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Adequate neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF) content in the total diet can improve intake efficiency, prevent rumen disorders, and enhance the health and performance of feedlot-finished beef cattle. We hypothesized that an increase in dietary fiber levels would decrease the productive performance but increase the economic performance of young bulls in confinement. Thus, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing fiber levels on feed intake, wastage, and productive and economic performance of Nellore young bulls finished in confinement. We used 20 Nellore cattle, non-castrated males, 30 months old, and average body weight (BW) of 416.35 ± 2.2 kg distributed in a completely randomized design, kept in individual stalls. Animals were divided into four treatments consisting of four levels of neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF) (25%, 30%, 35%, and 40% NDF) in total DM. Nutrient intake, feed conversion, feed waste, body weight (BW) at slaughter, total weight gain (TWG), average daily gain (ADG), hot carcass weight (HCW), and carcass yield (CR) were evaluated. In addition, economic parameters (revenue, food expenses, and gross margin) were calculated and compared. The dry matter (DMI), organic matter (OMI), crude protein (CPI), and ether extract (EEI) intakes showed quadratic behavior. The DMI maximum estimated was 28.5% NDF in the diet. The NDF and ADF intakes showed a positive linear effect and the starch intake had a negative linear effect. There was a significant positive linear effect (P < 0.05) for the variables total mixed ration (TMR) offered and daily and total RTM intake. Minimum RTM wastage was estimated with a diet containing 30% NDF. The maximum points for BW at slaughter, HCW, and ADG were 29.9%; 29.6%, and 25% NDF, respectively. The costs of concentrate and silage showed a positive linear behavior, as did the ADG costs and the carcass equivalent cost (P < 0.05). The maximum point of the revenue estimate (US$/animal) was 29.9% of NDF, 26.1% of NDF for the total expenditure on food (US$/animal), and 32.5% of NDF for the gross margin (U$/animal). In conclusion, the animals fed a 30% NDF diet showed the best performance and economics, in addition to less food waste. We recommend 25 to 32.5% of NDF in the diet to obtain maximum productive and economic performance when finishing Nellore young bulls in confinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beekeeping is a vital economic activity for smallholder farmers; therefore, it is essential to provide beekeepers with information regarding the profitability and productivity of box hives to encourage them to embrace the technology. However, scant information is available to comprehensively compare the profitability and output of traditional and modern beehives. This study seeks to compare the performance of traditional and modern beehives in Baringo South Sub-County. Simple random sampling was used in conjunction with a cross-sectional survey to collect data from the 197 beekeepers who participated in the study. A gross margin analysis was performed to understand the returns of traditional and modern hives. According to the findings, individuals who used traditional beehives had a higher overall operational cost of Ksh. 1449.44 per hive, whereas those who used modern hives had a total operational cost of Ksh. 1000.73. In addition, the study also demonstrated that those that utilised modern beehives received larger gross margins in Kenyan shillings 7917.74, whilst those who used traditional beehives received Ksh. 5590.59. According to the study’s findings, modern beekeeping generates higher returns than traditional beekeeping. As a result, farmers should be encouraged to employ modern beehives to generate higher returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food production plays a central role in the health of humanity and our environment. New Zealand produces a large amount of food, but it is unknown if it can produce enough of the right crops in the places to better the health of New Zealanders, profitably, while maintaining New Zealand's primary production exports and meeting ambitions to lower greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions and nutrient losses to water. We tested two scenarios that aimed at delivering a healthy diet while maximising profit and minimising GHGs (climate-focused scenario) or losses of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to water (freshwater-focused scenario). Land use change was targeted to areas not currently meeting bottom lines for N or P loss but needed to spill over to other areas to meet dietary targets in both scenarios. The maximum cost of the required land use change was about 1% of the primary sector's export revenues, and orders of magnitude less than the estimated savings for the health system from an optimised diet. We conclude that shifting productive land uses can help meet environmental targets for GHGs, N and P while saving money and improving the health of its people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the economic implications of hybrid plants combining photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies with energy storage in response to Chile's ongoing energy transition. Utilizing the System Advisor Model (SAM), six diverse locations were evaluated to assess energy generation profiles, calculate the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), and analyze gross margins. The key finding is that higher solar multiples or storage capacities do not consistently lead to lower LCOE, primarily due to operational strategies aligning CSP generation profiles with PV. Notably, northern regions consistently yield higher gross margins despite occasional zero marginal costs, while areas near Santiago experience lower gross margins, with Salamanca presenting the lowest margin. This highlights the critical role of available solar resources in shaping economic outcomes.

Rearing of replacement heifers makes up a significant part of the total costs in dairy farming. Nevertheless, the average age at first calving for dairy heifers still stays well above 2 years in many countries. This study examined the economic and environmental impacts of increased heifer growth rates and reduced replacement rates on Norwegian dairy farms. The current average growth rate in Norway (baseline scenario) was compared to an accelerated growth rate scenario. Within each of the two growth rate scenarios, we compared three different cow replacement rates. A farm account survey dataset containing physical and economic data on 311 Norwegian farms was clustered into three farm groups: small, medium, and large. To model economic consequences, we used the whole-farm linear programming model ScotFarm. A life cycle analysis model was used to model the environmental impacts of the baseline scenario and an accelerated growth rate scenario on the three farm groups. Accelerated heifer growth rate had a positive effect (14–28%) on farm annual gross margin depending on farm size. While accelerated growth rate resulted in only minor reductions in total emissions at farm level compared to the baseline scenario, reduced replacement rate lowered total farm level emissions by up to 8%, and emissions per unit of output by up to 6%. We conclude that an accelerated heifer growth rate scenario could potentially increase farm gross margin by some 14–28% compared with a baseline growth rate scenario. Reducing the replacement rate would be more efficient to reduce farm−level greenhouse gas emissions.

