Question

Assume that the market supply curve for potatoes is Q_S1 = 12+0.5P, and that there are two marketing periods for the crop. In the first marketing period the demand curve is: Q_D1 = 24-P₁, in the second period it is: Q_D2 = 18-P₂.

1. Draw a graph of the markets in the two periods showing prices and quantities if it costs nothing to store potatoes. Be sure to label all the relevant features on your graph. Insert an image of your graph here.

2. Show the prices and quantities in each period if it costs $5 per cwt. to store potatoes for delivery in the second marketing period. Again, be sure to label all relevant features on your graph (s). Insert an image of your graph here.

3. By comparing the results for 5 and 6 above explain how the cost of storage affects prices and quantities in each period.

Answer 1