Many studies on the adoption of precision technologies have generally used logit models to explain the adoption behavior of individuals. This study investigates factors affecting the intensity of precision agriculture technologies adopted by cotton farmers. Particular attention is given to the role of spatial yield variability on the number of precision farming technologies adopted, using a count data estimation procedure and farm-level data. Results indicate that farmers with more within-field yield variability adopted a higher number of precision agriculture technologies. Younger and better educated producers and the number of precision agriculture technologies used were significantly correlated. Finally, farmers using computers for management decisions also adopted a higher number of precision agriculture technologies.

This study identified the factors that influenced whether farmers in theSoutheastern United States perceived an improvement in environmental qualityfrom adopting precision farming technologies (PFTs). Farmers with largerfarms or higher yields were more likely to believe that they observedpositive externalities associated with PFTs. Farmers who found PFTsprofitable or who believed input reduction was important had higherprobabilities whereas those with higher incomes or who were more dependenton farm income were less likely to perceive such benefits. Interestingly,the importance of environmental quality and length of time using PFTs werenot found to affect the probability of perceiving an improvement inenvironmental quality.

Declining fishery stocks, increasing fishing effort, and adverse market conditions have produced difficult financial situations for fishermen worldwide. Several high-valued fisheries are considered to be overcapitalized. The purchase and permanent retirement of fishing vessels and/or permits under a buyback program is one approach for reducing fishing capacity. Evidence from previous programs, however, suggests that buybacks are not a panacea for solving overcapacity problems. Whether such programs can help rebuild stocks and improve the financial condition of fleets in any specific fishery depends on a multitude of factors. We consider the potential of a buyback program for the U.S. Atlantic shark fishery.

Probit analysis identified factors that influence the adoption of precision farming technologies by Southeastern cotton farmers. Younger, more educated farmers who operated larger farms and were optimistic about the future of precision farming were most likely to adopt site-specific information technology. The probability of adopting variable-rate input application technology was higher for younger farmers who operated larger farms, owned more of the land they farmed, were more informed about the costs and benefits of precision farming, and were optimistic about the future of precision farming. Computer use was not important, possibly because custom hiring shifts the burden of computer use to agribusiness firms.

Binary logit analysis was used to identify the factors influencing adoption of Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance systems by cotton farmers in 11 Mid-south and Southeastern states. Results indicate that adoption was more likely by those who had already adopted other precision-farming practices and had used computers for farm management. In addition, younger and more affluent farmers were more likely to adopt. Farmers with larger farms and with relatively high yields were also more likely to adopt. Education was not a significant factor in a farmer's decision to adopt GPS guidance systems.

Despite recent advances in measuring and compensating for environmentaldamages, several challenges remain. States have a vested interest inclaiming economic damages, especially those that reduce the value ofinvestments. Because place-brand values are considered personal property,Florida may seek additional compensation from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Personal digital assistants (PDA) and handheld global positioning systems (GPS) have become increasingly important in cotton production but little is known about their use. This research analyzed the adoption of PDA/handheld GPS devices in cotton production. A younger farmer who used a computer in farm management and had a positive perception of Extension had a greater likelihood of adopting the devices. In addition, farmers who used complementary remote sensing, plant mapping, and grid soil sampling information were more likely to use PDA/handheld GPS devices. Finally, the COTMAN in-field decision support program from Extension also positively impacted adoption.

Florida's open-space land-acquisition program is one of most aggressive inthe country, with $3.7 billion paid for 3.8 million acres since 1972. Usingdata from the Conservation and Recreational Lands (CARL) program, hedonicanalyses found that acquiring private lands with valuable natural resources,habitat for rare species, and important historical sites for publicpreservation is more costly. Development potential and pressure alsoincreased acquisition costs. The presence of additional endangered naturalelements and needing to contract with additional landowners, however, werefound to decrease the cost. Results provide a basis for landowners andland-acquisition agencies to negotiate.