Difference In Net Returns Research Articles

Sources of Growth of Returns in Paddy Cultivation under Natural Farming v/s Conventional Farming: An Economic Analysis

Aim: This study aims to analyze the economics of paddy cultivation under natural farming and conventional farming systems and seeks to provide insights into the profitability and cost-efficiency of natural farming while identifying the factors contributing to differences in net returns between the two methods. Study Design: Purposive multistage random sampling technique was employed to select districts, mandals, villages, and various stakeholders. The primary data collection was based on a total sample of 80 farmers, comprising 40 natural farmers and 40 conventional farmers from four villages across two mandals and two districts. Place and Duration of Study: The study was taken up in Parvathipuram Manyam and Alluri Seetha Ramaraju districts of North coastal region of Andhra Pradesh during the agriculture year 2022-23. Methodology: To study the economics of paddy grown under natural and conventional farming, cost and return analysis was taken up and Bisaliah’s Output Decomposition Model was used to study the sources contributing to difference in net returns between two groups. Results: The cost of cultivation per acre of paddy was found to be 15 per cent higher in conventional farming (Rs. 47,503.89) compared to natural farming (Rs. 40,164.98) which was majorly due to the differences in material cost. The cost of production per quintal of paddy was lower in conventional farming (Rs. 1,898.64) than natural farming (Rs. 2,042.98). The operational costs such as costs incurred on human labour were found to be higher in case of naturally grown paddy. The gross returns from conventional farming (Rs. 60,234.44) were about six per cent higher than natural farming (Rs. 56,398.33) but, the net returns from natural farming (Rs. 16,224.35) were 27 per cent higher than conventional farming (Rs, 12,730.54). The returns per rupee of expenditure was also found to be higher in natural farming (1.40) than conventional farming (1.27) exclusively attributable due to reduced costs in natural farming in spite of underproduction. The total observed difference in net returns was 25.98 per cent, reflecting the overall benefit of adopting natural farming practices over conventional farming. The breakdown of sources of increase in net returns consists of two major components i.e., the technology component and the input contribution. The technology component, accounted for 20.25 per cent of increase in net returns and inputs contributed to the extent of 5.73 per cent with varied contributions from different inputs. Conclusion: Natural farming demonstrates economic advantages over conventional farming despite lower yields, primarily due to reduced material costs. While gross returns were higher in conventional farming, natural farming achieved 27 per cent higher net returns and higher returns per rupee of expenditure. The increased net returns from natural farming was largely driven by technological improvements and optimized input usage.

Economic impact of mortality prediction by predictive model at first and second treatment for bovine respiratory disease.

To evaluate a predictive model's ability to determine cattle mortality following first and second treatment for bovine respiratory disease and to understand the differences in net returns comparing predictive models to the status quo. 2 boosted decision tree models were constructed, 1 using data known at first treatment and 1 with data known at second treatment. Then, the economic impact of each outcome (true positive, true negative, false positive, and false negative) was estimated using various market values to determine the net return per head of using the predictive model to determine which animals should be culled at treatment. This was compared to the status quo to determine the difference in net return. The models constructed for the prediction of mortality performed with moderate accuracy (areas under the curve > 0.7). The economic analysis found that the models at a high specificity (> 90%) could generate a positive net return in comparison to status quo. This study showed that predictive models may be a useful tool to make culling decisions and could result in positive net returns. Bovine respiratory disease is the costliest health condition experienced by cattle on feed. Feedyard record-keeping systems generate vast amounts of data that could be used in predictive models to make management decisions. It is essential to understand the accuracy of predictions made via machine learning. However, the economic impact of implementing predictive models in a feedyard will influence adoption.

