Farm Profitability Research Articles

Advances in understanding the genetic architecture of antibody response to paratuberculosis in sheep by heritability estimate and LDLA mapping analyses and investigation of candidate regions using sequence-based data

BackgroundParatuberculosis is a contagious and incurable disease that is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) with significant negative effects on animal welfare and farm profitability. Based on a large naturally infected flock over 12 years, we analyzed repeated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests (ELISA), OvineSNP50 BeadChip genotypes and whole-genome sequences imputed from 56 influential animals. The main goals were to estimate the genetic parameters of proxy traits for resistance to MAP, identify genomic regions associated with the host’s immune response against MAP and search for candidate genes and causative mutations through association and functional annotation analyses of polymorphisms identified by sequencing.ResultsTwo variables were derived from ELISA tests. The first, a binary variable, assessed the infection status of each animal over the entire productive life, while the second considered the level of antibody recorded over time. Very similar results were obtained for both variables. Heritability estimates of about 0.20 were found and a significant region capturing 18% and 13% of the genetic variance was detected on ovine chromosome 20 by linkage disequilibrium and linkage analysis on OvineSNP50 positions. Functional annotation and association analyses on the imputed sequence polymorphisms that were identified in this region were carried out. No significant variants showed a functional effect on the genes that mapped to this region, most of which belong to the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II). However, the conditional analysis led to the identification of two significant polymorphisms that can explain the genetic variance associated with the investigated genomic region.ConclusionsOur results confirm the involvement of the host’s genetics in susceptibility to MAP in sheep and suggest that selective breeding may be an option to limit the infection. The estimated heritability is moderate with a relevant portion being due to a highly significant region on ovine chromosome 20. The results of the combined use of sequence-based data and functional analyses suggest several genes belonging to the MHC II as the most likely candidates, although no mutations in their coding regions showed a significant association. Nevertheless, information from genotypes of two highly significant polymorphisms in the region can enhance the efficiency of selective breeding programs.

Impact of weather and climate advisories on agricultural outcomes in Pakistan

The earth is warming, and the frequency of extreme weather events have been rapidly growing globally with unprecedented consequences to farming communities. In principle, weather and climate information services (WCIS) can help farmers better manage their activities and farm level outcomes by supporting their decision-making with relevant and usable information to address the potential impacts of expected changing climate conditions. But, in practice, can the availability and use of WCIS help improve agricultural outcomes given the weather and climate related uncertainties? To understand the use and impact of WCIS in the cotton-wheat cropping areas of Pakistan, we conducted a multistage stratified clustered random sample of 612 farm households in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh. Over 55% of the farm households in the sample indicated that they used WCIS provided by the Pakistan Meteorological Department and other sources for making their agricultural decisions. Our analysis, however, suggests that the impact of using WCIS on major farm outcomes (i.e. farm revenue, costs, profits, and input usage) is not statistically significant when compared with those farm households not using WCIS (null result). This result is robust to different estimation techniques (i.e. ordinary least squares, instrumental variable approach, and propensity score matching method). From the focus group discussions, we gathered that farmers perceived WCIS as less reliable, often unclear, and difficult to understand as this information is not translated and transmitted in local languages. Addressing these issues can help reduce the impact of climate and weather variability on farm outcomes in those provinces as well as in Pakistan more generally. Our study suggests that, under uncertainty, emphasis should be on WCIS that farmers can rely on for making farming related decisions.

Lactobacillus reuteri inhibits Staphylococcus aureus-induced mastitis by regulating oxytocin releasing and gut microbiota in mice.

Mastitis is the most frequent disease of cows and has well-recognized detrimental effects on animal wellbeing and dairy farm profitability. With the advent of the postantibiotic era, alternative antibiotic agents, especially probiotics, have received increasing attention in the treatment of mastitis. Based on research showing that Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) has anti-inflammatory effects, this study explored the protective effects and mechanisms of L. reuteri against mastitis induced by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in mice. First, mice with S. aureus-induced mastitis were orally administered L. reuteri, and the inflammatory response in the mammary gland was observed. The results showed that L. reuteri significantly inhibited S. aureus-induced mastitis. Moreover, the concentration of oxytocin (OT) and protein expression of oxytocin receptor (OTR) were measured, and inhibition of OTR or vagotomy reversed the protective effect of L. reuteri or its culture supernatant (LCS) on S. aureus-induced mastitis. In addition, in mouse mammary epithelial cells (MMECs), OT inhibited the inflammation induced by S. aureus by inhibiting the protein expression of OTR. It was suggested that L. reuteri protected against S. aureus-induced mastitis by releasing OT. Furthermore, microbiological analysis showed that the composition of the microbiota was altered, and the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was significantly increased in gut and mammary gland after treatment with L. reuteri or LCS. In conclusion, our study found the L. reuteri inhibited the mastitis-induced by S. aureus via promoting the release of OT, and treatment with L. reuteri increased the abundance of Lactobacillus in both gut and mammary gland.

