Long-Run Structural and Productivity Change in U.S. Agriculture: Effects of Prices and Policies

Robert E. Evenson and Wallace Huffman

No 28518, Center Discussion Papers from Yale University, Economic Growth Center

Abstract: This paper presents (1) a conceptual framework for structural change when farms may be multiproduct or specialized and (2) an econometrics examination of causes of structural and total factor productivity (TFP) change for U.S. agriculture. Farm size, farm specialization, and part-time farming are the structural dimension emphasized, and they become potential channels to TFP change. Using state aggregate data starting in 1950, we conclude that input prices, public and private research, public extension, and government commodity programs have directly and indirectly caused change in U.S. farm structure and TFP. Our results suggest that changes in farm size, however, have been dominated by input price changes rather than by technology or government programs.

Keywords: Industrial; Organization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 34
Date: 1997
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:yaleeg:28518

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.28518

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