Improved software now makes Bayesian estimation a strong alternative to nonlinear maximum likelihood. Bayesian methods were used to estimate a linear response stochastic plateau for cotton and were shown to provide estimates similar to maximum likelihood. Optimal levels of nitrogen were lower...

Constant research efforts have been undertaken to create and adopt soybean varieties and farming practices that would lead to more drought-tolerant crops. Given that drought-tolerant crops are more stable in terms of price and supply, private genetic companies invest in those genetic materials...

Replaced with revised version of paper 02/04/08.

This study compares he profitability and risk related to conventional and organic vegetable production systems A linear programming model was used to find the optimal mix of vegetables in both production systems. And a target MOTAD (minimization of total absolute deviation) model was used to...

Coffee production in Puerto Rico is labor intensive since harvest is done by hand for quality and topography conditions. Färe's nonparametric approach was used to estimate technical, allocative, scale and overall efficiency measures for coffee farms in Puerto Rico during the 2000 to 2004...

This paper examines the USDA price estimates of rice, wheat, and soybeans and whether spot commodity prices reflect price information embodied in USDA estimates. Results indicate that the monthly USDA estimates are failed to meet a rationality condition. Rice and wheat actual prices marginally...

Using the choice-based conjoint analysis and self explicated approach, I elicited South Korean millers’ preference and willingness to pay for the quality characteristics of hard white wheat that is used in producing all-purpose flour. In specified seven attributes, test weight, moisture, and...

We theoretically examine a farmer’s coverage demand with area and individual insurance plans as either separate or integrated options. The individual and area losses are assumed to be imperfectly and positively correlated. With actuarially fair rates, the farmer will fully insure with the...

Nematode management in cotton has eluded farmers and researchers for decades. Control strategies have typically relied upon highly toxic nematicide application. Site-specific management provides opportunity to improve profitability while maintaining environmental stewardship; and can be based on...

The timing to terminate cotton insecticide applications are disputed among investigators. Nine publically available studies meeting selection criteria were synthesized to identify and develop a comprehensive optimal termination timing principle. The meta-database included 247 trial observations...