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An analysis of a 1999 sample of ten no-till producers indicates that over a reasonable range of cotton lint prices, no-till cotton production may result in larger net returns per acre than conventional tillage. However, the authors caution that additional analysis based on a larger sample of commercial no-till growers on better cotton soils is needed.

Cotton production systems based on wider equipment are more efficient (cost less per acre). They improve net returns if yield can be maintained or the value of the yield reduction (which may or may not occur depending upon planting pattern and soil type) is less than the reduction in cost of production (which will occur).

An analysis of a 1999 sample of 13 no-till producers indicates that over a reasonable range of cotton lint prices, ultra narrow cotton production may result in larger net returns per acre than conventional production practices. The largest percentage cost reduction is in fixed expenses. In general, total direct expenses per acre are also reduced, although UNRC usually results in higher seed and chemical expenses. UNRC has a lower total cost per pound compared to conventional cotton.

Mississippi cotton farmers are adjusting to the current problem of low cotton price and high cotton production cost by modifying the way(s) they have traditionally grown cotton. This paper compares seven alternative production systems to the costs and returns associated with the conventional or traditional system labeled "solid cotton, 8-row equipment." Systems that combine wider equipment (less labor and machinery time per acre) with reduced tillage technology appear to offer opportunities to increase returns. Specific adjustments on individual farms will probably be dominated by the distribution of soil types.

According to conventional wisdom, low prices favor skip-row planting patterns while high prices favor solid planted cotton. Production costs have been trending upward for many years. Current high production costs have redefined the point at which a low price becomes a high price relative to skip-row versus solid planting pattern decisions. Growers considering a shift from solid to skip-row cotton must be able to produce high yields, more than 90% of the solid yield on a land acre basis.

This article presents an aggregate benefit-cost analysis of alternative areawide boll weevil eradication and management strategies Economic efficiency effects of the programs were measured m terms of consumer benefits, farm income, and public program costs, TECHSIM-an econometric Simulation model of production and consumption of major U S agricultural crops-was' used to estimate market Impacts of the programs Boll weevil eradication, combined,with pest management, was found to have the highest net Social benefits However, this program also had the highest public (taxpayer) costs An optimum pest management alternative Without eradication had the highest benefit-cost ratio, but had next to lowest net Social benefits Choice of .the best boll weevil program depends on budget priorities and the target group for program Implementation