Progress 08/01/05 to 07/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project has focused on technological change and the impact of that change on production agriculture. Over the life of the project, two farmer surveys were conducted on precision agriculture technology adoption. In addition, two surveys were conducted regarding adjustments to dramatic changes in cotton acreage in the state and region. Research conducted under this project also used data from ongoing agronomic research in the state to evaluate alternative production systems for cotton and other crops. These evaluations were conducted in response to dramatic changes in input prices. The evaluations also included the ability of alternative production systems to meet various environmental regulations. Results of research conducted under this project were presented at various professional meetings and published in a variety of outlets. Publication outlets included referred journals, professional publications, and popular press. Results of the research generally indicated that cotton producers in Louisiana adopted precision agriculture technology at a rapid rate. Increased efficiency and cost reductions were among the primary drivers of the adoption of this technology. Research on changes in ginning infrastructure indicated that the number of gins decreased in response to the dramatic reduction in cotton acreage. As a result, hauling distances to gins increased correspondingly. Alternative production systems for cotton and other crops offer the possibility to produce those crops more profitably than a conventional production system. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Data from the three surveys of cotton producers on the adoption of precision agriculture technologies indicated that cotton producers continued to adopt these technologies even as the profitability of the cotton enterprise declined dramatically. The first survey was conducted in a period of high cotton acreage while the second survey was conducted in a period of historically low cotton acreage. Analysis of the data from the gin infrastructure surveys indicated that gin numbers adjusted at a rate above the historical average in response to the dramatic decline in cotton acreage. As a result, the cost of assembling the seedcotton increased. Further, as the hauling distance to the gin increased, certain production areas may be precluded from cotton production in the future. Results from the analysis of alternative production systems indicate that producers can adopt production systems that improve profitability over the conventional systems. Louisiana cotton producers have almost universally adopted some form of minimum tillage system. Profitability can also be improved by adopting cropping systems that include multiple crops such as double cropping. These systems not only have the potential to improve profitability, but they also maintain a ground cover and reduce the potential for soil erosion.
Publications
- Garcia-Jimenez, Carlos I., Ashok K. Mishra, Kenneth W. Paxton, Dayton M. Lambert, Margarita M. Velandia, Roderick M. Rejesus, Eduardo Segarra, 2011. The Relevance of Information Sources on Adoption of Precision Farming Technologies by Cotton Producers. Presented at: Southern Agricultural Economics Association 2011 Annual Meeting, February 5-8, 2011, Corpus Christi, Texas. http://purl.umn.edu/98123.
- Paxton, K. W., 2011. Projected Costs and Returns for Cotton, Soybeans, Corn, Milo, and Wheat, Louisiana, 2011. AEA Info. Series No. 276. Dept. of Agr. Econ. and Agribus., La. Agr. Exp. Sta., LSU Agricultural Center, 68 pp. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/NR/rdonlyres/11A43EB9-FCFB-4D7E-95CE-C39EF E3E2093/77490/2011CottonSoybeanBudgets.pdf
- Paxton, K. W. and Don Boquet, 2011. Are Multi-Cropping Systems less Risky than Mono-Cropping Systems Proceedings: 14th Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference, February 1-2, 2011, p. 19.
- Paxton, Kenneth W., Ashok K. Mishra, Sachin Chintawar, Roland K. Roberts, James A. Larson, Burton C. English, Dayton M. Lambert, Michele C. Marra, Sherry L. Larkin, Jeanne M. Reeves, and Steven W. Martin,2011. Intensity of Precision Agriculture Technology Adoption by Cotton Producers, Agricultural and Resource Economics Review, Volume 40, Number 1, April 2011, pp. 133-144.
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Analysis of data collected in the 2009 precision farming survey continued in 2010. This analysis focused on comparing data from the 2009 survey with data collected in the 2005 survey for the Mid-south area. A common database was derived from the two previous surveys to facilitate analysis in 2010. Various products generated from this and other analyses were presented at professional meetings, such as the Southern Agricultural Economics Association meeting and the Beltwide Cotton Conferences. Geocoded data were obtained for gin locations and cotton production in Louisiana. These data were used to develop a geo-referenced database for additional analysis of the cotton ginning sector of the cotton industry. Similar data was also obtained for Arkansas and Mississippi and additional databases developed. These databases will be used to analyze the dynamics of the cotton ginning industry in the mid-south. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The comparison of data from the 2005 and 2009 precision farming surveys for the Mid-south provided insights into how individuals responded to dramatic changes in the economic environment over this period of time. Results of this comparison indicated that even in the face of a dramatic decline in cotton acreage, cotton farmers continued to invest in those precision farming technologies with the greatest potential for impact on profitability. Results from the study of the study on the cotton industry indicate that average cotton field-to-gin distance increased approximately 20 percent from 2006 to 2009. When comparing 2006 fields against 2009 gins, field to gin distance increased only an additional one percent. Visual analysis of GIS maps suggests that some traditional cotton growing regions of Northwest and Central Louisiana are vulnerable if certain gins were to shut down. Results from the initial year of study on low-input cotton production were inconclusive.
