Large Farms Research Articles

The impact of efficiency on the profitability of large farms in the Visegrad Four

The impact of efficiency on the profitability of large farms in the Visegrad Four

Costs and Profit Assessment of Layer Eggs Farming in Punjab, India

A study was conducted with primary data collected from 100 layer producers chosen by proportion probability sampling technique distributed across all the regions of Punjab. The results showed that the educational status of the head of the family was observed in 41 per cent of layer farmers who got the above matric standard. The variable and fixed costs accounted for 96.66 and 3.34 per cent, respectively of the total costs. Poultry feed followed by pullets feed was found to be the most important item of variable cost to the extent of `657.19(US $7.83) in absolute terms and accounted for 65.42 per cent of the maintenance cost of layer production. The gross returns from poultry farming were `1093.55 (US $13.04) per bird. The output-input ratio on layer farms was 1.09 which revealed that poultry is a profitable enterprise and based on output-input ratios, large poultry farms were more efficient as compared to medium and small. While comparing the mortality rate across categories the large layer farmers were found efficient due to better management and adequate needed infrastructure. On the whole, it can be concluded that poultry production is a profitable venture and eggs production a most favoured subsidiary enterprise among the Punjab farmers.

87 Estimation of genetic parameters for activity levels in North American Holstein cattle

Abstract High-producing dairy cows face various challenges during their productive life, including metabolic and infectious diseases, heat stress, and intensive management practices. Therefore, dairy cattle breeding programs have begun to focus on novel traits related to the overall resilience of the cows. Resilience has been defined as the ability of an animal to be minimally affected or to recover quickly from environmental disturbances while maintaining a certain level of productivity. In dairy cattle, resilience can be evaluated using measurements of longitudinal indicator traits, such as activity level, which are repeatedly measured throughout the lifetime of the animal. Variability in activity (defined in this study as average steps per hour and daily steps taken) might be a key indicator of resilience, due to activity of contemporary group animals deviating from normal behavior in less resilient cattle. Before resilience indicators are defined based on variability in certain longitudinal traits, there is a need for evaluating the genetic background of the source variable. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to estimate variance components and genetic parameters of activity traits in lactating Holstein cows. The data was collected from a large dairy farm located in Indiana, using milking systems. Records from 6,332 Holstein cows for the traits of average activity per hour and number of daily steps were used in the analyses. The models used for the estimation of variance components included the significant (P < 0.05) fixed effects of contemporary group defined based on the concatenation of calving year and season, parity number (1, 2, 3+), pregnancy group (0 mo, 1-3 mo, 4-6 mo, and 7-9 mo), and days in milk (2-wkclasses), and the random effects of direct additive genetic, permanent environment, and residual effects. Genetic parameters were estimated for average activity per hour and daily steps for all parities together. Heritability estimates were calculated based on single-trait repeatability models and the (AI) REML method implemented in the BLUPF90+ software. Daily steps taken had a heritability (± SE) of 0.05 (± 0.02) and a repeatability of 0.29 (± 0.02). Activity per hour had a heritability estimate of 0.12 (± 0.04) and a repeatability of 0.57 (± 0.01). These results indicate that activity level is heritable in North American Holstein cattle and can be added to selection indexes if proven to be a key auxiliary trait for improving dairy cattle sustainability. As a next step, we will investigate the genetic relationship of activity traits with other relevant traits and derive resilience indicators based on variability in activity level.

Livestock Entrepreneurs’ Willingness to Pay (WTP) for Livestock Insurance: The Role of Capital and Financial Burden of Lumpy Skin Disease

In Punjab, Pakistan, livestock business owners are at high risk of losing their primary source of income due to the continually emerging lumpy skin disease. The sustainability of such financial risks can be managed through insurance; thus, this study explores the willingness of the 454 livestock entrepreneurs to pay for livestock insurance. Using an independent samples t-test, the study confirms that willingness to pay has a positive relationship with the size of owned farmland, total herd size, and annual income from crops, which are statistically significant at 1%. However, conventional attributes such as age, education, and off-farm income have no significant effect on willingness to pay at a 10% significance level. From the results of this study, insurance policies should be designed to facilitate the participation of entrepreneurs with larger farms and herds and higher crop income in livestock insurance programs.: This could positively affect the finances and the region's future of livestock business people.

