Agricultural Economics Research Articles

Устойчивое развитие сельских территорий как приоритетное направление развития аграрного сектора экономики Краснодарского края

The article examines the development features of the agricultural sector of the economy of the Krasnodar Territory. The purpose of this study is to assess the development of the regional agricultural economy and propose measures to ensure sustainable development of rural areas in the face of external challenges and internal industry tensions. Analytical, graphical, and comparative research methods were used in the article. The study shows structural disproportions in the number of urban and rural populations. The causes of the migration process of rural areas in the region are determined. The socio-economic indicators of rural development characterizing the level of employment, wages, and improvement in rural areas are studied. The dynamics of agricultural production in the region is considered. The investment activity of economic entities in agricultural production is shown. A detailed analysis of the structure of expenditures of the federal budget and the budget of the Krasnodar Territory in terms of implementing measures to support entities of the agro-industrial complex is performed. The main areas of development of the agricultural sector of the economy aimed at the sustainable development of rural areas of the Krasnodar Territory are determined. As a result of the study, destabilizing factors that pose a threat to stability in the development of the agricultural sector of the region's economy are identified. The problems that slow down the economic development of the agricultural sector in the region are shown. To neutralize them, it is proposed to implement a number of measures aimed at the sustainable development of rural areas of the Krasnodar Territory. The main areas of development of the agricultural sector of the region's economy are determined, including the elimination of high stratification of the population by income level, state support for the development of the scientific and technological potential of the region and the attraction of modern technologies, developments and innovations and their application in the branches of the agro-industrial complex.

Managed honey bees, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae), face greater risk from parasites and pathogens than mosquito control insecticide applications.

As the primary pollinator for many crops, honey bees (Apis mellifera) are critically important to food production and the agricultural economy. Adult mosquito control is often suspected by the public and commercial beekeepers to harm honey bees, creating conflicts between industries. To investigate this matter, a two-year field study was conducted on vegetated wetlands in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A. where honey bee colonies were placed in areas subjected to aerial adult mosquito control applications using the organophosphate naled. Comparison colonies were placed in areas not exposed to insecticides. Colony conditions were documented over the two-year period to capture both immediate and cumulative season-long effects of naled to honey bee health. A Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) analysis of mortality data from treated and non-treated colonies using mixed effects models revealed no statistically significant differences, indicating that aerial applications of naled for mosquito control did not adversely affect these honey bee colonies. A Random Forest machine-learning model identified that Nosema infection, maximum temperatures, and seasonal progression were more significant contributors to bee mortality during the study period, whereas cumulative naled applications were among the least significant predictors. Non-parametric statistical tests (NMDS and PERMANOVA) indicated no differences in colony resources (pollen/honey/nectar; open/capped brood) and parasite (Varroa mites; Vairimorpha microsporidians) loads between exposed colonies and non-treatment colonies. These findings were consistent across different seasons and varying environmental conditions. Our results suggest that naled, when used as intended for mosquito control, does not pose a significant risk to managed honey bee populations in rural settings.

Design and Development of Mini-Maize Cob Threshing Machine

Abstract: Maize is one of the most important cereal crops in the world agricultural economy due to its significance in human and animal diets. The area under maize cultivation and production continuously increases. Traditionally, maize was dehuskedshelled manually, which is very tedious, drudgery, labor-intensive, and time-consuming. The machines available in the market for maize threshing are generally larger (in size) and more costly. But in India, over 75% of farmers belong to the small and marginal category. We developed this compact, economical ‘Mini-Maize cob Threshing Machine’ for small and marginal farmers to perform dehusking and shelling operations simultaneously. The average grain output obtained by the developed machine was 271 kg per hour with a shelling efficiency of 98.9%, and a 2 HP power source operated the machine.

