Optimization of Machinery Use on Farms with Emphasis on Timeliness Costs

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine timeliness co sts in using machinery and their effects on farmers ’ revenues. In addition, optimum cropping pattern wa s compared with the existing one assuming removal of timeliness cos t. For the purpose of the study, mixed integer and linear programming methods were used. T he study was conduced in Marvdasht region in southern Iran. The data were co llected through interviews with a sample of 80 farm managers. Selected farmers were d ivided into six groups in terms of farm size and farm machinery use, and in each group a representative farm was selected. Findings of the study showed that 19 percent of far mers owned and 81 percent rented tractor and, as a result, timeliness cost was consi derable for the latter group. The results also showed that for the farmers whose farm size wa s more than 10 hectares, it was justified to buy tractor and rent a combine. The re sults revealed that there was a gap between the optimum and existing cropping patterns with respect to timeliness cost and gross margin increased mostly in the groups that ow ned tractor and more than five hectares of land. Finally, in order to minimize tim eliness cost, joint ownership of machinery by neighboring farms was recommended. Keywords: Cost minimization, Cropping pattern, Linear program ming, Machinery selection.