Pseudopregnancy in Murciano-Granadina dairy goats in Iran: prevalence, risk factors and treatment

This study was conducted in a large industrial Murciano-Granadina dairy goat farm, aiming to investigate prevalence, risk factors and cure rate of pseudopregnancy. Bred does (N = 1310) were examined by ultrasonography, around 40 days after exposure to bucks. The relationships between age, parity, milk production, season, and prevalence of pseudopregnancy were analyzed. In the second part of the study, two groups of affected does (n = 12) were treated by two intramuscular injections of cloprostenol sodium (100 µg per animal, i.m.) 11 days apart, or received the same treatment regimen together with procaine penicillin (20000 IU/kg) and dihydrostreptomycin (20 mg/kg) for three consecutive days, from the time of diagnosis. The prevalence of pseudopregnancy was 9%. The average age of the diseased goats was higher (P = 0.05) compared to non-affected does. The prevalence of pseudopregnancy varied between different age groups (P = 0.0003) and parities (P < 0.0001). A different prevalence of pseudopregnancy was found between different milk production groups (P < 0.0001). Comparing milk production between normal and diseased does showed tended significance, (P = 0.07). The prevalence of pseudopregnancy was similar in and out of the breeding season. Moreover, the cure rate in the first and second treatment group was 66.8% (8/12), and 75% (9/12), respectively (P = 0.6). In conclusion, despite higher prevalence of pseudopregnancy in certain ages and milk production groups, no significant trend by increasing age and milk production group was found. Moreover, adding antibiotic to prostaglandin treatment regimen, failed to significantly improve cure rate and post treatment pregnancy rate.

The state and the development of business organisations in Benin, ca. 1440–1897

Abstract The focus of this paper is on business organisations in Benin and their interplay with the state from the era of Oba Ewuare up to the fall of the Kingdom in 1897. The paper analyses economic nationalism in the kingdom and the roles in the protection and development of identified business groups during the period. Knowledge of business organisations in pre-British Benin and their relationship with the state, which aided their development between ca. 1440 and 1897 is a vacuum in the study of African business organisations and will be useful in understanding economic nationalism from an African perspective. The study adopts the historical method and requires a multidisciplinary approach for interpretation and reliability. As such, both primary and secondary sources were utilised, and the findings confirm that several business organisations in manufacturing, trading and in large scale crop farming existed. The work provides insights into the entrepreneurs, composition and operations of these businesses. The findings also reveal how trading and industrial activities were controlled and what implications this had for the development of these businesses and the state. The work shows in addition how these businesses benefited from the security and licences granted by the state as well as how the state used these businesses to mount up economic power and political stability.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Use on Chinese Dairy Farms: Awareness and Opinions Regarding Selective Treatments of Farm Managers.

In China's expanding dairy industry, a lack of oversight regarding antimicrobial use and increasing antimicrobial resistance are evident. Selective treatments of dairy cows for clinical mastitis or dry cow therapy are proposed to promote judicious antimicrobial use without adversely impacting cattle health. These approaches have been successfully implemented on farms in other countries. On 28 October 2023, a 2-day in-person seminar was held in Beijing, China, on selective antimicrobial treatments of dairy cows for clinical mastitis or dry cow therapy on large Chinese dairy farms. Concurrently, a qualitative study involving 15 technical managers from the 13 largest Chinese dairy groups used focus group discussions and questionnaires to explore perspectives on selective treatments of dairy cows for clinical mastitis or dry cow therapy. The main outcomes assessed were opinions and concerns regarding implementing selective antimicrobial treatments. Although there was diversity of cognition on AMR and selective treatments, the technical managers were generally positive regarding adoption of selective treatments. However, they expressed a need for more evidence and tools, including anticipated economic impacts, effects of delaying treatment until diagnosis, accurate interpretation of milk recording data, safe use of internal teat sealants, and spread of pathogens. Participants stressed the need for awareness, staff training, farm management, and China-specific standards, suggesting large-scale trials to assess efficacy of selective treatments. The findings revealed key challenges and barriers currently impeding selective AMU practices. These insights could inform efforts to promote judicious AMU on farms through targeted treatment regimens, reducing mounting selective pressure driving resistance.

