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Optimal Timing of Farmland Investment - An Experimental Study on Farmers' Decision Behavior -

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  • Maart, Syster Christin
  • Musshoff, Oliver

Abstract

Optimal timing of farmland investment represents fundamental decisions for agricultural entrepreneurs. It is known that the land price value is significantly higher than the expected present value of expected future gains. In this paper we experimentally analyze the investment behavior of real farmers and contrast the observed investment decisions with theoretical benchmarks of the classical investment theory and the Real Options Approach. Furthermore, we investigate framing effects. Our results show that the framing of the investment situation has no significant influence on the decision behavior in the experiment. Moreover, the investment behavior of farmers approximates the predictions of the Real Options Approach if they are given an equitable chance to learn from personal experience.

Suggested Citation

  • Maart, Syster Christin & Musshoff, Oliver, 2011. "Optimal Timing of Farmland Investment - An Experimental Study on Farmers' Decision Behavior -," 2011 Annual Meeting, July 24-26, 2011, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 103693, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aaea11:103693
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.103693
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    1. Maart, Syster Christin & Musshoff, Oliver & Maack, Moritz, 2012. "Impact of Price Floors: A Real Options Based Experimental Approach," 2012 Conference, August 18-24, 2012, Foz do Iguacu, Brazil 126073, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    2. Ihli, Hanna Julia & Maart, Syster Christin & Musshoff, Oliver, 2012. "Investment and Disinvestment in Irrigation Technology – An Experimental Analysis of Farmers’ Decision Behavior –," 2012 Annual Meeting, August 12-14, 2012, Seattle, Washington 124532, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.

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    Keywords

    Agribusiness; Agricultural Finance; Farm Management; Financial Economics; Institutional and Behavioral Economics; Risk and Uncertainty;
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