Corn Yield Behavior: Effects of Technological Advance and Weather-Conditions

Abstract

This study explores the relationships between U.S. corn yields (level and stability), advances in technology, and weather. Evaluations at the farm, sub-state, and national levels reveal no evidence of yield plateaus, and absolute, but not relative, yield variability increased over time. When yield behavior is adjusted for weather, variances are more likely to be equal between early and late periods. Results suggest that technology has not been the only determinant of changing yield risk, and emphasize the importance of weather conditions in assessing them effects.