scholarly journals Feed autonomy in organic cattle farming systems: a necessary but not sufficient lever to be activated for economic efficiency

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Michelle Faux ◽  
Virginie Decruyenaere ◽  
Mary Guillaume ◽  
Didier Stilmant
Keyword(s):  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Feed Production ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
Cattle Farming ◽  
Animal Performances ◽  
Agricultural Regions

AbstractIncreasing the level of feed autonomy is usually considered as a prerequisite for conversion of cattle farms to organic management. This study is aimed at generating references for organic dairy and beef production through a technical and economic assessment of feed autonomy in commercial farms. Data were collected in 2014 and 2015 on 11 farms located in distinct agricultural regions of Wallonia, Belgium. Dry matter (DM) production, animal performance and all cash in- and outflows were recorded. Economic efficiency (EE) was computed as the share of the feed margin, i.e., the gross product minus the total feed and processing costs, in the gross product. The mean level of mass feed autonomy (FAm) was 94 ± 6%. Feed production costs (p < 0.05) and feed purchase costs (p < 0.001) were negatively correlated with FAm so that the total feed cost decreased with FAm (p < 0.001). All farms with EE > 65% had a level of FAm ≥ 90%; however, one farm with FAm ≥ 90% had a mean EE of 55% over both study years. This observation suggested that a 90% level of FAm is necessary, but not sufficient, to be economically efficient in organic cattle farming. Four production systems with EE > 65% and thus FAm ≥ 90% were finally characterized based on the observed crop rotations, overall DM yields, stocking rates and animal performances.

scholarly journals Growing Organic Heirloom Tomatoes in the Field and High Tunnels in North Carolina: Comparative Economic Analysis

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olha Sydorovych ◽  
Cary L. Rivard ◽  
Suzanne O’Connell ◽  
Chris D. Harlow ◽  
Mary M. Peet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Open Field ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
High Tunnels

In this study, we conducted an economic analysis of high tunnel and open-field production systems of heirloom tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) based on a two-year study at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) located in Goldsboro, eastern North Carolina. The research site was transitional organic using organically certified inputs and practices on land not yet certified. Production costs and returns were documented in each system and provide a useful decision tool for growers. Climatic conditions varied dramatically in 2007 compared with 2008 and differentially affected total and marketable yields in each system. Profits were higher in the open-field system and the high tunnels in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using a range of market prices from $1.60/lb to $3.60/lb and a range of fruit marketability levels from 35% to 80%. Both systems were profitable except at the lowest price point and the lowest percent marketability level in high tunnel in 2007. At $2.60/lb, seasonal average sale price reported by growers for this region, and depending on percent marketability levels, the payback period for high tunnels ranged from two to five years. Presented sensitivity tables will enable decision makers to knowledgably estimate economic potential of open-field and high tunnel systems based on expected local prices and fruit quality parameters.

Economics of Low Carbon Agriculture

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Moran ◽  
Jorie Knook
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Global Food Security

Climate change is already having a significant impact on agriculture through greater weather variability and the increasing frequency of extreme events. International policy is rightly focused on adapting and transforming agricultural and food production systems to reduce vulnerability. But agriculture also has a role in terms of climate change mitigation. The agricultural sector accounts for approximately a third of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, including related emissions from land-use change and deforestation. Farmers and land managers have a significant role to play because emissions reduction measures can be taken to increase soil carbon sequestration, manage fertilizer application, and improve ruminant nutrition and waste. There is also potential to improve overall productivity in some systems, thereby reducing emissions per unit of product. The global significance of such actions should not be underestimated. Existing research shows that some of these measures are low cost relative to the costs of reducing emissions in other sectors such as energy or heavy industry. Some measures are apparently cost-negative or win–win, in that they have the potential to reduce emissions and save production costs. However, the mitigation potential is also hindered by the biophysical complexity of agricultural systems and institutional and behavioral barriers limiting the adoption of these measures in developed and developing countries. This includes formal agreement on how agricultural mitigation should be treated in national obligations, commitments or targets, and the nature of policy incentives that can be deployed in different farming systems and along food chains beyond the farm gate. These challenges also overlap growing concern about global food security, which highlights additional stressors, including demographic change, natural resource scarcity, and economic convergence in consumption preferences, particularly for livestock products. The focus on reducing emissions through modified food consumption and reduced waste is a recent agenda that is proving more controversial than dealing with emissions related to production.

Integrating feeding programmes into organic production systems.

