bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Campaign Contributions and House Voting on Sugar and Dairy Legislation
Authors: Abler David G. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn this article, I explore the determinants of campaign contributions by sugar and dairy producer PACs and their role in voting on sugar and dairy legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Contributions and voting may be linked in two ways. First, a group can buy votes from a legislator who would otherwise not support the group. Second, it can help elect a legislator who is ideologically predisposed to support the group. Results indicate that the first linkage is not important. Virtually the entire observed association between money and voting is a result of the second linkage.
An Econometric Model of the U.S. Beekeeping Industry
Authors: Willett Lois Schertz , French Ben C. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis paper presents a dynamic econometric model of the U.S. beekeeping industry for policy analysis and economic projections. Data from 1952 to 1984 were used to estimate the model by three‐stage least squares. The model indicates that, when the federal price support for honey exceeded the market price, the federal program had a significant impact on several sectors of the industry. A comparison of beekeeper revenue, consumer expenditures, and federal government expenditures suggests the honey support program was an ineffective means of supporting honey prices from 1982 through 1984.
Flexible Specification of Mixed Demand Systems
Authors: Moschini Giancarlo , Anuradha Vissa 
Published: July 2006

AbstractCommon flexible functional forms are not very useful for modeling mixed demand systems because derivation of mixed demands requires closed forms for both direct and indirect utility functions. In this paper we study the alternative of using a direct approximation to mixed demands. We develop a new approach to Slutsky relations for mixed demand functions allowing formulation of a Rotterdam mixed demand model. The resulting mixed demand system is illustrated with an application to meat demand in Canada.
Pricing Commodity Options when the Underlying Futures Price Exhibits Time‐Varying Volatility
Authors: Myers Robert J. , Hanson Steven D. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractStandard commodity option pricing models assume proportional changes in the underlying futures price are i.i.d. normal. Empirical evidence suggests commodity futures price movements exhibit excess kurtosis and time‐varying volatility. This paper presents option pricing models when time‐varying volatility and excess kurtosis in the underlying futures price can be modeled as a GARCH process. Empirical results suggest that the GARCH option pricing model outperforms the standard Black option‐pricing model, which uses historical volatilities. A closed‐form approximation model using a variance forecast generated from the estimated GARCH process also outperforms Black's model and in many cases the general GARCH model as well.
Dynamic Fertilizer Nutrient Demands for Corn: A Cointegrated and Error‐Correcting System
Authors: Denbaly Mark , Vroomen Harry 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPast studies of the demand for fertilizer have typically been based on static models which assume that adjustments toward equilibrium are instantaneous. This article builds on past studies by developing a dynamic model of nutrient demands of corn. Unit root and cointegration tests demonstrate that fertilizer demands of corn are dynamic. Therefore, statistically correct estimates can be obtained using a dynamic model. A set of error‐correction models for nitrogen, phosphate, and potash use in corn production are estimated. Results provide strong statistical evidence that nutrient demands of corn are price inelastic both in the short and the long run.
A Multimarket Bounded Price Variation Model under Rational Expectations: Corn and Soybeans in the United States
Authors: Holt Matthew T. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe bounded prices model under rational expectations is extended to a multimarket setting. Because the resulting rational expectations model is highly nonlinear, Fair and Taylor's iterative procedure is employed in conjunction with the multimarket framework to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of a supply‐demand model for corn and soybeans. The estimated model is then used to simulate the market equilibrium effects associated with removing price support and acreage set‐aside programs over the sample period. Among other things, the results reveal that acreage set‐asides have dominated the induced supply effects of price support programs for corn.
The Transition of Punjab Agriculture: A Choice of Technique Approach
Authors: McGuirk Anya M. , Mundlak Yair 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe introduction of modern crop varieties in Punjab, India, led to rapid income growth. Adoption rate and level of the new varieties is examined using a choice‐of‐technique approach, in which techniques of production are identified by crop variety, season of growth, and method of production. Modeling the dynamic effects of technology, resource availability, and incentives reveals a consistent picture of the transition process. The results show the importance of incentives and availability of quasi‐fixed inputs such as irrigation, fertilizers, and roads. By the late 1970s, the long‐run aggregate supply elasticity was between 1.3–1.5.
Impact of Damage Control and Quality of Output: Estimating Pest Control Effectiveness
Authors: Babcock Bruce A. , Lichtenberg Erik , Zilberman David 
Published: July 2006

AbstractDamage control affects both realized output and product quality; ignoring quality leads to underestimates of damage control agent productivity. Empirical analysis of pesticide use in North Carolina apple production using the damage control approach shows that fungicides and pruning reduce both yield losses and quality degradation, while insecticides reduce quality damage. Quality accounts for substantial shares of profit‐maximizing insecticide and fungicide use. Use of both insecticides and fungicides appears excessive, while the potential for substitution between mechanical and chemical disease control appears large. A Cobb‐Douglas specification of the quantity production function gives substantially larger estimates of fungicide productivity than the damage control specification.