The escalation of crises related to water quantity of quality, energy, food, and the environment has posed numerous challenges to sustainable development in the agricultural sector. This study seeks to establish an optimal and sustainable framework within the agricultural sector by meeting the objectives of the WEF (Water-Energy-Food) nexus index and environmental. For this, we individually optimized the objectives: maximizing the WEFN index (O1), minimizing CO2 emissions (O2), reducing chemical fertilizer consumption (O3), minimizing chemical pesticide usage (O4), and maximizing gross margin (O5) under various electrical conductivity (EC) scenarios (optimistic, moderate, and pessimistic) within the irrigation network of the Jiroft plain in Iran. In the second stage, we employed a Multi-Objective Programming (MOP) Model to attain these objectives using a weighted sum approach simultaneously. The results of the first stage revealed that under moderate and pessimistic EC irrigation water scenarios, significant alterations in the crop selection within the optimized models for O1 and O5 objectives occurred compared to the baseline scenario, which did not consider EC irrigation water. Specifically, in the pessimistic scenario with an EC irrigation water level of 2.25 ds/m, crops such as onions, tomatoes, and potatoes were replaced within the optimal cropping pattern by wheat, barley, and green-maize, leading to a notable decline in program efficiency. The results from the MOP optimization model indicated that in the pessimistic EC irrigation water scenario, the WEFN index, CO2 emissions, fertilizer consumption, pesticide consumption, and gross margin would change by approximately +12%, −48%, −28%, −8%, and −74%, respectively, compared to the baseline scenario. Consequently, an increase in EC irrigation water, despite improving environmental conditions, would substantially diminish economic profit. Thus, overlooking the impact of EC irrigation water in the WEF nexus analysis could result in misleading conclusions.

This paper assessed the smoked marine fish markets along the Central-Ashanti region trade corridor of Ghana by adopting the structure-conduct-performance framework. Through a multi-stage sampling technique, 158 fish smokers, 100 wholesalers, and 120 retailers were sampled for primary data collection. Using the market concentration ratio and Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, the smoked marine fish market was found to be very competitive during the major season and weakly oligopolistic during the minor season, regardless of the fish type traded. The conduct of key market players was done in an open environment devoid of interference or collusion, with minimal entry barriers, if any. Consistent with a priori expectations, the smoked marine fish market performed much better at the retail node than at the processing and wholesale nodes of the chain. However, the most popular marketing channel through which smoked marine fish flows from fish smokers to final consumers via wholesalers and retailers was identified as the least efficient in terms of performance, irrespective of the fish type traded and the season within which the trading occurred.

ABSTRACTSustainable food systems require mechanisms that assure consumers about the sustainability of agricultural production. Building on the existing literature on the impact of sustainability standards, this study is the first to assess the effectiveness of participatory guarantee systems (PGS) for the certification of organic produce. The study uses representative farm-level data on local vegetable value chains in northern Vietnam and uses a broad set of sustainability outcomes as well as counterfactual analysis, including systematic robustness checks. The results show that PGS significantly improves farm profitability (+117%), agroecology performance (+40%), and gives farmers more choice of sales channels (+23%). However, PGS had no significant effect on returns to labour and reduced the average crop yield. Capacity development on nursery practices, transplanting of healthy seedlings rather than direct seeding, reduced tillage, and collective crop planning and management are some of the innovations that can counter adverse effects on crop yields, increase soil health as well as improve returns to labour, and thus attract more youth to farming. Overall, the study shows that organic PGS can make vegetable production more economically viable and more agroecologically sustainable.

The focus of this work was on modeling the financial performance of Chilean construction companies using linear fixed and mixed effects regressions, using quarterly gross margin as an indicator of profitability. Among the models evaluated, it was determined that the mixed effects model with random effects per company showed the best fit to the data set, with an estimated coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.92, with variables such as TC, TC being significant. quadratic and the short-term debt rate. The combination of quadratic and non-quadratic CT effects indicated that the positive impact of CT on margin is evident from a rate of 42% on total assets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed at development of breeding objectives and estimation of the economic values for traits of economic importance to various dairy goat breeders associations. This was achieved through the development of a bio-economic model to derive economic values for the selected traits. The input and output parameters used represented the average performance of Saanen, Toggenburg and Alpine breeds. The gross margin was estimated using the R software. Economic values for milk yield (MY, kg), pre-weaning survival rate (PrSr, %), post-weaning survival rate, (PoSR, %), doe survival rate, (DoSR, %), and kidding rate, (Kr, %) were estimated based on fixed flock size and fixed feed resources scenarios. The findings indicate varied gross margin across the breeds; Saanen (US$ 116.17), Toggenburg (US$ 68.21) and Alpine (US$ -1.11). In both scenarios, the economic values in selected traits were positive for the three breeds except for milk yield in Alpine, which was negative in both fixed flock and fixed feed resources. The positive economic values of selected traits indicated a unit increase in genetic merit of these traits. The developed bio-economic model was able to estimate the gross margin of Saanen, Toggenburg and Alpine breeds represented by Nyanza Dairy Goat Breeders Association (NDGA), Meru Dairy Goat Breeders Association (MDGA) and Dairy Goat Association of Kenya (DGAK), respectively, reared under semi-intensive production system. The study offers an opportunity to evaluate genetic and economic merit of alternative strategies for dairy goats reared in semi-intensive production systems managed by various dairy goat breeders associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production structure of farms has a great importance in the context of Romania where there are many mixed farms and most of them have problems of economic viability. Optimization of the production structure is essential in ensuring the viability of farms therefore our study focuses on applying the model of linear programming for the optimization of the production structure. The model was applied to a case study where the optimization was performed from different perspectives by using various economic indicators such as the standard output, gross margin, profit per hectare and production costs. The results have shown that the optimal structure differs depending on the farms’ medium and long-term objectives. As a result of the analysis for the proposed scenarios, to increase the efficiency, the use of the category of youth under 1 year old must be abandoned and the cattle for meat category should be developed. Gross margin was found to be the most suitable indicator depending on which the optimal production structure should be modeled.

