Agricultural Enterprises Research Articles

Biotechnology of groundwater purification for water supply systems, using Gallionella and Lepthothrix ferrobacteria

Aim. The aim of the study was to consider the possibility of using the consortia of chemolithoautotrophic ferrobacteria from Gallionella genus and heterotrophic bacteria from Lepthothrix genus for the biological method of groundwater purification. Methods. The photocolorimetric method to determine the concentrations of ammonium and iron ions, the titrimetric method to determine the hydrocarbon and total alkalinity, the method of determining the permanganate oxidizability using the Kubel method, the potentiometric method to determine the values of рН and Еh, the electronic microscopy using the X-ray spectral analysis of matrix structures of bio-minerals, microbiological and statistical methods. Results. The main technological parameters of the water deironing process were defined as follows: the filtration velocity of the bioreactor – 7–11 m/h, and of the filters – 3.5–5 m/h; the filter-cycle duration – 48 h. It was found that the application of the two-stage technology of biological deironing in the bioreactor and filters provided for the possible removal of Fe2+ compounds up to 5.0 mg/cdm, ammonium nitrogen — up to 1.5 mg/cdm, soluble organic substances by PO – up to 6.0 mg O2/cdm. It was determined that the optimal parameters for the process of biological purification of neutral groundwaters, containing increased concentrations of Fe2+ cations were as follows: рН 7.0–7.2; hydrocarbon alkalinity 2.5–2.2 mmol/cdm; content of soluble oxygen – 1.5–2.0 mg/cdm. The ability of concentrated (Dos 200 mg/cdm) matrix structures of Gallionella and Lepthothrix ferrobacteria to remove Cr6+ ions from natural groundwaters was determined. The study found no considerable differences in the efficiency of applying disinfectants, produced using polyhexamethylene guanidine chloride (PHMGchl) or polyhexamethylene biguanidine chloride (PHMBchl). In concentrations of 0.25–0.5 %, they effectively disinfect pathogenic microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The same was found true for the bacteria, most common in the systems of technical reverse water supply, the systems of water circulation, plant watering, and fire tanks, including Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas salmonicida, Pseudomonas sp., E. coli, Flavobacterium columnare, Micrococcus lysodeikticus. Conclusions. This was the first study on the possibility of applying the biotechnology of groundwater purification from excessive amounts of iron in conditions of uneven hydraulic burden, notable for the water supply systems of rural areas and most agricultural enterprises in the north-western and northern regions of Ukraine. The specificities and perspectives of PHMGchl application in the systems of water preparation were studied. It was found that from the standpoint of safety and efficiency, the use of the water deironing processes involving iron bacteria was reasonable in the systems of water consumption and technical water supply, and the disinfection of water using PHMG was possible only in the second case, due to some toxicity of the preparation. The optimal parameters for the process of biological purification of neutral groundwaters, containing increased concentrations of Fe2+ cations were determined.

COMPETITIVENESS AS THE MAIN GUIDELINE FOR MARKETING MANAGEMENT IN AGRIBUSINESS

The objective of this article is to examine the principal indicators of competitiveness and environmental factors, to delineate the methodologies employed in the analysis and assessment of the competitiveness of agrarian enterprises, and to justify the marketing management decisions aimed at enhancing the level of competitiveness, thereby enabling agrarian enterprises to adapt to the contemporary conditions of agribusiness. The study's methodology was based on a synthesis of the results of applied economic research, as well as the scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists. This synthesis highlighted the fundamental theories of competitive advantage, competitiveness, and marketing management. Results. The article examines the principal indicators of competitiveness and environmental factors, considers the methods of analysis and assessment of the competitiveness of agrarian enterprises, and justifies marketing management decisions aimed at enhancing the level of competitiveness in order to facilitate the adaptation of agrarian enterprises to the contemporary conditions of agribusiness. Practical results. It has been demonstrated that it is of the utmost importance for agricultural enterprises to promptly identify and respond to changes in the competitive environment in order to optimise their strategies and minimise potential risks. Accordingly, a comprehensive understanding and analysis of these aspects is essential for an effective assessment of the marketing environment itself. Those engaged in agricultural production who possess competitive advantages are able to adapt to the complex and dynamic factors that characterise the macro-, micro-, marketing and competitive environment. This enables them to strengthen their market positions and to minimise the risks associated with numerical data. Value / Originality. In order to ascertain the competitiveness of an agricultural enterprise, it is necessary to undertake a comparative analysis of the enterprise in question with respect to a number of key indicators. These include the enterprise's conditions, resources and productivity, which should be evaluated in accordance with appropriate methods.

