EVALUATING NON-PRICE WATER DEMAND POLICIES DURING SEVERE DROUGHTS

This research examines how differing frequencies of water use restrictions affected per-capita water demand in three medium-sized municipalities along the Front Range of Colorado during the 2002 drought. Preliminary results indicate that while one- or two-day per week watering restrictions limit per capita water use, voluntary restrictions may actually promote overuse of water as consumers prepare for more stringent restrictions.Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

MANURE BMP ADOPTION AMONG NORTH DAKOTA ANIMAL FEED OPERATIONS

Regulations governing animal waste storage are primarily a state-level issue. Protecting water resources from animal waste contamination will depend upon how effective state-level animal waste regulations are in encouraging livestock producers to handle waste appropriately. Survey results from North Dakota indicate beef cattle feeding operations do not always comply with state regulations requiring adoption of manure storage BMP's. This is most likely due to incomplete inspection schedules by the regulatory agency. Statistical results suggest herd size plays a much larger role than regulation in promoting adoption of manure storage BMP's.Livestock Production/Industries,

FARM LEVEL IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY DECISIONS OVER TIME

A time-series cross-sectional model of irrigation technology choice is developed for an irrigation district in California's Central Valley to show how changes in the relative price of irrigation water and variations in water supply over time influence the choice of irrigation system. Results indicate changes in crop mix and variations in water supply are at least as important as price in determining the choice of irrigation system.Farm Management,

THE IMPORTANCE OF TARIFF STRUCTURE IN CONSERVATION PRICING

Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Evaluating Non-Price Water Demand Policies During Severe Droughts

Western states and provinces live under constant drought threat. When and how to time restrictions on outdoor watering are crucial management issues. The effectiveness of various policies is assessed using experience from Colorado during a severe drought.Environmental Economics and Policy,

BENEFITS OF CONTROLLING SALINE WATER IN COLORADO

The Arkansas River in Colorado is confronted with a salinity issue; the majority of this salinity problem is due to agricultural runoff caused by irrigation. Reducing applications of irrigation water through adoption of more technically efficient irrigation systems is one means of improving water quality in the Arkansas River basin. This research uses positive mathematical programming to model the cropping practices of the farms along the Arkansas River. It examines the affect of acreage and profit levels of these farms given the choice of changing their irrigation technologies.Environmental Economics and Policy,

Comparison of Regional and Statewide Impacts on Salinity Mitigation in the Arkansas River Valley

The Arkansas River in Colorado has a major salinity problem, due to agricultural runoff caused by irrigation. It is necessary to see how on-farm net sales, regional and state employment and income levels are affected by alternative aquifer recharge rates. The positive impacts were greatest for the 40% recharge rate.Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

IRRIGATION WATER RATE REFORM AND ENDOGENOUS TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE

Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

FARMER EDUCATION AND ADOPTION OF SLASH AND BURN AGRICULTURE

Education can play a critical role in moving farmers in developing countries away from environmentally harmful slash and burn agriculture. The present research examines the extent to which extension education can promote adoption of cropping systems other than slash and burn. Choice of cropping system by farmers in Cameroon, whether slash and burn, multiple crops, or mono-cropping, is modeled as a function of farm size, farmer educational level, and visits by extension personnel. Results indicate that higher visitation rates by extension personnel reduce not only the likelihood of farmers choosing slash and burn agriculture, but also promotes movement into mono-cropping. Since mono-cropping represents a move toward export-oriented agriculture in Cameroon, this movement may assist in promoting greater economic development across western Africa. Continued efforts in extension education are, therefore, critical in both reducing the environmental damage from slash and burn agriculture and promoting adoption of more profitable cropping systems.conservation, slash and burn, production technology, economic development, Farm Management,