Agricultural Performance Research Articles

Profitability and financial performance of European Union farms: An analysis at both regional and national levels

AbstractAgriculture has always been a sector with several specificities that call for adjusted interventions from public institutions through agricultural policies. This is not an exception for the context in the European Union where the Common Agricultural Policy has had more impact in some contexts than the national agricultural policies of the member-states. In turn, the profit margins are, in general, narrow and this needs specific financial and economic management. However, the financial, economic instruments, and indicators for farming are, often, ignored, or at least, not sufficiently analysed. From this perspective, the main objective of this study is to assess the net working capital framework across European Union countries and regions, including assessments through types of farming and economic size. Another objective is to analyse the impacts from financial indicators (current ratio, current assets-to-total assets ratio, current liabilities-to-total assets ratio, and debt-to-total assets ratio) on profitability (return on assets) and financial performance (return on equity). For this purpose, data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network were considered, for the period 2004–2018. These data were worked through descriptive analysis, spatial autocorrelation approaches, and panel data regressions. As main conclusions, it is worth noting the diversity of financial realities across the European farming sector and the null impacts from the liquidity ratio on the farms’ performance.

Managing biomass in semi-arid Burkina Faso: Strategies and levers for better crop and livestock production in contrasted farm systems

CONTEXTThe semi-arid zone of Burkina Faso is characterized by strong climate variability and declining soil fertility associated with low biomass production. OBJECTIVEThe main objective of this study was to identify key levers to improve biomass management in semi-arid Burkina Faso for diverse farm types. METHODSFarm diversity was captured with a statistical typology complemented by a participatory typology established with local farmers. Biomass management was described for the different farm types based on survey information obtained from 228 households across two villages. Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) was conducted to represent biomass production strategies of each farm type. After a sensitivity analysis which revealed model robustness, scenario analysis was performed with the FCMs to explore farm type-specific options for alleviating biomass scarcity. Two contrasting scenarios were built based on observations and insights from the survey and focus group discussions with farmers and included (1) deliberate exchange of crop residue with manure, and (2) a subsidies policy allowing a reduction in prices of 30% for farm inputs coupled with increased off-farm revenue for the subsistence-oriented farms. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe statistical typology identified four farm types, distinguishing between subsistence or market-oriented farms and crop or livestock-oriented production. The participatory typology partly confirmed these four main types, even though other criteria of distinction were given by farmers. Different farm types used contrasted strategies in biomass production and management which were mainly driven by the total cultivated area and the herd size. The farm type with the largest herd and smallest cultivated land was the only one to rely on grain inflow from outside the farm to meet its household food requirement. The inflow of crop residue was also largest for this farm type. In contrast, crop residue outflow was mainly observed for the subsistence-oriented crop farm type, which had the smallest fodder needs. The scenario analysis using FCM suggested that biomass exchange had a negligible effect on farm performance but that the subsidy and income diversification scenario positively impacted crop and livestock production, especially for the subsistence-oriented types. SIGNIFICANCEOur study pointed out that FCM is a useful tool to not only describe system dynamics but also to reveal levers for improvement through sensitivity and scenario analysis. These levers included income diversification (for subsistence farms especially), improved production and storage of forage (for large herd owners), and investment into equipment and better access to markets (for market-oriented farms).

Performance of Nigerian Rice Farms from 2010 to 2019: A Stochastic Metafrontier Approach

Rice has become the most rapidly growing staple food crop in Nigeria. Despite the country favorable rice production ecology, there is still a huge gap between domestic rice production and consumption patterns. This study uses a two-step stochastic metafrontier model to estimate the performance of rice farms from 2010 to 2019, considering the differences between the North and South rice farms. The results indicate heterogeneity in production technology across farms located in different regions, and that both regions have low technical efficiency. However, Nigeria’s South rice farms were ranked better based on managerial issues rather than technological gaps. To attain self-sufficiency in rice production as proposed in its national plan, there is room for improvement of technical efficiency and output production at current production levels in the country’s rice farms.

