Guide to Agricultural Resources and Demographic Characteristics of the Former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics By Oblast

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Date Created
1995-06
Report Number
96-06
Description
With its enormous size and great diversity, the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (FUSSR) is an important player in the world grain and oilseed markets. The lack of data about FUSSR, though, poses some obstacles in understanding the impact on world trade. In this study, researchers gathered unique statistics about FUSSR's crop areas and output. In addition, they developed a methodology to estimate the surplus or deficit of the feed quantity produced for the livestock population by FUSSR's administrative units, or oblasts. The research looked at estimating the size of the FUSSR's demand for imported feedstuffs and its probable sources and transportation routes. It also forecasted what a reformed FUSSR agriculture would look like after changing cropping patterns and applying technology. The report organizes the findings by oblast and republic and details the following information for each oblast: area in square miles; the km of railroad; the km for two types of highways; a distance matrix between the major population centers by road; population statistics; estimated animal feed protein surplus/deficiency; calorie surplus/deficiency, and soybean equivalent to meet the protein requirements; area sown for winter wheat, spring wheat, rye, com for grain, barley, oats, potatoes, flax, sugar beets, and sunflower; and output for winter wheat, spring wheat, rye, corn for grain, barley, oats, eggs, poultry, mutton and goat, pork, beef and veal.

Impacts of Implements of Husbandry on Local Roads

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Date Created
2016
Report Number
2016RIC07
Description
In 1993, MN passed a law exempting Implements of Husbandry (IOH) from size, weight and load restrictions. Over the last two decades, as farming practices have changed from family to corporation, the size and weight of IOH have increased dramatically. As IOH continue to increase in size and weight, there is a serious concern about how these IOH are damaging roads. The states surrounding Minnesota have addressed this concern by establishing maximum gross weights and gross axle weights; Minnesota has not. This brochure provides background information on the history of IOH; summarizes neighboring states’ IOH weight restrictions and provides links to recent research data that details the damaging effects IOH have on pavements.