Robert L. Christensen

Norton, George W., and Jeffrey Alwang. Introduction to Economics of Agricultural Development. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1993, xii + 404 pp.,

Dimensions of world food and development problems development theories and the role of agriculture traditional agriculture and comparative agriculture systems getting agriculture moving agricultural development in an independent world.

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State regulations concerning animal waste disposal can be satisfied by the adoption of alternative manure disposal systems. A linear programming analysis of 25 dairy operations in Massachusetts shows that significant reductions in farm income and changes in optimum farm plans result when these systems are imposed upon the dairy business.

An Analysis of the Impact of Manure Disposal Regulations on Dairy Farms

New Englands dependence upon other regions for much of its food supply has become a cause for concern for farmers, consumers, and public officials. As the debate on the regions need and ability to become more self-sufficient in food production continues, the need for an estimate of current levels of self-sufficiency becomes obvious. This paper estimates New Englands level of self-sufficiency for 1975 using secondary data for population, retail expenditures and farm marketing receipts. The region was found to be about 38 percent self-sufficient in overall food production. It produces a high of 176 percent of its seafood requirements and a low of 3 percent of its red meat. Maine and Vermont are surplus food producers.

REGIONAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN FOOD PRODUCTION- THE NEW ENGLAND STATES

Federal funding support for agricultural research in the state agricultural experiment stations (SAES) and the land grant universities originated with passage of the Hatch Act in 1887. Additional federal support has been provided by the various subsequent acts and appropriations over the nearly 100 years that have since elapsed. Federal research funding has had an important role in the development of the SAES. However, in recent years traditional federal funding has declined in relative importance. Federal funding of SAES research tripled from 1970-83, while state funding grew by 3.6 times over that period. In 1970 each dollar of federal funds was matched by

Federal Funding of SAES Economics Research: Trends and Possible Strategies for Improved Support

1.70 of state funding, but by 1983 each federal dollar was matched by

MEASUREMENT OF EXTERNAL LEARNING BENEFITS FROM METHANE GENERATION ON COMMERCIAL POULTRY FARMS

1.96 in state funding (Christensen and Robinson). While growth in state funding for SAES research has exceeded federal funding, one should not underestimate the importance of federal funding on the total support of SAES research and the character of research programs conducted. Huffman and Miranowski studied the impact of changes in federal support on state expenditures for agricultural research. Their conclusions indicated that the negative impacts on state funding for agricultural research from declines in federal funding were likely to be more pronounced in less affluent and less agricultural states than in wealthier and more agriculturally oriented states.

CONSIDERATION OF WEATHER RISK IN FORAGE MACHINERY SELECTION

Estimates are made of future reductions in the cost of generating methane from poultry manure as a result of increasing experience with this relatively new technology. At present price levels, methane generation does not seem to be economical. However, cost reductions to future users from new installations could justify a public subsidy to encourage innovation, depending on expectations of future energy prices.