Sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) producers face unique challenges in N fertilizer management because of the relationships among price, sucrose content, and root yield. This study evaluates the economic efficiency of N fertilizer applications using broadcast, knife band, and point injection application methods. The most profitable rate of N was examined for each application method under goals of profit maximization, root yield maximization, sucrose‐yield maximization, and recoverable sucrose‐yield maximization. This study was based on production data collected at the University of Wyoming Research and Extension Center at Powell from 1991 to 1993. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete‐block design with four replications of each treatment. Treatments consisted of a control (no applied N) and factorial combinations of four N rates (80, 160, 240, and 320 lb N/acre in 1991 and 60, 120, 180, and 240 lb N/acre in 1992 and 1993) with each application method. Response functions relating the amount of N applied to gross returns, root yield, sucrose yield, and recoverable sucrose yield for each of the three application methods were used to derive the optimal amount of N to be applied. Point injection returned $966/acre above fertilizer and beet hauling costs while broadcasting and knife banding returned $899/acre and $872/acre, respectively. Profit maximizing N rates were 187 lb/acre for point injection, 187 lb/acre for knife banding, and 220 lb/acre for broadcasting. The goal of maximizing profits returned the greatest income above fertilizer and beet hauling costs. Maximizing root yield returned the least income above fertilizer and beet hauling costs and required the most N. Maximizing sucrose or recoverable sucrose yield returned income above fertilizer and beet hauling costs and used fertilizer levels that fell between those of maximizing profit and root yield. Research Question Sugarbeet producers face unique challenges in N fertilizer management because of the relationship among price, sucrose content, and root yield. Excessive N rates not only increase, fertilizer costs, but also reduce economic returns. This study evaluates the economic efficiency of N fertilizer applications for sugar‐beets using broadcasting, knife banding, and point injection application methods. The most profitable rate of N was examined for each application method under the producer goals of profit maximization, root yield maximization, sucrose yield maximization, and recoverable sucrose yield maximization. Literature Summary Studies have shown that broadcasting exhibits lower fertilizer‐use efficiency due to surface runoff N losses, leaching, denitrification, immobilization, and volatilization. Knife banding overcomes some shortcomings of broadcasting, such as surface runoff and volatilization, by injecting N under the soil. Negative effects of knife injection include large amounts of soil disturbance, crop residue, and increased pruning of plant roots. Point injection has been shown to require less horsepower than knife banding an...
Wyoming Game and Fish Department depredation payments were established to increase landowner tolerance toward, and thus the supply of, certain types of wildlife. This study examined how socio-economic and demographic characteristics of farmers and ranchers in Wyoming relate to tolerance toward wildlife and depredation claim submission. The severity of depredation and landowner satisfaction with the depredation policy were evaluated. The financial stability and economic intent of farmers and ranchers significantly influenced tolerance toward wildlife. Landowners tended to be less tolerant of depredation ensuing from elk. The complexity of the submission process was a deterrent to damage claim submissions.
Pesticide use by agricultural producers is continually being scrutinized, and regulations concerning pesticide use are ever increasing. This study examines the perceived educational needs of Wyoming farmers and ranchers. A questionnaire was administered to approximately 2500 producers in January of 1995. Respondents identified and ranked the information sources they used most commonly in making their pesticide decisions. Respondents also indicated their agreement or disagreement with four statements designed to obtain their feelings concerning educational needs, pesticide dangers, and pesticide use. A qualitative response model was developed to help identify the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of respondents who felt that more educational programs on the proper utilization of pesticides should be provided. The Weed and Pest District was the most commonly utilized source of pesticide information, followed by veterinarians, county extension agents, chemical companies, and neighbors. Almost 75% of respondents agreed with the statement that more educational programs should be provided on the proper application and use of pesticides. Results of the qualitative response model indicate producers with lower income levels (<$20 000) did not feel a need for additional education programs. Producers concerned about the effects of pesticides on the environment and their own health were more apt to feel a need for additional education programs. Results indicate that producers recognize a need for pesticide training and opportunities exist to provide additional training programs to a receptive clientele.
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