Publications
- Fannin, J.M., K.W. Paxton, and H. Niu. 2010. Measuring the Supply of Cotton Infrastructure in Louisiana. In Proceedings of the 2010 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, S. Boyd, M. Huffman and B. Robertson (eds.). New Orleans, LA, January 5-8, 2010. National Cotton Council of America, pp. 683-686.
- Mooney, D.F., R.K. Roberts, B.C. English, J.A. Larson, D.M. Lambert, M. Velandia, S.L. Larkin, K.W. Paxton, A. Mishra, S.W. Martin, M.C. Marra, R. Rejesus, E. Segarra, C. Wang, and J.M. Reeves. 2010. Cotton Precision Farming Adoption in the Southern United States: Findings from a 2009 Survey. Conference Abstracts of the 10th International Conference on Precision Agriculture and Other Precision Resources Management, Denver, CO, July 18-21, 2010, p. 133.
- Mooney, D.F., B.C. English, M. Velandia, J.A. Larson, R.K. Roberts, D.M. Lambert, S.L. Larkin, M.C. Marra, R. Rejesus, S.W. Martin, K.W. Paxton, A. Mishra, E. Segarra, C. Wang, and J.M. Reeves. 2010. Trends in Cotton Precision Farming Adoption in Twelve Southern States: 2000-2008. In Proceedings of the 2010 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, S. Boyd, M. Huffman and B. Robertson (eds.). New Orleans, LA, January 5-8, 2010. National Cotton Council of America, pp. 476-481.
- Mooney, D.F., R.K. Roberts, B.C. English, J.A. Larson, D.M. Lambert, M. Velandia, S.L. Larkin, M.C. Marra, R. Rejesus, S.W. Martin, K.W. Paxton, A. Mishra, C. Wang, E. Segarra, and J.M. Reeves. 2010. Status of Cotton Precision Farming in Twelve Southern States. In Proceedings of the 2010 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, S. Boyd, M. Huffman and B. Robertson (eds.). New Orleans, LA, January 5-8, 2010. National Cotton Council of America, pp. 335-341.
- Mooney, D.F., R.K. Roberts, B.C. English, J.A. Larson, D.M. Lambert, M. Velandia, S.L. Larkin, K.W. Paxton, A. Mishra, S.W. Martin, M.C. Marra, R. Rejesus, E. Segarra, C. Wang, and J.M. Reeves. 2010. Cotton Precision Farming Adoption in the Southern United States: Findings from a 2009 Survey. In Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Precision Agriculture, R. Khosla (ed). Fort Collins, CO, July 18-21, 2010. International Plant Nutrition Institute, Foundation for Agronomic Research, Colorado State University, Unpaginated CD-ROM.
- Paxton, K. W., 2010. Projected Costs and Returns for Cotton, Soybeans, Corn, Milo, and Wheat, Louisiana, 2010. AEA Info. Series No. 267. Dept. of Agr. Econ. and Agribus., La. Agr. Exp. Sta., LSU Agricultural Center, 67 pp. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/money_business/farm_business/budgets/20 10-Projected-Costs-and-Returns--Cotton-Soybeans-Grain-Sorghum-and-Whe at-Louisiana.htm
- Paxton, K.W., A.K. Mishra, S. Chintawar, J.A. Larson, R.K. Roberts, B.C. English, D.M. Lambert, M.C. Marra, S.L. Larkin, J.M. Reeves, and S.W. Martin. 2010. Intensity of Precision Agriculture Technology Adoption by Cotton Producers. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review: Forthcoming.
- Paxton, K.W., A.K. Mishra, S. Chintawar, J.A. Larson, R.K. Roberts, B.C. English, D.M. Lambert, M.C. Marra, S.L. Larkin, J.M. Reeves, and S.W. Martin. 2010. Precision Agriculture Technology Adoption for Cotton Production. Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics 42, 3(2010):590-591.
