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Farmland Rental and Conservation Practice Adoption

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  • Burnett, J. Wesley
  • Szmurlo, Daniel
  • Callahan, Scott

Abstract

This report explores patterns across cropland owner-operators and cropland renters in the adoption of conservation tillage, cover cropping, and six permanent structural practices (riparian buffers, field borders, filter strips, terraces, grass waterways, and contour farming). Data from the Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) (2011–2021) on corn, soybeans, cotton, barley, and sorghum growers show little evidence of systemic differences in conservation practice adoption on owner-operated fields compared to cash-rented fields. Differences between owner-operated plots and share-rented plots persist for certain practices and regions of the United States. The report also examines how the institutional factors surrounding farmland rental markets challenge the notion that land renters are inclined to exploit long-term soil quality for short-term profits.

Suggested Citation

  • Burnett, J. Wesley & Szmurlo, Daniel & Callahan, Scott, 2024. "Farmland Rental and Conservation Practice Adoption," Economic Information Bulletin 341821, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:uersib:341821
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.341821
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    Crop Production/Industries; Environmental Economics and Policy; Farm Management; Land Economics/Use; Resource /Energy Economics and Policy;
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