Implications of Fuel Shortages on Cotton and Grain Sorghum Production and Producer Returns-Southern High Plains of Texas

Abstract

Shortages of hydrocarbon-based fuels (petroleum and natural gas) for all uses in the United States have caused concern among agricultural leaders and farmers over their ability to obtain fuel for agricultural production purposes in competition with other users. During the 1973 crop year, for the first time in recent years, farmers were faced with the consequent need to make necessary adjustments in production and harvesting practices to utilize the fuel available. Analyses that have appeared since the recent widespread recognition of the energy crisis conclude that this is not a short-run phenomenon. Rather, farmers are likely to find themselves competing with other major users for limited petroleum supplies for some time to come.