- Walton, J.C., J.A. Larson, R.K. Roberts, D.M. Lambert, B.C. English, S.L. Larkin, M.C. Marra, S.W. Martin, K.W. Paxton, and J.M. Reeves. 2010. Factors Influencing Farmer Adoption of Portable Computers for Site-Specific Management: A Case Study for Cotton Production. Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics 42(2010):193-209.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A survey of cotton producers was completed in 2009. This was a mail survey that was part of a regional effort to collect information about adoption of precision agriculture technologies in cotton production. Surveys were sent to 614 farmers in Louisiana and 89 surveys were returned.Summaries of the data collected were presented to cotton producers at the 2010 Beltwide cotton conferences. Results from a study on the economic impact of cotton gins in the mid south were presented at the Sothern Agricultural Economics meetings and the mid-year conference of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association. Results from a study of the impact of higher fuel and fertilizer prices on the selection of a tillage system were presented at the 2009 cotton and rice conservation tillage conference. PARTICIPANTS: The precision agriculture work was completed in conjunction with colleagues from several institutions throughout the Southeast. These include: Drs.Roberts, R.K., Lambert, D.M., English, B.C., and Larson, J.A. from the University of Tennessee; Larkin, S.L.,University of Florida; Martin, S.W.,Mississippi State University; Marra, M.C.,University of North Carolina; Paxton, K.W., LSU AgCenter; Reeves, J.M.,Cotton Incorporated. The tillage and cropping system research was conducted in conjunction with Dr. Don Boquet who was responsible for the agronomic research component. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Results from the precision agriculture technology adoption study have been used to develop educational programs on adopting these technologies. As a result of these educational efforts, cotton producers have adopted those technologies with the greatest potential payoff. These technologies include cotton yield monitor, GPS guidance systems, and variable rate applications. Results of the research on the economic impact of cotton ginning indicated that the sector created over $258 million in direct output effects in 2007. When adding the additional indirect effects from this initial spending, the total output effect on the Mid-South region generated almost $439 million. In addition, $227 million in value added and $74 million in labor income was created from Mid-South cotton ginning activities in the same year. Arkansas's ginning sector generated the most economic activity of the five Mid-South states creating over $128 million in total output. Tennessee had the smallest economic impacts with just over $45 million in total output created. The state with the largest spending multiplier was Missouri at 1.65 and Mississippi had the smallest at 1.45. Research on fuel and fertilizer requirements for alternative cotton tillage systems quantified the potential savings of reduced tillage systems for cotton production. These results are used by producers in selecting tillage systems. Currently, virtually all cotton producers utilize some form of reduced tillage systems in cotton production. Enterprise budgets published under this project assist farmers, lenders, agribusinesses, and others in enterprise selection and management. The enterprise budgets published in 2009 demonstrated that cotton, a traditionally important crop in the state, was relatively less profitable than alternative enterprises. As a result, cotton acreage continued to decline in the state while more profitable enterprises, such as soybeans, continued to increase.
Publications
- Fannin, J.M. and Paxton, K.W.. 2009. "Understanding the Interaction Between Cotton Ginning and Rural Economies of the Mid-South under a Changing Cotton Environment." Abstracted in: Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, p. 541.
- Boquet, D.J. and K.W. Paxton. 2009. "Cropping Systems for Conservation and Profitability." Proceedings: 12th Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference, January 26-27, 2009, Marksville LA. P. 12.
- Boquet, D.J. and Paxton, K.W.. 2009. "Yield and Economics of Conservation Systems for Cotton Production." Proceedings: 2009 Beltwide cotton conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN, pp. 1298-1303.
- Fannin, J.M. and Paxton, K.W.. 2009. "Community Level Economic Impacts and Outlook for Cotton Ginning from Structural Change in the Cotton Industry." Proceedings: 2009 Beltwide cotton conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN, pp. 546-557.
- Roberts, R.K., Lambert, D.M., English, B.C., Larson, J.A., Larkin, S.L., Martin, S.W., Marra, M.C., Paxton, K.W., Reeves, J.M., 2009. "Perceived Lint Yield Increases From Variable Rate Input Applications," Proceedings: 2009 Beltwide cotton conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN, pp. 358-362.
- Paxton, K.W., Fannin, J.M., and Niu, H.. 2009. "How Important are Cotton Gins to Rural Economies in the Mid-South" Proceedings: 2009 Beltwide cotton conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN, pp. 338-342.
- Johnson, G., Paxton, K.W., and Stewart, S., 2009. "Cotton Outlook, 2009" Outlook for Louisiana's Agriculture, SP-2009-3048, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, LSU AgCenter, pp.13-14.
- Paxton, K.W. and Boquet, D.J.. 2009. "Tillage Systems and Cover Crops in Cotton Production: Do Higher Fuel Prices Matter" Proceedings: 12th Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference, January 26-27, 2009, Marksville LA. P.15.
- Paxton, K.W. 2009. "Farm Input Outlook," 2009 Outlook for Louisiana's Agriculture, SP-2009-3048, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, LSU AgCenter, pp. 3-11.