Nitrogen rate and harvesting time based on growing degree days influenced winter cereal rye morphological traits, forage yield, quality, and farm profit in poorly drained Alfisols

AbstractWinter cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) (WCR) is often double cropped with maize for silage (Zea mays L.) to increase farm forage supply and profit. Spring nitrogen (N) fertilization to WCR could influence its production and quality at different harvesting times. Therefore, two on‐farm trials were conducted in the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 growing seasons to evaluate the effect of harvesting time (late‐March to end‐of‐April considering the growth stage) and spring N fertilization (0, 23, 47, and 71 kg N ha−1) on WCR morphology, forage yield, nutrient removal, quality, and farm profit. Only two N treatments (0 and 47 kg N ha−1) were evaluated for each harvesting time in trial 1. A quadratic model best explained an increase in WCR dry matter (DM) yield in response to growing degree days (GDD) accumulation (R2 = 0.81). An increase in GDD linearly decreased WCR relative forage quality (RFQ). Benchmarking RFQ at 150 for dairy milk production indicates WCR should be harvested at a GDD of 543, at which WCR plant height was 31.8 cm and DM yield was 0.77 Mg ha−1. This resulted in loss of profit in both study years compared to later harvesting dates at higher GDDs. Benchmarking RFQ at 125 for heifer production indicated that harvest should occur at a GDD of 668, at which the WCR was 71 cm tall, and its DM yield was 2.25 Mg ha−1. Nitrogen balances were negative at the N0 treatment (0 kg N ha−1), indicating a need for some N to maximize WCR yield. We found that a rate between 21 and 47 kg N ha−1 maximizes yields reflecting slightly positive balances, in which the highest profits occur. Our results suggest that the harvesting time can be predicted by GDD and should be adjusted for RFQ. We conclude that less than 47 kg N ha−1 N fertilizer is required for WCR production in soils with manure history and high soil organic matter (>30 g kg−1).

Mitigation of gaseous emissions from dairy livestock: A farm-level method to examine the financial implications

Feeding the world's population while minimising the contribution of agriculture to climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing modern society. This challenge is particularly pronounced for dairy production where the carbon footprint of products and the mitigation costs are high, relative to other food stuffs. This paper reviews a number of mitigation measures that may be adopted by dairy farmers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their farms. A simulation model is developed to assess the cost-benefit of a range of mitigation measures. The model is applied to data from Ireland, a country with a large export-oriented dairy industry, for a range of farms including top, middle and bottom performing farms from a profitability perspective. The mitigation measures modelled included animal productivity, grass production and utilisation, better reproductive performance, early compact calving, reduced crude protein, decreased fertiliser N, protected urea, white clover, slurry tank cover and low emission slurry spreading (LESS). The results show that over half of the greenhouse gas abatement potential and most of the ammonia abatement potential were realised with cost-beneficial measures. Animal and feed-related measures that increased efficiency drove the abatement of GHG emissions. Low-emission slurry spreading was beneficial for the bottom and middle one-third of farms, while protected urea and reducing nitrogen use accounted for most of the ammonia abatement potential for the most profitable farms. Results showed that combining mitigation measures resulted in a decrease of 23%, 19%, and 12% in GHG emissions below 2020 levels for the bottom, middle, and top performing dairy farms, respectively. The findings imply that top dairy farms, that are already managed efficiently and optimally, may struggle to achieve the national and international GHG reduction targets with existing technologies and practices.

