bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the “Complementarity Hypothesis” in Greek Agriculture: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Katrakilidis Constantinos P. , Tabakis Nikolaos M.
Published: July 2016

This study investigates determinants of private capital formation in Greek agriculture and tests the “complementarity” against the “crowding out” hypothesis using multivariate cointegration techniques and ECVAR modeling in conjunction with variance decomposition and impulse response analysis. The results provide evidence of a significant positive causal effect of government spending on private capital formation, thus supporting the “complementarity” hypothesis for Greek agriculture.
Changing Produce Marketing Barriers: A Comparison Among Three Southern States
Authors: Eastwood David B. , Brooker John R. , Hall Charles R. , Rhea Alice J. , Estes Edmund A. , Woods Timothy A.
Published: July 2016

Produce growers in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee were surveyed in 2002 to gather information about their decision making in the areas of planting, postharvest handling, marketing, and expected changes. North Carolina has proportionately more respondents with large operations, and Kentucky and Tennessee were more similar and concentrated in smaller farms. Tennessee and Kentucky respondents were less likely to have engaged in activities that were associated with the commercial distribution system. Greater reliance on the commercial distribution system on the part of North Carolina growers is consistent with more produce export activity.
Using Experimental Auctions for Marketing Applications: A Discussion
Authors: Lusk Jayson L.
Published: July 2016

The present article discusses general issues associated with experimental auctions and their relative advantages and disadvantages over other marketing research techniques. Experimental auctions create an active market environment with feedback where subjects exchange real goods and real money, which is not generally the case with other methods. The article also discusses four experimental design issues associated with experimental auctions: auction mechanism, market feedback and bidder affiliation, demand reduction and wealth effects, and multiple attribute valuation. Each of these experimental design issues, if not properly controlled, have the potential to create serious flaws in marketing recommendations.
A Watershed-Based Economic Model of Alternative Management Practices in Southern Agricultural Systems
Authors: Paudel Krishna P. , Hite Diane , Intarapapong Walaiporn , Susanto Dwi
Published: July 2016

We investigated the environmental impacts of alternative cultural practices within a watershed under different water quality standards. We used experimental data on nutrient runoff to determine the optimal amount of broiler litter application in hay production in Louisiana. To compensate for the lack of experimental data, we used biophysical simulation models to find the optimal combination of agricultural best-management practices in a watershed in Mississippi. The results indicated that stricter environmental standards lower total profit potential and litter utilization.
Dynamic Relationships Among U.S. Wheat-Related Markets: Applying Directed Acyclic Graphs to a Time Series Model
Authors: Babula Ronald A. , Bessler David A. , Payne Warren S.
Published: July 2016

Using advanced methods of directed acyclic graphs with Bernanke structural vector autoregression models, this article extends recent econometric research on quarterly U.S. markets for wheat and wheat-based value-added products downstream. Analyses of impulse response simulations and forecast error variance decompositions provide updated estimates of market elasticity parameters that drive these markets, and updated policy-relevant information on how these quarterly markets run and dynamically interact. Results suggest that movements in wheat and downstream wheat-based markets strongly influence each other, although most of these effects occur at the longer-run horizons beyond a single crop cycle.
Effects of the Conservation Reserve Program on Elevator Merchandising Margins in Oklahoma
Authors: Adam Brian D. , Hong Seung Jee , Dicks Michael R.
Published: July 2016

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) takes cropland out of production for 10 years, reducing grain supplies available to elevators. Results suggest that the program has negatively impacted elevator merchandising margins, but that elevators adjusted rather quickly to CRP changes, making most of the adjustment within 1 year. The reduction in margins reflects an element of pressure on agribusinesses that has not been measured in previous studies.
Adoption of Site-Specific Information and Variable-Rate Technologies in Cotton Precision Farming
Authors: Roberts Roland K. , English Burton C. , Larson James A. , Cochran Rebecca L. , Goodman W. Robert , Larkin Sherry L. , Marra Michele C. , Martin Steven W. , Shurley W. Donald , Reeves Jeanne M.
Published: July 2016

Probit analysis identified factors that influence the adoption of precision farming technologies by Southeastern cotton farmers. Younger, more educated farmers who operated larger farms and were optimistic about the future of precision farming were most likely to adopt site-specific information technology. The probability of adopting variable-rate input application technology was higher for younger farmers who operated larger farms, owned more of the land they farmed, were more informed about the costs and benefits of precision farming, and were optimistic about the future of precision farming. Computer use was not important, possibly because custom hiring shifts the burden of computer use to agribusiness firms.
Analysis of Consumer Preferences for Biotech Labeling Formats
Authors: Harrison R. Wes , Mclennon Everald
Published: July 2016