- Paxton, K.W. 2009. "Continued Demand for Reliable Enterprise Budgets." Presented at 2009 SAEA Meeting, Atlanta GA. Abstracted in: Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics,
- Walton, J.C., Roberts, R.K., Lambert, D.M., Larson, J.A., English, B.C., Larkin, S.L, Martin, S.W., Marra, M.C., Paxton, K.W., and Reeves, J.M., 2009. "Grid soil sampling adoption and abandonment in cotton production." J. Precision Agriculture, Springer Netherlands http://www.springerlink.com/openurl.aspgenre=article&id=doi:10.1007/ s11119-009-9144-y December 2009.
- Fannin, J.M., Paxton, K.W., 2009. "Future of Cotton Ginning in Louisiana," Louisiana Agriculture, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, Summer 2009, 52(3):16-17.
- Paxton, K. W., 2009. "Projected Costs and Returns for Cotton, Soybeans, Corn, Sorghum, and Wheat, Northeast Louisiana, 2009." AEA Info. Series No. 242. Dept. of Agr. Econ. and Agribus., La. Agr. Exp. Sta., LSU Agricultural Center, 56 pp. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/money_business/farm_business/budgets/20 09+Projected+Northeast+Louisiana+Cotton+Soybean+Corn+Grain+Sorghum+an d+Wheat+Production+Costs.htm
- Paxton, K. W., 2009. "Projected Costs and Returns for Cotton, Soybeans, Corn, Milo, and Wheat, Red River and Central Areas, Louisiana, 2009." AEA Info. Series No. 243. Dept. of Agr. Econ. and Agribus., La. Agr. Exp. Sta., LSU Agricultural Center, 48 pp. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/money_business/farm_business/budgets/20 09+Projected+Red+River+and+Central+Louisiana+Cotton+Soybean+Corn+Grai n+Sorghum+and+Wheat+Productio.htm
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A survey of cotton gins in the mid-south was developed and conducted during 2008. The survey was a two-part survey that included a mail questionnaire and a follow-up personal interview. The survey was conducted to estimate the economic impact of cotton gins on the economy. A follow-up survey to the 2000 precision agriculture survey was developed for distribution in early 2009. The follow-up survey will focus on the adoption of precision agriculture technology and the characteristics associated with the adoption of specific technologies. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. James Matthew Fannin, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, LSU AgCenter, did the economic impact analysis using IMPLAN for the study on cotton gins. This project also included cooperative efforts with Mr. Tim Price of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Dr. Tommy Valco, USDA/ARS. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audience for the economic impact analysis include cotton ginners, cotton farmers, and cotton industry personnel. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Enterprise budgets published under this project assist farmers, lenders, agribusinesses, and others in enterprise selection and management. The enterprise budgets published in 2008 demonstrated that cotton, a traditionally important crop in the state, was relatively less profitable than alternative enterprises. As a result, cotton acreage continued to decline in the state while more profitable enterprises, such as soybeans, continued to increase. Results from the survey of cotton gins demonstrated that cotton gins have a significant economic impact on local, state, and regional economies. As cotton acreage declines, the number of gins also declines and this has an adverse impact on the economy of the area. Because of the importance of gins to the local communities, results of this research suggest that it is important to maintain this critical component of the ginning infrastructure. Results of the research identified ways gins could improve efficiency and enhance their ability to survive in the short run. Precision agriculture technologies continue to be used by producers to improve efficiency and profitability. Research continued in the adoption of precision agriculture technologies in cotton production. In particular, research on the adoption of GPS guidance systems indicated that farmers adopting the technology improved the efficiency of their farming operation. Producers who did not adopt the technology estimated the value of the technology at over $16 per acre. While precision agriculture technologies are designed to improve efficiency and profitability, some technologies do not work for some producers. Research was conducted to identify factors motivating adoption and abandonment of precision soil sampling in cotton. Younger producers who farmed more cotton area, owned more of their cropland, planted more non-cotton area, or used a computer were more likely to adopt precision soil sampling. Those with more cotton area or who owned livestock were more likely to abandon, while those who used precision soil sampling longer, or used variable-rate fertilizer application were less likely to abandon precision soil sampling. The economics of using precision agriculture technologies to manage nematodes was studied. The economic feasibility of variable rate application of a fumigant such as Telone II to manage nematodes in cotton production depends on a number of factors. These include a better understanding of the relationships among nematode population, soil texture, and yield response. It was clear from this research that depending on nematode population data alone was not sufficient to develop a site specific management plan. The use of electrical conductivity data in conjunction with nematode population and yield data provided a more complete basis for management decisions. Cotton production systems were evaluated to re-assess the economic feasibility of using cover crops to replace commercial nitrogen sources. Results of this research indicated that cover crops did improve the productivity of cotton across tillage systems. The improvement in yields was not sufficient to offset the additional costs associated with planting the cover crop.
