1

An analysis of the alternative mechanisms for reducing milk supply when production is likely to be over quota

Dairy farmers need to match milk production to effective quota to be certain of avoiding a superlevy fine. Farmers can balance this equation by increasing their effective quota (through leasing or purchase) or reducing milk production. This dissertation will examine the costs and benefits of alternative approaches to reducing milk production towards the end of the milk quota year.

2

A comparison of agricultural support policies and financial trends in agriculture between the UK and the USA

CAP reforms have taken European support instruments more towards those used in the USA, which itself has moved towards decoupled instruments for supporting agriculture. This dissertation will review the changes in support policies, and compare financial and structural trends and the agricultural sector using information from MAFF and USDA. The dissertation will assess the impact of changes in policy on these trends.

3

A study of the transfer of sugar beet ‘quota’

Sugar beet growers are allocated a production tonnage quota. Recently, farmers have been allowed to transfer quota off their farm. This dissertation will examine the reasons for this innovative development. It will consider how much quota is likely to be traded and how the market will determine an equilibrium price. Possible development of this market will be considered, particularly the impact of different rules on the distribution of benefits between farmer and landowner.

4

The impact of semen sexing on UK dairy and beef production

The first calf born in the UK using sexed semen occurred in 1999. Extensive on-farm trials are currently being conducted in the UK. This dissertation will examine the history, benefits and disadvantages of widespread use of sexed semen. It will then set-out assess the potential of this technology on milk and beef production. The results of this exercise will be applied to breeding patterns in the UK, to illustrate how these may change. The final chapter will assess the impact of this technology

5

The economics of mushroom production: a European comparison of performance

Mushroom production is based on a compromise between the length of the harvest period and the number of harvests each year. The decision conditions the choice of production technology, which will determine the competitiveness of the business now and in the future. This dissertation will set out a theoretical framework to identify the optimal combination of periodicity and cropping index. Information gathered in a recent survey of mushroom producers will be updated and compared with survey data from importing countries to assess the current and future competitiveness of the UK mushroom industry.

6

An economic assessment of robotic milking machines, and their impact on agricultural employment

Currently about 25 farmer in the UK use robotic milking machines. In Holland and Denmark this technology is more widespread. This dissertation will review the benefits and problems of using robotic milking machines. It will detail the research that is currently being undertaken to address the problems. An economic assessment of the impact of installing a robotic machine will be made using either the Nafferton or Cockle Park farm. The lessons learned from this analysis will be used to identify the key variables that will influence the profitability of adopting this technology. The dissertation will need to answer the question, why has this technology been embraced more readily on the continent.

7

A survey of farmers to identify the level of provisions for managing succession

Ensuring the smooth transition of the farm business from one generation to the next is one of the most important tasks in farm business management. The objective being to hand over the reins of management without jeopardising the stability of either the business or the family. This dissertation will identify the strategies that can be adopted to achieve these aims. It will use this background information to design a survey of farmers. This survey will record which strategies are used and why. The implications of the level of provision found in the survey will be discussed, and the demand and need for a retirement scheme directed towards farmers and farm workers assessed.

8

The economics of embryo transfer in dairy herds

This dissertation will set out the reasons for using embryo transfer to increase agricultural production. It will then assess the costs and benefits of using this technology. The key variables that determine its profitability will be identified. Measures that can be taken to alter these variables to increase profitability will be appraised.

9

The distribution of indebtedness in farm businesses in England and Wales

With the permission of MAFF, information collected in the Farm Business Survey will be used to identify trends in the distribution of indebtedness in agricultural businesses in England and Wales. The change in the structure of debts and assets will be recorded and their implications discussed by appropriate categories (owner occupier, farm type, region). The level of indebtedness will be compared with that in other European countries. The implications of the changes over time and international comparisons will form the final chapter of the dissertation.