AN ECONOMICS OF POTATO PRODUCTION IN KANGRA DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

In Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its disease-free quality seed potato production, an economic study of 200 growers grouped into small (105) and large (95) farms revealed an overall cost of cultivation at Rs. 94,667 per farm and Rs. 3,08,051 per ha in 2022-23. Among all inputs, potato seed accounted for 29% per hectare, while human labor constituted 27% of costs. The total variable cost was 89%, with fixed costs at 11% per ha. Gross income averaged Rs. 4,67,705 per ha. Efficiency analysis across farm categories showed the cost of potato production at Rs. 250 per quintal (q). Large farms exhibited a slightly higher output-input ratio (1.52) compared to small farms. Production costs ranged from Rs. 1,195 to Rs. 1,270 per q for large and small farms, respectively, with variable costs higher on small farms (Rs. 1,117) than on large ones (Rs. 1,074) per q. The reported benefit-cost ratio stood at 1.88, indicating favorable returns. Potato prices ranged from Rs. 1,860 to Rs. 1,880 per q, with larger farms realizing higher prices. Break-even analysis suggested the need for small, large, and overall farm categories to achieve at least 50.72, 38.02, and 44.14 q of potatoes, respectively, to maintain a no-profit, no-loss condition. The analysis underscores potential profit increase by optimizing human labor, manure, and fertilizer use.

Simulating farm structural change dynamics in Thessaly (Greece) using a recursive programming model

Although the policy impacts on farms accumulate year by year, most farm decision models focus on short-term decisions, evaluating policies based on snapshots. Structural changes are gradually built; therefore, farm decision models should consider the sequences within the period under study. Multiyear data from the arable sector in Thessaly, Greece, have fed a newly developed recursive programming model mainly to simulate farm structural change dynamics. The proposed model incorporates new evidence on the strategic decision of arable crop farms regarding their remaining in the production system and farm expansion. Results reveal an evident gradual farmland concentration in relatively large farms, accompanied by a gradual expansion of the most profitable cropping activities, verifying the real-world survival strategy of farms.

Utilization Patterns of Milk and Milk Products among Various End Users in Karnataka, India: A Comparative Analysis

The utilization patterns of milk and milk products in Karnataka were investigated through a study of 100 farmers and 50 consumers. The focus was on how milk was retained, consumed and transformed into various products. It was found that significant variation existed in milk production and consumption across different herd sizes. Small, medium, and large farmers were reported to produce an average of 33.80, 45.18 and 66.26 liters of milk per day, respectively, with family consumption accounting for 19.23 per cent, 17.37 per cent and 15.84 per cent of their production. Larger herds were associated with increased milk production, which allowed for a greater surplus to be sold. Utilization patterns showed that small farmers retained 6.5 liters of milk daily, consuming 32.94 per cent as liquid milk and converting 64.23 per cent into curd, with minimal ghee production. In contrast, large farmers retained 10.5 liters daily, consuming 43.80 per cent as liquid milk and converting 53.12 per cent into curd. This indicated a trend towards higher liquid milk consumption and varying product transformation depending on herd size. Consumer data indicated that rural households spent an average of ₹141.18 on 2.41 kg of milk products daily, while urban households spent ₹142.10 on 2.25 kg. Despite higher costs, urban consumers spent more on liquid milk, whereas rural consumers allocated more to curd and ghee. These findings reflected regional price differences and consumption preferences. Overall, the study highlighted the complex dynamics of milk utilization, with varying consumption patterns and product transformations observed across different farmer categories and consumer demographics. This information was deemed crucial for optimizing milk production and distribution strategies in Karnataka.