The effect of coastal terrain on nearshore offshore wind farms: A large-eddy simulation study

Performance of offshore wind farms built in the nearshore region will be affected by onshore terrain with higher turbulence in the flow when wind is blowing from land toward sea. Current study employs large-eddy simulation to investigate the effect of coastal terrain on the performance of large nearshore offshore wind farms. At first, two atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) simulation cases are defined to investigate the evolution of an internal boundary layer (IBL) during the sea-to-land and land-to-sea transition of the flow. The growth rate of the IBL was similar for both ABL simulation cases. However, the mean velocity-based definition of IBL heights, which essentially are the equilibrium layer, were half the height of shear stress-based IBLs. The first wind farm simulation case only considers an offshore surface, while the second case includes the region with land-to-sea transition upstream of the wind farm. Better wake recovery is observed in the case that considers the effect of onshore terrain. This is attributed to the higher inflow turbulence level, which resulted in higher entrainment of kinetic energy from the flow above. The farm-induced IBL for a land-to-sea transition case shows rapid growth for the first few turbine rows, while the offshore only case shows gradual growth. However, the difference between the two IBLs decreases with downstream distance, implying that for sufficiently long wind farms, both IBLs will converge. Total power output of the land-to-sea transition case is 17% higher than the offshore only case for the farm layout and roughness heights considered in this study.

A critical analysis on performance of farm based agri-input entrepreneurs in central Telangana region

A critical analysis on performance of farm based agri-input entrepreneurs in central Telangana region

Does planning production expansion have its intended effect in reality? Evidence from the dairy sector in Poland

Farmers are being continuously encouraged to adopt entrepreneurial practices with the hope that they will increase their competitiveness. One such practice involves defining clear goals for farm development, which is meant to improve farms' capacity to respond to multi-faceted changes in their environment. However, the question remains whether the assumed plans will actually be achieved and whether they should be seen as a prerequisite for improving farm performance. In this paper, we analyse these issues using unique micro data from the dairy sector in Poland. Our focus is on one specific objective – production expansion – which is often included in farmers’ future plans. We investigate whether declaring production expansion as a goal for the future has any impact on actual output growth. Our findings suggest a very weak relationship between the two, which is contradictory to strong arguments showing how setting clear goals may lead to improved farm performance. We discuss several potential reasons for this result, namely the specific nature of our data, complex regulatory framework, the fact that new profit opportunities in dairy sector might stem not only from increasing the scale of output, or the fact that business planning may be perceived by farmers just as a technical requirement to receive public support.

A Review on Evaluation of Productive and Reproductive Performance and Major Constraints of Indigenous Sheep: An Ethiopian Perspective

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the productive and reproductive performance and major constraints of indigenous sheep in Ethiopian perspective. Ethiopia is home for at least 9 breeds and 14 traditional sheep populations. Sheep are the second most important species of livestock next to cattle in Ethiopia. The productivity of sheep mostly based on the reproductive performance of sheep. The age at first sexual maturity may be affected by weaning season and post weaning nutrition and thus through good management age at first sexual maturity could be substantially improved. Arsi Bale and Horro sheep have short lambing interval from other indigenous sheep. Litter size of Ethiopian sheep breeds like Menz and Afar sheep breeds is low (which is almost close to one lamb per lambing while breeds like Horro and Washera are more prolific with litter size of 1.35 and 1.2, respectively. Ethiopian indigenous sheep are characterized by slow growth, late maturity and low production performances. Feed shortages, both in quality and quantity, high prevalence of diseases and parasites, shortage of water; lacks of markets are the major constraints sheep production in Ethiopia. As the conclusion reproductive performances like litter size, age at first lambing and lambing interval are important traits of sheep production. Ethiopian indigenous sheep are characterized by slow growth, late maturity and low production performances. Therefore, on farm performance evaluation of sheep is required to understand effect of seasons and year on productive and reproductive of small ruminants. Keywords: Constraint; indigenous sheep; productive; reproductive; performance DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-13-02 Publication date: July 31 st 2022

Evaluation of the productive performance of broiler herds - a field study in Diyala Governorate – Iraq for the production season 2020

The research dealt with the study of the productive and economic performance of broiler farms in Diyala Governorate - Iraq for the 2020 production season, through a questionnaire conducted for a group of broiler breeders, whose number was (35) breeders out of a total of( 360) products, they were randomly selected in order to know the status of production, costs and efficiency Farm management, and a multivariate productivity function model with value units was used to know the impact of production costs on production. The statistical and econometrics analysis showed an inefficiency in exploiting the available production capacities through the parameters of the estimated function, as it turned out that the slope of rented labor X2 towards production is high, as its value reached ( 2.875569), the slope of the feed purchase cost X3 in the estimated production function was (4.700436), while the other variables had a lower slope. The production performance indicators were also measured, which included the efficiency of food conversion, the economic indicator and the productivity index scale, as the economic index reached (27.8) and is considered low compared to the standard value that ranges between (170-200), while the value of the efficiency of food conversion was (1.6 kg of meat / kg of feed). Where the results showed the lack of sufficient knowledge of broiler breeders in the technical management of the broiler flock, as well as the misuse of the available productive resources. The study recommended increasing the number of the flock in the available production capacities according to scientific bases in order to achieve the reduction of fixed production costs and training broiler breeders on advanced technical methods To achieve efficiency in managing the broiler herd, thus minimizing production costs and maximizing profits.

