The production structure of 165-hen and 200-tom turkey flocks is investigated using a translog (dual) variable cost function. The partial static equilibrium elasticities of scale, input demand, input substitution, and cross price elasticities of demand are calculated. The elasticity of scale is found to be not significantly different from one over the range of 5,900 to 9,822 birds for the hen flocks and over the range of 7,765 to 11,043 birds for the torn flocks. In general, the input demand elasticities are inelastic with the exception of the input fuel. The cross-price elasticities are in general inelastic.

The problem of scheduling input applications can be examined by extending conventional production function analysis. Using appropriately designed agricultural experiments, it is possible to estimate production function parameters with alternative specifications for input timing (and amount). A study of nitrogen applications to rice is employed to illustrate scheduling via production functions. Alternative specifications and functional forms are simultaneously examined to determine the sensitivity of economic results to these factors. Sensitivity is found to be high, and this finding is hypothesized to be critical for other approaches to input scheduling as well.

Rotations have historically been used to alleviate pest problems in crop production. This paper considers methods of modeling rotations in linear programming models for Southeastern vegetable production. In such models, entering each possible crop rotation as a separate activity can be burdensome because of the large numbers of possible rotational alternatives. Conventional methodology for double crop rotations reduces the number of activities but must be adapted to accommodate triple crop rotational requirements in vegetable production. This paper demonstrates these methods both for a simple example and an empirical problem with numerous rotation alternatives. While the methods presented in this paper may have computational disadvantages compared to entering each rotation as a separate activity, they do have advantages in model design and data management.

The lease hunting system in Texas is described and discussed. Results of a hunter survey are reported and the value of ingress rights for white-tailed deer hunting in Texas is estimated. Results suggest that these rights are highly valuable and that services and facilities provided generally do not enhance the value of the hunting experience as much as access to additional game species on adequately large parcels of land.

The Risk-Rating Model is designed to give extension specialists, teachers, and producers a method to analyze production, marketing, and financial risks. These risks may be analyzed either individually or simultaneously. The risk associated with each enterprise, for all combinations of enterprises, and for any combination of marketing strategies is estimated. Optimistic, expected, and pessimistic returns above variable cost and/or total cost are presented in the results. The probability that total return will be equal to or greater than variable cost and/or total cost is also estimated.