This study analyzed the profitability of palm oil production in Igbo Etiti L.G.A of Enugu State, Nigeria. Both multi-stage random and purposive sampling procedures were used to select 120 small-scale palm oil producers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants and analysed using frequency, percentage, and gross margin analysis. The results show that more than half (55.0) percent of palm oil producers use the traditional method of palm oil processing to produce their product whereas 17.5 percent used the mechanical method. The producers sourced their palm fruits mainly from self-sourcing (65 percent), friends and relatives (55.8 percent), and the open market (44.2 percent). The profitability analysis indicates that the total cost of N2,503,100 was incurred as the production cost for palm oil in the 2021 production cycle, out of which N429,000 representing 17.1 percent was expended on the total fixed assets while the total variable cost gulped N2,074,100, representing 82.9 percent of the entire cost. The sum of N796,900 was realized as the net profit from palm oil production in the area. This attests to the profitability of palm oil production in the area. The benefit-cost ratio analysis yielded a value above one (1.3), confirming the viability of palm oil production in the area. The study recommends that the government should initiate a policy that will encourage more people to get involved in palm oil production, as well as, facilitate the transition of palm oil production from the traditional method to the mechanical method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the profitability of oil palm processing venture in Ola Oluwa Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. The sampled 120 respondents for the study were selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Field surveys were carried out using structured interview schedule to obtain primary data utilized for the study. Data analysis was carried out using frequencies, percentages, means, and regression analysis. Results of the descriptive analysis revealed that the majority of the respondents were middle-aged (mean = 58.43 years) (92.5%), married (55.83%), female (100%), having a mean of the household size of 5 persons per household. The majority (60.00%) of the respondents had no formal education; do not own an oil palm processing unit (77.31%); small-scale processors (44.54%), with a mean of 37.21 litres of palm oil per production cycle. The mean years of oil palm processing experience, total revenue, total production cost, gross margin, and net income from oil palm processing per year were 28.39 years, ₦243,472.900, ₦103,088.808, ₦155,521.592 and ₦140,384.092 respectively. Regression results revealed that the cost of oil palm bunches, the cost of firewood, the cost of kerosene, and matches, and the cost grinding were positive significant determinants of the level of gross margin from oil palm processing in the study area. Based on the findings, the study concluded that despite the profitability oil palm processing venture in the study area, it is operated on a small-scale predominantly by aged married and widowed women; hence provision of financial assistance through low-interest loans from agricultural banks or any other related financial institution would help improve their productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research investigates safety practice compliance among urban vegetable farmers in Ghana's Ashanti Region and its implications for the environment, farmers' health, and consumer safety. Design/methodology/approach: An empirical approach was adopted, utilizing field survey data from 387 urban vegetable farmers in key vegetable-producing communities. The study employed various data analytical techniques, including frequency distributions, a Bonferroni multiple comparisons test, and ordered logistic regression. Findings: The research emphasizes the need for enhanced awareness and education among farmers to ensure adherence to safety practices. It reveals a significant positive relationship between farmers' awareness and compliance, underlining the role of informed decision-making and knowledge dissemination. Additionally, higher gross margin values are associated with increased compliance, indicating the motivating influence of profitability in allocating resources for safety measures. Furthermore, farming experience is positively linked to compliance, emphasizing the importance of practical knowledge and expertise. Practical implications: Based on the findings, the research offers policy recommendations to promote compliance with safety practices. These include enhancing farmer education and awareness programs, improving profitability and market access, fostering knowledge-sharing platforms, addressing affordability concerns, and strengthening enforcement and monitoring. Implementing these measures will enhance compliance, safeguarding the well-being of farmers, consumers, and the environment, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of Ghana's urban vegetable sector. Research limitations/implications: While this study focused specifically on urban vegetable farmers, pesticide usage extends beyond vegetable production in Ghana. Future research should incorporate essential crops like maize, cassava, and rice to provide a more comprehensive assessment of pesticide practices and their implications in the broader agricultural context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability of the rice production and farmers’ income in Nigeria raises a serious concern due to the rising costs of production inputs and other factors beyond farmers’ control. As a result, the study compared the cost and returns of rice production in North central, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 387 rice farmers in the study area. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and seeming unrelated regression were used to analyze the dataset collected. The findings revealed that most of the rice farmers were male, averagely young and have at least 9 family members in their respectively households. Results from Kwara State showed that total cost is higher among the upland rice farmers compared to their lowland counterparts, but reverse was the case in term of net profit, as this favoured the lowland rice farmers. For Niger State and pooled data, the lowland rice farmers had higher net profit than the upland rice farmers. Seemingly unrelated regression estimates indicated that costs associated with fertilizer, herbicide, seed, pesticide and labour used were significant and influencing factors affecting the revenue of rice farmers in the study area. While inaccessibility to cheap farm inputs was the major constraint affecting the rice farmers, other challenges include lack of storage, inadequate rainfall and inadequate credit facilities. The study recommended seamless access to improved rice varieties by the farmers as this can scale up adoption of improved technologies, boost production and ultimately the net revenue of rice farmers. Farmers are also advised to join and/or form a registered occupational groups through which credit facilities can easily be accessed, to expand the farming operations because of the positive and complementary role of social group and access to credit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agronomy Science is the property of University of Life Sciences in Lublin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sustainable food systems require mechanisms that assure consumers about the sustainability of agricultural production. Building on the existing literature on the impact of sustainability standards, this study is the first to assess the effectiveness of participatory guarantee systems (PGS) for the certification of organic produce. The study uses representative farm-level data on local vegetable value chains in northern Vietnam and uses a broad set of sustainability outcomes as well as counterfactual analysis, including systematic robustness checks. The results show that PGS significantly improves farm profitability (+117%), agroecology performance (+40%), and gives farmers more choice of sales channels (+23%). However, PGS had no significant effect on returns to labour and reduced the average crop yield. Capacity development on nursery practices, transplanting of healthy seedlings rather than direct seeding, reduced tillage, and collective crop planning and management are some of the innovations that can counter adverse effects on crop yields, increase soil health as well as improve returns to labour, and thus attract more youth to farming. Overall, the study shows that organic PGS can make vegetable production more economically viable and more agroecologically sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Production of rainfed (dryland) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) occurs in many places globally, and is always burdened with greater uncertainties in outcomes than irrigated cotton. Assessing farm financial viability helps farmers to make clearer and more informed decisions with a fuller awareness of the potential risks to their business. Aim: We aimed to highlight key points of uncertainty common in rainfed cotton production and quantify these variable conditions to facilitate clearer decision-making on sowing dates and row configurations. Methods: The consequences of these decisions at six locations across two states in Australia, given estimates of plant-available water at sowing, are expressed in terms of comparable probability distributions of cotton lint yield (derived from crop modelling using historical weather data) and gross margin per hectare (derived from historical prices for inputs and cotton lint yield), using the copula approach. Examples of contrasting conditions and likely outcomes are summarised. Key results: Sowing at the end of October with solid row configuration tended to provide the highest yield; however, single- and double-skip row configurations generally resulted in higher gross margins. Places associated with higher summer-dominant rainfall had greater chance of positive gross margins. Conclusion: In order to maximise the probability of growing a profitable crop, farmers need to consider the variabilities and dependencies within and across price and yield before selecting the most appropriate agronomic decisions. Implications: Given appropriate data on growing conditions and responses, our methodology can be applied in other locations around the world, and to other crops. We highlight key points of uncertainty common in rainfed cotton production and quantify these variable conditions to facilitate clearer decision-making on sowing dates and row configurations. The potential profits at six locations in Australia were derived by combining simulated yields and historical cost data, and were compared under different growing conditions. Given appropriate data on growing conditions and responses, our methodology can be applied in other locations around the world, and to other crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the economic efficiency of soybean cultivars at different soil tillage system (ploughing method, reduced tillage, strip tillage). The study was based on the results of a five-year (2016-2020) field study, conducted at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Kępa Puławy (farm in Osiny), belonging to the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation in Puławy. In the scheme of trial two cultivars of soybean: Aldana (000 – early) and Merlin (00-mid-early) were used. The strip-till system brought the highest value of harvested soybean seeds of Merlin cultivar – 6,262 PLN/ha (mean in 2016-2020). The high value was also obtained under full ploughing system (6,251 PLN/ha). The highest profitability of soybean cultivation determined based relation production value of seeds to direct cost was obtained under strip-tillage system (mean for two cultivars – 1.68). In direct cost structure the highest percentage had seeds material cost. The gross margin was determined as an indicator of economic efficiency. The economic effectiveness of cultivation of two soybean cultivars was evaluated from the perspective of utilizing the basic factors of production – land. Analysis showed that the highest level of gross margin determined on based the difference of production seeds value, direct cost and indirect cost was obtained in soybean cultivation under strip-tillage system. The profitability index was also determined as the relation of production value of soybean seeds to direct costs. The level of the gross margin was more impacted by the level of the obtained yield and the cost of agrotechnical treatments than by the level of other direct costs.

