bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the Food Security Act of 1985 on U.S. Wheat Exports
Authors: Bailey Kenneth W. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA major objective ofthe Food Security Act of 1985 was to make the United States more competitive in world markets. U.S. wheat exports in 1987/88 were 75 percent above their 1985/86 level. This paper analyzes the change in U.S. competitiveness in wheat exports by quantitatively assessing those factors responsible for this export expansion. The results indicate that about half of the increase can be attributed to the provisions ofthe 1985 Act. About 40 percent ofthe increase is due to nonprice factors in the Soviet Union and China—namely production shortfalls and domestic policies—that increased import demand. The rest is due to reduced competitor yields.
Intra- and Inter-State Transferability of Soybean Variety Research
Authors: Henning Steven A. , Eddleman B. R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAn example of agricultural research technology transfer and implications for the fiscal coordination and conduct of agricultural research programs is presented. Uniform Soybean Tests conducted in four Southern States are used to estimate the potential for transferability of soybean variety research among homogeneous sub-areas. The results indicate a high degree of transferability among the sub-areas. Coordinated management of soybean variety research could potentially provide more effective expenditure of soybean breeding research investments. Additionally, the concept or research transferability is not limited to soybeans or soybean variety research. Increased coordination of agricultural research investments by individual states may enhance existing benefits.
Effects of Port User Fees on Export Grain Flow Patterns
Authors: Viscencio-Brambilla Hector , Fuller Stephen 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of the proposed deep draft port user fee on export grain flow patterns and provide insight into potential marketing system adjustment costs which may result from diverted flows. A multiperiod, network flow model is used to conduct the analysis. Analyses show grain flow patterns to be affected most by a port specific fee which is based on weight. The annual variation in flows generated by imposition of port user charges is generally less than the historical year-to-year variation and, in most cases, the altered port area flows can be accommodated by existing infrastructure.
A Multi-Product Analysis of Energy Demand in Agricultural Subsectors
Authors: Adelaja Adesoji , Hoque Anwarul 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA multi-product cost function model was used to analyze energy demand in various agricultural subsectors. This approach has advantages over previously used approaches since it reduces aggregation bias, considers technological jointness, and provides various disaggregative measures related to energy input demand. When fitted to West Virginia county level data, labor and miscellaneous inputs in crop and livestock production were found to be substitutes for energy, while capital, machinery, and fertilizer were complementary to energy. Energy demand was inelastic and increases in machinery prices had the largest reduction effect on energy demand. Technological change was found to be capital, machinery, and fertilizer using, but it was labor and energy saving. Analyses indicated that the elasticity of demand for energy inputs with respect to livestock output was significantly larger than the elasticity with respect to crop output.
Effects of Alternative Farm Programs and Levels of Price Variability on Texas Cotton Farms
Authors: Duffy Patricia A. , Richardson James W. , Smith Edward G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study examines the effects of alternative government farm programs and hypothetical price variability levels on two Texas cotton farms which were simulated stochastically over a 10-year period. Results indicate that a combination of high price variability and participation in government programs stimulates growth and wealth accumulation.
Plant Nutrient Demand Functions for Tennessee with Prices of Jointly Applied Nutrients
Authors: Roberts Roland K. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSeveral studies have estimated plant nutrient demand functions for nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. All included own-price effects but excluded prices of jointly applied nutrients. In this study, nutrient demand functions, which include prices of all three nutrients, are estimated for Tennessee by seemingly unrelated regression. Results suggest that cross-price eflfects are important in determining plant nutrient demand, at least in the case of Tennessee, and that multicollinearity need not be a hindrance in all cases to including cross-price eflfects in plant nutrient demand models.
Forward Contracting Versus Hedging Under Price and Yield Uncertainty
Authors: Miller Stephen E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAlthough apparently preferred by farmers to direct hedging as a forward pricing mechanism, forward contracting has received little attention in the literature dealing with optimal forward pricing levels. An often-cited reason for producer preference for forward contracting is the absence of basis risks under that forward pricing alternative. This paper presents models of optimal forward contracting and hedging under price and yield uncertainty within a mean-variance framework. The results indicate that basis certainty does not explain preferences for forward contracting.
An Investigation of the Relationship Between Constraint Omission and Risk Aversion in Firm Risk Programming Models
Authors: Musser Wesley N. , McCarl Bruce A. , Smith G. Scott 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA model with omitted resource constraints is suggested as an alternative to a risk aversion model for explaining economic behavior. This paper uses two standard mathematical programming models to further explore this issue. One model is a standard profit maximization linear programming model and the other is a risk averse quadratic programming model with part of the constraints deleted. Theoretical investigation of these models demonstrates that risk aversion can substitute for omitted resource constraints. A small empirical model is then solved under both formulations. With resource constraints deleted, positive risk aversion is necessary to obtain a similar enterprise organization as under profit maximization with complete constraints. These two solutions are then interpreted with the theoretical optimality conditions.