Impact Assessment of Water Users’ Co-operatives Initiative on Farms Returns in Bhadra Command Area of Shivamogga District, Karnataka, India

The present study was undertaken in Southern Transition Zone of Karnataka to estimate the impact of water users’ cooperatives (WUCs) initiative on returns realized by farmers in study area. Four villages of Bhadravathi taluk were selected, two having active WUCs i.e Kagekodamagge and Dananayakapura and remaining two having flaccid WUCs i.e Sriramanagara and Tiplapura. The required data was collected from 30 farmers from each WUCs. The net returns per ha for Arecanut (A), Arecanut+Coconut (A+C), Arecanut+Coconut+Banana (A+C+B), paddy and sugarcane was higher in farms under active water users’ co-operatives (Rs.6,45,094, Rs.7,07,192, Rs.8,08,093, Rs.8,166 and Rs.54,931) than flaccid water users’ co-operatives (Rs.4,26,072, Rs.4,50,459, Rs.5,28,057, Rs.7,284 and Rs.39,740). This can be mainly attributed to equitable distribution of water from head reach to tail reach along the canal in active water users’ cooperatives. For A, A+C and A+C+B cropping systems there was not much difference in net returns per ha between head reach (Rs. 4,76,100, Rs. 5,16,378 and Rs. 5,82,923 respectively) and tail reach (Rs. 4,31,215, Rs. 4,70,616 and Rs. 5,33,816 respectively) farmers of active water users’ co-operatives. Whereas in areas under flaccid water users’ co-operatives, the net returns per ha for head reach farmers was higher by Rs. 52,553, Rs. 64,142 and Rs. 1,45,721 over the tail reach farmers. The results from the study draw attention for the need of activating flaccid WUCs and establishing new WUCs in command areas to achieve higher net returns by all farmers along the canal.

Is Harvesting Cover Crops for Hay Profitable When Planting Corn and Soybean in Tennessee?

Winter cover crops can improve the soil’s moisture-holding capacity, reduce soil water evaporation, and mitigate water-induced soil erosion; however, economic studies show mixed results on cover crop impacts on profits. One way to potentially increase the profits from planting cover crops is to harvest the cover crop for hay. The objective of this study was to determine the profitability of planting and harvesting cover crops when planting corn (Zea mays) or soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) as a cash crop. We determined the difference in net returns among 15 cover crop species when planted before corn and soybeans. We then calculated the breakeven hay price if the cover crop was harvested. Data were collected from an experiment in Tennessee, from 2017 to 2019, at two locations. There was no difference in net returns across cover crop treatments for both corn and soybeans, thus indicating that planting a cover crop does not reduce profits. The breakeven prices for harvesting cover crops suggest that this system would not likely be profitable for corn but might be profitable if planting soybeans, depending on labor availability and local demand for hay.

Food Sustainability and Security, Aftermath of Vegetable Production in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Vegetable crops are increasingly being acknowledged as a prerequisite for food sustainability, nutrition, and security. The study examined food sustainability and security, the aftermath of vegetable production in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using a set of structured questionnaires from 286 vegetable crop farmers sampled across the three zones of the state; Ebonyi North, Ebonyi South, and Ebonyi Central using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, net returns model, analysis of variance, and ordinary least squares multiple regression techniques. The result showed that the majority of the vegetable farmers were females, married, educated, experienced, and belonged to cooperative societies. Vegetables such as Fluted pumpkin, 5944.70kg, waterleaf, 5802.49kg, tomato, 4498.83kg, spinach, 5789.90kg, okra, 5634.71kg, green pepper, 4739.02kg, and okazi leaf, 5856.23kg, dominated the vegetable production in the state. High net revenue, of N275461.93, was obtained in Ebonyi North relative to Ebonyi South and Ebonyi Central. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) result showed that there are significant differences in net returns of vegetable crops across the three agricultural zones of the state. Age, gender, household size, education, farming experience, farm size, and extension contacts hugely influenced vegetable crop production in the state. Inadequate capital, 99.7%, land fragmentation, 99.3%, high cost of input materials, 98.6%, pests, and disease attacks, 98.0% and the problem of the storage facility, 98.3% were perceived as major production constraints influencing sustainable vegetable production in the state. The study recommended government full support to intensify vegetable crop production in the state due to its economic viability. This would guarantee adequate food sustainability and security in the state.