The production of apples is conditioned by many environmental and economic factors, including the cultivated variety, the condition of the plants, the stress factors, demand, supply, costs incurred, prices of fruit and means of production. The aim of the study was to analyse the influence of climatic conditions on the profitability of production of apple trees of the Najdared cultivar. Between 2015 and 2017 an experiment was conducted on apple trees growing on replantation soil and on crop rotation soil in Wielkopolska Region. The analysis of climatic conditions indicated significant differences in air temperatures and precipitation in particular years. When analysing the profitability of the production of apples, it was found that significantly more favourable financial results are obtained on the soil after crop rotation compared to the production on replanted soil. Moreover, the decrease in the profitability of apple production of the trees grown on the replantation soil, especially during unfavourable weather conditions, was greater than the trees grown at the crop rotation soil. On the basis of the research, it was found that in the future, sustainable cultivation of apple trees should be carried out on sites after crop rotation.

Abstract Background Agricultural research and technology adoption play a key role in improving productivity and therefore generate impact on household livelihoods. The push–pull technology developed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology and collaborators/partners has been recognized for its multiple roles in productivity improvement and income generation. However, the subsequent impacts after its adaptation to drier agro-ecologies have not been ascertained. An ex-post study was conducted to evaluate the impact of the climate-resilient push–pull technology on farmers’ income. Methodology This study was conducted in eight counties in Kenya and Mara region in Tanzania, involving 486 farmers; half were climate-resilient push–pull technology adopters. The study adopted the propensity score matching (PSM) technique in order to correct the self-selection bias in adoption. Results From the results, education of the farmer, household size, Tropical Livestock Unit and group membership positively and significantly influenced adoption. The average treatment effect on the treated was positive for all the matching methods; USD 455.8 for Nearest Neighbor Matching, USD 474.2 for the Kernel Matching and USD 439.1 for the Radius/Caliper Matching. The balancing test for self-selection bias showed that none of the observed covariates was significant after matching. The results demonstrate that adopting climate-resilient push–pull technology has a positive impact on the adopter farmers’ income. Adopter farmers were able to earn much more in terms of gross margin. Conclusion The positive change in income for adopters was attributable to the technology. With increased incomes, farmers were able to access alternative foodstuff, hence had more food security and diversity than those without. Efforts to expand dissemination and adoption of climate-resilient push–pull technology will have positive impacts on adopting families and hence to the economy.

