Master of Science

Firm growth and best management practice (BMP) adoption of a representative, diversified, southeastern Virginia, farrow to finishing hog farm is examined in a multi-period linear programming framework. Specific attention is focused on the acquisition of additional productive resources and the impact of BMP adoption on the optimal combinations of crop and livestock activities over a five year planning horizon. The maximization of after-tax net income was employed as the objective function of the model. Increases in terminal net worth were transferred to the objective function at the end of the planning period. Two sets of model solutions were obtained; one set with cost-share subsidies and the other without. Results indicate that farm growth potential exists with or without cost-share subsidies and that the current high costs of external capital tend farmers toward use of internal financing. The availability of labor during peak periods ultimately constrained the growth process. The specific direction of the modeled farm's growth led to the investment in a totally confined slatted-floor house means of hog production. The model demonstrated a decic;!ed preference for the use of investment tax credits over the direct expense deduction provision of the federal income tax code. In general, sod filter strips, grassed waterways and no-till cropping proved to be the most cost-effective BMPs in achieving nonpoint source pollution objectives. / M.S.

Finally it may be logically assumed that the teacher of agriculture, the county agricultural agent or the agricultural extension worker, who marches forward to his task with the armor of a well organized all-day group over his breast; the protection of a closely co-operating farmers' evening group. like a shirt of mail about his loins; with shin guards as an advance at: effective instruction in the unorganized group; all capped by a well-planned program as an invincible helmet, together with a gleaming sword of' ambition in his trained right arm) will skillfully carve his path toward achievement in the realm of service to the American farmer. / Master of Science

Master of Science

Master of Science

A profit maximizing linear programming model was developed. The model was fitted to a demonstration farm having a forage based livestock feeding system. Restraints where the resources of the McCoy farm in Rockbridge County, Virginia, which included limited pasture, labor, storage availability, and limited financial resources. Row crop production was an option not considered. Only variable costs of production were considered as fixed costs continue in the absence of production. Forage and livestock species used in the model were currently in existence on the farm. Estimated productivity levels were also based on actual farm data and were used to establish the upper limits of forage production. Results of the analysis indicate that alfalfa hay held for sale was the most profitable single enterprise. Grass hay was produced and fed to meet the livestock requirements during February and March. A fall calving cow-calf herd, with calves being marketed, at 634 pounds on September 30 was more profitable than marketing during July at lighter weights even though this system had higher forage requirements. Neither a spring calving cow herd or the purchase of stocker calves for summer grazing ensured the optimal farm plan as forage was better utilized by the fall herd. Seventy three fall calving cows and 152 winter lambing ewes were in the optimal plan. The ratio of fall calving cows to winter lambing ewes was 1 : 2. Stocking ratios between cows and ewes were dependent upon price relationships used and could vary with differing price relationships between feeder calves and slaughter lambs. Stocking rates were limited most by the availability of the improved and unimproved pastures. All available labor was used during November through May. Additional labor had to be hired to offset labor shortages during January through May. Financial resources of the farmer were adequate to meet the variable costs of production without additional use of borrowed capital. / M.S.

The colored farmers in Nansemond County suffered severely during 1932 from both low prices which they received for their products and weather conditions. The average capital for the farms studied was $2,556, of which 88.2 per cent was invested in real estate. the total capital invested per farm varied from about $1000 to about $5000. / Master of Science