Analysis of Machine Use in Hungarian Agriculture – Is There Any Future for Machinery Sharing Arrangements?

The present paper analyses the issues of asset supply in Hungarian agricultural enterprises. The results of empirical research carried out into specialized field crop farms have revealed a number of anomalies. By analyzing the indicators which describe asset supply, a substantial capacity surplus and capacity shortage existing paralelly was observed in Hungarian agriculture. Most small farms were seen to use their assets wastefully. If the costs related with machine use are modelled, a close negative correlation between farm size and machine use cost is observed. On the basis of cost structure examination and former conclusions, a clear affirmative answer can be given to the question in the title. Unfortunately, the present farming practice is that farms with capacity shortage procure the required resources in the form of renting services and not by way of other cooperation arrangement solutions.