Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Introduction -- 2. The environment under which farming exists -- 3. Decisions under uncertainty : probability, methods, and models -- 4. Cost benefit analysis : recognizing input output timing -- 5. More on decision making utility -- 6. Farm surveys - uses, procedures and methods -- 7. Survey data and improved farming systems -- 8. Constructing improved systems -- 9. Methods and models of income variability reducing techniques -- 10. Budgeting : the simplest form of farm systems analysis -- 11. Linear programming : the farm model and finding an optimal solution -- 12. Linear programming : using the solution, and creating realistic farm models -- 13. Dynamic programming -- 14. Systems simulation (models of systems that do not fit common analytical techniques) -- 15. The structure and analysis of part farm problems (inventory, replacement, critical paths, and queuing) -- 16. Concluding comments : review and summary.

This book discusses the methods to determine optimal systems in farm business management. The methods are all about problem solving, as any decision situation implies choice and, therefore, requires a method for deciding which alternative maximizes the objectives. The book is not, however, about carrying out the optimal plans. Most of the chapters relate to quantitative methods and qualitative analysis. The book has a penultimate chapter discussing a number of analytical models that are commonly used in urban business but which are less important in primary production. The results of farming systems analyses can have a major impact on good decision-making in any primary producing community. Some of the methods might be used by farmers themselves, but more likely by farm advisors and consultants, and by farm management researchers interested in, firstly, providing farmers with guidance on optimal systems, and, secondly, providing governments with advice on the impact of farm policy measures.