A Comprehensive model of U S agriculture incorporates the spatial pattern of supply, resource use, and the technical structure of agricultural production that is generated by a linear programming component, and it utilizes detailed information on market structure, processes, and prices that is...

This paper modifies and employs a model previously developed for empirical evaluation of the impact of commodity price-support programs on corn acreage. (See J. P. Houck and M. E. Ryan, "Supply Analysis for Corn in the United States ... ," Amer. Jour. Agr. Econ. 54: May 1972; and J. P. Houck and A....

Realizing the potential for economics research depends on the successful completion of several interdependent tasks: • A problem is identified, • Data related to the problem are collected, • Description transforms data into useful information, • Theory is brought to bear...

In this solicited article, Willard Cochrane, the U S Department of Agriculture's first Director of Agricultural Economics, assesses the mission, performance, and organization of-the Economic Research Service (ERS) 22 years after Its establishment m 1961 The current organization IS satisfactory,...

Opinions differ among economists as to how effective statistical analyses using time series data can be in identifying factors affecting demand and in measuring their influences. Although this presentation may not materially modify these opinions, it should at least succeed in making even the...

Information on efficient regional patterns of agricultural production can be useful in devising policies for adjustments in farming that are consistent with modern conditions and concepts of economic development. Such knowledge can also indicate the amount and location of land to be withdrawn...

Costs of seven methods of handling beef by retail firms are explored, considering number and size of stores per firm and distance from the packer. The least costly method is centralized cutting into retail cuts by retail firms. Larger store size reduced per unit costs significantly for all...

Over the last 20 years, consumers have spent a declining portion of their income on food for consumption at home, while the share of income spent on meals purchased at restaurants, cafeterias, and fast-food chains has held constant This article attempts to explain this phenomenon by estimating a...