Crop residue supply for energy generation: A prototype application to midwestern U.S.A. grain farms

Abstract This analysis focuses on the dynamics of the production process, sequential decision making, and weather uncertainty as they affect the crop residue supply response of midwestern United States grain farms. Supply estimates for a typical grain farm are reported under varying harvest season weather conditions. A supply response analysis for a hypothetical region suggests that crop residue production would be quite price responsive and variable. The development of new harvest techniques and storage are identified as important to the economic viability of crop residues as energy resources.