Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 January 2015
This study estimates the proportion of rice yield increase in University ofArkansas Division of Agriculture's (UofA) released rice cultivars that areattributable to genetic improvements through the University's breedingprogram. Test plot data from eight UofA experiment stations were used toquantify the yield increases and potential yield growth decreases over time.In addition to quantifying the yield and yield variance evolution at theUofA, this study also calculates the economic benefits of the UofA ricebreeding program. Results indicated that by releasing modern rice cultivars,the UofA rice breeding program increased average producer yield by 0.68bu/ac annually. During the last decade, 1997-2007, the average annualeconomic benefits were 34.3 million (2007) dollars. When accounting for thespillover of UofA rice varieties to neighboring states the average annualeconomic benefit of the breeding program increases to 46.7 million (2007)dollars.