained from mail surveys of 4,000 randomly selected landowners. Results indicate that attitudes and knowledge of forestry programs may be more influential in a landowner's decision to participate than monetary incentives.
When Self-interest is Self-Defeating: The Public Goods Experiment as a Teaching Tool
Authors: Nelson Robert G. , Beil Richard O.
Published: July 2016

This simple classroom experiment demonstrates many of the behavioral phenomena associated with the voluntary provision of a public good. The mechanics of the game are explained in detail and complete instructions are provided, as well as suggestions for follow-up lectures. Influences such as anonymous voting, persuasion, returns to free-riding, and duration of association can be explored in connection with concepts of incentives, individual rationality and group welfare. A number of variations and extensions can be used to incorporate prisoners' dilemmas, incentive compatible mechanisms, negative externalities, and Coasian bargaining.
Links among Farm Productivity, Off-Farm Work, and Farm Size in the Southeast
Authors: Yee Jet , Ahearn Mary Clare , Huffman Wallace
Published: July 2016

This paper examines the linkages among agricultural total factor productivity, farm size, and farm household participation in the off-farm labor market for the Southeastern states for the period 1960-1996. We find evidence of a simultaneous relationship between productivity and measures of farm structure. The results support the expected relationships between the endogenous variables, namely that productivity and farm size are positively related, farm size and off-farm work participation are negatively related, and off-farm work and productivity are negatively related. We find positive and significant impacts of government policies (investments in public research, extension, and highways) on productivity growth.
Factors Affecting Perceived Improvements in Environmental Quality from Precision Farming
Authors: Larkin Sherry L. , Perruso Larry , Marra Michele C. , Roberts Roland K. , English Burton C. , Larson James A. , Cochran Rebecca L. , Martin Steven W.
Published: July 2016

This study identified the factors that influenced whether farmers in the Southeastern United States perceived an improvement in environmental quality from adopting precision farming technologies (PFTs). Farmers with larger farms or higher yields were more likely to believe that they observed positive externalities associated with PFTs. Farmers who found PFTs profitable or who believed input reduction was important had higher probabilities whereas those with higher incomes or who were more dependent on farm income were less likely to perceive such benefits. Interestingly, the importance of environmental quality and length of time using PFTs were not found to affect the probability of perceiving an improvement in environmental quality.
Consumer Willingness to Pay for “Second-Generation” Genetically Engineered Products and the Role of Marketing Information
Authors: Rousu Matthew C. , Monchuk Daniel C. , Shogren Jason F. , Kosa Katherine M.
Published: July 2016

Environmental and consumer groups have called for mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food products in the United States, stating that consumers have the “right to know.” Herein, we use a nonhypothetical field experiment to examine the willingness to pay for GE-labeled products, using the only second-generation GE product currently on the U.S. market—GE cigarettes. Our results suggest consumers pay less for GE-labeled cigarettes when marketing information is absent. But, when presented with marketing information on the attributes of the cigarette, we find no evidence that consumers pay less for GE-labeled cigarettes.
Exploring Horticultural Employees' Attitudes Toward Their Jobs: A Qualitative Analysis Based on Herzberg's Theory of Job Satisfaction
Authors: Bitsch Vera , Hogberg Michael
Published: July 2016

Job satisfaction is likely the most studied work-related attitude and is assumed to influence a variety of behaviors. This study analyzes the job satisfaction of agricultural employees using Herzberg's theory, which is broadly employed in management. Fourteen horticultural businesses participated in case studies of labor-management practices. Fifteen nonsupervisory employee interviews were analyzed regarding job satisfaction. Components of job satisfaction relevant to horticultural employees were family-business values, achievement, recognition, work itself, involvement, personal life, interpersonal relationships, job security, supervision, working conditions, organization, safety, compensation, and information. While support for Herzberg's theory is weak, it is useful for classifying employees' attitudes.
Economic Determinants of Invasion and Discovery of Nonindigenous Insects
Authors: Hlasny Vladimir , Livingston Michael J.
Published: July 2016

Introductions of nonindigenous organisms into the United States have been linked to international trade. The individual contributions of imports, immigration, and international travel, however, are poorly understood because introduction dates are unavailable. We examine relationships between economic trends and discoveries of nonindegenous insects and use these relationships to infer the timing and determinants of introductions. We find that a few variables can explain much variation in species introductions and identifications. The most significant contributor to the introduction appears to be agricultural imports. Currently available proxies for academic effort are weak determinants of the probability that introduced species are identified.
Tobacco Farmer Interest and Success in Income Diversification
Authors: Beach Robert H. , Jones Alison Snow , Tooze Janet A.
Published: July 2016

