IMPACT OF ALTERNATIVE FARM PROGRAMS ON DIFFERENT SIZE COTTON FARMS IN THE TEXAS SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS: A SIMULATION APPROACH

Eight Texas High Plains cotton farms, ranging in size from 189 acres to 5,570 acres, were simulated under six alternative farm program provisions to determine the likely structural impacts of these programs. The results indicate mid-size farms benefit more from farm programs than either small or large farms since the programs allow them to remain in business. Denying mid-size commercial farms access to the farm program would likely accelerate the trend towards a bimodal distribution of farm sizes on the High Plains.