Adoption of Precision Technologies and Perceived Improvements in Cotton Quality

This paper examines whether adoption of precision technologies, farm and farmer characteristics influence perceived improvements in cotton quality. Using data from cotton producers in twelve U.S. Southeastern states and discrete choice models, we find that the use of soil sampling, maps, participating in agricultural easement programs, farm size, university publications, and expected profitability of precision agriculture are positively associated with the probability that farmers experienced improved cotton quality. This implies that farmers should also consider the potential cotton quality benefits from these technologies, in addition to potential yield and environmental improvements, when deciding whether or not to adopt precision technologies.