2021 ◽  
pp. 177-217
Author(s):  
Robert Blair
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Feed Quality ◽  
Feed Supplements ◽  
Cattle Farming

Abstract This chapter describes the effects of feeding programmes (including feed quality, feed supplements and feed additives) on the reproductive performance, beef and milk production and quality and environmental impact in organic cattle farming systems.

scholarly journals Economic efficiency of creation and long-term use of different-ripening grass stands for hay harvesting

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalya Zhezmer
Keyword(s):  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Annual Production ◽  
Net Income ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Feed Unit

Based on the improved methodology, an economic assessment of the mowing technology for hay harvesting is given. The total cost (44.8–47.5 thousand rubles/ha) for the creation of early and medium-mature long-term herbage with the dominance of rhizomatous grasses paid off in 1.6–1.8 years. In the next 25 years, annual production costs amounted to 20.1–21.6 thousand rubles/ha with the cost of 1 feed unit of 5.1–5.6 rubles and a conditional net income of 15.1–20.1 thousand rubles/ha.

scholarly journals Bioeconomic Simulation of the Cash Flow of Rural Beef Cattle Properties with Productive, Reproductive, and Sanitary Activities

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 788
Author(s):  
Yuri Braga de Shiguer Yamasaki ◽  
Ricardo Carneiro Brumatti ◽  
Alberto De Oliveira Gaspar ◽  
Brenda Faria da Costa Leite ◽  
Rosiane Araujo Rodrigues Nass ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cash Flow ◽  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Extensive System ◽  
System 2 ◽  
The Cost ◽  
System 1 ◽  
Intensive System

This simulation study compares the technical-economic efficiency and cash flow of pasture recovery and maintenance activities, as well as improvements in mortality rate and birth rate, in different beef production systems. Three production systems were elaborated for the Cerrado biome, characterized as extensive, semi-intensive 1, and semi-intensive 2, with respective annual pasture recovery and maintenance rates of 0% and 25% for the extensive system, 5% and 25% for semi-intensive system 1, and 7% and 33% for semi-intensive system 2. Mortality rates at weaning are 6% for the extensive system and 3% for semi-intensive systems 1 and 2. The extensive system's gross profit was lower at US$ 40471.00, followed by US$ 41830.00 and US$ 148669.00 for semi-intensive systems 1 and 2, respectively. Cash flow differences point to increases in the cost of forage and other nutritional inputs in semi-intensive systems 1 and 2. Economic efficiency was observed with intensification, showing that the production costs of intensive systems increased, but that these were more profitable than the extensive system with cash balance values of: extensive system US$ 323.149; semi-intensive system 1 US$ 405.740, semi-intensive system 2 US$ 1213.224. Expenditure on pasture recovery and maintenance was high, but led to an increase in profitability; similarly, the improvement of mortality rates in semi-intensive systems 1 and 2 facilitated the economic viability of these systems.

scholarly journals Methodical approaches to assessing the effectiveness of animal husbandry

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (94) ◽  
pp. 100-105
Author(s):  
R. M. Myniv
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Livestock Production ◽  
Dynamic Task ◽  
Feed Protein ◽  
Livestock Products

Economic efficiency of livestock production is determined using a system of indicators, among which the main (generalizing) indicator of economic efficiency of livestock production is the achieved level of labor productivity. This indicator has a significant impact on other derivative indicators. A comprehensive assessment of the efficiency of farming systems should be carried out using a generalized indicator of the efficiency of the used resources of the livestock enterprise and an indicator of the share of growth of livestock products. The matrix method is the most acceptable for the analysis and an estimation of efficiency of work of the livestock enterprises. It allows: to rank livestock enterprises according to the achieved level of efficiency (static task); to study changes in the level of efficiency of livestock enterprises during the analyzed period (dynamic task); determine the dependence of farm performance on intensive and extensive factors. To assess the economic efficiency of feed production in animal husbandry use the indicator “marginal productivity of feed (feed protein) unit”. Evaluation of productive use of dairy cows is carried out using the coefficient of productivity intensity, which is calculated by the ratio of the average milk yield per day to the lifetime milk yield of cows. The complexity of livestock mechanization, individual technological lines or specific machines and equipment is determined by the calculated technical and economic indicators, comparing them with the indicators obtained in practice of the existing facility or basic analogue, or with the best examples of domestic or world practice. The application of the above indicators of analysis and evaluation of livestock efficiency will provide: assessment of the effectiveness of production systems by livestock enterprises in modern conditions of their development; objective characteristics of farming and the main results of activities in animal husbandry; identification of the most rational options for improving the efficiency of animal husbandry; comparative assessment of the efficiency of livestock enterprises operating in the same natural and economic conditions; measuring production efficiency in livestock and related industries; identification and evaluation of a set of measures for the development of animal husbandry aimed at improving the efficiency of its operation.

scholarly journals Technical and economic indicators of milk production systems in the Caiuá sandstone region

