Date of Graduation
12-2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Agricultural Economics (MS)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
Advisor/Mentor
Michael P. Popp
Committee Member
Charles P. West
Second Committee Member
Lanier L. Nalley
Keywords
Social sciences, Biological sciences, Harvest time, Nutrient removal, Switchgrass harvest
Abstract
This thesis deals with cost of production for cellulosic energy crops of switchgrass, miscanthus, and energy sorghum. The first chapter explains the rationale for development of decision support software called Energy Crop Analysis & Planning (ENCAP) and Switchgrass Harvest Date, Yield, Nutrient Removal Estimator (SHYNE). The second chapter examines harvest date implications on yield, nutrient removal, opportunity cost of modified sale dates, and post-harvest storage losses. This harvest date analysis leads to a profit maximizing harvest date from the perspective of the producer. While this harvest date may be optimal for the producer, biorefineries may be interested in sourcing switchgrass earlier and later than that profit-maximizing harvest date. Hence price premia that need to be paid to the producer for alternative harvest dates are calculated. The final chapter provides a brief summary, limitations and offers area for future research.
Citation
Cahill, N. E. (2013). Evaluating Economic Impacts of Switchgrass Harvest Time. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/942