Nonparametric Measures of Scale and Technical Change for Competitive Firms under Uncertainty
Authors: Flacco Paul R. , Larson Douglas M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMeasures of scale elasticity and rate of technical change can be obtained nonparametrically in the Sandmo model of competitive firms with nonlinear risk preference responding to output price risk. Information on risk attitudes is not needed for measurement of scale elasticity because it is observable as the ratio of average to marginal cost, as in certainty models. The cross section of panel data sets can be used to develop a nonparametric marginal cost measure, which permits identification of scale elasticity; the technical change measure then follows from the scale measure and the time‐series portion of the panel data set.
Earnings of Kansas State University Agriculture Graduates: 1978–88
Authors: Barkley Andrew P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSurvey data were utilized to identify salary determinants of agriculture graduates at Kansas State University. Findings include a secular decline in real annual starting salaries for Bachelor of Science degree holders. Salary determinants include major field, double major, job location, type of occupation, grade point average, sex, marital status, and highest degree earned. Implications for teaching, advising, and curricula change are discussed.
Nonparametric and Semiparametric Estimation: An Analysis of Multiproduct Returns to Scale
Authors: Moschini Giancarlo 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe nonparametric and semiparametric regression models based on kernel density estimation are reviewed, and they are applied to the analysis of returns to scale in dairy farms using a multioutput cost function. Semiparametric tests of constant returns to scale and homogeneity of production are developed, and their implementation show that both of these hypotheses are rejected. Kernel estimation of the local degree of multiproduct returns to scale confirms that the sample's dairy farms are characterized by a considerable degree of scale economies.
A Comparison of Alternative Crop Response Models
Authors: Frank Michael D. , Beattie Bruce R. , Embleton Mary E. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThree parsimonious models are hypothesized to represent com yield response to nitrogen and phosphorus. Each model imposes specific restrictions with regard to the elasticity of factor substitution and growth plateau. Nonnested hypothesis tests are used to evaluate the competing hypotheses. The results support the restrictions imposed by the Mitscherlich‐Baule model. For these data, corn response is characterized by limited substitution between nitrogen and phosphorus and a growth plateau. Further, the cost of using optimal input levels implied by the Mitscherlich‐Baule if it were not “true” is small relative to the other parsimonious forms and a translog approximation.
A Policy Preference Function for Government Intervention in the U.S. Wheat Market
Authors: Oehmke James F. , Yao Xianbin 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis paper estimates a policy preference function that explains the government's choices of target prices, government held wheat stocks, and public wheat research funding. The policy preference function depends on producers' surplus, consumers' surplus, and budget expenditures. An important innovation in this paper is the inclusion of interactions between public research expenditures and other public policy variables. Results indicate that the government places a premium of 25% to 45% on the welfare of wheat producers of relative to budget expenditures, while wheat consumers' welfare is discounted as much as 50% relative to budget expenditures.
The Value of Weather Information in Market Equilibrium
Authors: Babcock Bruce A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIncreased accuracy of weather forecasts does not necessarily increase commodity supply or farmer welfare. This study presents a stylized model of competitive production with rational expectations and demonstrates that improved weather information harms farmers facing an inelastic demand. Contrary to the conclusions of previous studies, the decline in farmer welfare does not require an expansion in expected supply. Better weather information may signal farmers to produce less on average under an inelastic demand. A supply decrease occurs when increases in the physical productivity of applied inputs are dominated by adverse price consequences.
Earnings and Mobility of Legal and Illegal Immigrant Workers in Agriculture
Authors: Taylor J. Edward 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis paper presents theoretical and empirical evidence that unauthorized immigrants are more likely to be selected into low‐wage, low‐skill farm jobs than are otherwise similar legal workers. Controlling for this selection process, the earnings of unauthorized workers are significantly lower than the earnings of legal workers in high‐skill farm jobs. These findings are shown to be consistent with expected profit maximization by farm employers. Legalization of farmworkers under the Special Agricultural Worker (SAW) program is not likely to increase farmworker earnings and may result in wage decreases in some farm jobs.
Optimal Storage and Marketing Over Space and Time
Authors: Benirschka Martin , Binkley James K. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBorrowing from the theory of optimal resource extraction, we develop the mechanism guiding efficient commodity storage and marketing over producing regions through the crop year. Optimal storage occurs at producing areas, and time in storage varies directly with distance to market. Prices grow with interest rates in locations where storage is efficient but more slowly elsewhere, which explains why market prices (i.e., prices at the market) grow more slowly than interest rates. The model is empirically supported by examining storage in the Corn Belt, rates of price growth at various points, and quarterly grain marketings.
