This study estimates the marginal value of a base acre under alternative policy options designed to encourage planting flexibility. Also computed are the rate of nitrogen fertilizer use, the corn yield and the excess nitrogen fertilizer application rate. Moving toward the elimination of base acreage is the most effective way to reduce the value of a base acre thereby encouraging greater planting flexibility. An increase in the price of soybeans and a decrease in the price of corn would also serve to encourage switching from continuously planting corn to a corn-soybeans rotation.