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Enhancing Year-Round Profitability for Small-Scale Ranchers: An Economic Analysis of Integrated Cattle and Mushroom Production System

Author

Listed:
  • Obed Quaicoe

    (Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, 1601 E. Market St, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA)

  • Fafanyo Asiseh

    (Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, 1601 E. Market St, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA)

  • Atta Selorm Aloka

    (Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, 1601 E. Market St, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA)

Abstract

Profitability remains elusive for many small-scale cattle farmers, as the high operational costs involved often require a larger herd to achieve a reasonable profit. This study uses key financial metrics and the Monte Carlo probabilistic simulation to evaluate the economic feasibility and viability of integrating cattle and mushroom production to enhance year-round profitability for small-scale ranchers. The study results illustrate a promising outlook for investing in the integration of cattle and mushroom production. This integrated system shows potential for generating significant returns with minimal risk over the long term. The Monte Carlo simulation indicates that combining mushroom farming with cattle farming could substantially decrease feed expenses, fertilizer costs for hay production, and overall operational expenditures, while also increasing revenue from mushroom sales.

Suggested Citation

  • Obed Quaicoe & Fafanyo Asiseh & Atta Selorm Aloka, 2024. "Enhancing Year-Round Profitability for Small-Scale Ranchers: An Economic Analysis of Integrated Cattle and Mushroom Production System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:13:p:5320-:d:1420111
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lawrence, John D. & Mintert, James R. & Anderson, John D. & Anderson, David P., 2008. "Feed Grains and Livestock: Impacts on Meat Supplies and Prices," Choices: The Magazine of Food, Farm, and Resource Issues, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 23(2), pages 1-5.
    2. Sergio Gomez y Paloma & Laura Riesgo & Kamel Louhichi (ed.), 2020. "The Role of Smallholder Farms in Food and Nutrition Security," Springer Books, Springer, number 978-3-030-42148-9, March.
    3. Appiah-Nkansah, Nana Baah & Li, Jun & Rooney, William & Wang, Donghai, 2019. "A review of sweet sorghum as a viable renewable bioenergy crop and its techno-economic analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 1121-1132.
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