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Abstract
Linear programming has long been used as a tool in agricultural planning. This paper
presents and discusses a technique that can be used in conjunction with linear programming
to evaluate 'nearly optimal' solutions. This technique is referred to as Nearly Optimal
Linear Programming or Modelling to Generate Alternatives (MGA). MGA allows planners
to incorporate important objectives that are difficult to include in a mathematical model by
identifying and evaluating alternative 'nearly optimal' solutions. Some of these alternative
solutions may be consistent with the goals or objectives of decision makers.
To date, MGA has received little use in addressing agricultural planning problems. A
micro-level application of MGA, concerning a dairy ration formulation problem, is presented
to demonstrate the relevance of MGA to agricultural planning by decision makers.
Within this application, the use of MGA to complement and enhance normal linear
programming analysis is also discussed.