A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF POTATO GROWERS IN KANGRA DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

This study investigates the socio-economic status of potato farmers in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. This district was chosen specifically because it has a substantial area under potato cultivation. The required information was gathered from two potato-growing blocks in the district. The study revealed that the majority of household heads (57%) are between the ages of 16 and 40, with an average family size of five to seven people. Agriculture and livestock rearing emerge as the primary sources of income for most farms, with an average farm size of 1.76 ha, 74% of which are irrigated. During the Kharif season, vegetable crops are dominant, while potatoes are important during the Rabi season, with an average of 21.23 ha per farm. Potato productivity varies, with large farms producing 253.75 q/ha versus 246.43 q/ha on small farms. Agriculture-related earnings, or farm earnings, account for 45.2% of total farm income, with potatoes accounting for 8%, while non-farm income accounts for ~26.5%. Future research topics include investigating the impact of climate change on potato farming and evaluating the effectiveness of agricultural policies in terms of income and productivity. Further research could look into the effects of modern farming techniques on sustainability and profitability, potentially providing insights into improving agricultural practices in the region.

The applicability study of the large wind farm wake effect model

Abstract As the scale of the wind farm becomes bigger and the wind turbines are increasingly clustered, a large wind farm wake effect occurs. In this work, the initial distance where the large wind farm wake effect model starts to take effect is investigated analytically. The large wind farm wake effect is evaluated by constructing a large-scale wind farm with a regular arrangement of wind turbines similar to Horns Rev. The essential variables that influence the wind deficit trend of the large wind farm wake effect model are explored numerically. The wake deficit becomes more obvious as the surface roughness gets lower, the apparent turbine spacing gets smaller, or the thrust coefficient decreases. The wake deficits between the large wind farm wake effect model and the wake superposition of the modified Park model are compared. The transition distance, where the dominator of the wind deficit switches from the modified Park model to the large wind farm wake effect model, moves upstream along the incoming wind for the rougher surface or the lower thrust coefficient. In addition, for the similar resultant turbine spacing, the slightly staggered wind farm layout does not show an obvious influence on the wake deficit obtained by the large wind farm wake effect model.

Economic Analysis of Broiler Poultry Production in Uttar Pradesh

Poultry farming is an important income-generating activity for farmers. The present study looked into the costs and returns of broiler poultry farming in the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. Primary data collected from 60 broiler units in the district was used for analysis. The overall average cost of production was around `138.46 per bird and `111.41 per kg live weight. The cost of production was highest for small farms and lowest for large farms. Chick and feed costs together accounted for more than 75 per cent of the total cost of production. The net return realized per kilogramme of broiler chicken was `11.34, 15.05, and 17.14 in small, medium, and large farms, respectively, with an overall average of `13.27. The overall average value of NPK content of poultry faecal matter produced in the farms in a year was `12241.88. Only a few (11.67 per cent) farmers were using poultry waste for compost making. Many (41.67 per cent) of them were disposing of it as waste. The study stressed the need for interventions to reduce chick and feed costs, training on scientific poultry farming, and proper management of poultry waste. Keywords: Broiler poultry, costs, returns, waste disposal. JEL Codes: D20, Q10, Q12.

Current state of ‘Majhoul’ date palm in the Tinejdad region, Tafilalet area, Morocco

This research work was carried out on about twenty farms of different sizes where ‘Majhoul’ date palm is cultivated in the various oases extensions in the Tinejdad region, Tafilalet area. It focused on the cultivation practices of this variety, mainly fruit thinning which is crucial in the production of ‘Majhoul’ date palm and concerned about farmers because of its high cost as it requires skilled labor. And this in order to study the impact of this manual thinning on the production costs of ‘Majhoul’ date palm in the region and to make an alternative to this manual practice which is expensive, by using another method, mainly chemical thinning which is not expensive. Obtained results showed that 60% of the surveyed farmers practiced manual fruit thinning and that the cost of this operation seems to be expensive for the farmers. It costs 20 MAD per palm tree in large farms (containing more than 300 palm trees), 10 MAD per palm tree in the medium farms (100-300 palm trees) and 6 MAD per palm tree in the small farms (less than 100 palm trees). This cost represents 14 to 15% of the production costs of large and medium-sized farms of ‘Majhoul’ date palm in the region.

