Farmers' Perceptions about Spatial Yield Variability and Precision Farming Technology Adoption: An Empirical Study of Cotton Production in 12 Southeastern States

Sofia Kotsiri, Roderick Rejesus, Michele Marra and Margarita Velandia

No 98689, 2011 Annual Meeting, February 5-8, 2011, Corpus Christi, Texas from Southern Agricultural Economics Association

Abstract: This paper examines how cotton farmers' perceptions about their spatial yield variability influence their decision to adopt precision farming technologies. Utilizing cross-section survey data from 12 Southeastern states and a two-step econometric modeling approach, we find that farmers who perceive their yields as more spatially heterogeneous will more likely use site specific information gathering technologies and apply their inputs at a variable rate. In addition, our empirical analysis shows that perceptions about future profitability and importance of precision farming, along with socio-economic factors, also drive the technology adoption decision. These results have implications for producers contemplating the variable rate management decisions, as well as dealers selling these precision farming technologies.

Keywords: Agribusiness; Farm Management; Production Economics; Productivity Analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 22
Date: 2011-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-agr
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:saea11:98689

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.98689

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