A BALANCED MONITORING SYSTEM AS AN ELEMENT OF ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The article is dedicated to the study of a balanced monitoring system as an element of the enterprise management system. The purpose of the research is to analyze, systematize, and summarize the existing theoretical and methodological aspects of the implementation of a balanced monitoring system and to develop conceptual foundations for monitoring within the enterprise management system. The study examines in detail the role of monitoring as an essential tool in the enterprise management system, particularly in the agricultural sector. It has been determined that monitoring ensures comprehensive control and analysis of various aspects of activity, providing managers with timely and accurate information for making effective managerial decisions. The research demonstrates that promptly identifying deviations and risks allows enterprises to quickly respond to changes, adjust their actions, and minimize potential losses, which is especially important in a dynamic market environment. It is substantiated that monitoring allows enterprises to evaluate the effectiveness of their activities from different perspectives: financial, production, human resources, and environmental, contributing to the identification of strengths and weaknesses in operations and helping to determine priority areas for development. Arguments are provided regarding the importance of monitoring in strategic planning, as it provides the necessary information for forming long-term plans, considering current and projected changes in market conditions. It has been revealed that a balanced monitoring system, which takes into account not only financial but also non-financial indicators, helps to avoid a one-sided approach to enterprise management, facilitating more informed decision-making. The study on the effectiveness of using a balanced monitoring system demonstrated its positive impact on improving the competitiveness of enterprises, particularly through the optimization of resource use, improvement of product quality, and cost reduction. It is noted that monitoring plays a key role in ensuring environmental standards and social responsibility of agricultural enterprises, which is an important factor for maintaining market reputation and complying with international norms. The application of modern automated monitoring systems enables enterprises to quickly adapt to changes in the external environment, respond to demand fluctuations, and make necessary adjustments to their activities.

Cultivation of Oyster Mushroom could be a Viable Option for Doubling the Farmer’s Income - An Overview

Our country is celebrating 75th year of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava and our Government is very much focused on how to double the farmer’s income, it is the utmost duty of every researcher, educationist and agriculture scientist to explore the ways and means to achieve this target. The cultivation of oyster mushrooms has the potential to significantly increase the income of farmers. Oyster mushrooms are easy to grow, require minimal resources, and have a high market demand. By cultivating oyster mushrooms, farmers can diversify their income streams and increase their profits. This abstract suggests that oyster mushroom cultivation could be a viable option for farmers looking to double their income. Indian economy is primarily agriculture based and where the average income from Agriculture Sector ha-1 is very less in comparison to the other developed nations of the world. This is a call of time to enhance the farmer’s income so they can live their lives in a lucrative manner. Present objective cannot be achieved merely by enhancing the price of the different agricultural produce which the farmers grow on their farm lands, but we should include certain other practical implications to increase the existing productivity level of different agricultural and allied ventures by diversifying farm enterprises. Mushroom culture is one of such enterprises with particular reference to oyster mushroom which has the vast potential to double the existing income level of farmers and this enterprise can easily be adopted by any category of farmers even having marginal landholding.

