Efficiency of Alternative Technologies and Cultural Practices for Cotton in Georgia

Abstract

Transgenic cotton varieties and conservation tillage practices are evaluated for technical and allocative efficiency, as well as net returns above variable costs. Data Envelopment Analysis is applied to a survey of Georgia cotton producers. Results support production with transgenic cotton varieties having greater net returns and efficiency rankings than conventional cotton. Net returns and efficiency rankings are greatest with conservation tillage. Conservation tillage benefits are associated with cotton varieties having herbicide resistant technology.