Biofuels, as alternative transportation fuels, are now being used globally. Taking advantage of in-state feedstock supply is an efficient way to stimulate in-state biofuel industries and the local economy. This paper uses the mean-variance model of utility maximization to estimate supply...

Feeder calf prices are examined from a national video auction sales from 2004-2006. Many cattle, lot, and market characteristics significantly impact feeder cattle basis. Auction prices were adjusted for quality differences and for transportation costs and compared across regions. Basis was...

Objectives were twofold: Determine key factors influencing preconditioning cost and returns; and determine the premium for age and source verified, preconditioned calves sold at a public livestock market. Data provided by the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation show preconditioning returns depend...

Mandatory livestock price reporting (MPR) was implemented in April 2001. Empirical evidence indicates a significant change in the weekly variability of publicly reported fed cattle grid premiums and discounts occurred after MPR implementation. We evaluated the effect of increased market...

Forecasting feeder cattle basis has long been difficult because of the myriad factors that influence basis, including input and output prices and lot characteristics. This research draws upon knowledge of the various factors that influence cash feeder cattle prices to develop hedonic feeder...

Decisions made by publicly traded agribusinesses impact suppliers, processors, farmers, and even rural communities. Professional analysts’ estimates of earnings per share (EPS) provide a unique source of information regarding firm-level financial performance. Incorporating a battery of tests,...

Agricultural water is a preferred source for meeting growing demands, but permanent transfers often require formerly irrigated land to be fallowed, removing a key industry from the regional economy. One alternative allows farmers to lease water to cities by fallowing their land on a rotational...

Preferential pricing was one of several concerns leading to mandatory price reporting. Seven years of “new” data from mandatory reports are examined to determine if evidence exists of preferential pricing by packers for fed cattle and slaughter hogs. Weekly data show some alternative...