Systems Design Procedures for Farm Accounting
Authors: Schnitkey Gary D. , Sonka Steven T. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper presents a conceptual framework, known as systems development, for designing, selecting, and evaluating information systems. Techniques are developed that aid farm managers in choosing an accounting system. Six farmers took part in case studies testing the selection techniques. The participating farmers exhibited great diversity in the preferred design of their accounting systems and the manner in which they desired reports to be presented. This diversity suggests that system selection is an important aspect of implementing an accounting system.
A Microcomputer Package to Teach the Simplex Algorithm
Authors: Beilock Richard , Correal Catherine , Drummond Evan , Pheasant Jim , Wolfe Wayne 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBasic features of a microcomputer package, BCDP, which is an auto-tutorial designed to teach the Simplex algorithm are described. The package may be used to augment lecture and text materials in introductory linear programming courses or as a review for advanced math programming courses. Preliminary evaluations of the effectiveness of the program to augment classroom instruction are very positive.
A Non-Linear Programming Approach to Floodplain Management With Non-Structural Alternatives
Authors: Kaul Jawahar L. , Willis Cleve E. 
Published: February 2017

There is apparently a growing awareness of the role of non-structural measures as an important part of an overall flood damage reduction program. This awareness has come in part with the realization that structural measures often provide a false sense of security to floodplain occupants and can, then, result in increased food damages — contrary to their intended purpose. To be sure, restrictions prohibiting all development in flood prone areas is a polar case (which will eliminate all damages). There are no a priori reasons to believe that all uses should be prohibited from all floodplain areas. Some of these areas can, in fact, be put to economic use by land use management such that benefits derived outweigh costs associated with such development.The objectives underlying this investigation, then, are (i) to develop a methodology useful to planners at several levels for efficient floodplain management, considering both structural and non-structural measures and (ii) to demonstrate the usefulness of the methodology by applying it to a selected floodplain in the Connecticut River Basin.
Assessment of Risk When Contract Crops are Included Among Other Crop Alternatives
Authors: Kliebenstein James B. , Scott John T. 
Published: February 2017

All those who have worked closely with farmers know that uncertainties in farming are great. They stem from many sources — natural forces such as weather, disease, variation in market prices, etc. Some uncertainties, e.g., weather hazards such as hail, can be insured against; others can be reduced by increased wealth. Farmers can also reduce uncertainty through contracting, as these may specify price and quantity.Most crops grown in the U.S. Central Cornbelt are sold on highly developed public markets with daily prices and offerings. While target prices for soybeans and corn exist, price uncertainty still remains at the time farmers make decisions. Futures markets have long been available. However, few farmers use futures markets to predetermine prices in their crop planning process. One reason for this is that while use of futures markets can remove price risks, biological weather risks remain.
The Household Demand for Major Dairy Products in the Southern Region
Authors: Boehm William T. 
Published: February 2017

Changing conditions in market organization and competitive nature of the United States dairy industry are signaling a different pricing system for milk and related products. Market conditions and demand patterns which led to adoption of the present pricing system no longer exist. The reservoir of manufacturing grade milk in Minnesota and Wisconsin is continually being depleted, as producers in that area either leave the business or shift to Grade “A” fluid outlets.A changing demand for milk and other dairy products has also contributed to the present need for a reconsideration of the milk pricing process. Per capita consumption of beverage milk has stabilized at about 292 pounds per year. There have been, however, substantial increases in the consumption rate for some manufactured products, especially cheese. Ironically, with somewhat stabilized increases in population growth, future expansion for the dairy industry may rest with the potential for increased consumption of those products traditionally serving as “residual claimants”.
Financial Analysis of Solar Energy Applications with Endogenous System Sizing
Authors: Gunter Lewell , Smathers Webb M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper is concerned with analysis of economic feasibility of solar energy systems. Methodology for estimating energy output from different sized systems is briefly presented, and this is used to determine technical coefficients for a mixed integer model which optimizes the size of the solar heating unit for a particular use. An empirical example of hot water heating on a Georgia dairy is presented. Cost curves are provided for the dairy example to illustrate the effect of sizing on the economic feasibility of solar heating and to elucidate the structure of the optimal sizing decision.