Corn productivity and soil characteristic alterations following transition from conventional to conservation tillage

Compared to conventional tillage (CT) system (e.g. moldboard plowing (Moldboard-CT) and chisel plowing (Chisel-CT)) adoption rate of conservation tillage systems (e.g. no-till (NT) and strip-till (ST)) in surface- irrigated farms is considerably low. A three-year field study was conducted to evaluate corn (Zea mays L) productivity in four tillage systems ranging in intensity of soil disturbance (i.e. Moldboard-CT, Chisel-CT, ST, and NT) in a furrow-irrigated field. Averaged over three years, corn grain yield was higher in Moldboard-CT (2.9 Mg ha−1) and NT (12.1 Mg ha−1) systems than yields in Chisel-CT (10.9 Mg ha−1) and ST (10.3 Mg ha−1). Tillage system did not affect soil pH, EC, total organic carbon (TOC), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in 0–15 soil depths under Chisel-CT, ST, and NT compared with Moldboard-CT. No significant differences were found between tillage systems in terms of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) and bulk density, yet soil available water capacity (AWC) and the wet aggregate stability were positively affected by adopting reduced tillage. Economic analysis showed that Return on Investment (ROI) in NT was greater (0.93) than that in CT (0.88), although net return from Moldboard-CT was $44 ha−1 greater than that of NT. The small difference in net return between Moldboard-CT and NT, along with the positive trend observed in soil properties as a result of shifting to NT, indicates the potential of NT to improve corn production sustainability in surface-irrigated agroecosystems in mid- and long-term.

Integrated weed management with reduced herbicides in a no‐till dairy rotation

AbstractWith more than 65% of agronomic crops under no‐till in Pennsylvania, herbicides are relied on for weed management. To lessen the environmental impact and selection pressure for herbicide resistance, we conducted a 9‐yr experiment to test herbicide reduction practices in a dairy crop rotation at Rock Springs, PA. The rotation included soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]–corn (Zea mays L.)–3‐yr alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)–canola (Brassica napus L.). The following practices were used to reduce herbicide inputs: (a) banding residual herbicides over corn and soybean rows and using high‐residue inter‐row cultivation; (b) seeding a small grain companion crop with alfalfa; (c) plowing once in 6 yr to terminate the perennial forage. These practices were compared with standard herbicide‐based weed management (SH) in continuous no‐till. We hypothesized: (a) There would be more weed biomass in the reduced herbicide treatment (RH), (b) leading to more weeds in RH over time, but (c) the added weed pressure would not affect yield (d) or differences in net return. We sampled weed biomass in soybean, corn, and the first two forage years. In corn and soybean, weed biomass was often greater in RH than SH and increased over the years in the RH treatments. In the forage, weed biomass did not always differ between treatments. Yield and differences in net return were similar in most crops and years. Results suggest that weed management with reduced herbicide inputs supplemented with an integrated approach can be effective but may lead to more weeds over time.

Comparative Profitability of Melon and Watermelon Production in South Konawe District of Southeast Sulawesi

Melon and watermelon are two high-value crops that have been commercially cultivated recently inSoutheast Sulawesi. The objective of the study was to examine and compare the cost and returns of melon andwatermelon production. The study was conducted in Abenggi village in South Konawe district of SoutheastSulawesi. Twenty melon farmers and 20 watermelon farmers were selected as respondents. Data collection wasdone using a questionnaire-based interview method. Data and information were analyzed using cost and returnsanalysis and independent sample t-test. Results of the study revealed that both melon and watermelonproduction were profitable as indicated by their revenue-cost ratio being higher than 1. Due to small size offarming, difference in net returns per farm from melon and watermelon was not statistically significant. Perhectare net returns from melon farming were statistically significantly higher than that of watermelon farming.Net returns from either melon or watermelon farming were higher than that of many other crops in theprovince. Farmers should continue to focus on the cultivation of the crops as they can increase their income andpromote rural economy. The local government should assist the development of the two crops by ensuringavailability of farm inputs and improving provision of weather forecast results to the farmers.

