Files
Abstract
The comprehensive set of programs
in the 2008 Farm Bill designed to
support Young and Beginning
Farmers and Ranchers (YBFR),
combined with a substantial amount
of resources allocated to each of
these programs, can be viewed as an
investment in ensuring the future
sustainability of the U.S. agriculture
system. Understanding the factors
that influence YBFR to adopt
technology will become increasingly
important if YBFR are to succeed.
Of particular interest is why YBFR
adopt Bt corn, Bt cotton, and HT
soybeans. Results conform to a
majority of our a priori expectations;
YBFRs are more likely to adopt GM
crops if they are not a full owner of
the farm operation, as sales of the
farm operation grow, if the crop is
important to their region, and as
they become more risk averse.