Publications
- Walton, J.C., J.A. Larson, R.K. Roberts. D.M. Lambert, B.C. English, S. L. Larkin, M.C. Marra, S.W. Martin, K.W. Paxton, J.M. Reeves, PDA and Handheld GPS Adoption in Precision Cotton Production, 2008 Beltwide cotton conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN, pp. 492-493. Banerjee, S., S.W. Martin, R.K. Roberts, S.L. Larkin, J.A. Larson, K.W. Paxton, B.C. English, M.C. Marra, and J.M. Reeves.2008. "A Binary Logit Estimation of Factors Affecting Adoption of GPS Guidance Systems by Cotton Producers." Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics 40(2008):335-344.
- Walton, J.C., R.K. Roberts, D.M. Lambert, J.A. Larson, B.C. English, S.L. Larkin, S.W. Martin, M.C. Marra, K.W. Paxton, J.M. Reeves. 2008. "Adoption and Abandonment of Precision Soil Sampling in Cotton Production." Selected Paper presented at the American Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meetings, 27-29 July 2008, Orlando, FL. Full paper published online by AgEcon Search at http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/6215/2/469917.pdf.
- Larson, J.A., R.K. Roberts, B.C. English, S.L. Larkin, M.C. Marra, S.W. Martin, K.W. Paxton, and J.M. Reeves. 2008. "Farmer Adoption of Remotely Sensed Imagery for Precision Management in Cotton Production." Precision Agriculture 9(2008):195-208.
- Walton, J.C., D.M. Lambert, R.K. Roberts, J.A. Larson, B.C. English S.L. Larkin, S.W. Martin, M.C. Marra, K.W. Paxton, and J.M. Reeves. 2008. "Adoption and Abandonment of Precision Soil Sampling in Cotton Production." Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics 33(2008):428-448. Walton, J.C., R.K. Roberts, J.A. Larson, D.M. Lambert, B.C. English, S.L. Larkin, S.W. Martin, M.C. Marra, K.W. Paxton, and J.M. Reeves. 2008. "Grid Soil Sampling Adoption and Abandonment in Cotton Production." In (Khosla, R.) Procedings of the Nineth International Conference on Precision Agriculture. International Plant Nutrition Institute, Foundation for Agronomic Research, Colorado State University, 20-23 July 2008, Denver, CO.
- Walton, Jonathan C., Roland K. Roberts, James A. Larson, Dayton M. Lambert, Burton C. English, Sherry L. Larkin, Steven W. Martin, Michele C. Marra, Kenneth W. Paxton, Jeanne M. Reeves. 2008. "Grid Soil Sampling Adoption and Abandonment in Cotton Production," Abstract published in the Book of Abstracts for the 9th International Conference on Precision Agriculture. International Plant Nutrition Institute, Foundation for Agronomic Research, Colorado State University, 20-23 July 2008, Denver, CO.
- Paxton, K. W., 2008. Projected Costs and Returns for Cotton, Soybeans, Corn, Milo, and Wheat, Northeast Louisiana, 2008. AEA Info. Series No. 242. Dept. of Agr. Econ. and Agribus., La. Agr. Exp. Sta., LSU Agricultural Center, 56 pp. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/money_business/farm_business/budgets/20 08+Northeast+Louisiana+Projected+Cotton+Soybeans+Corn+Milo+and+Wheat+ Production+Costs.htm
- Paxton, K. W., 2008. Projected Costs and Returns for Cotton, Soybeans, Corn, Milo, and Wheat, Red River and Central Areas, Louisiana, 2008. AEA Info. Series No. 243. Dept. of Agr. Econ. and Agribus., La. Agr. Exp. Sta., LSU Agricultural Center, 48 pp. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/money_business/farm_business/budgets/20 08+Red+River+Area+of+Louisiana+Projected+Cotton+Soybean+Corn+Milo+and +Wheat+Production+Costs.htm
- Johnson, G., K.W. Paxton, and S. Stewart, 2008. Cotton Outlook, 2008 Outlook for Louisiana Agriculture, SP-2008-03, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, LSU AgCenter, March 2008, pp 12-16.
- Paxton, K.W. 2008. Farm Input Outlook, 2008 Outlook for Louisiana Agriculture, SP-2008-03, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, LSU AgCenter, March 2008, pp 3-9.
- Fannin, J.M., K.W. Paxton, and J. D. Barrecca, 2008. Evaluating the Switch from Cotton to Corn: Impacts on the Louisiana Economy, Bulletin No. 888, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin, LSU Agricultural Center, February 2008, 19 pp.
- Fannin, J.M., K.W. Paxton, and J. D. Barrecca, 2008. Evaluating the Switch from Cotton to Corn: Impacts on the Louisiana Economy, Abstracted in: Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, 40(2):738.
