FARM INCOME ENHANCEMENT POTENTIAL FOR SMALL, PART-TIME FARMING OPERATIONS IN EAST CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

Linear programming and stochastic farm growth simulation models are used to assess the impact of alternative enterprise selection, variation in farm income, inflation, and off-farm income on the growth of small, part-time farms in East Central Oklahoma. Results indicate that alternative rates of inflation or variation in farm income do not significantly impact the operation or expansion of part-time farming operations. Adoption of alternative enterprises on part-time farms can lead to full-time farming operations where expansion initially is aided through use of off-farm income. Small full-time operators could greatly enhance family income by obtaining off-farm employment and income.