Benchmarking Marine Energy Technologies Through LCA: Offshore Floating Wind Farms in the Mediterranean

Floating wind turbines are a valid option for offshore wind farms in the Mediterranean, where the sea-floor falls off rapidly with distance from the coastline. The present study concerns a Life Cycle Assessment of the environmental performance of two types of floating wind turbine. Greenhouse gas emissions of two standard models (raft-buoy and spar-buoy, 154 m rotor diameter, 6 MW installed power) were estimated in terms of Global Warming Potential (t CO2eq) with the aim of determining a benchmark for evaluating the performance of similar offshore wind farms. Thus, the aim of the paper was to create a benchmark for the design of innovative technologies, such as those developed by specialist companies, and to verify the validity of new designs and technologies in terms of avoided greenhouse gas emissions. The results show that the Carbon Intensity of Electricity of a single floating wind turbine varies in the range 26–79 g CO2eq·kWh−1, averaging 49 g CO2eq·kWh−1, in line with other studies of offshore wind turbines and other renewable energy sources (such as onshore wind and photovoltaic). Extension of our study to the whole life cycle, including manufacturing, assembly and installation, maintenance and material replacement and a hypothetical decommissioning and end-of-life, showed that wind farms are among the most promising marine renewable energy technologies for the Mediterranean.

Agricultural Cooperatives and Their Impact on Economic Performance of Farms in Slovakia

Effects of membership in cooperative organizations was investigated in many studies, and their results were sometimes controversial. Presented paper contributes to discussion related to cooperative membership by comparing members and non-members, with elimination of self-selection bias, to identify motivation to become member and main effects coming from membership in producer organization. Panel data used in the presented analysis are from Ministry of Agriculture of Slovak Republic at farm level for period of years 2009-2016, which was the most recent available data. Propensity score matching approach was applied to eliminate self-selection bias and to create sample of members and corresponding non-member farms in each year. Difference between these two groups were evaluated by methods of statistical inference. In general, it can be concluded, that in presented period were members of producer organizations more profitable than non-members. Also difference in total revenue was significant in period of year 2010-2013, which means probably successful using of advantage from better bargaining position of producer organization, compared to non-members. Significant difference in profit disappeared in last three years 2014-2016, this could suggest, that membership in producer organization was less attractive to many farms which led to decrease in number of members. Membership in producer organization probably improved economic performance of farms in Slovakia in period 2009-2013, but this advantage disappeared in last years. This could be probably linked to support for producer organizations from European Union in period 2007-2013.

Factors determining the economic performance of Litopeneaus vannamei (whiteleg shrimp), aquaculture in Tamil Nadu, India

Shrimp aquaculture has gained significant attention to meet the animal protein need of the growing world population and is widely cultured in semi-intensive methods around the world including India. Here, we examined the growth performance and enterprise budget of shrimp farming using field-level survey data from 194 farms in Tamil Nadu for successive two crops of a year. An estimated shrimp production was 5880 kg/ha/crop from an average pond size of 2.93 ha and stocking density of 39 numbers m−2 for a culture period of 92 days. Similarly, in terms of feed, a total of 9117 kg/ha/crop was found to be used with an average food conversion ratio of 1.55 kg. An initial capital investment requirement of USD $ 22062.11 was observed. The fixed cost of USD $ 2984.21 and variable cost of USD $ 40685.13 were recorded in the production process of shrimp. The harvested shrimp quantity (5880 kg/ha/crop) generated gross revenue of USD $ 50405.56 ha/yr. The calculated net revenue for the shrimp farms of Tamil Nadu was USD $ 6736.22. The Cobb–Douglas production function results showed that water salinity, culture days, stocking density, quantity of feed used, shrimp harvest size, harvest count, daily weight gain, specific growth rate and survival rate was positively influencing the economic performance of the shrimp but not statistically significant. Whereas, the food conversion ratio statistically negatively influenced the economic performance of shrimp production in Tamil Nadu.