Management of Intensive Forage-Beef Production Under Yield Uncertainty
Authors: Pope C. Arden , Shumway C. Richard 
Published: February 2017

AbstractForage production variability is incorporated into a decision theory framework for a beef producer in East Texas. The results suggest that the least risky, and also the most profitable, approach to intensive forage beef production is to plan for relatively poor weather conditions and low forage production. This results in a more diverse forage system and a smaller herd size than would be found optimal under the assumption of constant average forage production. These results also demonstrate that the assumption of constant average forage production may result in grossly exaggerated estimates of expected net returns.
State-Level Analysis of National Beef Policy: The Use of State Econometric Models
Authors: Roberts Roland K. , Martin William J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractInterest has grown in analyzing the impact of national imports of foreign beef on state agricultural sectors. In this study, an interfaced Hawaiian-national model is simulated for a change in national beef imports. Hawaiian and national impacts demonstrate wide variation in both sign and magnitude. Usefulness of state models is emphasized for situations where state impacts of national policies are of interest.
Entrepreneurship, Sanctions, and Labor Contracting
Authors: Polopolus Leo C. , Emerson Robert D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractEntrepreneurs innovate their individual business organizations not only to deal with production and price risks, but also to cope with the risk of sanctions or penalties imposed by society's laws and regulations. More specifically, labor-intensive agricultural firms, faced with potentially large fines for violation of immigration and labor laws, increasingly modify the organization of their firms by shifting the management of routine seasonal labor jobs to independent farm labor contractors. The use of labor contracting is further intensified because of the effectiveness of labor contractors in the recruitment of illegal aliens.
People Left Behind: Transitions of the Rural Poor
Authors: Molnar Joseph J. , Traxler Greg 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCompared to their urban counterparts, the rural poor are more likely to be employed, more apt to be members of married-couple families, less likely to be children, less likely to be minority, and more likely to have assets but a negative income. This paper examines poverty rates and factors that affect mobility in and out of poverty among major categories of the rural poor. Particular attention is paid to farm workers and the rural farm population in the South. It endeavors to identify both structural conditions that perpetuate rural poverty and government interventions that ameliorate human suffering and break the cycle of poverty reproduction.
Measuring and Explaining the Decline in U.S. Cotton Productivity Growth
Authors: Cooke Stephen C. , Sundquist W. Burt 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTornquist input quantity indices were used to derive total and partial factor productivity measures for U.S. cotton across time, region, and scale. Total factor productivity for U.S. cotton increased .2 percent per year between 1974 and 1982. Partial productivity measures revealed that yield growth was about .6 percent and input use grew about .4 percent per year. Cotton enterprises in Alabama and Mississippi gained and those in the Texas High Plains lost competitive advantage relative to California. In 1982, very large (1750-5900 acres) and large (950-1749 acres) cotton enterprises were 2 percent more productive than medium-size enterprises (570-949 acres).
A County-Level Model of Manufacturing Plant Recruitment with Improved Industrial Site Quality Measurement
Authors: Kriesel Warren , McNamara Kevin T. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractEmpirical analysis of manufacturing plant location requires the use of a single industrial site quality measure. Under hedonic price theory, the price of industrial sites can be explained by their quality characteristics. The estimated site price is included with ten other location factors in an ordered, categorical logit model of plant attraction to Georgia counties. The results inform public decisionmakers of the relative impact of site location factors and how changes in location factors can alter the probability of attracting a manufacturing plant.
The Structure of International Demand for Soybean Products
Authors: Heien Dale , Pick Daniel 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study used a new body of quarterly data to estimate multilateral import demand relations for soybeans and soymeal. The countries of origin were the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. The areas of destination were the EEC, Japan, and Eastern Europe. The results indicated that own- and cross-price elasticities were quite large. These demand relations were then inverted and solved for prices to examine the effect on total revenue of increases in supplies from each of the exporting countries. Results showed that, in all cases except one, own-total revenue was inflexible with respect to increase in the own-quantity supplied. These results imply that an increase in exports will be associated with smaller proportional increase in revenue from exports.
A Note on the Factors Affecting Corn Basis Relationships
Authors: Naik Gopal , Leuthold Raymond M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractEmpirical tests were made of components of the corn basis in the U.S. utilizing a general theory of intertemporal price relationships for storable commodities. These tests showed that the basis consists of a risk premium, a speculative component, and a maturity basis apart from other factors such as storage costs for storable commodities. The results provide insights into factors affecting basis patterns for corn.
