Over the last decade there has been a remarkable increase in the use of systems modelling for research in farm management. This has been accompanied by substantial progress in the development of model building techniques for farming systems. Progress has been less rapid, however, in the development of procedures for testing the validity of bioeconomic models and for using them to explore the response of systems to factors under the control of management. This report explains various optimum - seeking design procedures for simulation experiments with agricultural systems models. The practical aspects of implementing these procedures are also discussed.

Dr Harrison, lecturer in economics in the Department of External Studies, University of Queensland, has prepared this report during a sabbatical period in the Department of Farm Management & Rural Valuation at Lincoln College.