Dampak Kemitraan Closed Loop Terhadap Pendapatan dan Efisiensi Usahatani Cabai

The issue of an imbalance in demand and supply of red chili and fluctuating red chili prices have initiated the Ministry of Economy, especially the Deputy for Food and Agribusiness Coordination, to implement a pilot of closed loop partnership model. The partnership is a form of cooperation that is beneficial for parties who have agreed, usually, partnerships are formed and carried out between parties who have agreed and have been bound by an agreement, SOP, or contract. The purpose of this study is there is an impact on the income and farm efficiency of chili farmers in partnership with non-partner farmers in Garut and Sukabumi Regency?. The data analysis carried out includes qualitative data analysis methods that are described descriptively in the analysis of farm performance. The quantitative analysis method used farm income analysis, income and cost comparison analysis (R/C Ratio), and different test analyses to determine the level of efficiency of chili farming commodities by partner and non-partner farmers in Garut and Sukabumi Regency. The results of this study indicate that the profit of closed loop chili farming is more profitable (IDR89.889.654/ha/season with R/C=2,06). Although the productivity and quality of chili produced by closed loop farmers (8,691 tons/ha) is relatively similar to non-closed loop farmers (8,491 tons/ha), it can be seen that the price received by closed loop farmers is higher (IDR15.457/kg) compared to the price received by non-closed loop farmers (IDR11.998/kg). The closed loop partnership model can be considered to have a positive impact on the income and efficiency of chili farming.

Analysis of Life Extension Performance Metrics for Optimal Management of Offshore Wind Assets

Abstract The main objective of this study is to develop an optimal life extension management strategy for ageing offshore wind farms. Finding the appropriate performance metric for an operation is essential for a durable, reliable, and profitable offshore wind farm operation. To this end, the key metrics to evaluate the life extension performance of an offshore wind farm are investigated. The mean value and the standard deviation of each performance metric are calculated using a probabilistic techno-economic assessment framework for a single offshore wind asset, which is later extended to evaluate the whole offshore wind farm by the multi-asset portfolio optimization. In this regard, the Markowitz modern portfolio theory is applied to estimate a risk-adjusted return parameter, the Sharpe ratio of the overall portfolio of offshore wind assets. Later on, the key performance metrics are compared to identify the most suitable metrics at different stages of life extension, and a further discussion is given for different offshore wind farm sizes. Moreover, the optimal management strategy, which maximizes the Sharpe ratio of the overall offshore wind farm, is analyzed using one of the key performance metrics under optimistic, moderate, and pessimistic scenarios. Finally, the optimal allocation (portfolio) of offshore wind assets attained based on the mean-variance optimization is presented for the different stages of the life extension of the offshore wind farms accounting for the uncertainty propagation during the life extension.

Parameterising the Impact of Roughness Evolution on Wind Turbine Performance

This paper presents a study investigating the effects of surface roughness on airfoil performance and its consequences for wind turbine energy yield. This study examined 51 sets of experimental data across 16 airfoils to identify trends in roughened airfoil performance. The trends are used to formulate a novel ‘roughness evolution parameter’ that can be applied to airfoils with no roughened data available to predict the impact of roughness on performance. Blade element momentum theory is used to model the performance of the DTU 10 MW reference wind turbine, with uniformly roughened blades emulated using the roughness evolution parameter. An annual energy production loss between 0.6–9.6% is found for the DTU 10 MW turbine when considering a plausible range of values for the roughness evolution parameter derived from the experimental data. A framework has been developed to evaluate how the roughness evolution parameter changes over time, informed by observed changes in wind farm performance from previous studies.

Precision feeding of lactating sows: implementation and evaluation of a decision support system in farm conditions.

