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.
AGRICOLA AGE 85925870, Extract: The thesis of this paper is that adaptive ability is unimportant when the processes generating the variables, which farmers take as exogenous, are stationary and unaltered. However, when these processes undergo structural change, adaptive ability is expected to affect the quality of production, marketing, and investment decisions. Farmers who have superior adaptive skills are expected on average to make better decisions. Furthermore, given the highly competitive nature of U.S. agriculture, successfully adapting to structural change is selective. Farmers possessing poor adaptive skill can be expected to comprise a relatively large share of the persons forced by economic circumstances to seek alternative employment or retirement, provided governmental intervention does not neutralize this selection process.
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.
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
Putler, Daniel S. (author), Zilberman, David (author), and Putler: Agricultural economist, Commodity Economics Division, Economic Research Service, USDA; Zilberman: Professor, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Berkeley, CA
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1988-11
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 84 Document Number: C05377
AGRICOLA IND 89001696, Logit analysis using data from a survey of Tulare County, California, farmers is used to examine computer and application ownership patterns in agriculture. The analysis indicates that the size of the farming operation, education level, age level, and the ownership of a farm-related nonfarming business significantly influence the probability of computer ownership; however, the type of farm products used on the farm does not. The type of application software owned is influenced primarily by the type of farm products produced, the size of the farming operation, ownership of a farm-related business, and the education level of the farmer.
