Implicit Netput Functions

This paper proposes a new way to empirically model netput functions. It argues for the flexibility and rationality of specifying netputs as a function of competitive prices, fixed inputs, and restricted profit. We call these implicit netput functions because they depend on restricted profit. Doing so invites the adoption of recent developments in consumer theory to production theory. New aggregable forms are investigated and applied to U.S. agricultural production illustrating the benefits of this approach.