Browsing by Subject "Ogallala"
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Item Farm level financial impacts of water policy on the southern Ogallala Aquifer(Texas Tech University, 2008-12) Weinheimer, Justin A.; Knight, Tom; Johnson, Phillip N.; Segarra, Eduardo; Brigham, Keith H.; Allen, Vivien G.The Texas Southern High Plains relies heavily on irrigation water provided by the Ogallala Aquifer. Throughout history, the agricultural economy and production capabilities in the Texas Panhandle has evolved to become an important supplier of food and fiber around the world. There is no question that this precious resource is finite, as current pumping withdrawals exceed recharge rates in most areas, particularly in the Southern Ogallala. Concerns over future supplies and the sustainability of irrigated agriculture have attracted the attention of policy makers throughout the eight states overlying the Ogallala. Recent legislation in Texas (Senate Bills 1 & 2) has shown a strong commitment towards increasing the efforts of water conservation through water policy implementation. Due to the increasing likelihood of water management policies being implemented on the Texas High Plains, this study evaluated the response of a representative farm to the implementation of a water policy which restricts the amount of irrigation water availability such that 50% of the current saturated thickness must remain in 50 years, commonly known as the 50/50 water policy. This policy was evaluated over a ten year planning horizon with the primary goals of determining how the farm reacts to the 50/50 policy in terms of enterprise and crop selection and how the farm would be impacted financially both in risk profile and cash positions. An integrated two step approach was used in the evaluation. First, a non-linear dynamic optimization model was developed to determine farm level response decisions and crop selection, and second a stochastic simulation model was utilized to understand the changes in cash positions of the farm resulting from the policy implementation. Baseline models were run for four different water availability scenarios (120ft, 100ft, 80ft, and 60ft saturated thickness) representing status quo farming practices. Constrained models were then run under the restriction of the 50/50 water policy to determine the changes from the baseline scenario. Primary results for the optimization models indicate that LEPA irrigated cotton and dryland sorghum are the optimal crops under both baseline and constrained models which maximize net returns per acre. Additionally the policy did affect the producers optimal decisions of crop selection in that total dryland acres increased. Financial viability of the farm decreased under the 50/50 water policy as the probability of negative net cash income and ending cash reserves increased for all scenarios, with the greatest impacts being on the moderate to high saturated thickness levels. The probability of negative net cash income and ending cash reserves was similar for the baseline models and constrained models for the lower saturated thickness scenarios. Finally, significant water savings occurred only on moderate to high levels of initial saturated thickness.Item Usability analysis of the USDA-ARS Ogallala Initiative Web site(2006-05) Axtell, Shelby L.; Davis, Chad S.; Smith, James H.; Akers, Cindy; Doerfert, DavidThis study tested the usability of the USDA-ARS Ogallala Initiative Web site to determine the external user preferences. Although testing Web sites for usability is still in the developmental stages, Nielsen (2000) says "usability rules the Web" (p. 9). A stratified purposeful sample (n = 49) of county extension agents, agricultural producers, communication professionals, and the general public was tested. A stratified purposeful sample was taken, because Nielsen (2000) and Krug (2000) state how important it is to test the target audience of a site. A usability survey instrument was developed for agricultural and natural resources Web sites by the researcher, based on standards set by Web site usability experts, Nielsen and Krug. The instrument included demographics, as well as 4-point Likert questions pertaining to these categories: general appearance, navigation, efficiency, and content of the site. More than 85% of the participants reported they were satisfied with the USDA-ARS Ogallala Initiative Web site. However, they did indicate a need for contact information and more content. There were no differences among audience responses. Each audience category indicated their needs were being met. The survey instrument yielded a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.923. The researchers recommend adding the following variables to the survey instrument: age of participants, years in profession, and if participants have Internet in their home or business. The researchers suggest revising and adding content based on reported results for the Ogallala Initiative Web site. Then the site needs to be retested several times over. Future tests should be conducted with live audiences, allowing researchers to observe participants in a natural navigation setting.Item Water policy alternatives for the outhern Ogallala aquifer: economic and hydrologic implications(Texas Tech University, 2005-07) Wheeler, Erin Alexis; Segarra, Eduardo; Johnson, Phillip N.; Willis, David B.; Johnson, JeffEvaluation of water policy alternatives for the southern Ogallala aquifer including the High Plains of Texas and Eastern New Mexico.Item Water policy alternatives for the Southern Ogallala Aquifer: Economic and hydrologic implications(2005-08) Wheeler, Erin Alexis; Segarra, Eduardo; Johnson, Phillip N.; Willis, David B.; Johnson, JeffEvaluation of Water Policy Alternatives for the Southern Ogallala Aquifer including the High Plains of Texas and Eatern New Mexico.