Conjoint analysis is used to measure the preferences of United States consumers for labeling of biotech foods. The study found that consumers in the sample support mandatory labeling of biotech foods. This suggests that U.S. consumers would support revisions to the present voluntary labeling policy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Results also showed that the preferred labeling format is a text disclosure that describes the benefits of biotechnology in combination with a biotech logo.
Optimal Nitrogen Fertilization Rates in Winter Wheat Production as Affected by Risk, Disease, and Nitrogen Source
Authors: Roberts Roland K. , Walters Jeremy T. , Larson James A. , English Burton C. , Howard Donald D.
Published: July 2016

Interactions among the nitrogen (N) fertilization rate, N source, and disease severity can affect mean yield and yield variance in conservation tillage wheat production. A Just-Pope model was used to evaluate the effects of N rate, N source, and disease on the spring N-fertilization decision. Ammonium nitrate (AN) was the utility-maximizing N source, regardless of risk preferences. The net-return-maximizing AN rate was 92 lb N/acre, providing $0.52/acre higher net returns than the best alternative N source (urea). If a farmer could anticipate a higher-than-average Take-All Root Rot infection, the difference in optimal net returns between AN and urea would increase to $35.11/acre.
Risk and Fertilizer Use in the Rainfed Rice Ecosystem of Tarlac, Philippines
Authors: Abedullah  , Pandey Sushil
Published: July 2016

The study analyzes the effect of risk aversion on the optimal level of fertilizer by employing a pooled time-series cross-sectional survey data collected from 46 rainfed rice farmers in Tarlac, Central Luzon, Philippines. Based on a heteroscedastic specification of production function, fertilizer was found to be a risk-increasing input, but the effect of risk aversion on the optimal fertilizer use was estimated to be moderate. Explanations for the low average rate of application of fertilizer under rainfed conditions thus need to be found elsewhere.
Effects of Socio-Institutional and Emotional Factors on Japanese Farmland Rental Transactions
Authors: Kunimitsu Yoji
Published: July 2016

Farmland reallocation between farmers through rental transactions is critical for improving Japanese rice productivity. This study examined effects of socio-institutional and emotional factors as well as economic factors on rental transactions. A stochastic choice model was applied to contingent valuation data by considering regional heteroscedasticity. Empirical results showed (1) existence of economic inefficiencies, 3% loss of economic surplus due to socio-institutional restriction, which is probably reflected in transaction costs; (2) a 15% reduction in surplus due to emotional reluctance of farmers; and (3) strong influences of rice price, wages, and geographical location on the rental rate and agreement level.
Impact of Beef Quality on Market Signals Transmitted by Grid Pricing
Authors: Johnson Heather C. , Ward Clement E.
Published: July 2016

Value-based marketing is shaping cattle production; however, market signals differ dramatically depending on carcass quality. This study applies a two-stage coefficients of separate determination procedure to four regional fed cattle datasets sorted by grid value and by carcass quality attributes. Weight is the strongest signal sent when higher valued cattle and better quality cattle are sold on a grid. Quality characteristics send stronger signals when lower valued cattle and poorer quality cattle are sold on a grid. Producers of lower quality cattle can potentially gain $52 to $149 per head by improving quality and $113 to $150 per head by adding weight.
Japanese Consumers' Perceptions on and Willingness to Pay for Credence Attributes Associated with Canola Oil
Authors: Hu Wuyang , Chen Kevin , Yoshida Kentaro
Published: July 2016

In this study we found that Japanese consumers value the conventional health claim “low in saturated fat” more than the relatively newer claims, such as “high in oleic acid.” In addition, consumers do not prefer oil with genetically modified ingredients or oil that is not domestically produced, but they are willing to pay extra for “organic” or “functional food” features. We also found that the scope and source of information on these credence attributes may also affect consumers' choices and willingness to pay and that the effects may not be completely consistent with what one would expect.
Is There an End to U.S.–Canadian Softwood Lumber Disputes?
Authors: Devadoss Stephen
Published: July 2016

I develop a two-country theoretical trade model to show that Canadian subsidies increase lumber supplies and exports to the United States, and the U.S. retaliatory tariff raises U.S. prices and safeguards producers, but hurts consumers. These results underscore the shortsightedness of policy decisions in a bilateral trade dispute, as empirical results from the multiregional spatial equilibrium trade model highlight that both countries pursue myopic policies without taking into account the reactions of other exporters and importers. For instance, after the imposition of U.S. tariffs, other exporters grab the market share lost by Canada in the United States, while Canada augments its exports to other importers.
Defining and Characterizing Approaches to Farm Management
Authors: McBride William D. , Johnson James D.
Published: July 2016

Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify approaches to farm management based on a list of management questions posed to a sample of U.S. cash-grain farmers. Three approaches were identified by the factor analysis: price negotiation, long-term cost control, and input adjustment. Estimated factor scores regressed against farm and operator characteristics indicate a profile of producers using each approach that is closely related to stage-of-life of the farm operator and farm business. In addition to operator age and planning horizon, operator risk preference and farm organization and location were other important determinants of the approach to management.
Forecasting Basis Levels in the Soybean Complex: A Comparison of Time Series Methods
Authors: Sanders Dwight R. , Manfredo Mark R.
Published: July 2016

A battery of time series methods are compared for forecasting basis levels in the soybean futures complex: soybeans, soybean meal, and soybean oil. Specifically, nearby basis forecasts are generated with exponential smoothing techniques, autoregression moving average (ARMA), and vector autoregression (VAR) models. The forecasts are compared to those of the 5-year average, year ago, and no change methods. Using the 5-year average as the benchmark method, the forecast evaluation results suggest that alternative naive techniques may produce better forecasts, and the improvement gained by time series modeling is relatively small. In this sample, there is little evidence that the basis has become systematically more difficult to forecast in recent years.
Use of Spike Models in Measuring Consumers' Willingness to Pay for Non-GM Oil
Authors: Hu Wuyang
Published: July 2016

In this paper, Chinese consumers' preferences and their willingness to pay (WTP) for non-genetically modified (GM) vegetable oil were elicited by a payment card approach. In addition to the conventional model, spike models, which were originally developed to evaluate public goods, were adopted in this paper. These spike models recognize the possibility of zero WTP and provide opportunities to analyze two correlated decision stages: whether to pay a premium for non-GM oil and how much the premium is. Results show that consumers behaved consistently in the two decision stages and there is a premium associated with non-GM oil.
Whole-Farm Evaluation of No-Till Profitability in Rice Production using Mixed Integer Programming
Authors: Watkins K. Bradley , Hill Jason L. , Anders Merle M. , Windham Tony E.
Published: July 2016

Rice production in Arkansas usually involves intensive tillage. No-till rice has been studied, but the focus has been limited to impacts on yields and per acre returns. This study uses mixed integer programming to model optimal machinery selection and evaluate whole-farm profitability of no-till management for rice-soybean farms. Results indicate that lower machinery ownership expenses combined with lower fuel and labor expenses do enhance the profitability of no-till management, but the monetary gains appear to be modest, implying that other incentives may be necessary to entice producers to use the practice.
Subsurface Drip Irrigation Versus Center-Pivot Sprinkler for Applying Swine Effluent to Corn
Authors: Carreira R.I. , Stoecker A.L. , Epplin F.M. , Hattey J.A. , Kizer M.A.
Published: July 2016

A risk-averse irrigated corn producer would be better off choosing the more expensive subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) over center-pivot sprinkler (CPS), given limited aquifer life and swine effluent and urea fertilization. A stochastic optimization using EPIC data maximized expected utility of 100 years' worth of net revenues for a quarter section. Phosphorus accumulation was more likely with the CPS than with the SDI but soil nitrogen was constant under both systems. SDI conserves more water than CPS per acre but depletes the aquifer faster because a greater area is irrigated. These results were invariant in the sensitivity analysis.
Meat Demand in South Korea: An Application of the Restricted Source-Differentiated Almost Ideal Demand System Model
Authors: Henneberry Shida Rastegari , Hwang Seong-huyk
Published: July 2016

The first difference version of the restricted source-differentiated almost ideal demand system is used to estimate South Korean meat demand. The results of this study indicate that the United States has the most to gain from an increase in the size of the South Korean imported meat market in terms of its beef exports, while South Korea has the most to gain from this expansion in the pork market. Moreover, the results indicate that the United States has a competitive advantage to Australia in the South Korean beef market. Results of this study have implications for U.S. meat exports in this ever-changing policy environment.
Do Refuge Requirements for Biotechnology Crops Promote Economic Efficiency? Some Evidence for Bt Cotton
Authors: Livingston Michael J. , Storer Nicholas P. , Van Duyn John W. , Kennedy George G.
Published: July 2016

