Date of Award:

5-2009

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Department:

Applied Economics

Committee Chair(s)

E. Bruce Godfrey

Committee

E. Bruce Godfrey

Committee

Donald L. Snyder

Committee

Dillon M. Feuz

Abstract

Native and introduced grass and shrub species are grown for seed production in the Great Basin region of the United States. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the profitability and risk associated with the production of five different species of grasses and shrubs which are used in rehabilitation following wildfires. Enterprise budgets are constructed for both the establishment and production years. Returns above operating costs are compared to other crops produced in the same region. Production and market risks are discussed. Returns and risks are evaluated using an expected value model which compares risk and return between species, as well as risk and return for seven different crop combinations on a simulated 400-acre farm. All five species evaluated are found to be more profitable than other crops grown in the region. However, there are many production and market factors which must be carefully considered prior to investment in grass and shrub seed production.

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