This paper examines the prioritization of management factors by farmers that lead to the success of their farm business. The research also examines the heterogeneity of producer prioritization of different success strategies. Using a hierarchical clustering approach, we found that each farmer group prioritizes either managing costs, managing output prices, managing people, managing production, or managing assets. The results indicate that the farmer groups are heterogeneous in their prioritization of five strategic management factors. These results provide useful insights for farmers, farm input providers, and farm service providers.

Using both multivariate regression and artificial neural networks, the relative impact of variables affecting cow-calf profitability was examined over two cattle cycles for spring- and fall-calving herds that varied in size by time period analyzed when using different fertility management affecting forage yields with and without weather uncertainty. Neural networks had greater predictive accuracy than regression but at the cost of lesser transparency and predictive consistency. Explaining profitability, price, and quantity of cattle sold were consistently and respectively ranked first and second using both approaches. Importance rankings for hay sold and fertilizer were low and less consistent across techniques employed.

This paper builds a comprehensive supply chain model of the US broiler industry that accounts for corn and soybean meal, feed mills, breeders, hatcheries, grow-out farms, broiler processing, value-added processing, and international trade. The model is calibrated and simulated to analyze the effects of (1) corn and soybeans tariffs imposed by China and (2) change in the Canadian tariff-rate quota proposed under US–Mexico–Canada–Agreement. The first scenario indicates that feed price falls while supply increases, which decreases the production costs of breeders and grow-out farms. The second scenario shows that exports to Canada rise at the expense of exports to Mexico.

To support decision-makers considering adopting integrated pest management (IPM) cropping in Norway, we used stochastic efficiency analysis to compare the risk efficiency of IPM cropping and conventional cropping, using data from a long-term field experiment in southeastern Norway, along with data on recent prices, costs, and subsidies. Initial results were not definitive, so we applied stochastic efficiency with respect to a function, limiting the assumed risk aversion of farmers to a plausible range. We found that, for farmers who are risk-indifferent to moderately (hardly) risk averse, the conventional system was, compared to IPM, less (equally) preferred.

This study measures the effect of text message receipt on behavioral change by Ecuadorean blackberry farmers. We examine whether text messages affect knowledge about specific technologies or serve as reminders to farmers to employ practices as part of their crop management strategy. Drawing from well-known theories of behavioral change, we identify pathways relevant to technology adoption. We then describe results from a randomized experiment and measure the impact of the intervention through these pathways. Results suggest that in the blackberry context, timely text messages remind farmers about recommended practices and increase adoption. Effects on knowledge enhancement are not significant.

From April 2018 to August 2019, the Yuan has declined in value relative to the US dollar by 12.6%, and the effects of this decline have not been studied. This study analyzes the effects of this fall in Yuan value, in isolation of tariffs, on US, Chinese, and world cotton markets. The results show that the adverse effects of the decline in Yuan value reverberate throughout world cotton markets and exacerbate the detrimental effects of the Chinese cotton tariff.

Agricultural production in Brazil has increased in recent decades. Despite this, the rural population continues to face income inequality. Policies targeting this issue, such as rural credit, have been implemented during this period. This study estimates the influence of credit on income inequality in Brazilian rural areas. Results suggest that the family farming credit program (PRONAF) is not associated with increase in inequality. However, access to rural credit from sources other than PRONAF has led to greater household income inequality. Results also indicate that greater levels of education and access to rural extension have boosted the effect of credit on income.

To further improve the understanding of promoting locally grown lavender, we examine consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for three lavender-based products: lavender bundles, culinary lavender, and lavender oil. We evaluate an online sample located in the southeast using a double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation survey. Lavender bundles have the highest WTP, followed by oil and culinary lavender. Certain marketing factors result in higher WTP, including product familiarity, familiarity with the Georgia Grown program, and shopping frequency at farmers’ markets. This study provides a better understanding of the opportunity for small-scale farmers to market specialty crops such as lavender.

We investigate food preference changes in Russia that may have resulted from political, economic, and other changes. Our empirical framework utilizes advances in consumer theory and exploits provincial-level panel data on food consumption and supply shifters to identify price and income effects. Our findings indicate that consumers underwent a structural preference change that began in 2007 and continued into 2014. To illustrate the magnitude of this change, we contrast economic effects for select food commodities across regions. The new insights will be useful in designing timely and effective food and trade policies, as well as informing strategy decisions of agribusiness industry players.