Grower Production and Economic Efficiency in the Semi-Arid Southern Great Plains

Agricultural production competitions that focus on a single crop, relatively similar field conditions, and similar growing conditions can provide valuable information to extension educators, researchers, and growers on input and resource management. Using data collected from a grower competition in the Oklahoma panhandle, a semi-arid region, we estimated the relative production and economic efficiency scores for competing grower teams. Efficiency was measured using data envelopment analysis (DEA) procedures. Results show that comparatively lower fertilizer application rates and higher rates of irrigation generated the highest efficiency scores. Limited application of fertilizer and irrigation may achieve technical and cost efficiencies, but it is not an optimal decision if the producer’s objective is to maximize profit.