As farm income from tobacco production has declined in recent years,
there has been increasing interest in identifying alternative sources of
income for tobacco farmers in the southern United States The recent
termination of the tobacco quota program has accelerated the exit of tobacco
farmers and has heightened concern regarding the availability of substitutes
for tobacco production. In this study, we examine factors influencing
tobacco farmers' attempts to identify profitable alternatives to tobacco,
their off-farm employment behavior, and changes in acres of tobacco
cultivated using survey data collected from a panel of North Carolina
tobacco farmers combined with market data.
Permanent Housing for Seasonal Workers? A Generalized Peak Load
Investment Model for Farm Worker Housing
Authors: Qenani-Petrela Elvis , Mittelhammer Ron , Wandschneider Philip
Published: July 2016

Many seasonal workers are housed in transitory accommodations, including
tents and vehicles. In this study, we analyze the supply side of this
problem by assuming that a public agent must house the workers through
direct public investment. A peak load model is adapted to develop investment
rules for the least-cost provision of seasonal worker housing, adding an
interacting multi-season component to existing models. Based on this model
and the data from three prototype projects, the majority of the least-cost
investment would be in permanent, but seasonally occupied, housing.
An Evaluation of Canadian and U.S. Policies of Log and Lumber Markets
Authors: Devadoss Stephen
Published: July 2016

The recent lumber trade war between Canada and the United States deals with Canadian stumpage policies, Canada's log export controls, and U.S. retaliatory duty. This study determines the appropriate level of U.S. countervailing duty (CVD) by employing a vertically interrelated log–lumber model. The theoretical results show that the U.S. CVD can be greater (will be less) than the Canadian subsidy for a vertically related log–lumber market (for lumber market only). Empirical results support the theoretical findings in that the U.S. CVD for the log–lumber market (lumber market alone) is 1.55 (0.91) times the Canadian subsidy.
Risk-Increasing and Risk-Reducing Practices in Human Resource Management:
Focus Group Discussions with Livestock Managers
Authors: Bitsch Vera , Olynk Nicole J.
Published: July 2016

Historically, managers in livestock production have focused on
production management; however, as operations have grown they have spent
more time managing employees. Increased time spent overseeing employees
brings additional risks and challenges, and, hence, a greater need for human
resource management (HRM) skills. This study investigated HRM practices in
pork production and analyzed their risk attributes through six focus group
discussions with managers. Results were compared to existing data from four
dairy focus groups and to other research. The results have been used to
develop and adapt educational workshops for managers in pork
production.
Factors Influencing and Steps Leading to the Adoption of Best Management
Practices by Louisiana Dairy Farmers
Authors: Paudel Krishna P. , Gauthier Wayne M. , Westra John V. , Hall Larry M.
Published: July 2016

A logistic regression procedure was used to assess the impact of
socioeconomic attributes on the best management practices (BMPs) adoption
decision by Louisiana dairy farmers relative to cost-share and fixed
incentive payments. Analysis of the steps in the BMP adoption decision
process indicated visits between producers and the U.S. Department of
Agriculture–Natural Resource Conservation Service significantly increase
likelihood of BMP adoption. Producer willingness-to-pay results indicate
that marginal increases in dairy BMP adoption and associated improvement in
environmental quality require increased technical and financial
assistance.
Incorporating Environmentally Compliant Manure Nutrient Disposal Costs
into Least-Cost Livestock Ration Formulation
Authors: Hadrich Joleen C. , Wolf Christopher A. , Roy Black J. , Harsh Stephen B.
Published: July 2016

Livestock rations are formulated to minimize feed cost subject to
nutritional requirements for a target performance level, which ignores the
potentially substantial cost of disposing of nutrients fed in excess of
nutritional requirements. We incorporate nutrient disposal costs into a
modified least-cost ration formulation model to arrive at a joint least-cost
decision that minimizes the sum of feed and net nutrient disposal costs. The
method is demonstrated with phosphorus disposal costs on a representative
dairy farm. Herd size, land availability and proximity, crop rotation, and
initial soil phosphorus content are shown to be important in determining
phosphorus disposal costs.
Live Animal Ultrasound Information as a Decision Tool in Replacement Beef
Heifer Programs
Authors: Dos Santos Alecsandro , Anderson John D. , Vann Rhonda C. , Willard Scott T.
Published: July 2016

