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Price-quality relationships for alfalfa hay were analyzed by hedonic pricing models using 1996-2001 Wisconsin auction data. Individual nutrients included in the analysis all affected alfalfa price, with acid detergent fiber accounting for the largest impact. Alternative pricing models, based on an aggregate quality index or detailed quality information, were similar in their ability to predict price. However, disaggregating price predictions to account for differences in relative feed value (RFV) and crude protein (CP) indicate that bothRFVandCPare important determinants of price and that aggregating the two into a quality index is not warranted.

Production of early maturing rather than traditionally maturing soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] varieties can benefit producers through crop diversification that spreads economic risk and through earlier harvest that allows timely fail planting of winter cereals. However, planting system can influence the success of early maturing soybean production. This study was conducted to determine the effect of ANH (April, narrow 7‐in. rows, high population—336 000 seeds/acre) and JWL (June, wide 30‐in. rows, low population—139 000 seeds/acre) planting systems on yield, plant and lowest pod heights, and visual grain quality of early maturing (Maturity Groups [MGs] 00, 0, and I) and traditionally! maturing (MGs III, IV, and V) soybean varieties. In 1987, early maturing soybean varieties yielded more than 30 bu/acre when planted in the ANH system, but yields of these varieties were approximately 50% lower in the JWL system. ‘Hodgson 78’ (MG I) yielded 41 bu/acre in the ANH system in 1987; this yield was higher than yields of all other varieties except ‘Bay’ (MG V) planted in the JWL system. From 1988 through 1990 in either system, Hodgson 78 yielded 20 to 30 bu/acre, which was equal to or greater than the yields of all other varieties except ‘Zane’ planted in the ANH system in 1990. Plant heights of early maturing varieties were generally shorter than those of the determinate varieties, ‘Crawford’ (MG IV) and Bay (MG V). Lowest pod height of early maturing soybean varieties ranged from 1 to 4 in. during all years, whereas later maturing varieties podded as high as 8 in. from ground level. Quality of grain varied by year, but in 1987, grain quality of the early maturing varieties was improved by the ANH planting system. These results show that early maturing soybean varieties from MG I offer a viable alternative to traditional MGs; however, additional research is needed to refine these new management systems. Research Question Production of early maturing soybean varieties can benefit producers through crop diversification and through early harvest that allows for timely fall planting of winter cereals. However, planting system decisions can influence the success of early maturing soybeans. This study was conducted to (i) compare yield, plant and lowest pod heights, and visual grain quality of early maturing soybean varieties from maturity groups (MGs) 00, 0, and I with traditionally adapted MGs 111, IV, and V varieties; and (ii) determine whether planting systems influence the response of early maturing and full‐season soybean varieties. Literature Summary Traditional MG III to V varieties for the mid‐latitude section of the eastern U.S. Great Plains often are planted in June, partially to delay reproductive growth beyond the hot and dry weather of late July and early August. Earlier plantings, however, may move much of the seed development period for early maturing soybeans (MG 00, 0, and 1) varieties ahead of this hot, dry period. April plantings have produced satisfactory yields in early maturing (MG III and IV) systems ...

This study compares a variety of farm tractor depreciation methods to determine which most accurately estimates farm tractor values. These alternative depreciation methods consider different factors for estimating remaining value and vary in difficulty of use. Pairwise comparisons of mean absolute percentage error and forecast accuracy regression models were used to evaluate the accuracy of the depreciation methods, which depend on age, intensity of use, and manufacturer. Based on the results of this study, the Cross and Perry method was generally the most accurate.

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