Study on Biological and Economic Considerations in the Control of Potato Late Blight and Potato Tuber Blight

An economic analysis was made of old results from 1993-1996 (22 field trials) and new results from 2010-2013 (12 field trials) obtained in field trials with different doses of fungicides to control potato late blight (PLB) and potato tuber blight (PTB) caused by Phytophthora infestans. The objective was to determine the economically optimal dose for effective control. In 1993-1996, the economic net return was highest for long intervals of about two weeks between treatments and a dose of 60% of the recommended level. The difference between the experimental treatment with the highest net return and the untreated control was 1587 € per hectare (ha-1) in susceptible cultivars, but only 531 € ha-1 in moderately resistant cultivars. In addition, the mean difference in net return between all treated susceptible and all treated moderately resistant cultivars was 874 € ha-1. In the half of the field trials with the lowest maximum attack of PLB, the difference between the experimental treatment with the highest economic income and untreated control was 547 € ha-1, while it was 1571 € ha-1 in the half of the trials with the highest maximum attack. The results for 2010-2013, which were all based on a short treatment interval of about one week between treatments, showed that in table potato the economic net return was highest at 100% and 75% of the recommended dose, whereas in starch potato cultivars it was highest at 50% and 25% of the recommended dose. The net financial result was calculated for 13 different scenarios. As expected, potato price and potato crop yield and quality were of the greatest importance. The price of fungicides affected net profits by between 167 and 656 € ha-1 depending on treatment intervals and dose. These results challenge the way in which late blight is controlled in conventional potato farming today, especially in starch potatoes. We therefore propose investment in future years be based on the dose-range response in cultivars with differing host resistance to both PLB and PTB, and on forecasting and warning with respect to PLB- and PTB-control in different potato cultivars. We believe that such investment could be very valuable in optimizing the use of fungicides in potato cultivation.

Profitability of Beef and Biomass Production from Native Warm‐Season Grasses in Tennessee

Native warm‐season grasses (NWSGs) have demonstrated potential to reduce summer forage variability, and furthermore, there has been growing interest in the use of NWSGs as lignocellulosic biomass crops. The objective of this research was to determine if there was a difference in net returns for full‐season summer grazing beef steers (Bos taurus) on three NWSGs. Additionally, the expected price for biomass that a beef producer would need to break even between using the dual‐purpose early‐season grazing and biomass system and the full‐season grazing system was calculated for these three NWSGs. Weaned beef steers grazed switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) (SG), a big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi Vitman) and indiangrass [Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash] mixture (BBIG), and eastern gamagrass [Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.] at Grand Junction (AP) and Highland Rim (HR), TN, from 2010 to 2012. The dual‐purpose grazing occurred for 30 d beginning in early May, with subsequent growth harvested as biomass post‐dormancy, and full‐season grazing occurred for 90 d beginning in early May. Budgets were developed for each NWSG to calculate net returns, and mixed models were used to determine differences in beef yield and net returns across each NWSG and location. Expected yield and net returns to full‐season grazing were not different among NWSGs at AP. However, net returns to full‐season grazing were higher for BBIG than SG at HR. A profit‐maximizing, risk‐neutral individual would increase net returns by grazing any of the NWSGs over marketing calves at weaning. The breakeven biomass prices ranged between US$10 and US$98 Mg−1 depending on the NWSG and location.

Financial aspects of veterinary herd health management programmes

Veterinary herd health management (VHHM) programmes have been shown to be economically effective in the past. However, no current information is available on costs and benefits of these programmes. This...