Evaluating factors influencing youth participation in agricultural enterprises: Implications for food security and agribusiness

Background: Agriculture is crucial for economic growth, yet youth engagement in agricultural enterprises is declining due to concerns related to perceived profitability, resource access, and social stigmas. Understanding these determinants is vital for fostering youth interest in agriculture and promoting sustainable rural development and food security.Aim: This study examines the factors affecting youth engagement in agricultural enterprises in Umzimvubu Local Municipality, South Africa, and their implications for food security and agribusiness.Setting: Addressing youth unemployment and enhancing agriculture’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) require understanding barriers to youth participation. This study was conducted in Umzimvubu Local Municipality, South Africa.Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to 210 youths through stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics and a univariate probit regression model were used for analysis.Results: Findings indicate male dominance in agriculture, with educational background positively correlating with participation. Single youths showed greater interest than married counterparts. Challenges like land availability and a lack of financial support hinder engagement. Significant determinants include age, education, farming skills, social group membership, and household revenue, while factors like household size, gender, and limited access to credit negatively impact willingness to participate.Conclusion: Addressing financial barriers through improved access to loans is essential to enhance youth involvement. Policies should cater to youth-specific traits and environmental challenges to build a resilient agricultural sector driven by young innovators.Contribution: The study emphasises the need for a comprehensive policy framework collaboratively developed by the government, the Department of Agriculture, and non-governmental organisations.

Human capital, creativity and innovation as pillars of leading technology systems

The relevance of the research is determined by the need of modern agricultural enterprises for innovations. Only on the basis of innovative development they can be competitive and later enter industry 4. The purpose of the article is to analyze and justify an innovative approach to the formation of technological networks in the agricultural sector based on the use of competitive advantages of human capital and strengthening of its creativity. The authors note that in order to attract innovation, project managers must coordinate the company's strategy with the strategy of knowledge management and creativity development. The study summarizes the results of using an innovative model in the Brazilian agricultural sector that promotes human capital development and knowledge generation, as well as environmental sustainability (the UTAUT model). The evaluation of these results showed that a significant factor in the successful implementation of the innovation model is the creation of an appropriate organizational and management culture, focused on the involvement of innovations in the activities of agricultural enterprises. The authors conducted a survey of agricultural workers of large and small enterprises of this industry in order to identify their need and degree of readiness for innovations. The results of the survey showed significant differences between large and small enterprises in the given parameters, which require the choice of different ways and sources of strengthening their innovativeness. The problem raised in the article is also relevant for Ukraine as a country with a traditional agricultural sector.

Life Cycle Assessment of an Avocado: Grown in South Africa-Enjoyed in Europe.

Food production is known to have significant environmental impacts, with the main contributors residing in the farming and transportation life cycle phases. Of the various food products transported around the world, avocados have increasingly gained attention as a high-commodity superfood. Avocados require specific climatic and agricultural conditions for farming, with the most fertile land and conditions located outside Europe. Consequently, most avocados consumed in Europe are imported over vast geographical distances, with little information available to quantify the environmental impacts of this imported superfood. This paper aims to present the most detailed life cycle assessment results of an avocado cultivated, grown and harvested in the Limpopo Province of South Africa and exported to the European market for sale and consumption. A life cycle assessment was developed for the farming, harvesting, handling, packaging, ripening, transportation, and carbon sequestration potential of the avocado, and it was used to conduct a holistic life cycle assessment. Input data was obtained through an 18-month data collection campaign across the relevant stakeholders. A baseline 'business-as-usual' scenario is focused on throughout this study, and scope for optimisation is identified for each life cycle phase where applicable, accompanied by uncertainty analyses. Results show a total carbon input of 904.85 kg CO2e/tonne. Mitigating this, 521.88 kg CO2e/tonne is offset, resulting in a net carbon footprint of 382.97 kg CO2e/tonne with uncertainty ranges of -23.22 to +58.69 kg CO2e/tonne, normalised to 57.45 g CO2e/avocado grown in South Africa and sold in Europe. The environmental impacts of the avocado industry under consideration are largely mitigated by the "nature first" philosophy of the farming and logistics enterprises, which have made significant investments in reducing emissions. Sensitivity analyses indicate that implementing large-scale renewable energy, using alternative packaging instead of cardboard, and selling avocados unripened could further enable the farming enterprise to achieve Net Zero objectives. These measures could reduce baseline emissions from 382.97 kg CO2e/tonne to a theoretical -68.54 kg CO2e/tonne, representing a 117.9% decrease. Although this study does not quantify climate change impacts, qualitative analyses suggest that climate change will have a net negative effect on the avocado industry in South Africa. These regions, typically located in micro-climates, are projected to become wetter and warmer, adversely affecting crop phenology, pest control, road conditions, management complexity, farmer livelihoods, and food security. The study recommends large-scale implementation of the optimisation strategies identified to achieve Net Zero objectives and the development of proactive climate change mitigation strategies to enhance the resilience of avocado supply chains to future stressors. These insights are crucial for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumers aiming to promote sustainability in the avocado market.

