This paper explores the use of time-varying regression models to model the effects of technical change in US Midwest Corn yields. The data extends from 1895 to 2005 encompassing the implementation of hybrid technologies and improvements in farm production practices.

Replaced with revised version of paper 07/18/08.

Soybean rust is a highly mobile infectious disease and can be transmitted across short and long distances. Soybean rust is estimated to cause yield losses that can range between 1%-25%. An analysis of spatio-temporal infection risks within the United States is performed through the use of a...

Favorable weather and the adoption of Genetically Modified (GM) corn hybrids are often argued to be factors that explain recent corn yield increases and risk reduction in the U.S. Corn Belt. The focus of this analysis is to determine whether favorable weather is the main factor explaining...

The objective of this study is to evaluate the risk associated with major agricultural commodity yields in the United States. We are particularly concerned with the nonstationary nature of the yield distribution, which arises primarily as a result of technological progress and changing...

We pursue two distinct approaches to measuring the stability and validity of conventional approaches to measuring acreage response. Our focus is on corn and soybeans, which have perhaps been the most significantly impacted of the main commodities by market and policy changes. As noted, much of...

Replaced with revised version of paper 07/18/08.