Assessing yield gap in paddy cultivation: A case study from Shivamogga district, Karnataka

Paddy cultivation is a cornerstone of India’s agricultural economy, with Karnataka emerging as a key contributor to this sector. Despite its significance, persistent yield gaps across various paddy varieties pose a considerable challenge to achieving optimal productivity. These yield gaps primarily stem from factors such as traditional farming practices, resource availability, and varying environmental conditions. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the yield gap of paddy varieties specifically in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka, employing an ex-post facto research design to identify key factors influencing yield gaps. Data were systematically collected from a sample of 197 farmers using a structured interview schedule, ensuring a comprehensive analysis. The study identified four primary paddy varieties cultivated by the respondents: Jyothi, JGL-1798, MTU-1001, and MTU-1010 representing the major paddy varieties in the region. Notably, the highest yield gap was observed in the JGL-1798 variety, recording a gap of 19.33 quintals per hectare, followed closely by MTU-1010 at 18.89 q/ha, MTU-1001 at 17.50 q/ha, and Jyothi at 13.42 q/ha. The Jyothi variety exhibited the lowest yield gap, highlighting its superior adaptability and market preference. This study underscores the critical need to address the underlying factors contributing to yield gaps through enhanced agricultural practices and technology dissemination, ultimately fostering increased productivity and contributing to food security and farmers’ income in Karnataka.

Addressing Shortages with Storage: From Old Grain Pits to New Solutions for Underground Storage Systems

In every era, climate variability and frequent food shortages have made it necessary to store harvested grains for more than one season. Underground grain storage has been used since ancient times throughout the world. Italy (Cerignola) and Malta (Valletta and Floriana) have preserved rare examples of more recent (from the 16th century onward) large concentrations of grain pits, capable of accumulating substantial reserves to cope with famine or siege. No longer in operation, they represent an important part of the cultural heritage of the agricultural economy. The purpose of this narrative review was, after a geographical framing of grain pits in the Eurasian and African macro-areas, to take the Italian and Maltese grain pits as historical case studies to draw attention to the reevaluation of underground grain storage in the context of climate change and food insecurity. Today, as in the past, grain reserves play a significant role in food security in developing countries and, due to climate change and geopolitical events that can cause disruptions in grain supplies, are also increasingly important for developed countries. A comparison of traditional and modern underground storage systems reveals the great flexibility of this technology, ranging from basic pits of different sizes to large underground granaries equipped with a support structure. The advantages of underground storage, such as environmental sustainability due to thermal insulation of the soil and airtight conditions that make high energy inputs for grain cooling and pesticide use unnecessary, are still useful today, perhaps more so than in the past. Prospects for development include technical solutions involving the application of innovative information technology-based monitoring systems and the use of modern materials to ensure the performance of waterproofing, seepage control, and static safety, all tools for further evolution of this ancient storage system.

DESTiny, an online farm-wide tool to estimate the net carbon emissions of a pasture-based dairy farms in South Africa

The dairy farming industry is an important contributor to both South Africa’s economy and food security. However, dairy in South Africa, like elsewhere in the world, has come under scrutiny because of animal welfare concerns and contributions to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To address GHG mitigation, we have constructed a farm-level system dynamics model to assess both the emissions, and capture and storage of carbon (C) on farms, to determine whether farms are net emitters of C (i.e., sources) or sequestrators (i.e., sinks). We have considered nutrient flows, the type and volume of feed, the effluent management system, various parameters relating to the herd dynamics, and the overall effect on the farm economy. The resulting online Dairy Environment Sustainability Tool (DESTiny) can help dairy farmers adopt sustainable practices, as well as improve competitiveness and financial sustainability while reducing the farm’s emissions profile, thereby building value-chain and consumer trust. DESTiny can be considered a science-informed evidence-based tool for estimating, monitoring and understanding nutrient and C flows in dairy production systems. It is also a web-based tool (see https://assetresearch.org.za/destiny-tool/) with a user-interface which allows remote users, researchers, practitioners, farmers and technicians ease of access while integrating the system dynamics models with on-farm realities.

Community Formation in the Chulmun (Neolithic) and Mumun (Bronze Age) Periods of Korea

Abstract Despite its importance, exploring prehistoric community formation presents significant epistemological and methodological challenges. In Korean archaeology, these issues have rarely been addressed primarily due to the longstanding dominance of the culture-historical paradigm. However, extensive archaeological investigations and the accumulation of radiocarbon dates in recent decades have led to the gradual emergence of new research trends. This paper introduces and reviews recent studies on community formation during Korea’s Chulmun (Neolithic) and the subsequent Mumun (Bronze Age) periods. While community and the village should not be equated, in order to archaeologically approach community formation, we examine the formation, growth, and dissolution of villages and their relationship with broader spatio-temporal population dynamics by analyzing a large radiocarbon dataset from Korea. We then discuss current conceptual and methodological issues related to the study of prehistoric community formation in Korea. Our discussion reveals the fluidity and flexibility of communities in the hunter-gatherer societies of the Chulmun period and the emergence of large villages and multilevel communities in the Mumun period following the transition to a sedentary agricultural economy and increasing social complexity. Finally, we highlight current research trends and future directions for the study of communities in prehistoric Korea.

Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FD777 and Macleaya cordata Extract on Performance, Immunity, Gastrointestinal System Microbiome, and Profitability in Holstein Calves

This study was performed to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FD777 (BA) and Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) on the performance, morbidity and mortality rates, body measurements, immunity, rumen parameters, antioxidant parameters, microbiome level, and profitability of calves during the pre-weaning period. In the study, 51 calves were divided into three groups as one control and two treatment groups considering their age (1 day old), gender (nine females and eight males in each group), and birth weight (37.7 ± 0.4 kg). The calves in the control group (CON) were fed milk without supplements whereas the first treatment group (BA) was fed milk containing 10 mL/day/head of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FD777 and the second treatment group (MCE) was fed milk containing 2 g/day/head of MCE. As a result, supplementing BA and MCE to calf milk had no significant effect on body weight (BW), dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (FE), morbidity and mortality rates, rumen pH, IgG, IgA, and IgM values, and gastrointestinal microbiota (p > 0.05). On the other hand, it was determined that body weight gain (BWG), body length, body depth, rump width, withers height change, rump height change, rump width change, and serum GSH level increased significantly in the BA group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). According to the partial budget analysis, despite the additional cost of supplementing BA to the calf milk, no calf deaths and lower disease were observed in this group, unlike the other groups, resulting in a lowest calf rearing cost and highest profit. In calves receiving MCE, withers height, rump height, body length, rump width, body depth, chest circumference change, withers height change, rump height change, and rump width change values increased significantly compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results obtained not only reveal the positive effects of BA and MCE on calves during the pre-weaning period, but also encourage the necessity of investigating their effects on the long-term performance of animals and farm economies.

Cultivating Sustainable Health in the Rural Mississippi: A Need Study for Green Economic Developmental Initiatives through the SNAP-Ed program

This study explores the potential role of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) in fostering a green economy in rural Mississippi, specifically in Adams, Claiborne, and Jefferson counties. Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted a comprehensive needs assessment to identify the nutritional and physical activity challenges faced by elementary school-aged children in these communities. Our findings highlight critical issues, including high obesity rates, poor dietary patterns, and limited access to fresh, healthy foods. These challenges not only affect individual health but also have broader implications for community well-being and economic sustainability. We argue that SNAP-Ed interventions are uniquely positioned to address these issues while simultaneously advancing environmentally sustainable food systems. By encouraging healthy eating behaviors such as increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, SNAP-Ed can support local agricultural economies, minimize food waste, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with food production and distribution. Our recommendations emphasize the integration of community-based food initiatives into SNAP-Ed programming. Initiatives such as school gardens, farmers’ markets, and community-supported agriculture can enhance food security, promote equitable access to nutritious foods, and empower residents to participate in sustainable farming practices. These efforts have the potential to transform rural Mississippi into a model of health-driven, community-centered, and environmentally conscious economic growth.

Examining Ecology–Agriculture–Economy Nexus Shifts to Propose Win–Win–Win Pathways for Sustainable Development in Mountainous Areas: Insights From the Greenest City in China

ABSTRACTEcosystem restoration projects (ERPs) are effective methods for reversing land degradation. However, the dynamic responses of the ecology–agriculture–economy nexus to ERPs and socioeconomic development have yet to be systematically analyzed. To address this issue, we adopted an ERP hotspot as a basis for exploring the evolution regimes of sectoral variables and their determinants. ERPs facilitated vegetation restoration and strengthened carbon sequestration and soil retention, whereas grain productivity declined sharply since 2000 because of industrial and planting structure adjustments. Economic growth was accompanied by marked industrial transformation; the dominant role of the primary industry was gradually replaced by that of other industries, with the population and employment structures changing accordingly. Rural population loss weakened the agricultural production capacity, with the promotion of economic crops further degrading the dominant role of grain crops. Such nexus shifts indicated that positive progress in the ecological and economic sectors should be further optimized to reserve sufficient space for agricultural production and industrial development, instead of relying solely on expanding afforestation areas. Notably, the temporary synergic co‐evolution of nexus sectors from 2008 to 2022 is not stable because of the low grain self‐sufficiency ratio, which might threaten the sustainability of social‐ecological systems. Therefore, agricultural production efficiency must be improved through large‐scale production and improvements in agricultural production conditions to sustain the grain supply. The nexus perspective enriches our understanding of interlinkages among sectors in different phases, facilitating the formulation of coordinated strategies for regional sustainable development.

