Thomas H Spreen – författare

Economic analysis of beef cattle production has been limited by the inability to fully describe the underlying production process. Except for confined feeding of cattle, beef cattle production is the process of growing cattle who consume forages. The animal and the forage possess attributes of both factors and products of production. The production of forage constitutes one production process, animal growth is another production process, and reproduction by female animals is a third production process. Cattle production involves all three processes in such a manner that each influences the outcome of the other. Each process is itself complex and analysis is further complicated when all three are considered simultaneously.

Economic analysis of beef cattle production has been limited by the inability to fully describe the underlying production process. Except for confined feeding of cattle, beef cattle production is the process of growing cattle who consume forages. The animal and the forage possess attributes of both factors and products of production. The production of forage constitutes one production process, animal growth is another production process, and reproduction by female animals is a third production process. Cattle production involves all three processes in such a manner that each influences the outcome of the other. Each process is itself complex and analysis is further complicated when all three are considered simultaneously.

This introductory/intermediate level textbook focuses on mathematical programming and its applications. It introduces basic linear programming — the easiest form of mathematical programming with emphasis on economic interpretation of the model solution. Well-known applications of linear programming to problems in business and agriculture are presented.The text then extends into more advanced forms of mathematical programming including quadratic and integer programming. These models include the introduction of risk and uncertainty into decision-making and a class of models known as price endogenous models in which market equilibrium analyses can be modelled. Integer programming includes conditional decision-making model, machinery selection, and a class of models known as supply chain models.Supplements are provided to assist solution of the models using either GAMS or Excel, the two most widely used software packages for solution of mathematical programming models.