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Factors Affecting Production Efficiency in a New Alternative Enterprise: The Case of the Ratite Industry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 April 2015

Jeffrey Gillespie
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
Alvin Schupp
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
Gary Taylor
Affiliation:
Agricultural Economics at the State University of New York, Morrisville

Abstract

Technical efficiency measures are calculated for ratite producers using data envelopment analysis. Regression analysis is then used to determine producer characteristics that are likely to lead to higher technical efficiencies. Results indicate that the most technically efficient ratite producers in Louisiana are not producing at the benchmark efficiency level advocated by the industry. Producer experience with other livestock, specialization, and labor are factors likely to lead to higher technical efficiency. These results are expected to hold for most new, alternative livestock enterprises.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Southern Agricultural Economics Association 1998

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