The Inefficiency of Interest‐Rate Subsidies in Commodity Price Stabilization
Authors: Gardner Bruce L. , López Ramón 
Published: July 2006

AbstractInterest‐rate subsidies have been used to stimulate commodity stockholding, with the intention of stabilizing prices. However, reductions in price variability can be achieved at less government cost using a direct storage subsidy, and it is possible that an interest‐rate subsidy will increase price variability even though the interest subsidy increases mean stocks held. These results are demonstrated using a stochastic dynamic programming model of optimal private storage, with parameter values relevant to agricultural commodity markets, and with particular reference to the U.S. soybean market.
Analysis of Food‐Away‐from‐Home Expenditure Patterns for U.S. Households, 1982–89
Authors: Byrne Patrick J. , Capps Oral , Saha Atanu 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe two‐step decision process for food‐away‐from‐home (FAFH) consumption is empirically estimated using a generalization of the Heien and Wessells approach. Household information gathered by the National Panel Diary Group is used for the analysis. Marginal effects are corrected by untangling the respective variable impacts on the inverse Mills ratio. Expenditure and participation probability elasticities are similar to previous studies. Income elasticities are about 0.20, suggesting that the FAFH commodity is a necessary good for U.S. society. Northeastern households are less likely to consume FAFH than other households, but their expenditures are higher on average.
Off‐Farm Work Decisions of Farm Couples: Estimating Structural Simultaneous Equations with Ordered Categorical Dependent Variables
Authors: Kimhi Ayal , Lee Myoung‐jae 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe estimate a full system of structural farm and off‐farm labor supply equations of farm couples as a set of simultaneous equations with categorical dependent variables. In a first step, the reduced form is estimated by ordered probit with unknown thresholds. Then, the identified structural coefficients are recovered from the reduced‐form coefficients through minimum distance estimation. Using census data from Israel, we find that for men, a one‐hour increase in farm labor supply causes a one‐hour decrease in off‐farm labor supply, but not for women. This could not have been found without estimating structural coefficients.
A Cost Analysis of Alternatives for Methyl Bromide for Postharvest and Quarantine Treatment of Apples and Cherries
Authors: Nelson Holly C. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMethyl bromide is currently the only accepted quarantine treatment for temperate fruit worldwide. Recent environmental issues and laws have created the need for an alternative to methyl bromide for postharvest and quarantine treatment of fruits and vegetables due to methyl bromide being classified as a Class I ozone‐depleting substance and subject to being withdrawn from production, importation, and use in the United States by the year 2001. The objective of this project was to analyze alternatives with capabilities equal to those achieved by methyl bromide for postharvest and quarantine treatment of apples and cherries. Published literature and personal interviews were used to develop partial budgets for the following scenarios: (1) benchmark—methyl bromide, (2) irradiation, (3) controlled atmosphere storage, and (4) cold treatments. Total operating and depreciation costs for apples for scenario 1 were $‐431,759.23 compared to $‐862,505.48 for scenario 2, and $‐607,744.02 for scenario 3. For the treatment of cherries, scenario 1 totaled $‐37,564.00 compared to scenario 2's $‐144,000.00. Scenario 3 is not applicable for cherries. With the loss of methyl bromide, cherries have a potential of $‐6,700,000 in lost revenues.
Quantifying Economic Benefits of Sow‐Herd Management Information Systems Using Panel Data
Authors: Verstegen Jos A.A.M. , Huirne Ruud B.M. , Dijkhuizen Aalt A. , King Robert P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractEconomic benefits of management information systems (MIS) in sow farming were quantified by combining data from two survey studies. Panel analysis was conducted through estimation of a mixed‐effects model by ordinary least‐squares. Effects were analyzed both within farms and over farms at the same time, controlling for self‐selection bias and changes over time. Adjusted for other effects in the model, production on farms adopting MIS increased by 0.56 piglets per sow per year, indicating a return on investment of between 220% and 348%. Additional tests and checks indicate that this outcome is robust.
Do New York Dairy Farmers Maximize Profits or Minimize Costs?
Authors: Tauer Loren W. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe Weak Axiom of Profit Maximization and Weak Axiom of Cost Minimization were used to determine whether each of forty‐nine New York dairy farms displayed behavior consistent with profit maximization or cost minimization. These were tested for each farm across eleven years of data, correcting for technological change using previously estimated nonparametric Malmquist productivity indices. The results indicate that some were moderately successful in maximizing profits, but more came closer to minimizing costs. Over half of the observations were within 10% of minimum costs.
