The prospect of immigration policy reform has renewed growers’ concerns of serious labor shortages and cost increases given that a large portion of the workforce is unauthorized for U.S. employment. This concern of labor shortages and cost increases is more serious for specialty crop...

This paper examined the marginal propensity to consume (MPC) for a sample of Kansas farms. Sensitivity of estimated MPCs to the use of accrual net farm income, net cash farm income, and the inclusion of off-farm income was also examined. Results yielded a range of short-run MPCs from 0.011 to...

With the production and cropping efficiency gains from adoption of Genetically Modified (GM) corn, the number of acres planted has increased steadily over the past decade. Also, the adoption of GM crops in general has an impact on the labor allocation decisions of farm operators. Using a large...

The economic feasibility of producing ethanol from sweet sorghum juice is projected using Monte Carlo simulation models to estimate the price ethanol plants will likely have to pay for sweet sorghum and the uncertain returns for ethanol plants. Ethanol plants in high yielding regions will likely...

This paper examines the profit maximizing share arrangement for both landlords and tenants producing grain in the Texas High Plains (based on risk preference), and determines whether the results are affected by input costs and market prices. Results of the analyses show that tenants and...

Switchgrass for bioenergy production will require substantial storage. This study evaluated costs of alternative baling and on-farm storage systems. Rectangular bales minimize cost if switchgrass is processed immediately after harvest. However, round bales minimize cost if switchgrass is stored...