A bat a day keeps the pest away: Bats provide valuable protection from pests in organic apple orchards

Organic farming is an essential component of sustainable agriculture that can help maintain biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, providing benefits for both human well-being and environmental conservation. Recent studies have highlighted the vital role of insectivorous bats in farmland ecosystems in controlling pest insect populations. Our research focuses on the direct economic value of bat insectivory in woody crops, specifically in apple orchards affected by the codling moth Cydia pomonella. We conducted an exclusion experiment followed by an economic evaluation to estimate the impact of bat insectivory on crop damage and economic savings. Our results demonstrate that the presence of bats in apple orchards can significantly reduce the damage caused by C. pomonella, resulting in a 32.1% reduction in affected apple trees and a 50% reduction in the total weight of damaged apples per tree. This translates to estimated economic savings of 551 €/ha/y by reducing the need for insecticide applications and, consequently, minimizing the negative impacts of such chemicals on the environment and human health. Moreover, the presence of bats can lead to higher crop yields and protect the quality of the product, resulting in higher profits for farmers. Our findings highlight the critical role of bats in maintaining ecosystem services and provide valuable information for the sustainable management of farmland ecosystems.

When pesticide reduction objectives meet business as usual: Possible impacts on the crop sector in Latvia

The European Union (EU) has set forth ambitious political objectives aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of agriculture on climate, environment, and human health. Among the measures which are expected to help reach the goals, an important objective is significant reduction of pesticide usage, as outlined in the EU’s ”From Farm to Fork” strategy. This study seeks to assess the potential financial implications of the reduction of pesticide use, focusing on the major crops cultivated in Latvia. Scenario simulations have been conducted to examine the consequences of pesticide usage intensity on profitability, yields, and consumption of fertilisers. The evaluation encompasses winter and spring wheat, along with winter rapeseed, which account for 80% of the total pesticide usage in Latvia. It is assumed that farmers continue to produce the same crops, using their current level of knowledge and adjusting production technology to the reduced pesticides application rates. The analysis leads to the conclusion that in order to attain a reduction in pesticide use by 61% from the 2021 level (or 53% from the 2015–2017 level), the application rate of pesticides needs to be limited to 0.78 kg ha −1 of active substance for conventionally produced winter and spring wheat as well as winter rapeseed, and in addition to that the area used for these crops should be reduced by 33% (replaced with organic production). However, if the market prices of crops, the amount of public support and production costs do not change, the financial implications for the agricultural sector could be severe — yearly farm profit in the analysed sector could decrease by 41% or by EUR 130 mln.

Analysis of the major deficiencies detected during welfare inspections of farm animals in the Czech Republic

The level of compliance with livestock welfare requirements is directly reflected in animal health, behaviour, and performance as well as farm profitability. It is mandatory to keep animals in conditions that prevent suffering and that respect animal needs in terms of biology and ethology. Compliance with these obligations in the Czech Republic is supervised by the State Veterinary Administration (SVA) through inspectors affiliated to the veterinary administrations at the regional level. The aim of the study was to identify the main deficiencies observed during official site visits carried out at livestock holdings in 2016–2020 and to assess the trend of the most frequently occurring deficiencies during the reference period. Data obtained from Central Veterinary Administration of the SVA containing a total of 9,147 records of partial welfare checks were subjected to the analysis. The percentage of site visits where deficiencies were found at livestock holdings was 15.04%. When analysed in more detail, the results revealed a significantly (P < 0.05) highest frequency of violations with respect to administration and animal marking (2,054) followed by the provision of treatment and spatial conditions. The trend analysis showed no significant increase or decrease in the frequency of violations in the selected areas during the reference period (P > 0.05). The results show the need to focus on compliance with duties in the framework of administration and animal marking, provision of treatment, and provision of animal management standards, especially in terms of spatial conditions, nutrition, and animal hygiene where violations were consistently found most often.