- Walton, J.C., J.A. Larson, R.K. Roberts. D.M. Lambert, B.C. English, S.L. Larkin, M.C. Marra, S.W. Martin, K.W. Paxton, J.M. Reeves, 2008. PDA and Handheld GPS Adoption in Precision Cotton Production, Abstracted in: Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, 40(2):720.
- Barrecca, J.D., J.M. Fannin, K.W. Paxton, Ginning Cotton vs Drying Corn: Measuring the Economic Impact, Proceedings: 2008 Beltwide cotton conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN, pp. 504-508.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Analysis was continued on data obtained in the 2005 precision agriculture survey. A portion of the analysis focused on assessing producer perceptions about cotton yield variability. Results of this analysis were summarized in a poster presented at the 2007 Beltwide Cotton Conferences. Another part of the analysis focused on the adoption of GPS guidance systems. A summary of results of this analysis was presented in a poster at the 2007 Beltwide Cotton Conferences. Additional work was completed on developing a decision aid for analyzing irrigation investment alternatives. A poster summarizing primary features of the decision aid were presented at the 2007 Beltwide Cotton Conferences. Data were collected to update row-crop enterprise budgets for major Louisiana enterprises. These data were incorporated into enterprise budget projections and posted on the LSU AgCenter website.
PARTICIPANTS: Research conducted under this project involved cooperation and collaboration with those listed as coauthors in the publications and include: Steve Martin and Swagata Banerjee, Mississippi State University, Roland Roberts, James Larson, and Burt English, University of Tennessee, Michele Marra North Carolina State University, Sherry Larson, Univeristy of Flordia and Jeanne Reeves, Cotton Incorporated. Other collaborators included Donald Boquet, Northease Research Station, LSU AgCenter.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include producers, cooperative extension personnel, and agribusiness personnel in addition to other research and extension personne.
Impacts
Research results obtained in the project continue to be incorporated into producer decisions regarding the adoption of precision agriculture technologies. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies by Louisiana Cotton producers continues to increase. The investment decision aid is an important tool for producers as the number of acres under irrigation increases. This increase is due largely to the expansion in corn acreage and the sensitivity of corn to moisture levels. Information presented in the 2007 enterprise budget projections provided critical information for choosing among alternative row-crop enterprises. Enterprise choices of producers were evident from the large shift of crop acreage from cotton to corn in 2007.
Publications
- Paxton, K. W., 2007. Projected Costs and Returns for Cotton, Soybeans, Corn, Milo, and Wheat, Northeast Louisiana, 2007. AEA Info. Series No. 242. Dept. of Agr. Econ. and Agribus., La. Agr. Exp. Sta., LSU Agricultural Center, 56 pp. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/money_business/farm_business/budgets/20 07+Northeast+Louisiana+Projected+Cotton+Soybeans+Corn+Milo+and+Wheat+ Production+Costs.htm
- Paxton, K. W., 2007. Projected Costs and Returns for Cotton, Soybeans, Corn, Milo, and Wheat, Red River and Central Areas, Louisiana, 2007. AEA Info. Series No. 243. Dept. of Agr. Econ. and Agribus., La. Agr. Exp. Sta., LSU Agricultural Center, 48 pp. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/money_business/farm_business/budgets/20 07+Red+River+Area+of+Louisiana+Projected+Cotton+Soybean+Corn+Milo+and +Wheat+Production+Costs.htm
- Paxton, K.W. and H. Niu. 2007. Comparing Observed and Perceived Within-Field Cotton Yield Variability, Poster presented at the 2007 Beltwide Cotton Production Mechanization Conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN.
- Paxton, K.W. 2007. Irrigation Investment Decision Aid. Poster presented at the 2007 Beltwide Cotton Production Mechanization Conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN.
- Martin, S.W., S. Banerjee, R. K. Roberts, M.C. Marra, S.L. Larkin, B.C. English, K.W. Paxton, J.A. Larson, and J. Reeves, 2007. Characteristics of Guidance Systems Adopters in Cotton Product ion, Poster presented at the 2007 Beltwide Cotton Production Mechanization Conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis TN.
- Martin, S.W., S. Banerjee, J.A. Larson, R.K. Roberts, R. Hogan, J.L. Johnson, K.W. Paxton, and J. Reeves. 2007. Poster presented at the 2007 Beltwide Cotton Production Mechanization Conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis TN.
