A linear programming approach to crops and livestock enterprises planning for a model A2 farmer in Bindura, Zimbabwe

Farmers need to make decisions on cropping patterns that would yield them maximum profits. This is a decision that most farmers make by intuition, experience and by comparison with other farmers. However, this does not result in optimal solutions. Linear programming can be used to determine optimum cropping patterns. In this study, a linear programming model was developed in order to determine the optimum combination of stocker cattle and crops for a Model A2 farmer in Bindura, Zimbabwe. Stocker cattle considered were beef cows and stocker steers. The crops considered were maize, soya beans and cotton. The linear programming model solution showed that the acreage of maize could be increased by 100 percent. It suggests no production of soya beans and cotton. The total acreage on overall crop production showed an increase by 14 percent compared with the farmer's existing plan. The results also suggest no production of beef cows. The production of steers did not increase compared to the farmer's existing plan. The model suggested an overall decrease of cattle production by 43 percent. The farmer's income could be increased from existing level of $8,189.00 to $11,461.02 showing an improvement of 40 percent. The results suggest that linear programming solutions are worthy putting into use.