@article{Thrush:11070,
      recid = {11070},
      author = {Thrush, Alan J.},
      title = {HISTORY, ORGANIZATION AND STRATEGIES FOR GRAIN PRODUCERS  AND THE GRAIN INDUSTRY IN MICHIGAN},
      address = {2003},
      number = {1097-2016-88678},
      series = {Graduate Research Master's Degree Plan B Papers},
      pages = {233},
      year = {2003},
      abstract = {The grain system (grain producers and the grain industry)  in Michigan finds itself in a transition period. Production  (yield) and price limitations along with escalating cost  factors have left producers in a situation where, without  government assistance, many more would have to exit the  farm. The grain industry (in this study, the industry  refers to the grain handlers and processors), while in a  stronger financial situation than producers, would suffer  negatively if volume of grains bought and sold through  their facilities decreased, and more in the industry would  have to exit.

A transition is needed to increase  profitability of grain producers and the grain handlers and  processors in Michigan. Without a transition, the trend of  decreasing farms and acres will continue, to the detriment  of the Michigan grain system. But how does the system make  a transition, and what kind of transition is needed? This  study strives to find the strategies, through understanding  the history and organization of the system, that will  provide direction.

This study uses two analytical  approaches to understand the grain system from the producer  level and the industry level. By comparing the Industrial  Organization approach and the Strategic Management  approach, a clearer understanding of the problems should be  ascertained. That understanding, with a background of the  history of the grain system development in Michigan allows  a thorough discussion of the possible solutions that can  help both producers and grain handlers and processors be  more profitable and continue to be an important economic  factor in the state.

The findings of the study indicate  that there are several partial solutions to the problems,  depending on the region of the state, the attitude of  producers and companies within the industry, and the  markets themselves. The situation can be improved by  differentiating, coordinating, cooperating and adjusting  processes in those areas that can successfully be addressed  and changed by individual producers and each firm. Further  research could overcome constraints of this study to find  alternative and successful adaptations for the system.},
      url = {http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/11070},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.11070},
}