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 42536
Author(s):  
Simony Marta Bernardo Lugão ◽  
Bruno Volsi ◽  
Gustavo Vaz da Costa ◽  
Edson Luiz Diogo de Almeida ◽  
Tiago Santos Telles
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Economic Indicators ◽  
Reference Network ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
Technical And Economic Indicators

  The aim of this study was to analyze technical and economic indicators of family milk production systems, with different technology levels, in the Caiuá sandstone area in Northwestern Paraná, Brazil. The analysis period covers the agricultural years 2002/2003 to 2013/2014. The categorization of the milk production systems was based on information from agricultural farms monitored by the Reference Network for Family Agriculture. The cost-benefit analysis method was used for the economic assessment of milk production. Based on the results, three family milk production systems were identified in the region, characterized by the use of low, medium and high intensification technologies for pasture management. The production costs per unit area were found to be higher in the system with high technology and lower in the system with low technology. However, although the total revenue in the production system with a high technological intensification is greater than in the other systems, the capital needed for a technological transition is higher. In all the systems, when the costs were deducted, including the return on family labor, there was a profit, even with the climate and soil constraints inherent in the region. 

scholarly journals Sustainability os small ruminant population on the Adja Plateau (South Benin)

1994 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-76
Author(s):  
A. Van Den Broek ◽  
I.T. Gbégo
Keyword(s):  
Oil Palm ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Small Ruminant ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Feed Production ◽  
Animal Feeding ◽  
On Farm

Since 1986 the RAMR project (Recherche Appliquee en Milieu Reel) has conducted on-farm research on the Adja Plateau in Mono Province (South Benin). In this article, technical and socio-economic aspects of small ruminant production systems on the Adja Plateau are described. Monitoring of small ruminant flocks showed that about 25% of the small ruminants were sold annually. Export of nutrients as a result of the sale of animals (85 g N. 23 g P. 12 g K and 46 g Ca per hectare) was low compared with export through crop production. In-depth studies at village level showed that farmers mainly collected oil palm leaves, constituting 75% of the small ruminant rations, to feed their animals. Nutrients in collected oil palm leaves represented a substantial fraction (about 10%) of available nutrients in fields under oil palm. Proposals for future research on small ruminant production systems have to contribute to the sustainability of farming systems. Emphasis will be put on animal feeding and feed production integrating small ruminant and crop production.

scholarly journals Indicators of economic efficiency of sour cherry in different production systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-55
Author(s):  
Srboljub Nikolić ◽  
Zorica Sredojević ◽  
Nebojša Novković ◽  
Slaviša Arsić
Keyword(s):  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Sour Cherry ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Selling Price ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Conventional Production ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Republic

The subject of this research is the economic results of conventional and organic production of sour cherries in the Republic of Serbia. The aim of the research is to determine the economic efficiency and the possibility of greater representation of organic production, as a system of conservation of natural resources and especially land. A minimum selling price of organic cherries (0.44 €/kg) has been set, at which producers can achieve a gross margin of 2,530 €/ha, as well as in the conditions of conventional production. By selling organic sour cherries at a much better selling price (0.50 €/kg) than the price of sour cherries from conventional production (0.36 €/kg), producers manage to "cover" production costs of 2,840 €/ha and achieve a gross margin of 3,910 €/ha. The gross margin includes the reimbursed lost economic benefit of 1,030 €/ha and a profit of 2,880 €/ha.

scholarly journals Der Einfluss des Kuhgewichts auf die Betriebsrentabilität und auf die ökonomischen Gewichte der Fleischrindmerkmale

2009 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-264
Author(s):  
K. Keller ◽  
M. Wolfová ◽  
J. Wolf ◽  
Z. Fekete ◽  
I. Komlósi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Economic Importance ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Economic Weights ◽  
Important Trait ◽  
Cattle Farming ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Title of paper: Impact of mature cow weight on farm profitability and economic weights of beef cattle traits The impact of mature cow weight on the profitability of beef cattle farming and on the economic importance of 10 performance and functional traits was analyzed. The examined traits were: calving performance, stillbirth and calf losses till weaning, weight of calves at birth, at 120 and at 205 days of age, mature weight of cows, conception rates of heifers and cows and productive lifetime of cows. The cow weight was varied from 500 to 700 kg in 50 kg intervals. The economic efficiency of all farming systems was expressed as profit per cow and year. The economic importance of a trait (marginal economic value) was defined as partial derivative of the profit function with respect to trait mean. The program package ECOWEIGHT was used for all calculations. The results showed that beef cattle farming with all cow weight classes could be profitable when including subsidies in the incomes of a farm. Without subsidies, a positive profitability can be reached only when keeping small-framed cows (500 to 550 kg). In all modelled production systems, the most important trait was conception rate of cows followed by weaning weight of calves (at 205 days of age) for light cows or productive lifetime of cows in systems with heavy cows.

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