DETERMINANTS AND IMPLICATION OF POST-CRP LAND USE DECISIONS

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land retirement contracts will begin to expire in late 1995. A multinomial logit model is used to identify characteristics influencing New Mexico CRP participant post-CRP land use plans. Results indicate post-CRP land uses intentions will vary with attributes reflecting characteristics of the land enrolled, socioeconomic variables, and participant attitudes. Results point to a CRP-facilitated retreat from crop production to future ranching by many producers. The analysis suggests future changes in the structure and character of southern Great Plains agriculture and surrounding communities.