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The benefits and challenges of machinery sharing among small-scale fruit and vegetable growers

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  • Artz, Georgeanne M.
  • Naeve, Linda

Abstract

We worked with five groups of Iowa farmers who shared different pieces of machinery. Under our mentoring, each group developed sharing agreements; some groups continue to share equipment and other inputs. In this paper, we provide an overview of the project and case studies of machinery sharing as well as summarize the benefits and challenges faced by growers during the first year in machinery-sharing arrangements. Our results suggest that in addition to allowing growers to cost-effectively access specialized equipment and improve their labor efficiency, sharing can provide other benefits, including improved access to skilled labor, reduced risk, and idea sharing among peer groups of like-minded individuals. Commonly cited concerns with machinery-sharing arrangements, including having access to the equipment when most needed, can be alleviated with careful advanced planning and open communication.

Suggested Citation

  • Artz, Georgeanne M. & Naeve, Linda, 2016. "The benefits and challenges of machinery sharing among small-scale fruit and vegetable growers," ISU General Staff Papers 201601010800001118, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:isu:genstf:201601010800001118
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Artz, Georgeanne M. & Colson, Gregory & Ginder, Roger G., 2010. "A Return of the Threshing Ring? A Case Study of Machinery and Labor-Sharing in Midwestern Farms," Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 42(4), pages 1-15, November.
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    3. Wolfley, Jared L. & Mjelde, James W. & Klinefelter, Danny A. & Salin, Victoria, 2011. "Machinery-Sharing Contractual Issues and Impacts on Cash Flows of Agribusinesses," Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Western Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 36(01), pages 1-21, April.
    4. P. Lynn Kennedy & E. Jane Luzar, 1999. "Toward Methodological Inclusivism: The Case for Case Studies," Review of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 21(2), pages 579-591.
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    6. Cheryl Brown & Stacy Miller, 2008. "The Impacts of Local Markets: A Review of Research on Farmers Markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 90(5), pages 1298-1302.
    7. Allen, Douglas W & Lueck, Dean, 1998. "The Nature of the Farm," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 41(2), pages 343-386, October.
    8. Artz, Georgeanne M. & Colson, Gregory & Ginder, Roger G., 2010. "A Return of the Threshing Ring? A Case Study of Machinery and Labor-Sharing in Midwestern Farms," Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 42(4), pages 1-15, November.
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