This paper develops a measure of efficiency when data have been aggregated. Unlike the most commonly used efficiency measures, our estimator handles the heteroskedasticity created by aggregation appropriately. Our estimator is compared to estimators currently used to measure school efficiency....

Past research about the efficiency of nitrogen application in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) based on source and timing has produced inconsistent results. The majority of the literature used data from few locations over short time periods. This study used a unique data set of yields and...

Using ammonium based nitrogen fertilizers in crop production has been shown to acidify soils. Lime used to correct soil pH is an important cost to producers. Recommendations of the optimal level of nitrogen to apply typically ignore the cost of lime created by nitrogen fertilization. This study...

Large families in rural areas causes pressure on natural resources, an upsurge of inter-community conflicts. Anecdotal evidence suggests that one reason for large families is the value of children as a source of labor.This research determines the marginal change in household productivity with...

Years of research have been dedicated to determining the best time for producers to sell their commodities. Researchers have developed basis models, market efficiency tests, hedging/risk models, price forecasting models, and many other models in an attempt to help producers. There is a vast...

This study compares liquidity costs of electronic and open-outcry wheat futures contractstraded side-by-side on the Kansas City Board of Trade. Liquidity costs are considerablylower in the electronic market. Liquidity costs in the electronic market are still considerablylower after eliminating...

Double-cropping of soybeans and wheat is often promoted by extension personnel. This paper seeks to explain how the decision to adopt double-cropping is made, using a Tobit regression model. Tobit makes use of more of the information in the data set than do logit or probit and explains not only...

Futures prices when combined with a basis forecast provide a reliable way to forecast cashprices. The most popular method of forecasting basis is historical moving averages. Given therecent failure of longer moving averages proposed by previous studies, this research reassessespast...

While considerable research has estimated liquidity costs of futures trading, little comparable research is available about options markets. This study determines effective bid-ask spreads in options and futures markets for Kansas City Board of Trade (KCBT) wheat. Effective bid-ask spreads are...