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Elicitation of Subjective Beliefs: A Pilot study of farmers' nitrogen management decision-making in Central Iowa

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  • Agarwal, Sandip
  • Jacobs, Keri L.
  • Weninger, Quinn

Abstract

In the spring of 2014, we conducted a survey of Iowa crop producers to (1) learn about common nutrient management practices, and (2) to elicit farmers' subjective beliefs about the weather and crop growth uncertainty they face when making nutrient management decisions. The survey is part of a larger study that seeks to uncover the subjective or perceived relationship between nitrogen application practices, e.g., quantity, timing, application method, and crop yield outcomes. This paper provides a rationale for measuring subjective beliefs in the context of decision making under uncertainty and discusses specific design elements of the 2014 survey instrument. We provide summary statistics for the information that was gathered and discuss lessons learned from the pilot study.

Suggested Citation

  • Agarwal, Sandip & Jacobs, Keri L. & Weninger, Quinn, 2016. "Elicitation of Subjective Beliefs: A Pilot study of farmers' nitrogen management decision-making in Central Iowa," ISU General Staff Papers 201601010800001005, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:isu:genstf:201601010800001005
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