A spatial optimization model was developed to analyze the impacts of structural changes in China’s consumption of wheat, corn, rice, and soybeans on its agricultural sector and world agricultural trade. The model included 16 exporting and importing countries and regions. China was divided into...

The number of small commodity livestock slaughter plants in the Upper Northern Plains region continues to decline. Significant factors contributing to this decline include: 1) pressure to consolidate, thereby capturing economies of scale; 2) relatively stringent federal inspection specifications,...

The report discusses commercial banks' role in supporting economic development in rural America. It details demographic and economic trends in rural America. It discusses a number of economic development programs available to commercial bankers and to private sector/public sector partnerships....

A survey of 459 ranchers was conducted to evaluate managerial, institutional, and social factors that may affect the rate and extent of implementation of various leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) controls in a five-county region in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Ranchers...

Net farm income for most representative farms in 2008 will be higher than in 1999. However, low profit farms, which consist of 25% of the farms in the study, may have a negative net farm income throughout the forecasting period and may not have financial resiliency to survive. This is true under...

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.), a widely established exotic, noxious, perennial weed, is a major threat to rangeland and wildland in the Upper Great Plains. Chemical, biological, and cultural control methods have limitations in their applicability and effectiveness in treating leafy spurge....

This report presents an economic feasibility study of a 5,000 head, cooperatively owned, sheep operation for leafy spurge control. The objectives were 1) determine the return on investment of the cooperative, 2) determine the proposed structure of the cooperative, and 3) ascertain the amount of...

Net farm income for all representative farms will be lower in 2003 than in 1995-96, but net farm income will be level throughout the 1997-2005 period. Cropland prices are projected to fall in all regions of North Dakota after peaking in 1996-97. Cash rental rates are projected to follow cropland...

Net farm income for most representative farms in 2011 will be lower than in 2002. Low profit farms, which consist of 25% of the farms in the study, may not have financial resiliency to survive. The new farm bill will provide higher net farm income than a continuation of the FAIR Act. Cropland...

Net farm income for nearly all representative farms in 2016 is projected to be higher than in 2006. Low-profit farms, which comprise 20% of the farms in the study, may not have financial resiliency to survive without off-farm income. Commodity prices and yields are projected to increase slightly...