This study extends the current biological framework used for evaluating refuge recommendations to include the trade-offs associated with measures of agricultural productivity, conventional pesticide use, and resistance when Bt maize is planted to control the European maize borer in the north central USA. Four results emerge from the analysis. First, planting refuge not only reduces resistance, but also benefits agricultural productivity in the long run because it preserves the efficacy of Bt. Second, the productivity benefits of resistance management as well as the costs are extremely sensitive to pest population dynamics. Third, while the average cost of increasing refuge to slow resistance is usually low, the marginal cost is often subtantial. Fourth, more refuge is needed for resistance management when supplemental spray applications are economical and frequent on refuge.