Farm profitability under rising input costs in Punjab: Issues and concerns

Farm profitability under rising input costs in Punjab: Issues and concerns

Suitability of Large Cardamom Farming as Business in Eastern Corridor of Nepal

Background: Black gold popularly renounced for Large cardamom which is world’s oldest and third expensive spice following, saffron and vanilla. The study was to assess suitability of large cardamom farming as business in eastern Nepal. Methods: Eastern Nepal, subdivided as Koshi corridor (Sankhuwasaba and Tehrathum) and Mechi corridor (Taplejung and Panchthar), were purposively selected as a research site. About 480 Households were selected randomly. An interview schedule was prepared for cost of production and other expenses incurred along with production and price received by farmers. Result: During the 7-year cycle, the total fixed cost was NRs 115,663. The breakeven point for large cardamom was calculated to be 157.45 kg. The average price per kilogram of large cardamom was NRs 1274.6. The average variable cost per kilogram of large cardamom was NRs 621.01. Financial indicator like net present value (NPV), benefit cost ratio (BCR) and internal rate of return (IRR) were 1,536,006, 2.14 and 71.31. The Return on Investment (ROI) and Payback period (PBP) were 138.45 and 5.6 years. Under worse scenario, The NPV declined to 977,115.1, the BCR fell to 1.60, the IRR fell to 50.02 and the ROI fell to 78.84. The PBP has risen to 6.8 years. This scenario demonstrated that simultaneous negative increases in cost and income had a greater impact on the profitability of large cardamom farming. Finally, the study’s findings highlighted the sensitivity of financial indicators in large cardamom farming to changes in production costs, income and delays. This helpful information could be used by stakeholders to make decisions and develop strategies to improve sustainability of large cardamom growing in the research area.

Crop establishment methods and herbicide mixtures induced weed dynamics, productivity, and profitability of summer rice

Rice farmers face challenges in achieving higher yield and profit during the summer season due to improper establishment and weed control. To address this, a study was conducted to assess the effects of herbicide combinations on the growth and yield of CR Dhan 206 (Gopinath), a high-yielding rice variety. The research took place from January to May 2022 at the PG Research Farm of M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha. The experiment followed a split plot design with two main plots (transplanted rice and wet seeded rice) and five subplots (fenoxaprop-p-ethyl + ethoxysulfuron (Tank mix) @ (50+15) g ha-1 at 18 days after transplanting/sowing (DAT/S); triafamone + ethoxysulfuron (Ready mix) @ (45+22.5) g ha-1 at 12 DAT/S; pretilachlor + bensulfuron-methyl (Ready mix) @ (600+60) g ha-1 at 4 DAT/S; weed-free (Hand weeding at 20,40,60 DAT/S); and weedy check) replicated thrice. The dominant weeds observed were Echinochloa colona, Leptochloa chinensis, Cyanotis auxiliaris, Physalis minima, Ludwigia parviflora, Cyperus iria, and Fimbristylis miliacea. Results indicated that the establishment methods did not significantly affect crop growth, yield attributes, crop yield, and weed infestation. However, the application of triafamone + ethoxysulfuron in both transplanted and wet seeded rice demonstrated superior growth, yield, weed control, and comparable results to the weed-free check. The combination of wet seeded rice and triafamone + ethoxysulfuron showed the highest net return and benefit-cost ratio, suggesting its recommendation for effective weed control and profitability in rice farming in summer season.

Meta-analysis of prevalence and associated risk factors for lameness in dairy cattle across tropical Asian nations

Context Lameness in dairy cattle affects the health, welfare, performance, and profitability of dairy farms. Being multifactorial in nature, several animal and farm-level risk factors influence the severity and prevalence of lameness. Aims The objective of the present meta-analysis study was to provide a pooled estimate of the prevalence and identification of the potential risk factors associated with lameness in dairy cattle across tropical Asian countries. Methods A literature search reporting prevalence data for lameness in dairy cattle of tropical Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, Nepal and Thailand for the past 21 years (2000–2021) was collected by using appropriate keywords from the electronic databases. After removing outlier studies, a meta-analysis of 38 studies published in English was performed under a random-effects model by using the meta package (metaprop function) in R software. Key results The pooled estimate of the overall prevalence of lameness was 15.13% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 13.01, 17.53). High heterogeneity was found in the prevalence estimates among the published studies (P < 0.05). The pooled prevalence for lameness-related lesions was, for overgrown hooves 34.42% (95% CI = 23.41, 47.42), interdigital 28 hyperplasia 9.73% (95% CI = 5.84, 15.78), white line disease 6.91% (95% CI = 3.54, 13.05) and sole ulcer 6.84% (95% CI = 3.87, 11.83). The prevalence of lameness was higher in cows at parity three (23.03%) and at parity greater than or equal to 4 (31.68%) than at first and second parity. Breed of an animal, lower body condition score (BCS), housing and floor type, and season also had a significant effect on the pooled prevalence of lameness (P < 0.0001). Conclusions The findings of the present study showed that lameness is prevalent across the tropical Asian countries and there was a significant association of risk factors such as housing, floor, hygiene, and animal nutrition with lameness in dairy herds. Implications Meta-analysis study indicated that there is a need to adopt better management practices to minimise the incidence of lameness in dairy animals.