We examine producer behavior, resistance evolution, and returns under alternative refuge requirements in an eastern North Carolina region with multiple corn, cotton, and soybean fields infested by a mobile pest. Returns are highest, pyrethroid sprays occur least frequently, and pyrethroid resistance evolution is delayed most effectively with no refuge requirement. Complying with the current 20% refuge requirement costs the producer $8.67 per cotton acre, or $34.21 per non-transgenic insecticidal (Bt) cotton acre. Returns are highest under each refuge requirement when one-toxin Bt cotton is not phased out; however, removal of the technology at the earliest phase-out date minimizes regional pyrethroid sprays.
Optimal Seasonal Allocation of Generic Dairy Advertising Expenditures
Authors: Schmit Todd M. , Kaiser Harry M.
Published: July 2016

Annual seasonal advertising expenditure allocations were estimated for the national generic advertising programs for fluid milk and cheese with the use of price and advertising elasticities of demand that varied over time. Significant variation in optimal allocations existed both across products and over time, emphasizing the importance of obtaining accurate seasonal forecasts that incorporate changes in market conditions to plan future spending allocations. In the absence of such information, allocating annual budgets equally across quarters still produced positive producer welfare gains on average relative to historical spending that were not statistically different from those realized under the optimal spending strategy.
Business Models and Producer-Owned Ventures: Choices, Challenges, and Changes
Authors: Kenkel Phil , Park John
Published: July 2016

Producer-owned business models are rapidly evolving. Producer-owned, value-added ventures face a number of organizational challenges, including capital acquisition, security exchange registration, antitrust exemption, borrowing eligibility, and operational flexibility. This paper examines the success of evolving producer-owned business models in addressing these challenges. The need for uniform criteria to distinguish producer-owned business from other business forms throughout the complex structure of policies and laws affecting value-added ventures is highlighted.
A Review of Value-Added Centers: Objectives, Structures, Staffing, and Funding
Authors: Holcomb Rodney B. , Johnson Aaron
Published: July 2016

Value-added centers have been established in many states. These centers vary greatly in objectives, operational structures, staffing, and funding. This paper uses examples of several centers and programs, with a specific emphasis on three centers, to provide a better understanding of value-added centers and their operations.
FSA Direct Farm Loan Program Graduation Rates and Reasons for Exiting
Authors: Dixon Bruce L. , Ahrendsen Bruce L. , Nwoha O. John , Hamm Sandra J. , Danforth Diana M.
Published: July 2016

Farm Service Agency (FSA) direct loans are intended to provide transitory credit to creditworthy borrowers unable to obtain conventional credit at reasonable terms. Farm loan program (FLP) effectiveness is measured in part by how readily direct loan borrowers graduate to conventional credit. A survey of FSA borrowers originating direct loans during fiscal years 1994-1996 is used to estimate graduation rates. A majority of 1994-1996 loan originators did exit the direct FLP by November 2004. A multinomial logit model indicates financial strength at origination resulted in greater likelihood of farming without direct loans approximately 9 years after loan origination.
Hedging a Government Entitlement: The Case of Countercyclical Payments
Authors: Anderson John D. , Coble Keith H. , Miller J. Corey
Published: July 2016

This research evaluates whether the introduction of countercyclical payments creates an incentive for program crop producers to hedge the expected government payment using futures and/or options. Results indicate that some level of countercyclical payment hedging is optimal for risk-averse decision makers. However, optimal hedge ratios depend on planting time expectations of marketing year average price as well as on what crop, if any, has been planted on countercyclical payment base acres. These results suggest that the ability to hedge may make these payments more decoupled but also illustrate the distortion of producer behavior induced by farm programs.
Analyzing Landowner Demand for Wildlife and Forest Management Information
Authors: Munn Ian A. , Hussain Anwar , West Ben , Grado Stephen C. , Jones W. Daryl
Published: July 2016

Determining appropriate topics and target audiences is essential to design effective educational outreach programs. Based on landowner responses to a mail survey, we determined both the importance and the availability of wildlife and forest management information topics to Mississippi landowners. Combining this information clearly identified the appropriate subject matter for outreach programs—topics important to landowners and for which information was relatively unavailable. The importance of wildlife and forest management information relative to its availability depended on the region, land use patterns, and landowner characteristics, thus demonstrating which segments of the population should be targeted to maximize program impact.
Fresh-Cut Melon—The Money Is in the Juice
Authors: Mayen Carlos , Marshall Maria I. , Lusk Jayson
Published: July 2016

