Dynamic programming techniques were used to evaluate the effects of alternative levels of normal flex acreage requirements on a Midwestern corn-soybean farm and a Southeastern cotton farm. Results indicate that increasing normal flex acres from the current level of 15 percent to 35 percent would...

Linear programming and enterprise budgeting were used to analyze rotation options, including an energy crop (intercropped grain sorghum and velvet bean), for a representative south Alabama farm. The energy crop was priced beginning at $30.00 per ton, at which price it did not enter the solution....

Optimal crop and livestock mix was determined for a representative Alabama farm using a dynamic programming model. Results indicate that decisions concerning livestock production are highly influenced by the amount of cotton base available on the farm. In most cases, increasing cotton base...

Economic returns to stocker production were estimated using results of a grazing experiment. If resources to buy cattle are not limited, traditional ownership was superior to contract grazing under all but extremely unfavorable price spreads. If capital to purchase stockers is limited, contract...

This paper examines regional differences in obesity rates, Body Mass Index (BMI) and dietary quality, using data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), Mobile Examination Center (MEC). For women, BMI and obesity prevalence may be higher in the Deep South...

Notable economies of size were found both in establishment and continued operation of a turfgrass-sod facility in Alabama. Over a seven-year time horizon, bermudagrass was the most profitable grass to produce on every farm size. Both zoysia and centipede also had positive economic returns over...

Using data from the 1999-2002 rounds of the continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the inter-relationships between food insecurity, diet quality and body mass index (BMI) were examined. The impact of smoking and alcohol consumption behaviors were also examined. The...

This research assessed the economic effect of corn-based fuel ethanol production on agriculture and the state economy in Alabama. The results showed that in the short run a 15 million gallon per year plant will be profitable. This will have farm income and a multiplier affect in the rest of the...