Quick and Easy Optimal Approach Paths for Nonlinear Natural Resource Models
Authors: Kolberg William C. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAn analytical optimal time‐path solution method for nonlinear natural resource models based on backward induction is discussed. A method for estimating a time‐independent current period decision rule from the discrete‐point time‐path solution set generated with backward induction is then reviewed. A model of the northern anchovy fishery of California is used to compare the performance of this approach against previously reported results based on linear quadratic analytical dynamic programming and approximately optimal analytical current period decision rule solution methods. The approach provides an analytical shortcut alternative to numerical dynamic programming, without sacrificing precision.
Consistent Estimation of Armington Demand Models
Authors: Davis George C. , Kruse Nancy C. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractTraditional methods of empirically implementing the popular Armington trade model are shown to result in theoretically and statistically inconsistent parameter estimates. A method for removing these inconsistencies within the framework of the Armington model is provided, along with a comparison of results of our new consistent procedure with those of the previous procedure.
In Search of Rational Government: What Political Preference Function Studies Measure and Assume
Authors: Bullock David S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPolitical preference function (PPF) studies assume that policy‐making can be described by a mathematical problem in which a rational government maximizes a function of interest groups' welfares. The purpose of my paper is to explain in‐depth ramifications of PPF study assumptions and methodology. PPF studies that attempt to measure interest group political power do so by measuring marginal rates of transformation along a Pareto frontier. One can estimate political power with a PPF only if observed policies are Pareto‐efficient, which may depend on the assumed number of interest groups and policy instruments. Marginal rates of transformation need not reveal anything meaningful about interest group political power, and may incorrectly measure the direction of transfers.
Demand Response to Advertising in the Australian Meat Industry
Authors: Piggott Nicholas E. , Chalfant James A. , Alston Julian M. , Griffith Garry R. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe implications of model specification choices for the measurement of demand response to advertising are examined using Australian data. Single‐equation models versus complete systems and alternative corrections for autocorrelation are evaluated. Competing advertising efforts by two producer bodies are included. Across all specifications, the evidence on advertising effects is fairly consistent. In the preferred model, the only statistically significant effects of advertising are for Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation advertising (of beef and lamb) on the demand for beef (positive) and on the demand for chicken (negative). Australian Pork Corporation advertising does not have any statistically significant effects.
Taste Changes in the Demand for Food by Demographic Groups in the United States: A Nonparametric Empirical Analysis
Authors: Cortez Rafael , Senauer Ben 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis study uses nonparametric techniques to analyze the stability of demand for nineteen major food categories among various demographic groups in the United States. Households are divided into population groups by income, the head's age, and the spouse's education level. The data used are from the 1980–90 “Diary” portion of the Bureau of Labor Statistics's annual Consumer Expenditure Survey. The programming model developed by Sakong and Hayes, with the modifications suggested by Chalfant and Zhang, is used to test for and measure taste changes. Substantial differences in preference trends between population groups are found for many of the food commodities.
Optimum Management of a Hierarchically Exploited Open Access Resource: A Multilevel Optimization Approach
Authors: Önal Hayri 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA multilevel optimization approach is presented for determining the optimum management of the Texas brown shrimp fishery. Independent fisher groups harvest this open access resource in a hierarchical order without cooperation among themselves or with the management authority. The special structure of the problem is exploited to derive the fishers' optimum responses to any arbitrary specification of the policy variables (season and area closures). Empirical results indicate that significant losses of income and harvest value would occur if the fishery were unmanaged. The results also indicate that optimum closure policies vary significantly depending on the policy objective specification.
A Critical Assessment of Supply‐Demand Models of Agricultural Trade
Authors: Peterson Everett B. , Hertel Thomas W. , Stout James V. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe offer a critical assessment of static, deterministic, reduced form, supply‐demand (SD) models of agricultural trade. A commonly used and well‐documented model has significant limitations: no explicit treatment of factor mobility between farm and nonfarm sectors, nonzero profits in some sectors, no substitutability among feedstuffs in livestock sectors, violation of the law of one price, small marketing margins for some commodities, and incomplete coverage of the agricultural sector. Such limitations have significant impacts on the magnitude and direction of projected world price and welfare changes. We believe agricultural policy analysis should first focus on the remediation of these limitations before proceeding to more complex issues like dynamics and uncertainty.
Price Protection and Productivity Growth
Authors: Kalaitzandonakes Nicholas G. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis study provides empirical evidence on the relationship between price protection and productivity growth. From theoretical considerations, it is concluded that the impact of price protection on productivity growth is ambiguous. Although protectionism may in some instances stimulate investment and adoption of new technologies, efficiency may decrease, particularly when farm prices and income are high. Empirical evidence from the New Zealand beef/sheep industry indicates that high protection during the 1975–85 period produced negative productivity growth. Following market liberalization in 1985, productivity growth increased substantially.