The small farm setting. Definition of farm management research. Conduct of farm management research. The need for farm management research on small farms. Approaches to farm management research on small farms. Role of farm management research techniques...
The interval between the first and second editions of this book have witnessed significant changes for the food producers of the EEC. They have moved from a period of increasing production to an era of food surpluses and statutory reductions in production. This overall change in the fortunes of agriculture have greatly increased the need for sound business management. This book has been substantially updated to include all the current factors that have to be taken into consideration by farmers, as well as still providing a basic introduction to the study of farm management for students. It should prove invaluable reading to those running farms, whether experienced or inexperienced.
Improvement of the world's livestock industry necessitates input from many directions. Planning by a host of national and international agencies is required in order to provide optimal stimulus in very diverse areas ranging from formulation of laws and incentives that stimulate competition yet prevent undue competition, to the optimal provision of credit. Planning is needed to carry out a complex array of interrelated research. The purpose of this book is specifically tasked with setting forth frameworks and methods for evaluation of investments and associated economic decision-making in the livestock industries of developing countries. Economists will find this book useful because it synthesizes .much material into a cohesive whole--material that is often presented in a cursory manner or overlooked as emphasis has shifted to sophisticated quantitative techniques.
This book discusses the methods to determine optimal systems in farm business management. The methods are all about problem solving, as any decision situation implies choice and, therefore, requires a method for deciding which alternative maximizes the objectives. The book is not, however, about carrying out the optimal plans. Most of the chapters relate to quantitative methods and qualitative analysis. The book has a penultimate chapter discussing a number of analytical models that are commonly used in urban business but which are less important in primary production. The results of farming systems analyses can have a major impact on good decision-making in any primary producing community. Some of the methods might be used by farmers themselves, but more likely by farm advisors and consultants, and by farm management researchers interested in, firstly, providing farmers with guidance on optimal systems, and, secondly, providing governments with advice on the impact of farm policy measures.