Statistical analysis of supply response in late spring potatoes in California

Mundlak, Y; McCorkle, C

Statistical analysis of supply response in late spring potatoes in California

Authors

Yair Mundlak
Chester O. McCorkle

Authors Affiliations

Yair Mundlak was Research Assistant, Department of Agricultural Economics, Berkeley; Chester O. McCorkle, Jr. was Assistant Professor of Agricultural Economics and Assistant Agricultural Economist in the Experiment Station and on the Giannini Foundation, Davis.

Publication Information

Hilgardia 24(16):455-493. DOI:10.3733/hilg.v24n16p455. April 1956.

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Abstract

This study attempts to specify an acreage response function for late spring potatoes in California and to estimate the parameters of alternative expressions of this function. Least-square estimates of these parameters indicate that gross income from competing crops, potato prices from previous season(s), and acreage available for potatoes determine in large part the variation of potato acreage with trend removed.

Two possible policy applications are suggested: the calculation of year-to-year acreage forecasts and the achievement of acreage goals through the manipulation of prices of potatoes and alternative crops, as suggested in various agricultural programs turning on forward pricing.

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