Herbicide savings and economic benefits of several strategies to control Sorghum halepense in maize crops

This study was conducted to assess the herbicide savings and the cost efficiency of site-specific herbicide application strategies in comparison with other strategies based on uniform application of herbicides throughout the whole field. The specific situation considered was Sorghum halepense infested maize fields in Spain. The results from a theoretical economic model were contrasted with the information derived from a S. halepense survey conducted in 37 commercial maize fields distributed over three Spanish maize production areas. Seven application strategies were simulated: 1) no herbicide; 2) overall full-rate; 3) overall half-rate; 4) and 5) site-specific spraying infested cells with full- and half-rate, respectively; 6) and 7) site-specific spraying infested cells plus adjacent buffer areas with full- and half-rate, respectively. The simulation results showed that site-specific weed management was the most profitable strategy when S. halepense infested area ranged between 6.5 and 18.7%. This scenario was present in 22% of the surveyed fields. In fields with less than 6.5% infestation (a situation present in 51% of the surveyed fields), yield losses were slight and the most profitable strategy was using no herbicide. When the infested area ranged between 18.7 and 40.8% (19% of the surveyed fields), no significant differences were observed between the net benefits of the various strategies. Full rate herbicide applications throughout the entire field resulted in the highest net returns in fields with more than 40.8% weed infestation (8% of the surveyed fields). In these cases, the added costs of weed detection, mapping and site-specific herbicide application were not justified by the herbicide savings obtained. Likewise, herbicide savings obtained with the various strategies depended on the proportion of the field infested. Considering the high difference between site-specific treatments and uniform application of herbicides when the infested area ranged between 18.7 and 40.8%, and that no significant differences in net returns were observed in this range, site-specific treatments should be preferred. Adding a buffer area to the site-specific treatments does not seem a suitable strategy due to the considerable increases in costs and reductions in herbicide savings.

Evaluation of economic and performance outcomes associated with the number of treatments after an initial diagnosis of bovine respiratory disease in commercial feeder cattle

To evaluate associations between economic and performance outcomes with the number of treatments after an initial diagnosis of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in commercial feedlot cattle. 212,867 cattle arriving in a Midwestern feedlot between 2001 and 2006. An economic model was created to estimate net returns. Generalized linear mixed models were used to determine associations between the frequency of BRD treatments and other demographic variables with economic and performance outcomes. Net returns decreased with increasing number of treatments for BRD. However, the magnitude depended on the season during which cattle arrived at the feedlot, with significantly higher returns for cattle arriving during fall and summer than for cattle arriving during winter and spring. For fall arrivals, there were higher mean net returns for cattle that were never treated ($39.41) than for cattle treated once ($29.49), twice ($16.56), or ≥ 3 times (-$33.00). For summer arrivals, there were higher least squares mean net returns for cattle that were never treated ($31.83) than for cattle treated once ($20.22), twice ($6.37), or ≥ 3 times ($-42.56). Carcass traits pertaining to weight and quality grade were deemed responsible for differences in net returns among cattle receiving different numbers of treatments after an initial diagnosis of BRD. Differences in economic net returns and performance outcomes for feedlot cattle were determined on the basis of number of treatments after an initial diagnosis of BRD; the analysis accounted for the season of arrival, sex, and weight class.

Irrigation Rate and Fungicide Effects on Peanut Kernel Damage, Yield, and Net Return

Abstract Field studies from 2002 through 2004 examined effects of irrigation rate and fungicide on peanut kernel damage, yield and net return in Gaines County, TX. Irrigation rates, the main plots of a split-plot design, were applied with a center pivot system planted in concentric circles, and represented a base irrigation rate (B)(ca. 75% of evapotranspiration), B + 33%, and B − 33%. Azoxystrobin or metalaxyl were applied to the subplots at 60 and 90 days after planting and there was a no-fungicide control. Irrigation rate had no effect on percent damaged kernels from harvested pods. Plots with B + 33% irrigation rate had higher pod yields (P < 0.05) than B or B − 33% irrigation rates in 2002 and 2003, but had similar yields to the B rate in 2004, a relatively wet growing season. Irrigation rate did not result in an overall difference in net return in any year. Plots treated with azoxystrobin had higher peanut grades and lower percent damaged kernels in all 3 yr than no-fungicide and metalaxyl treated plots. Azoxystrobin treated plots had higher yield and net return than metalaxyl treated and no-fungicide treated plots in 2 of 3 yr. Rhizoctonia spp. was the primary fungal pathogen isolated from peanut pods. Use of azoxystrobin resulted in an average net return of $170/ha. Azoxystrobin effects on yield were additive to water status across the entire spectrum of irrigation rates during the combined three years. Peanut producers from this region who want to maximize yield by increasing irrigation rate should use azoxystrobin if there is any history of Rhizoctonia pod rot.

