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Modeling to Generate Alternatives in a Multiperiod Context: Apple Growers and Alar

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 May 2017

Martha A. Kimball
Martha A. Kimball*
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
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Farm management decision making would be enhanced if solutions to farm problems were offered as a set of feasible alternatives, rather than as a single “best” solution for achieving favorable results. A farm manager could evaluate an array of alternatives against the farm's unique characteristics, which frequently are difficult to quantify and model, and select the most efficient action for the farm. Often, when agricultural economists use optimization, a single optimal solution is presented, with the corresponding best method for implementation. If the optimal solution is not appealing, the farmer does not move toward more efficient practices because alternatives are not offered. It is possible, however, to eliminate black-and-white solutions and increase the choices offered to operators. Two techniques for this are the examination of nearly optimal solutions (NOS) and modeling to generate alternatives (MGA).

Type
Articles
Information
Northeastern Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics , Volume 17 , Issue 2 , October 1988 , pp. 139 - 146
Copyright
Copyright © 1988 Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association 

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Footnotes

Appreciation and acknowledgment is expressed to Cleve E. Willis, Barry C. Field, all anonymous reviewers, and the editor for their comments.

References

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