Application of mathematical programming to a large-scale agricultural production and distribution system

This paper addresses an actual production planning problem for a large seed corn production company. Various scenarios are included in different mathematical programming models in order to help the management take production decisions. A linear programming package and a mixed-integer programming package are combined by a designed heuristic program to solve the problem. The solutions obtained and an accompanying sensitivity analysis provide the management with insight into the system’s operation and potentials of cost savings.