Carcass-based measures of cattle performance and feeding profitability

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> Closeout records for 67,570 lots of commercially fed steers and heifers, together with individual carcass records for animals in each lot, were analyzed, holding prices for feeder cattle, beef carcasses, and feed at constant levels, to characterize relationships of carcass-based measures of cattle performance to feeding profitability. Economic effects of variation in carcass-based cattle performance measures were manifested either as differences in cost per unit of carcass gain or as differences in value added perunit of carcass gain (value of carcass gain). Carcass-based G:F was the primary determinant (P < 0.0001) of cost of carcass-based gain (carcass gain) and the single most important contributor (P < 0.0001) to differences in net return per animal. Also, cost of carcass gain was increased (P < 0.0001) by increased medical expenses and mortality rate. Carcass-based ADG and days on feed, due to their combined effects on total amount of carcass weight gained during finishing, were the 2 most important determinants (P < 0.0001) of value of carcass gain and the second and third most important contributors (P < 0.0001) to net return per animal. Variables associated with carcass grid price also contributed (P < 0.0001) to differences in value of carcass gain; however, amount of value added per unit of carcass gain was more strongly driven by increased weight than by carcass grade performance. Profit was maximized by adding weight until cost of carcass gain exceeded value of carcass gain, which required finishing cattle to comparatively heavy projected HCW endpoints: 422 to 429 kg for steers and 378 to 390 kg for heifers. This study demonstrates methodologies for calculating carcass-based performance and economic metrics that can be used to optimize cattle feeding profitability for lots of cattle marketed on an individual carcass basis using a value-based grid. Additional research is warranted to examine the effects of fluctuations in cattle prices and feed cost on economic relationships and weight endpoints identified in this study.

Economics of Mentha Arvensis Oil Production in Pantnagar area of Uttarakhand

The study is based on the economics of cultivation and essential oil distillation of Mentha arvensis on data collected from farmers of Rudarpur/Pant Nagar area of Uttarakhand. Total cost of cultivation, gross returns and net returns were calculated as Rs. 31,937, Rs. 58,500 and Rs. 26,563 respectively. Benefit cost ratio was noted as 1.83. Similarly, these economic parameters were calculated for Wheat and Paddy crop for comparison with M. arvensis. Percentage difference in net returns of M. arvensis over net returns of Wheat and Paddy crop was calculated as; 60.25% over Wheat and 72.76% over Paddy crop. Also BCR of Mentha arvensis was more than BCR of Wheat and Paddy crop respectively.

Whole‐Farm Evaluation of Forage Mixtures and Grazing Strategies

Complex forage mixtures (mixtures of more than three species) have been researched as a means to increase yield and sustain forage production in pastures of the northeastern United States. However, little research has focused on the economic impact of forage mixture complexity and grazing strategy on a whole‐farm scale. We used the Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM) to examine the short‐ (2‐yr) and long‐term (25‐yr) performance and economic returns of four pasture mixtures (two, three, five, and seven species of grasses and legumes) and grass monocultures grazed according to plant morphology or canopy height criteria. For both 2‐ and 25‐yr analyses, reduced pasture production in the morphology‐based grazing strategy led to a decrease in net return compared to the height‐based grazing strategy. Both analyses showed that the differences in net return were mainly due to seed, fertilizer, and feed costs, pasture production, and the income from excess forage sales. Production was more dependable for the height‐based grazing strategy compared with the morphology‐based strategy. Complex mixtures generated greater and more consistent net returns compared with either the simple mixtures or grass monoculture. More importantly, when comparing the difference in net return obtained by a particular forage treatment in dry and wet years, the net return using complex mixtures was reduced by only 25 to 27%. On the other hand, reductions in net return ranged from 36% for a three‐species mixture to 55% for grass monoculture. For dairy pastures, complex mixtures are a useful alternative to reduce production variability in dry years.

