Sunday, November 28, 2010

Wisconsin Survey

At: http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Wisconsin/Publications/Dairy/Dairy_OP_Release_10.pdf

is a very recent survey of dairy operations in Wisconsin.

Some of the information is broken down by farm size.

This reminds me of a game theory called "Prisoners Dilemma"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prisoner%27s_dilemma

"The prisoner's dilemma is a fundamental problem in game theory that demonstrates why two people might not cooperate even if it is in both their best interests to do so."

As the "prisoners dilemma" is generally discussed, only the actions of the players are mentioned. There are however, external forces to the players. What should be the role of the state or federal governments in fostering cooperation? Oh no! That would never do. We need competition. Those who advocate this always think some unknown person will lose. It is never a close friend or relative.

5 comments:

  1. You are always against cooperation and always for competition. So what are you advocating?

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  2. Touchy nerves huh John? There is no cooperation.

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  3. You are missing the point. It's not cooperation when you are dealing with the milk mafia. You do what they say or you may find yourself with no outlet for your milk.

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  4. Butter down 26 cents in two days!! Wonder whose going to make the money!!!! All transparent!!!

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  5. wow! Upon reading the UW survey it is a sorry state that we dairymen are in. 41% respondents unable to meet basic living expenses and 26% unable to pay their farm loans. Whichever game we are playing, cooperation or competition, neither seems to be the answer. We are just pawns in this world of dairying. The real players (multinational corporations) are the ultimate winners!!

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