Sustainability and Social Farming in the Czech Republic: The Impact of Selected Factors on the Employment of Disadvantaged Persons in Agriculture

In the agricultural sector, where factors like the type of agriculture, management techniques, and access to funding are critical, disadvantaged people face significant barriers to employment. This study investigated the effects of these factors, especially with regard to sustainability and social farming, on the employment of disadvantaged persons in the Czech Republic. We sent questionnaires to 2036 agricultural businesses within the Czech Republic, and the data we received were sorted and analyzed. There was a favorable relationship between farm size and employment chances. Disadvantaged people were more likely to be hired by large farms, especially those larger than 250 hectares. Furthermore, mixed-production farms were more capable of employing disadvantaged persons, unlike conventional farms, which reached their maximum employment levels at one, three, or six workers. Organic farming had a more even distribution, while biodynamic farming showed limited capacity to employ disadvantaged persons. Farms involved in fundraising had fewer farms but employed more disadvantaged persons (number of employees peaked at two, four, and six), while farms that did not engage in fundraising hired more disadvantaged individuals (peaked at one and three employees). The motivations for employing disadvantaged persons were primarily social concerns, as well as labor shortages and economic and innovative factors. These findings show the importance of agricultural enterprises using these factors to improve the social and economic well-being of disadvantaged persons.

ANALYTICAL EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EQUITY MANAGEMENT IN AGRICULTURAL, FORESTRY AND FISHERY ENTERPRISES IN UKRAINE

The purpose of the research is to generalize the theoretical and methodological aspects and implementation an analytical evaluation of the effectiveness of the management of equity of agricultural, forestry and fishery enterprises of Ukraine using the data of official statistics on large, medium and small enterprises for ten years (2013-2022) as a basis for directing analysis results for the further search for reserves to improve the efficiency of equity management. Methodology. The basis of the research methodology is a dialectical approach, an analysis of data on the composition and structure of equity capital of agricultural, forestry and fishing enterprises of Ukraine for the period from 2013 to 2022 with the division of enterprises into large, medium and small using official statistical information, published on the website of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine. The results of the research showed that in the period from 2013 until 2022, the largest increase in the equity capital of agricultural, forestry and fishing enterprises of Ukraine was observed at the end of 2015 compared to the end of 2014 due to the simultaneous increase in the value of the indicator at enterprises of different sizes. In the structure of equity capital, the share of retained earnings (uncovered loss) was the most significant. In the vast majority of the research years, at average and small enterprises, cash revenue exceeded the amount of equity capital, while at large enterprises, from 2016 to 2022, equity capital made less than one turnover per year. As the calculations showed, large enterprises in the field of agriculture, forestry and fisheries of Ukraine do not properly take advantage of the possibilities of the influence of the scale of production on the formation of indicators of the efficiency of the use of equity. Practical implications. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in their focus on confirming the expediency of the further search for reserves to increase the efficiency of the use of equity, first of all, by large enterprises in the field of agriculture, forestry and fisheries of Ukraine. Value / Originality. The results of the conducted research serve as the basis for further in-depth analysis and search for reserves to increase the efficiency of equity management at different sized of business entities.