AbstractA field survey was conducted during February–May 2022 in Chhatradev rural municipality and Sitganga municipality with the purpose of analyzing the existing value chain of arabica coffee in Arghakhanchi district of Nepal. A sample size of 110 arabica coffee growers, comprising 55 from each municipality, was selected by using three-stage sampling method for interviews that used a pretested questionnaire. To study the value addition and trading aspects, six collectors and pulper operators and two secondary processors were selected. Descriptive statistics was applied to analyze the data. Input suppliers, producers, collectors, pulper operators, secondary processors, traders, and consumers were identified as key players in the coffee value chain. NTCDB, NARC, CDC, AKC, Coffee Zone, Primary Coffee Cooperatives, Central Coffee Cooperative Union Limited, NCPA, financial institutions, and certification agencies were identified as the enabling environment providers in the value chain. The findings showed that the gross margin of one kg each of fresh cherry production, dry parchment production, green bean production, and coffee powder production was NRs. 26.06, NRs. 92.83, NRs. 107.7, and NRs. 215.06, respectively. Value addition from producers to primary processors was NRs. 109.8 per kg, and the value addition from primary to secondary processors was NRs. 445.6 per kg. Similarly, the value addition from secondary processors to consumers was NRs. 480.58 per kg. The research area’s value chain structure or network was determined to be brief and straightforward. Therefore, it is advised to adopt cutting-edge processing and packaging methods to improve the competitiveness of Nepali coffee in the market.

