Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for selecting farms to grow a crop of interest and/or for performing economic analysis relating to growing a crop of interest. One such disclosed apparatus includes a database and a farm identifier in communication with the database to develop a set of farms capable of growing the crop of interest. The apparatus also includes a competition analyzer cooperating with the farm identifier to estimate profits to be earned by farms in the set of farms for growing at least one crop which is different from the crop of interest. The apparatus is further provided with an offer developer cooperating with the competition analyzer to determine possible offers to be made to the farms in the set of farms based at least in part upon the estimated profits to be earned for growing the at least one crop which is different from the crop of interest.

Abstract: A material deposition device places droplets on a substrate. A conveyer on a chassis moves the substrate relative to a plane so a deposition means on the chassis may release material onto the substrate moved by the conveyer. A movable support means attached between the chassis and the deposition means locates it with respect to the conveyer allowing relative motion therebetween. A supply of material connected to the deposition means sends pressurized material thereto. A control causes relative motion between the conveyer and the movable support means varying the position of the deposition means relative to the substrate. The control has a memory operatively connected to timely activate the deposition means. The deposition means has a body communicating with the supply of material and a valve means responsive to the control selectively delivers droplets to the substrate.