Strategic Formation of Agricultural Market Clusters in Ukraine: Emerging as a Global Player

This study investigates the cluster approach to optimize strategies for agricultural enterprises in Ukraine, emphasizing geographical proximity as a key factor in cluster formation. The research applies Kohonen Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs) and Ward’s hierarchical clustering to classify enterprises based on storage capabilities, transport logistics, crop yields, and military risk exposure. By analyzing these factors, this study identifies distinct patterns of innovation adoption, strategic management, and economic resilience among the clusters. The findings highlight variations in competitiveness and resource efficiency, providing a detailed understanding of regional economic performance. Unlike previous research, this study offers a novel integration of conflict-related risks into the clustering methodology, revealing new insights into how military factors influence cluster dynamics. Comprehensive maps and diagrams illustrate the spatial and economic distribution of clusters, aiding in visual interpretation. The results propose strategic measures tailored to enhance agricultural productivity and competitiveness, particularly in Ukraine’s current military context. This approach offers a more adaptive framework for managing agricultural enterprises, promoting resilience and long-term sustainability in global markets.

Combustion and Energy Parameters of Grape Pomace/Skin Waste in Wine Production—Regent Variety Grafted onto Rootstocks

The study presents the potential use of winemaking residues, specifically grape pomace, for energy purposes. The pomace was obtained from the cultivation of the Regent grape variety on three different rootstocks—125AA, 161-49, and SO4—as well as a control group grown on its own roots. The research included determining the calorific value and combustion heat, conducting a technical and elemental analysis of the potential biofuel, as well as estimating emission indicators (CO, CO2, NOx, SO2, and particulate matter) and the theoretical volume of flue gases based on stoichiometric equations. The study revealed significant differences among the combustion heat, tested properties and calorific value, ash content, and the total volume of flue gases. The highest calorific value (17.7 MJ kg−1) and combustion heat (18.9 MJ kg−1) were obtained for pomace from the SO4SO4 rootstock, while the lowest values were observed in the control group (17.0 MJ·kg−1 and 15.8 MJ·kg−1, respectively). The highest ash content was also recorded for the SO4 rootstock (9.2%), with the lowest in the control group (6.7%). The control group exhibited the lowest CO2 emissions at 1390.50 kg·Mg−1, while the highest emissions were found in the pomace from the SO4 rootstock (1478.8 kg·Mg−1). Regarding the total flue gas volume, the highest volume was estimated for the pomace from the 125AA rootstock (7.8 m3·kg−1) and the lowest for the control group (7.3 m3·kg−1). The research demonstrated that grape pomace possesses favorable energy properties and could serve as a potential biofuel, contributing to the fuel and energy balance of agricultural production enterprises. The analyzed biomass exhibits properties similar to agrobiomass.

Factors restraining youth involvement in fish farming business: Case study of Kamuthanga Village, Kenya

Fish farming serves as one of the important strategies for reducing unemployment and improving the standard of living for many households. However, in many African countries, including Kenya, a large number of young people tend to pursue administrative and white-collar jobs, resulting in a noticeable lack of youth participation in the fish farming sector. This trend underscores the challenge of attracting youth to agricultural enterprises like fish farming, despite its promising opportunities. This study explored the factors limiting youth participation in the fish farming business, targeting some individuals aged 18-35 in Kamuthanga village. The research follows a qualitative case study approach, with twenty-six (26) individuals interviewed. The study is grounded in the anthropological entrepreneurship theory, utilizing triangulation to ensure a holistic understanding. In-depth interviews and key informant interviews were employed to capture perceptions regarding barriers to youth involvement. The data was gathered through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews and analyzed using Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Miner Lite software. Data organization, coding, and theme development were conducted systematically to align with the study’s objectives. The findings revealed several challenges hindering youth involvement in fish farming, including the semi-arid conditions of Kamuthanga village, which lead to water scarcity; limited access to capital; insufficient technical knowledge; inadequate support structures; and some cultural barriers. These findings shed light on the critical factors that must be addressed to foster greater youth involvement in fish farming and ultimately unlock its potential for economic development and unemployment reduction in Kamuthanga village.