Environmental costs management and profitability of small and medium scale poultry farms in Nigeria. Evidence from Osun State

Environmental costs management and profitability of small and medium scale poultry farms in Nigeria. Evidence from Osun State

Genetic parameters of sheep growth curve traits reared within rangelands under uncertain paternity.

This work aims to improve the selection program of the Timahdit breed through the use of the parameters of the Von Bertalanffy model as selection criteria and the treatment of uncertain paternity found in pastoral systems. A database containing 12,029 animals and a pedigree file integrating the probabilities of the parents with a total of 48,292 animals were used in the analysis. An individual estimation of the parameters of the model studied by the nonlinear regression procedure Proc NLIN of SAS was carried out, followed by the determination of the fixed effects which influence these parameters by means of a general linear model using the GLM procedure of the SAS software. The treatment of uncertain paternity is solved by an R code translating Average Numerator Relationship Matrix Model (ANRM). Then, the variance and (co)variance components were estimated by a Bayesian approach using the BRMS package. The high heritability values obtained, between 0.52 and 0.55 for the parameters studied, suggest good prospects for genetic responses to selection and the maintenance of sustained genetic progress, especially when environmental conditions are unfavorable. The positive correlations between all the parameters studied show that animals with rapid development tend to have lower weight performance. Finally, with optimal selection based on the genetic values associated with these parameters, we can make the desired changes to the growth curve by choosing breeders that achieve high weight performances as quickly as possible, and that would allow improving the feed efficiency for these animals, as well as increasing the profitability of sheep farms.

Mechanization and Profitability of Small Farms Through Efficient Animal Drawn Implements

Mechanization and Profitability of Small Farms Through Efficient Animal Drawn Implements

АГРОТУРИЗМ ЯК СТРАТЕГІЧНИЙ НАПРЯМ ПІДВИЩЕННЯ РІВНЯ ДОХОДУ ФЕРМЕРСЬКИХ ГОСПОДАРСТВ УКРАЇНИ

The purpose of the study is to outline the circle of strategic directions for the development of agrarian tourism in the context of increasing the profitability of Ukrainian farms. At the same time, the actual strategic possibility of increasing income and development of rural areas was emphasized. Farmers are shown how to further monetize their resources by attracting the attention of tourists through the provision of various services, from tours to participation in agricultural work and recreation in the countryside, which potentially become new sources of income, which contributes to the diversification of the farm and the expansion of its functions. The authors proposed a number of approaches to infrastructure development, in particular, from hotels and restaurants to communications and roads, which in turn attract tourists and support local businesses. Here are suggestions for farmers to interact directly with buyers by offering their goods and services directly. It is emphasized that this not only increases profits, but also creates a market for the sale of local agricultural products. The attention of entrepreneurs is drawn to ecological benefits, preservation of traditions, which strengthens the pride of the local population and promotes cultural exchange. From an ecological perspective, agritourism emphasizes the importance of sustainable agriculture, attracting environmentally educated tourists. The article examines the key aspects of agritourism as an innovative approach to supporting farms in Ukraine. As a result, the potential advantages of agritourism, such as additional income, development of rural areas and attraction of new investors, were analyzed. The main principles and strategies of successful implementation of agro-tourism projects have been studied. In general, it was emphasized that agritourism can be a key strategic direction for Ukrainian farms in increasing incomes and sustainable development. However, success requires partnerships with the community, development of marketing strategies and adherence to high quality standards. The correct implementation of agritourism in the context of its practical implementation can turn rural areas into attractive points for tourists and ensure the sustainable development of Ukrainian farms.

Feasibility Analysis and Efficiency of Porang Farming in Gowa Regency

This study aimed to analyze the profitability and efficiency of porang farming in Majannang Village, Parigi District, Gowa Regency. The method used in this research was schontatic frontier analysis performed to 30 farmer respondents. The results showed that porang farming in Majannang Village obtained an average value of the total revenue cost ratio of 1.67 (>1), while the average value of the total benefit cost ratio was 0.67 (<1) which means the B/C ratio is unbeneficial. Therefore, porang farming in Majannang Village. The technical efficiency of porang farming was inefficient with an average technical efficiency value of 0.849 (<1). The allocative price efficiency of Porang farming was inefficient shown by the efficiency value of 2.87 (>1) and based on the value of technical efficiency at the efficient price, the value of economic efficiency was 2.43 (>1) which means it was economically inefficient.

