Several data sets were utilized to estimate the direct effect of the veterinary medicine industry. Preliminary results indicate the total economic contribution of the veterinary medicine industry in Texas was 3.85 billion in 2011. Over 44,000 Texas employees and $1.67 billion in annual wages can...

This paper provides a comparison of successful and financially distressed producers based on the data from more than 400 individualized financial analyses. These objective variables are combined with subjective observations of management styles and attitudes to provide unique identification of...

Impacts of alternative agricultural water conservation strategies are being evaluated in the Texas Panhandle. Stakeholders have expressed concern that all effects need to be accounted for including the regional economy. A methodology was developed to evaluate the effects on the backward and...

The 1996 and 2002 farm bills moved government support toward decoupled tools rather than support coupled to production and/or prices. This paper analyzes whether areas with more production risk would prefer decoupled or coupled support. The results indicate areas with more yield risk would...

Substantial progress has been made in eradicating the boll weevil from the majority of the cotton producing regions in Texas. While the full economic benefits will not be realized until eradication is achieved statewide, economic benefits approaching $1 billion have already been realized.

The 2002 Farm Bill provided the one time opportunity to update base acres and counter-cyclical payment yields to more closely reflect their current crops, rotations and yield levels. This paper discusses the available options and provides case study examples to illustrate the complexity of this...

Mathematical programming-based systems analysis is used to examine the consequences of alternative operation configuration for the agricultural operations within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Continuation versus elimination of the total operation as well as individual operating...

A mixed integer, goal programming model designed to aid in management of a meat packing plant is presented along with empirical applications demonstrating its use. Data collection, model conceptualization, model|data development, model refinement, and model use phases are discussed. The...

The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (FAIR Act) introduces several significant changes to farm commodity legislation. While these changes impact all program commodities, they have prompted considerable concern for the future of the Texas rice industry. Changes in the farm...

The levels and risk-free nature of rice market transition payments associated with the FAIR Act of 1996 have encouraged many rice landowners to reconsider their tenure contracts. A methodology for comparing landowners' decision to "self-operate" versus "rent to a tenant" is presented.