Crop diversification practices (CDPs) are alternative strategies aimed to achieve sustainable cropping systems and food production overcoming the agro-environmental impacts of conventional cropping systems such as monoculture. Thus, this paper aims to improve the knowledge of implementing CDPs in different European pedoclimatic regions by assessing the economic performance at the farm level. CDPs are compared with conventional cropping systems and clustered in terms of their gross margin (GM) results and variations. Farm-level assessment shows that CDPs provide positive economic results, representing an adaptive management strategy for ecological transition, without compromising economic sustainability. Particularly, the main findings show that (1) the impact of diversification depends more on crop type than on the selected CDPs, (2) most farms exhibited a low GM with low economic impact, and (3) there is a great likelihood that the CDPs facilitate the buildup of more resilient farming systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep production is expanding among small farmers in Southern Uruguay. Currently, Corriedale and Milchschaf are being used, but not Highlander. However, there is lack of experimental information regarding the relative performance of these breeds. We conducted an experiment where these three sheep breeds were run together at the Southern Regional Centre, located in the region in question. Wool, body, reproductive and lamb growth traits were recorded from 2015 to 2019. Results were used as a basis for the calculation of gross margins for each breed, which we calculated for a range of production and economic scenarios. For scenarios based on the results of the present study Highlander was the best performing breed. If it was assumed to be wool-less, it performed even better. In some scenarios Corriedale performed best, especially when the higher wool price it used to enjoy was assumed. However, fetching such a price in the foreseeable future is unlikely. We concluded that in the absence of wool-less sheep that perform in a manner similar to Highlander or Milchschaf in terms of reproduction and lamb growth, Highlander is currently the best option for small farmers in Southern Uruguay. Until now, Milchschaf has been the recommended breed for the region and production system in question. The recommendation should be reviewed, Highlander should be recommended instead, and the performance of wool-less breeds should be investigated. Results could be applicable to other temperate regions in Latin America where similar production systems exist or may be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agro-Knowledge Journal / Agroznanje is the property of University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists is the property of Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Achieving maximum output with a minimum level of resources has been a major discourse in recent years mostly in Nigeria's seed yam production. Thus, the study evaluated the technical efficiency of the CAY- and NRCRI - seed yam farm and the costs and returns to seed yam production of CAY- and NRCRI - seed yam farms. The study adopted a quantitative research approach. Similarly, a multistage sampling method was used to 283 seed yam farmers. Descriptive statistics, cobb douglas stochastic frontier production function model and gross margin analysis were used for the study. The findings of the study revealed that technical efficiency scores of CAY- (20%) and NRCRI (17%) - seed yam farmers were generally low respectively, Similarly, CAY-Seed yam farmers' farms had a higher gross margin ($199.64) when compared to NRCRI seed yam farmers' farms ($97.29), The study concludes that seed yam technologies did not generally improve the technical efficiency of the seed yam farms. The study recommends that external factors such as seed yam varieties used should be assessed. For instance, farmers' compliance to technologies introduced and the state of health of seed yam farmers should be considered in determining the technical efficiency of farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production structure of farms has a great importance in the context of Romania where there are many mixed farms and most of them have problems of economic viability. Optimization of the production structure is essential in ensuring the viability of farms therefore our study focuses on applying the model of linear programming for the optimization of the production structure. The model was applied to a case study where the optimization was performed from different perspectives by using various economic indicators such as the standard output, gross margin, profit per hectare and production costs. The results have shown that the optimal structure differs depending on the farms' medium and long-term objectives. As a result of the analysis for the proposed scenarios, to increase the efficiency, the use of the category of youth under 1 year old must be abandoned and the cattle for meat category should be developed. Gross margin was found to be the most suitable indicator depending on which the optimal production structure should be modeled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil spatial variability is a primary contributor to within-field yield variation across farms. Spatio-temporal yield stability and variability can be assessed through multi-year yield monitor data and geostatistical techniques. Our objective was to delineate yield stability zones using multi-year yield data coupled with gross margins to plan precision conservation prescriptions. This study employed corn yield measurements from 2018, 2019, 2020 and farm economics data to compile yield stability and gross margin maps for nine Texas Blackland Prairie corn fields, and identified nonprofitable areas in each field that may be unsuitable for crop production. Yield stability zones were delineated using mean and coefficient of variation of multi-year yield maps (Zone A: high yield, stable; Zone B: high yield, unstable; Zone C: low yield, unstable; and Zone D: low yield, stable). Approximately 57% of the area in the fields was classified as unstable and, nearly 29% of the area yielded consistently below the field mean (Zone D). Gross margin for stability zones ranged from − $693 to $775/ha. Stability zones A and B generally had positive gross margins, whereas zones C and D had negative margins. Based on yield and gross margin assessment, yield stability zone D could be removed from row crop production. As a part of the Long-Term Agroecosystem Research Network Common Cropland Experiment, Zone D was removed from production (fields Y-8 and Y-13) or received reduced inputs (field SW-16 and W-13). Further study is needed to verify the farm-level economic benefits to producers and to evaluate the environmental benefits of precision conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop production constitutes a significant portion of the EU's agricultural output and influences land use decisions. Various elements within the crop production system can significantly impact its outcomes. This paper aims to evaluate the environmental and economic performance of crop rotation, catch crops, and different tillage practices in Latvia by analyzing data from case studies, field trials, and field monitoring to identify the potential for improvement towards a more sustainable utilization of agricultural land. Environmental performance was evaluated by focusing on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), as it is likely to play a significant role in assessing the environmental suitability of crop production according to the Platform on Sustainable Finance. For economic performance, gross margins were calculated. Crop rotation in Latvia tends to be monotonous, with wheat and oilseed rape dominating over 60% of the cultivated area due to their profitability. The findings of this study indicate that achieving a minimum NUE of 70% is challenging. Crop rotations including oilseed rape, particularly the common wheat–oilseed rape rotation, have an average NUE below the threshold, while proper use of catch crops may increase NUE by 7–9%. The three-year field trials on commercial farms yielded divergent findings about the impact of various tillage practices on NUE and gross margin. However, the field trials conducted on the farm practicing reduced tillage for over ten years show higher NUE compared to ploughing. The advantage of reduced tillage was supported by the obtained results indicating lower costs of agrotechnical operations, including less diesel consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists is the property of Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of the research is to analyse the gross margin of sheep of the Ille-de-France breed, bred in the Experimental Base of the Institute of Animal Science - Kostinbrod in three consecutive years within the period of the Common Agricultural Policy 2014 - 2020. The economic indicators are calculated with the subsidies received per ewe per year. Sales prices are constant during the studied period. Gross margin is defined as the difference between total revenues and variable costs. In this regard, an analysis of the dynamics of total revenues is made, including of realised lambs. The average annual growth rate of revenues is 11.48% and that of lambs is 13.59%. The average annual rhythm of increase of variable costs during the study period is 3.26% and that of fed feed is 6.33%. The level of change in gross margin is positive with an increasing trend and with an average annual rhythm of 32.27%. In the third year compared to the second year, the positive gross margin is due to the stronger effect of the reduction of variable costs while having increasing revenues. The gross margin rate increased from 23.64% to 36.38%. At constant sales prices, this results from a reduction in variable costs. The ratio of variable costs to total revenues decreased from 76.36% to 63.62%. This has a positive effect on the gross margin and accordingly on the efficiency of the breeding activity of the Ille-de-France sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture contributes the most to the economy and provides agro-ecological benefits in the environmentally unsustainable Aral Sea region, but its productivity is steadily dropping. To improve the resilience of farming communities in the region, crop diversification is proposed to enable farmers to grow high-value competitive crops and obtain more stable farm incomes. This study provides long-term, multidisciplinary analyses and strategies for strengthening crop diversification amongst farmers in the Aral Sea region. The study analyzed data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the statistical yearbook of 2000–2020. According to the gross margin study findings, farmers who use diversified cropping systems made considerably higher revenues than farmers relying on mono-cropping practices. This study demonstrates that greater crop diversity contributes to the rational use of natural resources and optimization plans, environmental sustainability, and food security as important natural and socio-economic issues in this region. The study findings suggest that proper crop diversification strategies need to be developed in the Aral Sea region to improve the sustainability of farming systems with enhanced resilience to devastating environmental and climate challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of the major staple crops and cash crops in sub-Saharan Africa. Its reputation continues to rise due to the increase in human population and the demand for potatoes is predictable. Potato-produce has a good market reputation and is the major source of household income in developing countries, especially South Africa. However, the increase in potato enterprise comes with its share of challenges that need to be addressed. Smallholder farmers in South Africa are still facing challenges in accessing and participating in lucrative and agro-food value chains, hence their farm returns are very low. There are very few research studies that have assessed the profitability and market performance of potato enterprises. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the profitability of smallholder potato enterprises in the Eastern Cape Province. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 160 potato farmers. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, benefit-cost ratio and marketing margin analysis were used to analyze the data. The study results reveal that the potato enterprise is profitable and contributes to farmers' well-being. Farmers and sellers determined the price of potatoes. The reason for this market conduct is due to the weak characterization of smallholder farming. Performance analysis established that the total gross marketing and profit margins were highest when farmers sold potatoes to consumers and the lowest when farmers sold to middlemen and retailers. The study recommends that policymakers and government invest in improving infrastructure and educational training of farmers in terms of marketing and taking farming as agribusiness. The study further recommends that policymakers and farm organizations must strengthen institutions that take reliable and timely market information; established potato markets close to the farmers, especially those residing in rural areas. There must be a partnership established between research institutes and universities so that they constantly contribute by releasing high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties to advance the production and productivity of the vegetable sector. The study suggests that there is a need for government involvement to create strong market relations between farmers and consumers and to give suitable training to agricultural extension agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The good agricultural practices (GAP) system is a set of principles applied to on-farm production and post-production processes which reduces harm caused by pesticides to consumers and mitigates environmental damage caused by agricultural activities. This study aims to compare the profitability of farmers trained under GAP compared with conventional practice (non-GAP) in cabbage production in Dalaguete, Cebu, Philippines. The GAP-trained farmers employed the recommended practices such as application of organic inputs, soil and water conservation, minimization of pesticide utilization, and application of optimal amount of fertilizer. These practices were taught during programmed trainings by the non-government organizations and the Department of Agriculture. Profitability was measured using gross margin analysis per hectare and results showed that GAP trained farmers are more profitable (PHP 52,058.09 or USD 1,000.35 per hectare) than the non-GAP trained (PHP 23,684.02 or USD 455.11 per hectare) during dry season. Based on the regression analysis, profitability was significantly affected by educational attainment, adoption to GAP, and availability of irrigation for vegetable production. The study highly recommends to further improve the implementation of the good agricultural practices certification program to the vegetable farmers in Dalaguete, Cebu.

