Corn that carries a gene from the natural soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, or Bt, has given farmers a potentially powerful tool to protect against European corn borer (ECB) damage. European corn borers are responsible for losses of $1–$2 billion per year in the United States. This study analyzed the economic value of Bt corn under Indiana conditions. Results suggest that the value of the protection offered by Bt corn is generally lower than the current seed premiums in Indiana. The economic value of Bt corn may exceed the current premiums for farmers with higher‐than‐average yields or who have a 40% or greater probability of an ECB infestation.

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Multiattribute rankings of seventy‐two alternative midwestern cropping systems involving corn, soybeans, and alfalfa hay are analyzed from profitability and environmental quality perspectives. Environmental consequences are simulated using EPIC and GLEAMS, and profitability is based on budget analysis. Results are analyzed using an algorithm based on multiattribute decision theory. A corn‐soybean rotation using low input levels and minimum tillage on high‐productivity soil, and continuous corn using low input levels and minimum tillage on low‐productivity soil are in the preferred set regardless of whether profits or preserving the environment is the first priority for the decision maker.

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A linear programming model was used to determine which crop rotations and weed management systems result in the highest net farm income for each of three farm sizes (120, 240, and 480 hectares) under alternative tillage systems. Test plot data for the years 1981 through 1988 from the Purdue University Agronomy Farm, which has highly productive, well-drained soils, were analyzed. Net incomes for no-till tillage systems on all farms in the model were consistently and significantly lower than incomes for moldboard and chisel plow tillage systems due to slightly lower yields and substantially higher herbicide costs. Generally, net farm incomes were slightly higher with a moldboard plow versus chisel plow tillage system. Also, as farm size increased, per hectare net incomes increased. About 80% of the time under moldboard or chisel plow tillage systems, the model chose as optimal the lowest of three herbicide application rates. A corn/soybean rotation was chosen as optimal on 56% of the farm area analyzed, versus 25% for continuous corn and 13% for a corn/soybean/wheat rotation.