Real-time ultrasound information taken on beef heifers prior to
backgrounding is used to develop a logit model to aid heifer retention
decisions. The value of ultrasound data is calculated as the difference in
certainty equivalents between a decision rule incorporating ultrasound
information and one using only visual cues. The value of ultrasound data is
found to be around $10 per head but is influenced by heifer value and
backgrounding costs.
Oligopsony/Oligopoly Power and Factor Market Performance: The Case of U.S. Old Newspapers
Authors: Hervani Aref A.
Published: July 2016

This paper derives price-cost margins for the old newspaper (ONP) input market for newsprint manufacture and then examines the effects of two government policies and two variables measuring the market performances of ONP input and newsprint output on the oligopsonist's ONP price-cost margins. In the wastepaper recycling market in particular, the ONP input market has not been successful in using the ONP generated. The outcomes of the study are that various degrees of price distortions existed in the ONP input markets in four regions of the United States during 1972–1995. Demand-side policy had a positive effect and supply-side policy had a negative effect on ONP price–cost margins in all regions.
Restricting Pesticide Use: The Impact on Profitability by Farm Size
Authors: Whittaker Gerald , Lin Biing-Hwan , Vasavada Utpal
Published: July 2016

A sample of 226 cash grain farms in the Lake States-Corn Belt region are analyzed to estimate the impact of restricting pesticide use on profits. These 226 farms are classified into small, medium, and large farms according to their sale revenues. The results suggest the existence of pest management practices that could substantially reduce pesticide use without incurring economic losses. The reductions in profits associated with gradual reductions in pesticide expenditure appear to increase with farm size.
The Responsiveness of U.S. Rice Acreage to Price and Production Costs
Authors: Salassi Michael E.
Published: July 2016

Ordinary least squares and seemingly unrelated regression procedures were used to analyze the impacts of changes in rice prices and production costs on U.S. rice planted acreage. National and regional response models were estimated over the 1970-92 period. Supply-inducing prices of rice were estimated as a function of effective rice support prices and seasonal average market prices. Expected production costs per acre were estimated using lagged actual total variable cash production expenses per acre adjusted by the previous 3-year average annual change in variable expenses. Estimated short-run price and production cost elasticities were found to be inelastic at the national level. However, the magnitude of the production cost elasticities were found to be greater than the price elasticities. Estimated long-run elasticities at the U.S. level were inelastic for changes in price but elastic for changes in production costs. Although acreage response varied across regions, similar relationships were found between price and production cost elasticities.
An Evaluation of Post Conservation Reserve Program Alternatives In The Texas High Plains
Authors: Johnson Phillip N. , Segarra Eduardo
Published: July 2016

Four policy alternatives for CRP lands upon expiration of the current contracts in Hale County, Texas are evaluated using chance-constrained programming. It was found that if CRP contracts are extended at the current average rental rate, 40 percent of the current enrollment would be expected to return to crop production, while 66 percent would return to crop production if the program were eliminated. The results also indicate that the marginal value of CRP payments to producers is lower than the marginal value of deficiency payments.
Multiregional Invasive Species Management: Theory and an Application to Florida's Exotic Plants
Authors: Kim C.S. , Lee Donna , Schaible Glenn , Vasavada Utpal
Published: July 2016

This research develops a multiregional optimal control model that incorporates regional allocation of a public budget for controlling invasive plants when regionally differential recreation demand functions and species control costs are present. Our equimarginal condition for optimal budget allocation equates the relative marginal economic benefits per dollar spent across regions. The model was applied to Florida Public Conservation Land regions, and results indicate that the magnitude of an annual management budget affects its distribution among species management regions, but the size of the intrinsic growth rate does not affect the pattern of budget allocation among regions.
Gene Decay I. Stochastic Model of Gene Decay
Authors: Rossi Carla
Published: July 2016

On the basis of the parameters of gene stability suggested by Gedda-Brenci's model on the Ergon/Chronon System, a mathematical and a stochastic model of gene decay are worked out.
Gene Decay II. Analytic Simulation of Gene Decay
Authors: Rossi Carla , Sangermano Riccardo
Published: July 2016

The models of gene decay, previously worked out on the basis of Gedda-Brenci's Ergon/Chronon System, now undergo an analytic simulation, in order to verify how the mathematical model fits the stochastic one.