School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences - Research Publications

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1990 - 1999 21
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Start date: 1990 × End date: 1999 ×

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    On assessing some of the net effects of IPM
    Parigi, P ; Malcolm, B (Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, 1996)
    The potential costs and benefits, private and external, of a shift to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are considered. A method is developed to estimate the private net returns of IPM in particular farm situations. This method is then applied to compare the financial characteristics of IPM and conventional systems in apple and grain legume production in Victoria. A key finding is that in a 'typical year' of a 'typical operation' the annual net returns of a shift to IPM, in both crops, could be positive. Externalities associated with IPM may be positive or negative depending on the circumstances.
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    An economic evaluation of alternative pest management strategies in Northern Victorian peach orchards
    Grinter, P ; Malcolm, B (Australian Agricultural Economics Society, 1994)
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    The tax Australia has to have
    Honybun, D ; Malcolm, B (Australian Agricultural Economics Society, 1994)
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    The decision to invest in lime for acid soils
    Kennelly, AW ; Malcolm, L (Australian Agricultural Economics Society, 1994)
    This study is about how to make long-term farm management decisions effectively when the amount of information available is extremely limited. Long-term decisions rely on judgements of input responses and outcomes which are uncertain or unknown. This is the reality of farm management decision-making. Complex decisions have to be based, in part, on some very ‘soft’ data. Therefore, good decision-making relies on good judgement. Judgement derives from lessons from experience (old information), and from the assimilation of new information generated by analysis of all the available information. In this study, information about liming acid soils in north-eastern Victoria is used, along with farm management information, to generate further information, and thus facilitate the making of some judgements about the economic merit of investing in lime on a particular farm. Soil acidity is a physical phenomenon which has the potential to lower agricultural production and reduce farm profitability. The potential of soil acidity to lower agricultural production has led to it being described as a serious problem for agricultural activities in south-eastern Australia (Coventry 1985; Coventry et. al. 1987a; Cregan 1980; Ellington 1984b; Evans 1991; Helyar et. al. 1990; Reeves and Ellington 1985; and Williams 1980). Making long-term farm management decisions with the limited information which is available requires finding a way to analyse and assimilate the available and new information, and then presenting it in such a way that sound judgements can be made about the likelihood of the possible outcomes actually eventuating. In this study, the standard farm management investment technique discounted cash flow analysis is used. To facilitate making sound judgements about the likelihood of outcomes, a break-even method is developed and applied to the major unknown parameter. The break-even level of the critical factor in the investment provides the decision-maker, who is looking ahead in a world of very uncertain input responses and outcomes, with something concrete on which to focus. Judgements can be formed about the likelihood of this critical level of the critical variable being achieved. The analysis of liming as an investment provides information on the yields required for an investment in lime on the case study farm to break-even, that is, to cover all costs, including the opportunity cost of capital. The judgement made as to whether such yields are achievable will determine whether liming is a worthwhile investment on the case study farm and, implicitly, whether soil acidity is a problem requiring action by the case study farmer at this stage.
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    THE EMERGING ROLE FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION IN PRODUCING FUTURE RESEARCHERS
    Falvey, L ; Maguire, C (New Prairie Press, 1997-01-01)
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    Formal Agricultural Education: Origins of Agricultural Knowledge Systems
    Falvey, J (Asian Agri-History Foundation, 1997)
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    Attracting the Shining Stars to Agriculture.
    Falvey, J (Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, 1997)
    While one will expect partnerships of convenience from time to time. the long-term prospect for agricultural education is based on the recognition of its role as an applied area of social and natural sciences supporting agriculture. Industry and research funders. among others. are also sending this message (Falvey and Ma!!hews. 1997). As an applied field, it behoves us to link strongly with all stakeholders in policy formulation. planning. implementation and funding.
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    Food and Environmental Science
    Falvey, J (Australian Science Teachers Association, 1997)
    The negative impact of food production on the environment is of increasing public concern and more sensitive production systems such as organic farming are often proposed. Such views miss the point that this global issue must be considered in terms of essential tradeoffs which require more and better science in the fields of food and environment, such as in agricultural science courses. Global population will continue to grow and demographic shifts and poverty will require massive increases in food production which can only be provided from intensive agriculture. Declining food prices and extreme poverty in some countries will continue to orient food producers to short term gains. All of these factors suggest that intensive agriculture restricted to suitable lands will be required for the foreseeable future. Balancing environmental care with food production is a challenge which continues to demand the best minds for research and education. We cannot isolate ourselves from the world in which we live.
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    Food Production and Natural Resource Management
    Falvey, L (Informa UK Limited, 1998-01)