22 pages, This paper presents direct evidence on the impact of a specific extension program that is aimed at promoting the adoption of varieties resistant to the soybean cyst nematode (SCN), specifically the Iowa State University SCN-Resistant Soybean Variety Trials. We use two data sources: experimental data from these variety trials and a rich proprietary dataset on farmers’ seed purchases. Combining these data, we estimate the value of soybean cyst nematode-resistant variety availability, and the associated variety trials that provide information on their performance to farmers and seed companies. Given the scope and diffusion of this extension program, the focus of the analysis is on Iowa and northern Illinois over the period 2011–2016. Farmers’ seed choices are modeled in a discrete choice framework, specifically a one-level nested logit model. Using the estimated demand model, we find farmers’ marginal willingness to pay for soybean cyst nematode-resistant varieties, and for related extension information provided by the Iowa State University SCN-Resistant Soybean Variety Trials program, to be large. These results are confirmed by counterfactual analyses showing that, over the six-year period and region of the study, the total ex post welfare change associated with the existence of, and information about, SCN-resistant seeds is about $478 million. About one-third of this surplus is captured by seed suppliers, and two-thirds accrues to farmers.
Just, Richard E. (author), Zilberman, David (author), and Just: Professor of agricultural and resource economics, University of California, Berkeley, CA; Zilberman: Associate professor of agricultural and resource economics, University of California, Berkeley, CA
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1985-05
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 84 Document Number: C05318
AGRICOLA AGE 85925871, Extract: This paper draws on some recent rigorous results to illuminate the distributional consequences of agricultural policy. The paper begins by discussing the important characteristics of the agricultural sector that must play a role in a minimally realistic model of distributional effects. Heterogeneity gives rise to different regimes of behavior among farmers. These regimes are used to illustrate the equity effects of agricultural policy.
Garcia, Philip (author), Offutt, Susan E. (author), Pinar, Musa (author), and Offutt, Garcia: Assistant professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL; Pinar: Research associate, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1987-05
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 84 Document Number: C05348
AGRICOLA AGE 85925869, Extract: The present paper consider both knowledge diffusion and adoption, assuming that a relevant and viable new technology is available. The focus is on the rationale for and scope of public sector involvement in these processes. Such involvement includes publicly sponsored information dissemination, intervention in output and input markets, intervention in the credit market, and investment in infrastructure. These issues are discussed below.