Potential of Arid Fruits Cultivation in Madhya Pradesh, India: A Comprehensive Review

The arid and semi-arid regions of India cover a significant portion of the country, including parts of Madhya Pradesh, presents a unique set of agricultural challenges and opportunities. These regions are characterized by harsh climatic conditions, such as high temperatures, low and erratic rainfall, and poor soil quality. A comprehensive review was made to give an insight on the potentials inherent in the underutilized arid fruit crops like Indian jujube, Indian gooseberry, Bengal quince, Custard apple and tamarind, discussing the nutritional and economic importance and adaptability of arid and semi-arid zones. It also explore the significance of arid and semi-arid fruit crops in enhancing food security, income generation, and sustainable agricultural practices in arid regions, with a particular focus on Madhya Pradesh. This study offers policy recommendations, which include providing subsidies to arid-fruit cultivators for attracting policy change, value addition, and advancement of profitability, as also the creation of targeted marketing strategies. Strengthening the research-extension networks in the arid fruit agronomy sector and bringing these under a government initiative such as 'One District, One Product' can increase the uptake of arid fruit cultivation. A more prudent future for the agricultural economy can be imagined with such strategic moves for arid fruit farming.

Assessing the potential economic impacts of spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) infestations on grape production in New York State

Abstract Lycorma delicatula, known as the spotted lanternfly, an insect native to Asia, feeds on a broad range of plant species in the United States, including tree of heaven, black walnut, silver and red maple, and grapes. As of early 2024, grape growers in New York State have not reported spotted lanternfly-related issues. In contrast, growers in Pennsylvania experienced significant losses during the early years of infestation, with some vineyards replanting due to vine death caused by spotted lanternfly. Over time, Pennsylvania growers developed management strategies, but the threat remains significant. We hypothesize that New York grape growers, informed by the economic impacts faced by Pennsylvania growers, will adopt a risk-averse approach and will be better prepared to combat spotted lanternfly. This manuscript examines spotted lanternfly biology, life stages, and host plants while estimating potential economic impacts to inform growers, stakeholders, and policymakers about the potential economic losses in New York grape production. If left uncontrolled or if growers are uninformed and unprepared, economic losses in the Lake Erie and Finger Lakes regions could escalate significantly, reaching up to $1.5, $4, and $8.8 million in the first, second, and third years of infestation, respectively. These figures underscore the critical importance of proactive management and preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of spotted lanternfly infestations on agricultural economies. We also discuss the implication of these findings in management and regulatory efforts. Future research should focus on establishing the appropriate economic thresholds and conducting cost–benefit analyses of various pest control measures in grape production in New York.

A Comparative Study of Neural Network and Wavelet Decomposition Models for Price Forecasting of Tomato

Tomato price forecasting in Bihar marketplaces is the subject of a study. The study compares and contrasts many time series models. Three models are compared: WT-TDNN (Wavelet Transform with TDNN), TDNN (Time-Delay Neural Network), and ARIMA. This study evaluates the efficacy of advanced and traditional time series models for forecasting tomato prices in Bihar markets, with a focus on ARIMA, Time Delay Neural Networks (TDNN), and Wavelet-TDNN (WT-TDNN). ARIMA models were optimized using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), identifying (0, 1, 2) and (1, 1, 1) as optimal configurations, and validated through Wald's test. TDNN models with 2:4s:1l and 1:6s:1l architectures exhibited robust performance based on RMSE, MAE, and MAPE metrics. The WT-TDNN model, which integrates wavelet decomposition with TDNN, demonstrated superior predictive accuracy over both ARIMA and standard TDNN models. By employing the Haar filter for series decomposition into orthogonal components and applying TDNN to each component, WT-TDNN effectively captured the complex, non-linear dynamics of agricultural price series. This innovative approach enhances the precision of price forecasting, offering significant implications for agricultural economics and machine learning applications. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, farmers, and market analysts, enabling improved decision-making and fostering resilience in the agricultural sector. The study highlights WT-TDNN as a transformative tool for addressing the challenges of agricultural price prediction.