Grain Yield and Milling Quality Response of Two Rice Cultivars to Top‐Dress Nitrogen Application Timings

Combinations of two vegetative N application schemes (single pre‐flood [SPF]) and two‐way split [2WS]) and five top‐dress (TD) N timings (internode elongation [IE], IE+7, 14, 21, and 28 d) were tested for ‘Cocodrie’ and ‘Wells’ rice. When averaged across TD timings, the average grain yield for Cocodrie was 9142 kg ha−1 when the SPF scheme was used, compared with 8736 kg ha−1 for the 2WS scheme. Whole and total milled rice percentage showed a quadratic response to TD timing and was greatest when the TD application was made at IE+28 d for Cocodrie; however, only the early vegetative N application scheme affected the net return, which, when averaged across TD timings, was $75 ha−1 greater when the SPF scheme was used. When N was top‐dressed at the IE timing, whole milled rice was 52.9% with the SPF scheme, compared with 49.8% with the 2WS scheme. In addition, where the SPF scheme was used, whole milled rice responded quadratically to TD timing compared with linearly when the 2WS scheme was used. Sensitivity analyses indicated that at three N prices ($0.16, $0.33, and $0.48 kg−1), the relative difference in net returns among treatment combinations were not changed. Rice grain yields for semi‐dwarf cultivars respond more favorably to a higher percentage of the total N being applied pre‐flood. Growers should implement N fertilizer practices that produce the highest economic grain yield, which for Cocodrie is to use the SPF vegetative N application scheme regardless of the TD N timing.

Comparison of Breeding and Marketing Systems for Red Angus Cattle Using an Integrated Computer-Based Spreadsheet

An integrated computer-based spreadsheet was developed with data from 581 Red Angus-sired calves to compare synchronized AI and natural service breeding systems. This comparison was based on input costs, genetic merit of sires used for mating, and calf marketing system, using differences in net return. The spreadsheet integrated four elements into a decision summary: bull costs, AI costs, genetics merit, and marketing options. An economic sensitivity analysis was used to identify trends and key variables in the net return of each decision. Three prominent variables identified from economic analysis were bull purchase price, semen price, and percent genetic change. Bull purchase price was a primary factor in changes in net return; semen costs and genetic merit change explained rearrangements in ranking of net return. These two variables altered the ranking based on whether the estrous synchronization protocol used estrus detection or timed AI. The spreadsheet identified AI to be more cost effective than natural service when calves are marketed as finished cattle. Net revenue from AI calves was greater in all retained ownership scenarios; the weaned marketing scenario caused net return to vary by synchronization system for the combinations of costs and changes in genetic merit. However, there was a wide variance in identifying which breeding system provided the greatest benefit when calves were marketed as feeder cattle. Retaining ownership through finish and marketing either on the cash market or on a grid proved to be advantageous to AI in all of the estrous synchronization protocols provided. The economic advantage ranged from $142.98 to $214.16 per head compared with marketing at weaning. The spreadsheet developed provides a useful tool for evaluating the economic impacts of breeding system decisions.

Partial Budget Analysis of Effects of Crop Management Intensity on Profitability of Three Watermelon Cultivars

ABSTRACT A field study on watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunberg) Matsumura and Nakai] in 1997, 1999, and 2000 revealed that management intensity affected profitability. Management intensity reflected a combination of cultural practices and levels of usage. Low intensity management (LM) included only soil fertilization and weed control. High intensity management (HM) additionally involved plastic mulch, drip irrigation, insect pest control, and plant disease control. Use of partial budget analysis simplified evaluation of the effect of management intensity on profitability, which was defined as a difference in net return between HM and LM. The difference in net return between HM and LM (Δπ) was based on market price (P), changes in yield (ΔY), and changes in production cost (ΔI) due to increased intensity of management: Δπ = P × ΔY - ΔI. We used means of daily wholesale market price for midseason (July to August) at Dallas, TX, for seeded and seedless red melons each year, means of yield difference betwe...