Foreign Direct Investment and Its Effect on Agricultural Productivity Kenya

Kenya has historically been one of Africa's top destinations for foreign direct investment. Foreign direct investment is critical for Kenya's agricultural sector, offering capital, technology transfer, and skill development that enhance productivity and economic growth. Despite agriculture being a primary economic driver, challenges such as limited capital, outdated farming techniques, and insufficient infrastructure continue to hinder growth. The research explores the contribution of foreign direct investment on agricultural productivity in Kenya as well as to assess the effect of foreign direct investment on the productivity levels of small-scale and large-scale farmers in Kenya for a period 1993 to 2022. Neoclassical growth theory, Endogenous theory were key in guiding the study. This study adapted the causal research design employing time series data from World Bank spanning from years 1993 to 2022. Data was analyzed the data both descriptively and by inferential statistics. The findings of correlational analysis revealed a moderate positive relationships (r= 0.3213) between Foreign direct investment and agricultural productivity. Multiple regression analysis confirmed the significant positive effect of foreign direct investment on agricultural productivity with a coefficient of 0.3661 and p value 0.0014<0.05. This signifies that, in the short term, a 1% increase in foreign direct investment results in a 36.61% rise in the growth of Agricultural productivity, assuming all other variables remain constant. The findings implied that foreign direct investment inflow has the ability to create employment, technological development and improve access to international markets playing a pivotal role in accelerating the agricultural productivity. The Kenyan government should have more effective foreign direct investment strategies to facilitate technology transfer agreements between foreign investors and local agricultural enterprises, additionally, the government should pursue macroeconomic policies that attract foreign direct investment by providing an investor-friendly environment.

La cultura organizacional y el liderazgo servidor en una empresa agroindustrial de la región Lambayeque

The central purpose of this study is to examine how the culture of an agricultural Enterprise the relationship between the culture of an agricultural company and servant-centered leadership. The methodology is based on a fundamental correlational research with a quantitative non-experimental design, the data collection was done through questionnaires adapted and evaluated by means of expert judgment with acceptable levels of reliability, this survey was applied to 117 collaborators. The results indicate a significant correlation between the two (r = 0.429, p < 0.001), highlighting the importance of a solid organizational culture for effective leadership. In addition, positive correlations were found between organizational culture and empowerment (r = 0.404, p < 0.001), collective development (r = 0.346, p < 0.001), empathy (r = 0.224*, p = 0.015) and authentic leadership (r = 0.267**, p = 0.004). These findings suggest that a well-defined organizational culture can strengthen various dimensions of leadership, promoting an engaged and productive work environment.

Enhancing food security through the use of cluster cooperative societies in fish farming enterprises in South-East Nigeria

Food security remains a critical issue in Nigeria, particularly in the South-East, where agricultural productivity faces challenges due to limited resources and infrastructure. This study explores the role of cluster cooperative societies in enhancing food security through fish farming enterprises. By pooling resources and creating collaborative frameworks, cooperative societies in the region have the potential to increase fish production, improve market access, and bolster livelihoods. This paper presents the findings from a study conducted among fish farmers in the South-East, evaluating the effectiveness of cooperative societies in addressing food insecurity. The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews, with data analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicate that cooperative societies contribute significantly to fish farming success, with notable improvements in productivity and market linkages. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to support the development of cooperative societies in fish farming to further improve food security in the region. Keywords: Food Security, Fish Farming, Cluster Cooperative Societies, Market Access.

Impact of Kinnow Production on the Socio-economic Conditions of Farmers in the Agra Region

The cultivation of Kinnow, a hybrid mandarin fruit, in the Agra region has significantly impacted the socio-economic conditions of local farmers. This study examines the effects of Kinnow production on farmer livelihoods in 10 selected villages within the Agra district. Data collected from 100 Kinnow-growing farmers revealed that the crop contributes substantially to income generation, improving the financial stability of farmers. Factors such as landholding size, access to credit, and market linkages influence the profitability of Kinnow orchards. Despite challenges like market fluctuations and environmental conditions, the introduction of Kinnow has provided an alternative source of income for farmers in a semi-arid region. Additionally, this study outlines the costs involved in establishing and maintaining Kinnow orchards, highlighting the initial high investments required, followed by a significant return as orchards mature. The findings suggest that Kinnow production is a viable and profitable agricultural enterprise that can contribute to both economic growth and social development in the region.