- Banerjee, S., S. Martin, R. Roberts, S. Larkin, J. Larson, K. Paxton, B. English, M. Marra, and J. Reeves. 2007. "A Binary Logit Estimation of Factors Affecting Adoption of GPS Guidance Systems by Cotton Producers." Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics Vol. 40, No. 1, 2008 (page numbers not known at this time)
- Martin, S.W., S. Banerjee, R. Roberts, B. English, J. Larson, M. Marra, K. Paxton, J. Reeves. 2007. "Revealed Characteristics of Guidance Systems Adopters in Cotton Production." Crop Management, 2007 Plant Management Network, http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/sub/cm/review/2007/guidance/
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Data from a 2005 precision farming survey of Louisiana cotton producers was used to develop a manuscript describing respondents' perceptions about precision agriculture technology. Initial analysis was begun on data from cotton producers across the cotton belt regarding their perception about yield variability and their decision to adopt precision agriculture technologies. Research continued on the economics of implementing precision agriculture technologies on a commercial farming operation. Data were collected from on-farm test plots evaluating the use of management zones to apply inputs using variable rate technology. Results from this research indicated that using management zones and variable rate application resulted in more efficient use of inputs and improved profit potential. Research continued on the economics of best management practices (BMPs) in cotton production systems. Data from long term studies were used to analyze the economic consequences of
incorporating various BMPs into the cotton production system. Results of the analysis indicated that incorporating cover crops provided higher yields and better profit potential than production systems relying on native cover. Enterprise budget projections for 2006 were developed for major row crop enterprises in Louisiana. These budgets indicated that at the projected yield and expected market prices, most producers would have difficulty covering all costs of production. Alternatively, most producers could cover variable costs at projected prices and yields.
Impacts
Adoption of precision agriculture technologies by cotton producers in Louisiana has increased the efficiency of resource utilization through variable rate application of inputs. This has, in turn, improved the profit potential of cotton produced utilizing precision agriculture technologies and variable rate application of inputs. Research on the economics of cotton production systems employing BMPs demonstrated that these systems improve profit potential, reduce production risk, and help conserve soil resources. Enterprise budget projections provide critical information for decision making on the part of producers for enterprise selection and obtaining financing for production expenses.
Publications
- Bagwell, R.D., B.R. Leonard, J. Sharp, J. Temple, K. Paxton, R. Price, and A.M. Stewart. 2006. Demonstration results of spatially variable PGR and defoliate applications to Louisiana cotton Producers during 2005, (In press). In Proceedings, 2006 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis TN.
- Boquet, D. J. and K. W. Paxton. 2006. Agronomic and economic performance of BMP cropping systems. In Abstracts of Tech. Papers. Amer. Soc. Of Agron. 4-8 Feb. Orlando, FL.
- Boquet, D.J. and K.W. Paxton. 2006. Yield and economics of soil conservation systems for water quality preservation. In Proceedings, 2006 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis TN.
- Paxton, K. W., 2006. Projected Costs and Returns for Cotton, Soybeans, Corn, Milo, and Wheat, Northeast Louisiana, 2006. AEA Info. Series No. 234. Dept. of Agr. Econ. and Agribus., La. Agr. Exp. Sta., LSU Agricultural Center, 56 pp.
- Paxton, K. W., 2006. Projected Costs and Returns for Cotton, Soybeans, Corn, Milo, and Wheat, Red River and Central Areas, Louisiana, 2006. AEA Info. Series No. 235. Dept. of Agr. Econ. and Agribus., La. Agr. Exp. Sta., LSU Agricultural Center, 48 pp.
- Paxton, K.W. and D.J. Boquet. 2006. Economics of Cover Crops in Cotton Production: Evidence from Louisiana. 2006 In Proceedings, 9th Annual National Conservation Systems, Cotton and Rice Conference, February 1-2, Tunica MS. Pp. 28-29.
- Paxton, K.W., C. Leonardi, and H. Niu. 2006. Louisiana Findings from a 2005 Precision Farming Survey of Cotton Farmers. Poster Presented at: 2006 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis TN.
- Martin, S.W., K. Bryant, K. Paxton, and S. Banerjee. 2006 Preliminary Evaluation of Bt Refuges Based on On-Farm Observations. Poster Presented at: 2006 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis TN.
- English, B.C., R.K. Roberts, J.A. Larson, R.L. Cochran, S.H. Larkin, M.C. Marra, S.W. Martin, K.W. Paxton, W.D. Shurley, W.R. Goodman, and J.M. Reeves. 2006. Poster Presented at: 2006 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN.
- Leonardi, C. and K.W. Paxton. 2006. Assessing the Economic Impact of Prescription Lint Cleaning. In Proceedings, 2006 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis TN.
- Roberts, R.K., B.C. English, J.A. Larson, R.L. Cochran, S.L. Larkin, M.C. Marra, S.W. Martin, K.W. Paxton, W.D. Shurley, W.R. Goodman, and J.M. Reeves. In Proceedings, 2006 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis TN.