Economics of maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L) production in Kazaure Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria

The research was carried out in Kazaure Local Government Area of Jigawa State to analyze the economics of maize farming. A sample of 119 maize farmers was selected using a multistage sampling method. The findings regarding the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers revealed that 32.8% were aged between 41 and 50 years, 95% were male, 42% had not received formal education, with an average household size of 8 people, and 45.5% were members of a cooperative society. Moreover, the regression analysis demonstrated that age, membership in a cooperative association, and level of education were statistically significant at a 1% level, while household size was significant at a 5% level. The study further found that the total revenue per hectare of maize was ₦228,780, while the total production cost was ₦146,030 per hectare, resulting in a net farm income of ₦82,750 per hectare. Constraints identified in maize production included the high prices of farm inputs (26.5%), pest and diseases (18.1%), poor storage facilities (15.1%), and low market prices (10.1%). Despite these challenges, it is recommended that public-private partnerships be promoted to provide inputs at subsidized rates, develop pest and disease-resistant varieties, and improve market prices for maize.

The distribution and numbers of gamekeepers in Norfolk: 1851 to 1921

Abstract Most studies of gamekeepers focussed on poaching and the role of the gamekeeper in society or were gamekeeper’s memoirs, but recently, Osborne and Winstanley and the current author have examined gamekeeper numbers in England at the county level, demonstrating variation across location and time, with significant differences between counties. This study undertakes, for the first time, a detailed examination of one county (Norfolk) from 1851 to 1921. Analysis of census returns revealed how the numbers and locations of gamekeepers varied between and within districts over time. Several factors that might influence gamekeeper numbers were examined, and the results suggested that geology, agricultural economics, and fashion were more important influences on numbers than poaching. The major employers of gamekeepers were concentrated in the west of Norfolk, in areas of sandy, acidic soils, where agricultural pressures drove the creation of large estates, readily converted to shooting.

Relative forces of anthropogenic and natural factors on the evolution of "ecological cancer"-rocky desertification under different man-land relationships.

Rocky desertification (RD) is a severe phenomenon in karst areas, often referred to as "ecological cancer." However, studies on RD rarely include comparative analysis of different man-land relationship areas. This lack of analysis leads to difficulties in preventing and controlling RD in local areas with complex man-land relationships. To address this issue, we selected two typical karst areas, Guangnan County (with subtropical humid and agricultural peak-valley area) and Yulong County (with temperate semi-arid and ecological tourism alpine-canyon area), as comparative research areas. We analyzed the evolution of RD in these two typical areas and revealed the relative forces of anthropogenic and natural factors on RD at both a single and comprehensive level by using the geographical detector and the coupled principal component-structural equation model. The study found that (1) the RD in Yulong County was more severe than that in Guangnan County. From 2010 to 2020, RD in both counties showed a positive succession trends. The RD has a high degree of spatial fragmentation, and spatial evolution usually occurs in areas where the man-land relationship is complex. (2) In terms of single factor, the RD in the two counties was mainly affected by anthropogenic factors such as control, farming, behavioral disturbance, and social economy, and natural factors such as geology, soil, topography, and surface state. (3) Comprehensive effects show that forces of anthropogenic vs natural factors on formation/evolution of RD are different between Guangnan County (0.36 for anthropogenic factor vs -0.64 for natural factor) and Yulong County (higher with anthropogenic: 0.44 vs natural: 0.89). (4) Differentiated strategies should be adopted due to role played by anthropogenic and natural factors across different man-land relationship areas to explore suitable control measures for RD. The research creates a scientific basis for the control of RD, ecological restoration, and sustainable development in various regions. It can also be utilized as a valuable reference for comparative analysis of similar geographical phenomena.