Precision feeding (PF) aims to provide the right amount of nutrients at the right time for each animal. Lactating sows generally receive the same diet, which either results in insufficient supply and body reserve mobilization, or excessive supply and high nutrient excretion. With the help of online measuring devices, computational methods, and smart feeders, we introduced the first PF decision support system (DSS) for lactating sows. Precision (PRE) and conventional (STD) feeding strategies were compared in commercial conditions. Every day each PRE sow received a tailored ration that had been computed by the DSS. This ration was obtained by blending a diet with a high AA and mineral content (13.00 g/kg SID Lys, 4.50 g/kg digestible P) and a diet low in AAs and minerals (6.50 g/kg SID Lys, 2.90 g/kg digestible P). All STD sows received a conventional diet (10.08 g/kg SID Lys, 3.78 g/kg digestible P). Before the trial, the DSS was fitted to farm performance for the prediction of piglet average daily gain (PADG) and sow daily feed intake (DFI), with data from 1,691 and 3,712 lactations, respectively. Sow and litter performance were analyzed for the effect of feeding strategy with ANOVA, with results considered statistically significant when P < 0.05. The experiment involved 239 PRE and 240 STD sows. DFI was similarly high in both treatments (PRE: 6.59, STD: 6.45 kg/d; P = 0.11). Litter growth was high (PRE: 2.96, STD: 3.06 kg/d), although it decreased slightly by about 3% in PRE compared to STD treatments (P < 0.05). Sow body weight loss was low, although it was slightly higher in PRE sows (7.7 vs. 2.1 kg, P < 0.001), which might be due to insufficient AA supply in some sows. Weaning to estrus interval (5.6 d) did not differ. In PRE sows SID Lys intake (PRE: 7.7, STD: 10.0 g/kg; P < 0.001) and digestible P intake (PRE: 3.2, STD: 3.8 g/kg; P < 0.001) declined by 23% and 14%, respectively, and feed cost decreased by 12%. For PRE sows, excretion of N and P decreased by 28% and 42%, respectively. According to these results, PF appears to be a very promising strategy for lactating sows.

Determination of puberty in gilts: contrast of diagnostic methods

BackgroundEarly onset of a gilt´s puberty is needed for adequate economic performance in farms, because it indicates her reproductive performance and longevity. Therefore, an effective diagnosis is needed. Our purpose was to compare different procedures (external characteristics, blood progesterone analysis and ultrasonography diagnosis) to detect puberty in 70 gilts (Topigs TN70; 240 days old) on farm conditions. Postmortem examination was the standard reference. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify which combination of independent variables (predictors) best predicts the status of gilts.ResultsPuberty (46/70 gilts; 65.71%) was characterized by the presence of follicles larger than 6 mm, corpus albicans, corpus rubrum, and corpus luteum (postmortem examination). Vaginal length, body condition, backfat, carcass weight and progesterone blood concentration were significantly higher in pubertal than prepubertal gilts (P < 0.05). Two types of ultrasonography equipment (DELTA and W3) were compared and performed by the same senior technician (V1). The results obtained by two technicians with different levels of experience (V1 and V2, a junior technician) using W3 were also compared. Ultrasonography provided better results than other diagnostic techniques, although the effectiveness of the ultrasonography changed with technological improvements and with increased expertise of technicians. The most accurate results were found by V1/DELTA (Nagelkerke´s R2 = 0.846; Sensitivity = 0.956; Specificity = 0.958; Positive predictive value = 0.978; Negative predictive value = 0.920; Area under ROC curve = 0.957). Results using the W3 equipment could be improved when used in conjunction with vaginal length (V1; Nagelkerke´s R2 = 0.834; Sensitivity = 0.933; Specificity = 0.958; Positive predictive value = 0.977; Negative predictive value = 0.885; Area under ROC curve = 0.972) or progesterone concentration (V2; Nagelkerke´s R2 = 0.780; Sensitivity = 0.955; Specificity = 0.826; Positive predictive value = 0.915; Negative predictive value = 0.905; Area under ROC curve = 0.970).ConclusionsUltrasonography provided better results than other diagnostic techniques. The effectiveness of the ultrasonography changes with technological improvements and with increased expertise of technicians. Results using the W3 equipment could be improved when used along with vaginal length (V1) or progesterone concentration (V2). Accuracy parameters are a guide to choose puberty diagnosis, but the farms must also evaluate effect on gilts, ease and cost of administration.