Contributing Factors to Quail Farming Failures in Brebes and Potential Mitigation Strategies

This study aims to identify the determinant factors leading to failure and to explore potential solutions for small-scale quail farmers in Brebes Regency. The research employs a quantitative approach, distributing questionnaires directly to 59 quail farmers in the Brebes region, including both active and inactive participants in quail farming. The questionnaire instrument is designed comprehensively to identify various factors contributing to failure in quail farming enterprises. The survey indicates that quail farmers face several major challenges, including high feed costs, low egg prices, and high quail mortality due to disease. All farmers also experience difficulties in marketing, limited capital, and threats from natural disasters. Lack of knowledge and poor farm management are additional issues, while competition with large-scale farmers makes it difficult for small-scale farmers to survive. Value-added products are considered highly profitable by all respondents. quail farmers in Brebes express a significant need for and strong support of government subsidies for feed costs, marketing assistance, training programs provided by veterinary departments, and the reinforcement of farmer organizations. Additionally, they concur that the adoption of advanced technologies, the enhancement of consumer awareness, the development of value-added products, and the expansion into new markets will contribute to greater efficiency and profitability within their operations.

Modelling the impact of increasing supplementary feed allowance on predicted sheep enterprise production, profit and financial risk across southern Australia

Context Supplementary feeding may alter sheep enterprise production and profit margin, but use may vary across regions, sheep breeds and mating seasons. Supplementary feeding is a means of ensuring adequate nutrition but increases operating costs. Modelling has previously indicated the most profitable sheep enterprises optimise stocking rate and target lamb production, whereas those that minimise supplementary feeding incur the least financial risk. Aims To explore the impact of increasing supplementary feed allowance on production, profit and financial risk. Methods Seventy-two sheep farm enterprises were simulated across eight southern Australian locations, including three breeds and three mating seasons. For each enterprise a low grain allowance (LGA) of 30 kg/head.year (threshold used in previous modelling) was compared to a high grain allowance (HGA) of 35 kg/head.year and 42 kg/head.year for Merino and non-Merino ewes (current industry recommendations), respectively. The financial risk of each enterprise was determined via Conditional Value at Risk of gross margins over 30 years, exploring downside risk in the worst 20% of scenarios. Key results A HGA increased production and profit in 32% of farm enterprises, but financial risk was often increased. Merino enterprises were generally the most profitable, least risky and consumed the greatest amount of supplementary feed, followed by Composite and then Maternal enterprises. Summer and autumn mating was often most profitable, but high supplement consumption in autumn-mated enterprises increased financial risk. Conclusions Increasing supplementary feeding may improve production and profit but may also increase financial risk using the parameters examined. Implications Producers may be able to improve the production, profit and financial risk of an enterprise through increased supplementary feeding, but this will be dependent on breed, input costs, commodity prices and location.

The Influence of Information Technology Investment on the Organizational Performance: The Moderating Role of External Environment

In the information era, enterprises can enhance organizational performance through advanced information technology. Based on the resource-based view, this paper examines the mechanism by which information technology (IT) investment influences organizational performance, with the external environment as a moderating variable. Using 265 valid samples collected from agricultural enterprises in Shandong province, this study conducts an empirical test through partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results demonstrate that IT investment has a significant positive effect on organizational performance, and the external environment significantly moderates the relationship between IT investment and organizational performance. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between IT investment and organizational performance, enriches resource-based theory, expands the research framework on IT investment, and offers guidance for enterprises seeking sustainable growth.

Improving the operational life and reliability of the machine and tractor fleet by non-selective methods of tribotechnics

The fl eet of domestic tractors and combines has signifi cantly used up its operational life, has a reduced time to failure, frequent repairs and high operating costs: up to 50 billion rubles per year. The engineering service of agricultural enterprises has signifi cantly weakened, most of the maintenance work on domestic machines is carried out by the owners of the machinery themselves, which causes their low quality and frequent failures. In this regard, new methods and means are being developed to improve the reliability and service life of machines, which will also affect imported equipment.