Imperfect Price Deflation in Production Systems

"Numéraire" prices that are measured with error create challenges for econometric estimation. A straightforward approach for a model with linear input demands, such as generated from a quadratic normalized profit function, is proposed where the "numéraire" price is measured with error. "Numéraire" measurement error is likely because expected output price is measured imperfectly by actual output price. An approach using generalized method of moments is developed to estimate such errors-in-variables (EIV) systems that avoids use of extra-sample data or additional structural specifications. Monte Carlo examination of small sample properties shows promise. Measurement error is statistically significant using aggregate U.S. agricultural data. Copyright 2007 American Agricultural Economics Association.