Economic Returns from Treating Sand Shinnery Oak with Tebuthiuron in West Texas

Abstract

Net returns from control of sand shinnery oak (Quercus havardii) with tebuthiuron [N-(5-1,1-dimethylethyl 1,3,4,-thiadiazol-2-yl)-N, N′-dimethylurea] were evaluated for Southern High Plains ranges. A forage yield function was estimated with regression using 5 years of herbage yield data from the region. The present value of production was determined for 3 calf prices, 3 discount rates, and 4 tebuthiuron treatment rates. Discounted net returns were generally positive with high and moderate calf prices and low and moderate discount rates. The optimum tebuthiuron treatment rate varies with calf prices, discount rate, and treatment cost.