- Brown, A.B., G. Frisvold, K.W. Paxton, and J.M. Reeves. 2006. US Cotton Producers-Past, Present, and Future, Evidence from the 1997 and 2002 Census of Agriculture. Abstracted in Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Vol. 38 No. 2, p. 471.
- Paxton, K.W. and H. Niu. 2006. Using GIS Techniques to Identify Marginal Cropland: A Cotton Example. Abstracted in Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Vol. 38 No. 2, p. 473.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Data were obtained from a 2005 precision farming survey of cotton producers across the southeastern United States. Results indicate that adopters of precision agriculture technologies tend to operate somewhat larger farms and have higher cotton yields than non-adopters. Adopters also tended to be slightly younger than non-adopters. Also adopters tended to have a higher percentage of their total household income derived from farming. A total of 28 of the 96 respondents in Louisiana adopted some form of precision agriculture technology to make variable rate application decisions. Most common information gathering technology for cotton production was aerial photographs. Respondents also indicated that these had been used for the longest period of time. Research with data from cotton yield monitors demonstrated that these data could be used to identify production zones. Further, these production zones could provide a basis for making input decisions. Reducing inputs in
the non profitable zones improved the overall profitability of the cotton field and reduced the proportion of the field classified as non profitable. Research on variable rate applications of plant growth regulators and defoliants demonstrated the potential to reduce the amount of these inputs used in the production process. The savings generated (up to 30 percent) contributed to improved profitability. The relative profitability of conventional cotton production systems was compared to production systems that conform to best management practices (BMPs). Agronomic data covering the period 2001-2004 was analyzed in 2005. The BMP systems involved maintaining year-round ground cover to reduce the potential for runoff. On average, cotton produced within a system that maintained year-round ground cover had higher yields. Where the winter cover crop was also a cash crop, the overall profitability of the production system was improved. Enterprise budget projections for 2005 were developed
for major row crop enterprises in Louisiana. These budgets indicated that at the projected yield and expected market prices, most producers would have difficulty covering all costs of production. Alternatively, most producers could cover variable costs at projected prices and yields.
Impacts
Adoption of precision agriculture technologies by cotton producers in Louisiana has increased the efficiency of resource utilization through variable rate application of inputs. This has, in turn, improved the profit potential of cotton produced utilizing precision agriculture technologies and variable rate application of inputs. Research on the economics of cotton production systems employing BMPs demonstrated that these systems improved the profit potential while reducing the potential for environmental harm. Enterprise budget projections provide critical information for decision making on the part of producers for enterprise selection and obtaining financing for production expenses.
Publications
- Leonard, B.R., J. Temple, K. Paxton, R. Downer, R. Bagwell, and R. Price. 2005. Demonstration of Spatially Variable Plant Growth Regulators and Defoliants, Proceedings Beltwide Cotton Conf., New Orleans, LA Jan. 2005. Natl. Cotton Counc. Am., Memphis, TN.
- Boquet, D.J., E. Clawson, A. Coco, J. Caylor, C. Shivers and K. Paxton. 2005. Yield and Economics of Monocrop Cotton vs. Crop Diversification. Proceedings Beltwide Cotton Conf., New Orleans, 2005. Natl. Cotton Counc. Am., Memphis, TN.
- Reeves, J.M., B. Brown, G. Frisvold, K. Paxton. 2005. Today's Cotton Producers-Who are They? Beltwide Cotton Conf., New Orleans, 2005. Natl. Cotton Counc. Am., Memphis, TN.
- Paxton, K.W., H. Niu, and D. Chikkam. 2005. Status of Precision Agriculture Technology Adoption by Louisiana Cotton Farmers. Beltwide Cotton Conf., New Orleans, 2005. Natl. Cotton Counc. Am., Memphis, TN.
- Paxton, K. W., 2005. Projected Costs and Returns for Cotton, Soybeans, Corn, Milo, and Wheat, Northeast Louisiana, 2005. AEA Info. Series No. 227. Dept. of Agr. Econ. and Agribus., La. Agr. Exp. Sta., LSU Agricultural Center, http://www.agecon.lsu.edu, February 2005, 56 pp.
- Paxton, K. W., 2005. Projected Costs and Returns for Cotton, Soybeans, Corn, Milo, and Wheat, Red River and Central Areas, Louisiana, 2005. AEA Info. Series No. 228. Dept. of Agr. Econ. and Agribus., La. Agr. Exp. Sta., LSU Agricultural Center, http://www.agecon.lsu.edu, February 2005, 48 pp.
- Brown, A. B., G. Frisvold, K. Paxton, and J. Reeves. 2005. Cotton Producers: Past, Present, and Future. Abstracted in Journal Agriculture and Applied Economics, 37(2):519.
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