Quantifying the impact of nitrogen levels on spring maize varieties (Zea mays L.) in Kanchanpur, Nepal

Maize has tremendous potential for increasing productivity, profitability, and sustainability in agriculture. A crucial obstacle to maximizing yield the suitable maize variety with appropriate nitrogen (N) doses. The current two-factorial research carried out in the farmer's field at Kanchanpur, Nepal, aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of N on the growth and yield of spring maize varieties. Conducted from February to July 2022, the experiment design was randomized complete block with two factors; where hybrid varieties Bioseed 9220 and Arun-2 were the first factors and four different levels of nitrogen (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg N ha-1) were the second factors. Results showed that 180 kg N ha-1 and Bioseed 9220 treatment produced significantly higher plant height, kernel row-1, kernel row cob-1, cob plant-1, and thousand-grain weight as compared to other doses and Arun-2, respectively. Similarly, Bioseed 9220 and 180 kg N ha-1 treatment had significantly longer days for tasseling and silking. The grain yield of Bioseed 9220 (5.48 t ha-1) was significantly greater than Arun-2 (4.15 t ha-1) and the N level of 180 kg ha-1 had a higher yield (5.11 t ha-1) compared to 120 kg ha-1 (4.8 t ha-1), 60 kg ha-1 (4.78 t ha-1) and least in 0 kg ha-1 (4.56 t ha-1). The result indicates that Bioseed 9220 performs better than Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) Arun-2 in growth and yield attributes. N enrichment also boosts yield and yield-attributing characteristics. Bioseed 9220 with 180 kg N ha-1 should be prioritized among farmers to increase the productivity and yield of maize.

Green technology outsourcing for agricultural supply chains with government subsidies

To promote green agricultural production, the government often provides two types of subsidies: the Green Technology Operation Subsidy (GOS), and the Green Technology Investment Subsidy (GIS). This paper examines the impact of government subsidy policies on a two-tier agricultural supply chain in which the farmer can choose to self-invest in green technologies or outsource them to the service provider. Our results indicate that outsourcing is more conducive to higher green technology inputs than self-directed investment in most cases and can generate higher profits for small-scale farmers; however, as the land scale increases, farmers prefer to invest in green technologies by themselves. In addition, if the farmer decides to self-invest in green technologies, the farmer prefer the GIS (GOS) policy when the land scale is small (large). Further analysis shows that if the farmer decides to outsource green technologies, the farmer’s profit under the two subsidy policies is equal when the land scale is small, while the farmer benefits more from the GOS policy when the land scale is large. Finally, from the perspective of promoting agricultural green production, the GIS policy is always better than the GOS policy, regardless of whether the farmer outsource green technologies.

Role and impact of contract farming under various pricing standards: A case of Guyana's rice sector

<abstract> <p>Rice cultivation has played a pivotal role in Guyana's agricultural history, contributing significantly to both sustenance and economic prosperity for over two centuries. Accounting for 3.3% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and a substantial 20.5% of the agricultural GDP, the rice industry has faced challenges influenced by various global and domestic factors, impacting the productivity and profitability of rice farmers. One key influencing factor is contract farming, involving agreements between farmers and firms that outline production and marketing conditions for agricultural products. In Guyana's rice industry, contract farming is prevalent, but challenges such as unequal bargaining power and discrepancies in weights and prices persist. Notably, using two pricing standards, high-price and low-price, further complicates the understanding of contract farming's impact on rice cultivation. We delved into the role and impact of contract farming on rice cultivation in Guyana, with a specific focus on the Mahaica-Berbice and Essequibo Islands-West Demerara regions. In this study, conducted with 121 farmers using systematic sampling, we used profitability assessment, frequency distribution, and binary logistic regression analyses. The findings revealed that high-price contracts contributed to greater farmer profitability compared to low-price contracts. Despite this, low-price contracts persisted due to factors such as risk-sharing, access to credit, and fertilizers. Moreover, pricing standards influenced farmer behavior, with low-price contracts prompting crop diversification to supplement income. These insights underscored the significance of pricing standards in determining the effectiveness of contract farming and its impact on farmers' livelihoods. Policymakers and stakeholders can leverage these findings to design more effective contract farming models, enhancing farmers' profitability and contributing to sustainable agricultural development. Furthermore, future research may explore the impact of farmers' organization membership on contract farming productivity, providing additional depth to our understanding of this crucial agricultural practice.</p> </abstract>