Econometric-process models for integrated assessment of agricultural production systems

This article develops the conceptual and empirical basis for a class of emp irical economic production models that can be linked to site-specific bioph ysical models for use in integrated assessment research, Site-specific data are used to estimate econometric production models, and these data and mod els are then incorporated into a simulation model that represents the decis ion-making process of the farmer as a sequence of discrete and continuous l and-use and input-use decisions. An econometric-process model of the drylan d grain production system of the Northern Plains demonstrates the capabilit ies of this type of model to simulate decision making both within and outsi de the range of observed data.