The Happy Farmer: The Effect of Nonpecuniary Benefits on Behavior. (12th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Howley, Peter
• Is Part Of: American journal of agricultural economics. Volume 97:Number 4(2015)
• Page Start: 1072
• Page End: 1086
• Publication Date: 2015-05-12
• Subjects: disinvestment -- diversification -- farmer behavior -- nonpecuniary benefits -- off-farm labor -- production; Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Agriculture -- Periodicals; 338.105
• DOI: 10.1093/ajae/aav020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-9092

Abstract

Abstract : I test empirically the relationship between farmers' perceptions of the nonpecuniary benefits from farming with a variety of field behaviors such as disinvestment, production, diversification, and off‐farm labor market participation. Results suggest that nonpecuniary benefits have an important influence on a wide range of farmer activities. While costs and returns are clearly important, I suggest that nonpecuniary benefits may make some choices more attractive than others which may be more rewarding financially.