Assessing the Coordination Development Level of Agricultural Economy and Ecology in China: Regional Disparities, Dynamics, and Barriers

Achieving sustainable rural development in China requires effectively integrating agricultural growth with ecological balance. However, existing research on the coordination between agricultural economy and ecosystems has often focused on isolated aspects, such as economic growth or ecological sustainability, or has been limited to specific provinces or regions, lacking a comprehensive nationwide analysis. To address this gap, this study uses spatial data from 31 provincial-level regions in China from 2008 to 2022, developing a multidimensional framework that encompasses economic input, structure, efficiency, benefits, vitality, ecological conditions, and pressure. Using multi-factor econometric methods, we comprehensively evaluate the coordination between China’s agricultural economy and ecosystems, revealing regional disparities and spatiotemporal variations in their coupling coordination, and analyzing the barriers affecting this coordination. Our findings show that: First, coupling coordination has steadily improved, narrowing regional disparities. Second, regional differences are primarily driven by variations between the eastern, central, and western regions, with structural disparities shifting from interregional to hyper-variable density. Third, development exhibits a “club convergence” pattern, where upward transitions are difficult and downward mobility is a risk. Key barriers include farmland scale, land efficiency, afforestation area, and soil erosion control. Based on these findings, we recommend regional development strategies, dynamic monitoring mechanisms, optimized land use, and enhanced ecological protection. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners to promote the coordinated and sustainable development of agricultural economies and ecosystems in China.

Study of Disturbed Land Ecology and Economics of Farming after the Completion of Mining Operations in Coal Mines in the Ryazan Region

Study results of disturbed lands ecological state in the course of underground coal mining in the coal-saturated areas of the Moscow Coal Basin in the Ryazan region are presented. The number and areas of mine spoil heaps are revealed, and their influence on the reduction of forest and arable land area is established. The calculation of economic efficiency of farms in the liquidation of mine spoil heaps on agricultural land previously taken out from the turnover for the needs of the coal industry was carried out.

Effect of Melatonin Treatment on Reproductive Hormones and Sexual Behaviors in Sheep

In seasonal oestrus animals such as sheep, out-off-season lambing practices and synchronization of oestrus are important in terms of herd management and farm economics. The present study aimed to determine the effects of melatonin implants administered before the breeding season on melatonin, estrogen, progesterone hormone concentrations, and sexual behavior in Tahirova sheep. The study was conducted on 60 Tahirova dairy ewes, aged 1-4 years, and 6 head rams, aged 1-2 years. On June 26, melatonin implants were administered to half of the ewes (18 mg dose/ewe) and rams (54 mg dose/ram). Fifteen days after the implantation of melatonin, all the ewes (530 g/ewe) and rams (660 g/ram) were given supplemental feeding (flushing) with grain feed for a period of 60 days. On August 1, the ewes exhibiting signs of estrus following the introduction of a ram were relocated to individual paddocks, where mating was conducted using the hand-mating method. The frequency of sniffing, touching the ram's scrotum, turning the ram, head-turning, and tail wagging was recorded during the hand-mating procedure. Additionally, the sexual behaviors exhibited by the ram were documented. Furthermore, an investigation was conducted to ascertain whether an interaction occurred within the first minute. The intervals, sexual interaction rate of the ewe, total frequency of sexual interaction, time per sexual interaction, and total sexual interaction time were observed. Blood samples were collected regularly on the initial day, the 21st day, the 42nd day, the 63rd day, the 94th day, and the 129th day for subsequent hormone analysis. Hormonal analyses were conducted using the ELISA method on blood serum samples. The melatonin hormone concentration was observed to be higher in the treatment (MT) group than in the control (C) group on the 63rd day (P=0.0476). The sexual interaction rate of the MT group was found to increase significantly in comparison to the C group (P=0.0045). Additionally, the gestation rate was shorter in the MT group than in the C group (P≤0.05). It can thus be concluded that the melatonin implant, when applied before the breeding season, significantly increases melatonin hormone concentrations on the 63rd day and significantly shortens the periods of gestation in Tahirova dairy sheep.

Do economic shocks matter to U.S. farm income?

ABSTRACT Analysing the effect of economic shocks on farm profitability is crucial for determining the U.S. farm economy’s vulnerability to macroeconomic changes. Using a structural vector autoregressive model and over five decades of data, we examine the impact and importance of external economic shocks to the U.S. farm economy. Specifically, we measure the short-term and long-term volatility spillover effects on U.S. farm income from shocks in energy markets, exchange rates, and agricultural markets. We find that volatility in exchange rates significantly affects US net farm income fluctuations in the short term. Results also suggest that shocks in the exchange rate are more important than other economic shocks, explaining about 47% of the short-run fluctuation in U.S. net farm income. These results highlight the importance of accounting for macroeconomic shocks to enhance the stability of the U.S. agricultural sector and to improve the accuracy of USDA short-term forecasts and long-term projections of farm income components.