A Study of Irrigated Farm Organizations at Two Management Levels in South-Central Nebraska

Authors

Robert E. Perry, University of Nebraska--Lincoln

Document Type

Thesis

Date of this Version

1-1966

Citation

Thesis (M.S.)—University of Nebraska—Lincoln, 1966. Department of Agricultural Economics.

Comments

Copyright 1966, the author. Used by permission.

Abstract

This study was a normative case study. Characteristics of the case farm were selected by analyzing the farm organization and the trends in Economic Area 5, in South-Central Nebraska. Characteristics considered essential in the case farm development were a 400-acre size and two irrigation wells. All farms having these characteristics were identified in Hamilton County. They were considered representative of all farms in Area 5 which have similar characteristics.

The objectives of the study were as follows:

To compare returns to, and the kinds of amounts of enterprises included in, optimum, cash-grain, hog, hog-beef, and beef farm organizations.

To determine the effects of two assumed levels of management on the returns to the selected farm organizations.

To evaluate the utilization of crop residues by livestock as an income increasing practice for the farm organizations developed.

Interviews were held with farmers divided into two management groups; those having above average management ability and those having below average management ability. The farmers were grouped using the input from the County Agent who was well acquainted with the farms and farmers in Hamilton County. Information on the practices used in crop production; the amount of seed, fertilizer, irrigation water used; and the yields obtained; was gathered for the selected crop enterprises. Estimates were made with the assistance of specialists in the University of Nebraska Animal Husbandry Department of the effects of high and low management levels on the hog and beef enterprises selected. On the basis of information gathered by the field interviews and the estimates of the specialists, input-output coefficients for crop and livestock enterprises were developed at each management level.

Advisor: Glen Vollmar