Typological analysis of farming systems diversity and performance: A case study of Southern Tunisia

In Tunisian arid regions, farming systems are increasingly exposed to quick environmental and socio-economic changes, which may reduce their performance and resilience. This paper seeks to assess the performance of farming systems in the district of Sidi Makhlouf (Southeast of Tunisia) considering their diversity. Thus, a typology of farms based on data from the 2004-2005 structure surveys was developed using multidimensional analyzes and the expert method. Multidimensional analyzes have identified three groups of farms: “Rain-fed olive farms”, “Irrigated farms”, and “Livestock farms”. Representative farms were chosen by local agricultural experts to conduct an in-depth analysis of the identified groups. Then, two field surveys were performed with the chosen farmers. Characterization and analysis of homogeneous "reference farm groups" confirm their socioeconomic and technical performance diversity, according to the capital endowment and the strategies implemented by farmers. These results suggest that agricultural policies and interventions should be targeted to strengthen performances and to respond to the specific contexts of each farms’ group.

The Effect of Individual Characteristics and Entrepreneurship on Rice Farming Performance

Entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector produces creative, innovative, and independent farmers who can improve farm performance. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the impact of individual characteristics and entrepreneurship on rice farming performance. The method employed in this research was a descriptive method to provide a qualitative description of individual characteristics and entrepreneurship in the performance of rice farming. The research was executed in one of the rice-producing centers in Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan. The simple random sampling method was used in selecting farmers with 150 respondents selected as the sample size. Furthermore, the research variables involved were individual characteristics, farmer’s entrepreneurship, and rice farming performance. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observations, and analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SMART-PLS software. The results showed that individual characteristics and entrepreneurship had a significant and positive effect on rice farming performance. Consequently, it can be concluded to improve rice farming performance, farmers suggested strengthening their characteristics, particularly those related to farming motivation, and enhancing their entrepreneurial characteristics through their task and outcome-oriented behavior.

Improvement in feed efficiency and reduction in nutrient loading from rainbow trout farms: the role of selective breeding.

Resource efficiency, the ratio of inputs to outputs, is essential for both the economic and environmental performance of any sector of food production. This study quantified the advancement in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and reduction in nutrient loading from rainbow trout farming in Finland and the degree to which genetic improvements made by a national breeding program have contributed to this advancement. The study combined two datasets. One included annual records on farm-level performance of commercial rainbow trout farms from 1980 onwards, and the other included individuals across eight generations of the national breeding program. The data from the commercial farms showed that from 1980 onwards, the farm-level feed conversion ratio improved by 53.4%, and the specific nitrogen and phosphorus loading from the farms decreased by over 70%. Hence, to produce 1 kg of fish today, only half of the feed is needed compared to the 1980s. The first generation of the breeding program was established in 1992. The FCR was not directly selected for, and hence, the genetic improvement in the FCR is a correlated genetic change in response to the selection for growth and body composition. Since 1992, the estimated genetic improvement in the FCR has been 1.74% per generation, resulting in a cumulative genetic improvement of 11.6% in eight generations. Genetic improvement in the FCR is estimated to be 32.6% of the total improvement in the FCR observed at farms, implying that genetic improvement is a significant contributor to resource efficiency. The use of genetically improved rainbow trout, instead of the base population of fish, reduces feed costs by 18.3% and total production costs by 7.8% at commercial farms (by −0.266€ per kg of ungutted fish). For phosphorus and nitrogen, it can be assumed that the use of fish material with an improved FCR also leads to 18.3% less nitrogen and phosphorus flowing into an aquatic environment. Such improvements in resource efficiency are win–wins for both industry and the environment—the same amount of seafood can be produced with significantly reduced amounts of raw materials and reduced environmental impact.

Conventional vs. Organic Agriculture-Which One Promotes Better Yields and Microbial Resilience in Rapidly Changing Climates?

In recent years, agricultural productivity has been affected dramatically by climate-related events such as drought. On the other hand, agricultural intensification is expected to increase to satisfy the need for increased global food production. Microbes associated with soil and plants produce a range of bioactive natural products that significantly contribute to crop stress tolerance. Therefore, a better understanding of the parallel effects of agricultural management (conventional and organic croplands) and climate conditions on soil-microbe-plant interactions is crucial to maximizing the effort in engineering a plant microbiome that can better support productivity in agroecosystems. This paper provides a general overview of the major current debates on conventional and organic farming performance regarding yields, particularly under ambient and future climate conditions. With the main focus on cropland, the effect of agricultural management on soil and plant microbiomes is discussed. In addition, the advantage of incorporating microbiome-based approaches into current farming practices to ensure agricultural productivity with less adverse environmental impacts is highlighted. To enhance crop production under organic farming without massive land-use changes and expansion of farmland, the microbial-based approach can be used to ensure higher productivity, particularly under a rapidly changing climate.