This study examined the effects of unconventional feed on performance characteristics and candi-date gene expression in growing pigs of 3-5months of age. A Total of forty-five (45) growing pigs were randomly allotted into five treatments consisting of whole maize (T1), brewer’s dried grain (T2), cassava peel meal (T3), plantain peel meal (T4), and corn husk meal (T5), at 35% inclusion rate. Per-formance data were collected for 12weeks, while duodenum and liver samples were collected after the experiment for gene expression analysis. Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design. Diets significantly (p< 0.05) affected growth performance with treatment 2 recording the highest average daily weight gain of 0.21±0.02 whilecorn husk meal (T5)had the least 0.11±0.01. Feed efficiency was highest for whole maize (T1) and brewer’s dried grain (T2) (0.10±0.02) and lowest for t5 (0.07±0.17). Cost-benefit analysis were significantly different (p0.05) existed for growth hormone gene and ryanodine receptor1 gene. The results showed commendable gross margin, however, cognizance should be taken in the quantity of brewer’s dried grain fed to pigs since it increased the expression of ryanodine receptor 1 gene that leads to por-cine malignant hypertermia and pale soft exudates pork.

Soybeans is versatile in usage but the yield is low. To sustain and improve its production, its financial performance, given the resource-poor status of rural farmers, is greatly important. Credit access is sine qua non in this direction. Hence, the study assessed credit access and financial performance of soybeans farmers in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Stratified sampling technique was used to select 119 farmers who either had or did not have credit access. This reflects a quasi-experimental design where the treatment and control groups comprised farmers with and without credit access, respectively. Primary data were obtained with structured questionnaire and analysed with frequency distribution and financial ratios such as gross margin, operating ratio and return on investment. Independent samples ttest was used to ensure that any observed difference was due to error of randomization. Findings show that majority of the farmers lacked credit access (60.50%). The mean gross margin per hectare was significantly (p < 0.01) higher for the treatment group (N264,753.90 ± 12,597.15) than the control group (N152,412.60 ± 4,773.53). The mean return on investment per hectare was also significantly (p < 0.01) higher for the treatment group (3.06 ± 0.29) than the control group (2.13 ± 0.10). Therefore, soybean production was adjudged to be profitable and significantly influenced by credit access. It was recommended that financial institutions and the export promotion council should make credit available to soybeans farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agronomy Science is the property of University of Life Sciences in Lublin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Due to various policies measures to curtail the Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19), one of which was lockdown, the occurrence of COVID-19 had a negative impact on the nation's economy, especially the rural smallholder farmers. Hence, the objectives of the study include to: examine the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on vegetables production, estimate the profitability of vegetable production before, during and after the COVID-19 lockdown and identify the constraint facing vegetable farmers in the study areas. Descriptive statistics, budgetary approaches, multiple regression analysis, and a Likert scale were all tools used for the analysis of the data collected. The findings showed that most of the vegetable growers in the research areas were married women (88.33%) and 70% of the respondents having primary education. The number of extensions contact, farm size, market access and transportation cost were positively significant on the level of vegetable production in contrast to household size with negative effect. The result also noted that after the COVID-19 lockdown, vegetable production was extremely profitable, with an average gross margin of ₦82,836.04 which was statistically higher than the gross margin (₦60,709.97) generated from vegetable production during COVID-19 and the ₦71,234.91 gross margin generated prior to COVID-19. The constraints faced by vegetable farmers during the COVID-19 restrictions include: high cost of transportation, price fluctuation, and high cost of input, perishability of the produce and lack of improved seeds. It was concluded that COVID-19 pandemic had negative effect on the profitability of vegetable production and the economy of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. A survey was conducted at Musikot, Western Rukum, Nepal in 2019 to analyze the economic results of vegetable seed production using a well-structured pre-tested questionnaire. The average landholding per household was 8.14 ropani (1 ropani = 0.05 ha), as 33.74% of landholding (equal to 50.36% of the cultivated land) was under vegetable seed production. Vegetable seed production generated 46% of on-farm income equal to 23% of total household income. The share of on-farm activities and off-farm activities in household income was almost equal. 64% of the farming households were food self-sufficient. 39% of the farmers were new to the vegetable seed production enterprise whereas 5% of the farmers were involved from 40 years. 49% of the cost in vegetable seed production was incurred in labor. About eight thousand rupee were sufficient to run a vegetable seed production enterprise per ropani that had made a gross margin of NRs 9,614.36 per ropani. Radish occupied 46.5% of the vegetable seed producing land and generated 53.5% of the vegetable seed revenue. BCR of 2.21 suggested that vegetable seed production enterprise brings NRs 2.21 at the investment of NRs 1. Swiss-chard had the highest price spread (90%) whereas radish and turnip had the lowest (57%). Sensitivity analysis showed that vegetable seed production enterprise was a viable business even after a 20% increase in cost and 20% reduction of revenue simultaneously. Disease infestation and insect attack were two major production problems and price fluctuation and inadequate market information were two major marketing problems faced by vegetable seed producers at Musikot, Western-Rukum, Nepal.