Evaluation of Herbicides Efficacy against Weeds in Coffee (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Coffea arabica &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;L.) at Jimma Southwest, Ethiopia

Weeds are one of the most serious causes of economic losses in agricultural production. As a result weed completions contributes 60 to 80% yield losses in coffee under Jimma condition. Currently, expensiveness of weed management has been a principle issue in economic analysis of coffee production particularly in large scale farm in Ethiopia. Hence, evaluation of systemic herbicide with different mode of action is essential to effectively control dangerous weeds in coffee production system. The study was conducted in Jimma Agricultural Research Center in 2021 cropping season at Jimma Agricultural Research Center on Station to evaluate the efficacy of newly introduced herbicides (Fascinate 280SL at 3.3l/h, Jimila 480% SL at 3.0l/h and Proper 360 SL at 3.0l/ha) against major weeds in coffee. Tested herbicides (Fascinate 280SL, Jimila 480% SL and Proper 360 SL) were effectively controlled the noxious weeds infested coffee experimental plots. These herbicides also showed significant effect on inhibiting weed density over standard check. The herbicide were effective in controlling weeds in coffee safe for crops if applied at active growth stage of weeds following the instructions on technical guide line of herbicides properly. Therefore, the herbicides were recommended used as management option against weeds in coffee with the application rate mentioned above

Farm size and biosecurity measures associated with Strongylus vulgaris infection in horses.

Selective anthelmintic treatment, advocated due to evolving anthelmintic resistance, has been associated with an increase in Strongylus vulgaris prevalence. Reverting to routine interval anthelmintic treatments is not viable and therefore, identifying other management factors correlated with S. vulgaris infection is vital. To investigate possible risk factors associated with the presence of S. vulgaris infection in resident horses on Swedish horse establishments. Internet-based questionnaire survey. A questionnaire, created using the internet-based survey platform Netigate, was distributed to owners of equine establishments throughout Sweden via established equine platforms and social media channels. The survey was available for response from 21 May until 1 September 2022. Questions were closed ended with branching logic paths. Four factors were significantly associated with S. vulgaris infection, with an increased odds of infection seen in livery yards (odds ratio [OR] 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-2.36, p = 0.004) and premises with more than 10 resident horses (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.64-3.56, p < 0.001). A lower odds of infection were seen in establishments using quarantine routines (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50-0.96, p = 0.03) and anthelmintic treatment of new horses prior to arrival at the premise (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.18-0.74, p = 0.005). Due to the presence of S. vulgaris infection in the present study being based on S. vulgaris diagnostics performed at the farm level, any association between faecal diagnostic use and risk of infection could not be investigated. Although the use of diagnostics for S. vulgaris can keep infection rates low, large farms or livery yards with many different horse owners, and those with low use of biosecurity measures as regards to new horses arriving at the premise, are associated with a higher risk of infection.

Factors Influencing the Choice of Value Addition Among Kiwi Growers in Ilam, Nepal

Value addition helps farmer to overcome financial difficulties during market crises. Production of value-added product is the best possible alternative to diversify income sources for farmers in developing countries like Nepal. However, the choice of value addition is low among kiwi growers in Nepal. An investigation was carried out to identify existing value-added products and factors influencing the choice of value addition among kiwi growers in Ilam district, Nepal. Primary data were gathered using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire with 39 randomly selected kiwi growers from the study area during 2023, followed by Focus Group Discussion and Key Informant Interview with selected individuals. Descriptive statistics and a logit model were used to analyze the findings of the study. The results revealed that juice was the commonly produced product. Farm size was statistically significant in production of value-added products. Thus, extension agencies of government and non-governmental organizations should primarily focus on large farms for better adoption of value addition. Similarly, provisions to increase farm sizes can be made by providing cost-effective lease in options or even subsidies to lease in land. Group based farming enterprises should be promoted to increase the adoption.

