Producer participation in biomass markets: farm factors, market factors, and correlated choices

This study evaluates attitudes toward production of three major types of biomass—corncobs, corn stover, and dedicated energy grass—using responses to a mail survey of 2,250 Iowa farmers. We examine how factors influencing willingness to supply biomass vary across biomass types and analyze the presence of potential correlations across interest in growing various types of biomass. We find that correlation in choices across biomass types is strong and statistically significant. Farmers consider corn stover and corncobs as complementary, but dedicated energy grasses and corncobs or stover as substitutes. Factors affecting farmer choices also vary significantly by type of biomass.