Think before Spreading Manure

Question: A farmer has 50 cows and 100 acres of grain. He's in the market for a new manure spreader. Spreader A can spread a week's manure from 50 cows over 100 acres. Spreader B can spread a week's manure from 25 cows over 50 acres. Which spreader should he buy?

Answer: It depends.

• What are the costs of the manure spreaders?
• Can the farmer rent the equipment?
• How long does it take for the farmer to use each piece of equipment?
• If Spreader B takes 6 hours/week and Spreader A takes 3, what can the farmer accomplish in those extra 3 hours/week.
• Do any of the farmer's neighbors need their cow's manure spread?
• Can the farmer hire someone to do the work?
• Does the farmer have any plans to expand his operations?
• …

Moral of the Story: Think outside of the parameters that have been placed before you.
Or: Be skeptical of the big manure spreaders.