This article examines what differentiates "socially responsible" farmers (i.e., those who rank environmental benefits higher than profit, based on a Likert style ranking) from farmers who make decisions based solely on financial criteria. A proportional odds model (POM) is proposed to estimate...

Irrigation is expensive in Tennessee because of small, irregular fields. We calculated the breakeven corn prices for irrigated corn in Tennessee. Breakeven prices were $4.02-$7.94/bu depending on field size, energy source, and energy price. At current prices, irrigated corn is profitable, but...

Cotton yield monitors are a new technology and their costs have not been thoroughly evaluated. This research evaluated yield gains and input savings required to cover the cost of a monitor. Spreading monitor costs over multiple VRT decisions reduces the required yield gain or cost savings for...

Fourteen long term side-by-side tillage practice experiments were studied to analyze if no-tillage yields improved through time allowing incentives to decline. In the majority of cases, no significant increase in no-till yield is evident. Incentives may need to be permanent if switched acres are...

Optimal fertilization dates were found for two nitrogen sources in the presence of two diseases for wheat farmers with different risk preferences. Risk was independent of fertilization date. Ammonium Nitrate and Urea-Ammonium Nitrate did not affect risk differently. Ammonium Nitrate applied on...

Probit analysis identified factors influencing adoption of precision farming technologies by Southeastern cotton farmers. Younger, more educated farmers who operated larger farms and were optimistic about the future of precision farming were most likely to adopt site-specific information...

Replaced with revised version of paper 10/23/07.

Switchgrass for bioenergy production will require substantial storage. This study evaluated costs of alternative baling and on-farm storage systems. Rectangular bales minimize cost if switchgrass is processed immediately after harvest. However, round bales minimize cost if switchgrass is stored...