The effect of risk on farmland values and returns is analyzed using a capitalization model. County-level models are estimated using spatial econometric techniques. Our results show that riskier regions and growing conditions have both lower land values and higher risk-adjusted rates of return to...

Theoretical arguments suggest that diversification has both value-enhancing and value-reducing effects. Several finance studies have found that the average diversified firm is worth less than a portfolio of comparable single-segment firms. In agriculture, farms have different characteristics and...

This study considers the issue of the transition of new farmers into U.S. agriculture, by examining land ownership and leasing trends. Our approach is to characterize the entire distribution by farmer age and farmer experience rather than using young versus old and beginning versus established...

This study examines the financial performance and stress experienced by beginning and retired farms in the U.S. Using USDA’s ARMS data, probit models are estimated to study the personal and farm characteristics that affect whether or not the financial ratios fall into critical zones. The...