Assessing Effects of Prices and Advertising on Purchases of Finfish and Shellfish in a Local Market in Texas
Authors: Capps Oral , Lambregts Johannes Adrianus 
Published: February 2017

AbstractEstimates of demand parameters for disaggregate finfish and shellfish products were obtained using scanner data from a retail food firm in Houston. Demand for the various products was elastic (except for oysters); in general, cross-price effects play a statistically significant role in pounds sold per 1000 customers. Own-advertisement effects are important, but cross-advertisement effects are generally marginal. Seasonality is a key factor in purchases of most finfish and shellfish products.
Incorporating the Impacts of Uncertain Fieldwork Time on Whole-Farm Risk-Return Levels: A Target MOTAD Approach
Authors: Misra Sukant K. , Spurlock Stan R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractGiven an equipment complement, a specific crop mix has a probability distribution for whole-farm net returns. Increasing crop acreage while holding the set of equipment constant will reduce fixed costs per acre, but it will also increase the length of time required to complete crucial field operations such as planting and harvesting. Thus, the probability of encountering weather-related delays in fieldwork will increase. This increase in delays may cause a decline in yields and changes in the distribution of net returns. This paper develops a Target MOTAD model capable of capturing intra-year impacts on profit that arise from the timing of planting and harvesting operations as well as inter-year impacts on profits that are due to variations in economic and weather-related factors. The model relies on estimates of available fieldwork time and a crop's harvestable yield in different time periods throughout the harvest season.
An Evaluation of Cost of Production Information Usage by County Agents
Authors: Bailey DeeVon , Eck Douglas W. , Glover Terrence F. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCounty agents receive cost of production information primarily from state extension services and then disseminate it to agricultural producers. A survey gathered data on agent usage of this information. A Poisson regression analysis using count data was performed to determine the factors influencing the number of times county agents directly referred to published cost of production (enterprise budget) information in a year. The agent's understanding of budget information use in management decisions, the availability of budgets, and his/her receiving the budgets in multiple forms (e.g., sheets, booklets, or software) had significant positive impacts on the use of budgets by the agent.
Feeder Cattle Price Differentials in Georgia Teleauctions
Authors: Turner Steven C. , Dykes Nancy S. , McKissick John 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThree Georgia feeder cattle teleauction markets were analyzed from 1977 to 1988 to estimate the impacts of cattle characteristics and market conditions on prices. Cattle characteristic price impacts were similar to those in previous studies. The impact of feeder cattle futures price on teleauction price was positive but varied across markets. Optimal lot size ranged from 143 to 276 head. In one market, 14 lots were necessary to generate positive price impacts. Additional buyers were estimated to have a $.30/cwt per buyer impact on price.
Employer Size, Human Capital, and Rural Wages: Implications for Southern Rural Development
Authors: Kraybill David S. , Yoder Michael J. , McNamara Kevin T. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA recent trend in rural development policy emphasizes small business development in place of industrial recruitment. To analyze some of the likely effects of expanding the proportion of small firms in local economies, an empirical wage rate model incorporating employer size was developed, and parameters were estimated using household data from rural Putnam County, Georgia. The estimates indicated that large employers offered higher wages than small employers and that the wage premium they offered was greater for blacks than for whites. These results support Thomas Till's argument that southern rural counties with relatively large black populations should not abandon efforts to attract large employers. Other factors associated with higher wages included level of education, previous labor force experience, and employment in certain occupations and industries.
An Analysis of Value-Added Agricultural Exports to Middle-Income Developing Countries: The Case of Wheat and Beef Products
Authors: Lee Jung-Hee , Henneberry David , Pyles David 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study determined probable future directions in U.S. value-added agricultural exports to middle-income developing countries (MIDCs) under the assumption of continued income growth. Import share equations for U.S. bulk, semi-processed and value-added wheat or beef products, as a percent of total U.S. wheat or beef product exports to each MIDC, were econometrically estimated using the ordinary least squares (OLS) technique. The empirical results indicate that in most MIDCs, increases in real per capita income have negative effects on the import share of processed wheat products while having positive effects on the import share of bulk wheat. However, import shares of U.S. processed beef products are likely to increase with income growth in most MIDCs.
Information and Herd Health Management Practices in Texas Dairies
Authors: Howard Wayne H. , Knight Thomas O. , Shumway C. Richard , Blake Robert W. , Tomaszewski Michael A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe dissemination of information by extension agents on dairy management practices used to control mastitis and the reception and use of that information by producers are investigated. Producers are surveyed to determine current practices used. The relationship between milk yield, somatic cell count, management practices, and producer and production characteristics is estimated. Subjective probabilities are elicited from “experts,” extension agents, and producers concerning the impact and cost of various management practices. Subjective marginal value products and marginal input costs are computed and compared for the respondent groups. Stochastic dominance is used to rank the relative importance of the practices as perceived by the respondents.