This study aimed to determine the ratooning ability of lowland rice to production management practices. It assessed the profitability of rice ratooning to the abovementioned objectives. The experiment was set out in a split-plot organized in a Randomized Complete Block Design with production management practices as the main plot and cutting heights of ratoon crop as the subplot treatment. Production management practices notably affected all agronomic characteristics, yield, and yield component parameters evaluated except the grain yield. Cutting height remarkably influenced all growth and yield parameters tested except panicle weight. Economic analysis revealed that the improved method achieved a higher gross margin (PHP21,321.60) than the farmer’s practice (PHP15,419.40) because of the former’s high productivity (1.64 t ha-1). A cutting height of 45.0 cm under the improved method obtained the highest gross margin (PHP28,677.00). Moreso, this approach is considered a good measure in adapting to the problematic scenario relative to climate change.

Sorghum is an important cereal crop cultivated by smallholder farmers of Mali, contributing significantly to their food demand and security. The study evaluated different fertilization strategies that combined organic and inorganic fertilizer applications with three sorghum varieties. The experiments were conducted over three cropping seasons (2017–2019) in three sites (Bamako, Bougouni, and Koutiala respectively) within the Sudanian region of Mali. Our results showed a significant effect of season, variety, and fertilization strategies on grain and stalk yields. Grain yield increased by 8–40% in Koutiala, 11–53% in Bougouni, and 44–110% in Bamako while the average stalk yield was above 5000 kg ha−1 with fertilized treatment compared to unfertilized treatment in the three sites. Fadda performed the best variety, mean grain yield was 23% and 42% higher than that of Soumba and Tieble, respectively. Similarly, there was a progressive increase in grain yield with an increasing level of poultry manure (PM) from 0 to 150 g/hill and cattle manure (CM) from 0 to 100 g/hill. However, the application of 100 g/hill of CM and PM plus 3 g/hill of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) increased yield by 8% and 12% respectively compared to only CM or PM treatments. The results further revealed higher yield gain by 51% (Bamako), 57% (Koutiala), and 42% (Bougouni) for T10-[PM (100 g/hill) + Micro-D_DAP (3 g/hill)] equivalent to 73 kgNha−1 than others (T2-T9), but not proportionate to the highest value-cost ratio (VCR). Radar charts used to visualize sustainable intensification (SI) performance in the three domains (productivity, profitability, and environment) showed that the environmental variable has a direct influence on productivity, meanwhile profitability across the strategies ranged from low to moderate value across sites and different fertilizer strategies. Our study, therefore, recommends the use of multiple-choice fertilizer strategies includingT2-CM (50 g/hill)+PM(50 g/hill), T5-DAP-Micro-D (3 g/hill), T6-DAP41:46:00 and T9-PM(50 g/hill) alongside with improved sorghum varieties tested, for higher productivity and profitability across the region.

The aim of the study is to evaluate indicators of economic efficiency of a flock of sheep of the Illede-France breed bred in the Experimental base of the Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod in three consecutive years within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy 2014–2020. The economic purpose of the breed is for meat, wool and industrial crossbreeding. The sheep are raised on stable and pasture. The herd is under selection control. The data on the income received and the expenses incurred in raising the animals for the period were provided by the accounting department of the Institute. The economic efficiency of the sheep breeding activity is determined by the indicators of total revenues, production costs (variable and fixed), gross margin, gross margin rate, profit and rate of profitability, calculated on the basis of ewe per year. The following conclusions were drawn from the obtained results. The average total income with subsidies in the amount of BGN 264.44 is obtained from an ewe for the period, and the total income without subsidies is BGN 131.43. In the structure of the income received from realised production, lambs occupy 35% and the share of subsidies is 51%. The total production costs per ewe are BGN 319.34 on average for the period, including variable costs in the amount of BGN 188.04. In the structure of production costs, fed feed occupies 45% and labour costs are 35%. The average amount of concentrated fodder for an ewe is 178 kg per year with a price of BGN 0.37/kg. The obtained gross margin has an increasing tendency and in the third year it is BGN 104.39/ewe. The gross margin rate also increases and at the end of the period is 36.38%. Profit has a negative sign even with subsidies during the study period. The average rate of return is (-12.37%). This shows the strong dependence of the economic results in raising sheep of the Ille-de-France breed on the amount of subsidies received. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The group of authors purposesin this article to analyze the benchmarking of budget in the lavender culture. Group of authors developed the economic-financial budgets for the cultivation of lavender, which can be considered an important source of information for benchmarking. The authors used data from the primary records in agricultural holdings, which practice lavender cultivation. The analysis methods used in the article are benchmarking and budgeting of production for comparing the data and economic efficiency. Based on the research and analysis carried out, strategic conclusions were formulated for the sustainable development of the lavender branch, necessary for the implementation by the actors of the value chains in the sector. The final conclusion of the group of authors boils down to: lavender culture is highly profitable, the production processes are fully mechanized and it is a payment with increased resistance to drought (in dry years the quality of the essential oil is higher), which is extremely important in conditions of climate resilience and it is recommended to be practiced for small farmers to diversify incomes in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]