Solar empowerment in agriculture: investigating photovoltaic energy’s impact on efficiency among wheat farmers

Persistent electricity shortages in Pakistan, causing prolonged grid power load shedding, have adversely impacted various sectors, notably agriculture and the livelihoods of rural farmers. Literature suggests that adopting photovoltaic solar energy can mitigate these issues. This research aims to measure the impact of photovoltaic solar energy on the technical efficiency of food productivity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, applying data from 580 respondents. Addressing self-selective bias through ESR and stochastic frontier production function model is utilized to assess technical efficiency. The findings of this study reveal that farmers using solar energy experience a significant improvement in technical efficiency, with 15.8 percent of them achieving a 7.643 percent increase, after accounting for self-selection bias. Furthermore, the positive effects are more pronounced among larger farms and those with greater farming experience. This study underscores the importance of evidence-based approaches in implementing solar energy solutions, highlighting their potential to foster sustainability and equitable development at the grassroots level. The research culminates with policy recommendations that underscore the importance of promoting the photovoltaic solar energy use among farmers to improve food security and increase agricultural productivity.

Socio-Economic Perspective of Milk Producers of District Ghazipur of Uttar Pradesh, India

Socio-economic analysis play crucial role in implementation of any policy. This study, conducted in the Gazipur District of Uttar Pradesh, focuses on the current state of milk production costs. The research employs a descriptive and analytical design, using a survey methodology to categorize cattle owners into small, medium, and large-scale operations based on the number of cattle owned. A total of 10 villages were randomly selected from two blocks, with 150 milk producers chosen for in-depth study from each size category (small, medium, and large). The survey collected data on various demographics, including age, gender, education level, and social categories, as well as detailed information on milk marketing and socioeconomics. Results indicate that out of the 150 respondents, 76 were small-scale farmers, 43 were medium-scale, and 31 were large-scale. The majority of respondents (78%) were male. Economic analysis revealed that small households had an average annual income of Rs. 198,879, medium households Rs. 158,044, and large households Rs. 274,970. Non-farm income was highest for large farms (Rs. 148,140), followed by medium (Rs. 123,024) and small farms. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and marketing practices of milk producers in Gazipur, highlighting key areas for potential improvement and policy intervention.

An updated reconstruction of Campi Flegrei caldera (southern Italy) ground deformation history and its interaction with the human sphere since Roman time

Since the 19th century, many scientists have tried to reconstruct the ground motions that occurred in the Campi Flegrei caldera, one of the most dangerous volcanos in the Mediterranean area. This study aims to assess the joint effects of vertical ground movements and anthropic forcing along the coasts of this volcanic area. A huge dataset of hundreds of archeo-stratigraphic boreholes was coupled with direct and indirect surveys of the main underwater archaeological sites scattered along the whole coastal sector and with the reinterpretation of bibliographic sources. Clear evidence of a differential volcano-tectonic behaviour (highlighted for the first time in this study) led us to divide the study area into three coastal stretches with homogeneous vertical ground movements. In each sector, a new relative sea-level (RSL) curve was reconstructed, by interpreting our stratigraphic and archaeological data in terms of SL markers covering a wider timespan compared to the previous studies, from the first Roman urbanization to the present day. The comparison between RSL curves and GIA models allowed estimating vertical ground movements (See Supplementary material 2) that occurred along the coast with decimetres accuracy. For each of the 5 recognized phase of uplift or subsidence, we also studied the subsequent effects in terms of coastal geomorphological change, and advantages or negative impacts on ancient human activities. We measured an overall subsiding trend that brought the RSL from −12 ± 1 m (4th century BC) to 7 ± 0.2 m during three different episodes between 5th and 15th centuries (1450–450 y BP), which was interrupted by short-lived falls (less of 100 years) of RSL. During the phases of RSL fall and/or volcano-tectonic stability, detected for the first time in the eastern and western part of the caldera (1st-2nd century AD and 3rd-4th century AD), a basinward shift of the coastline created newly emerged land even at the base of the local sea cliffs, where shore platforms emerged, favouring intense phases of urbanization on them along the Baia – Miseno sector and at the footslope of Rione Terra. This trend also favoured the closure of the Lucrino lagoon with an extended spit bar during the 2nd century BC, allowing the establishment of a large oyster farming system belonging to Sergio Orata. On the contrary, the subsiding phases resulted in the flooding of coastal areas and anthropic structures such as villas, nymphaea and ports inducing the construction of coastal protection structures. In the extreme case of Portus Julius, subsidence led to the abandonment of the military port and its move to nearby Miseno.