Fruit is an important component of the food industry in the United States, and “fresh-cut” products are an increasing portion of that consumption. We found that packaging and juice content played a significant role in the choices Indiana consumers made when purchasing fresh-cut melon products. Brand was not as important as the other fresh-cut melon attributes. Indiana consumers had a clear dislike for cup-shaped transparent packages compared with tamper-proof, bowl, and squared packages. However, they were willing to pay a premium for packages that have no fruit juices on the bottom.
How Far Can Poultry Litter Go? A New Technology for Litter Transport
Authors: Carreira R.I. , Young K.B. , Goodwin H.L. , Wailes E.J.
Published: July 2016

Exporting northwest Arkansas excess turkey and broiler litter to partially fertilize nutrient-deficient cropland in eastern Arkansas can be more cost effective than to supply all crop nutrients with chemical fertilizer only, given current high fertilizer prices. Cost savings are greater if litter is baled in ultraviolet resistant plastic and transported via truck, since backhaul opportunities reduce truck rates, or alternatively, if raw litter is shipped via a truck-barge combination. Rice is the crop that allows for greater savings according to a mathematical programming model implemented in General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS).
The Effect of Food-Away-from-Home and Food-at-Home Expenditures on Obesity Rates: A State-Level Analysis
Authors: Cai Yongxia , Alviola Pedro A. , Nayga Rodolfo M. , Wu Ximing
Published: July 2016

Using state-level data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we investigate the effects of household food-away-from-home and food-at-home expenditures on overweight rates, obesity rates, and combined rates. Our random effects model estimates suggest that food-away-from-home expenditures are positively related to obesity and combined rates, while food-at-home expenditures are negatively related to obesity and combined rates. However, the magnitudes of these effects, while statistically significant, are relatively small. Both food-at-home and food-away-from-home expenditures do not significantly influence overweight rates.
Applying Experimental Economics to Obesity in the Family Household
Authors: Ehmke Mariah D. , Warziniack Travis , Schroeter Christiane , Morgan Kari
Published: July 2016

The objective of this study is to identify experimental economic tools that can be employed to explain the role of economic behavior in overweight and obesity in the household. We identify three economic experiments that can be used to understand how parent-child economic relationships relate to obesity. Loss aversion experiments are discussed as a tool to understand challenges some individuals face in achieving a healthy diet. Finally, testbed experiments are introduced as a means to test and understand new policies and incentives for better health at the household level.
U.S. Demand for Source–Differentiated Shrimp: A Differential Approach
Authors: Jones Keithly , Harvey David J. , Hahn William , Muhammad Andrew
Published: July 2016

Estimates of price and scale elasticities for U.S. consumed shrimp are derived using aggregate shrimp data differentiated by source country. Own-price elasticities for all countries had the expected negative signs, were statistically significant, and inelastic. The scale elasticities for all countries were positive and statistically significant at the1%level with only the United States and Ecuador having scale elasticities of less than one. For the most part, the compensated demand effects showed that most of the cross-price effects were positive. Our results also suggest that despite the countervailing duties imposed by the United States, shrimp demand was fairly stable.
Risk Preferences and Contracting In the U.S. Hog Industry
Authors: Scott Johnson C. , Foster Kenneth A.
Published: July 2016

Much of the increase use of vertical coordination in the U.S. swine industry has taken place through contract production. While the incidence of contracting is much higher in non-traditional hog production areas, a growing number of Midwestern producers are being faced with contract options. A variety of contractual arrangements are available through feed companies, integrators, genetics firms, and packers. However, little is known about the profitability and risk characteristics of these alternatives. This research suggests that risk neutral producers in the Midwest would prefer independent production, and risk averse producers would prefer to choose among the various types of coordination arrangements.
The Effects of Holding Nonfarm Related Financial Assets On Risk-Adjusted Farm Income
Authors: Betubiza Eustacius N. , Leatham David J.
Published: July 2016

A discrete stochastic programming model is formulated to study the gains from diversification when farming operations are augmented with off-farm financial assets that are not highly correlated with returns from farming. We extend past research by considering the dynamics of accumulating these financial assets and the farm's leverage and tenure position. Results show that farmers' income level and stability can be improved by including nonfarm financial assets in their portfolios.
Utilizing Contingent Claims to Improve the Management of CAFOs
Authors: Gramig Ben M. , Skees Jerry R. , Black J. Roy
Published: July 2016

We propose a market-based approach to reducing the environmental risk posed by concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The dual problems of hidden information and hidden action faced by policymakers are considered alongside the competing incentives faced by the CAFO manager in a multiple principal-agent setting. A new approach that uses insurance-like contracts is introduced by use of the specific example of a swine operation with a lagoon-based manure management system. Index-based contingent claims contracts in tandem with third-party auditing and waste hauling options are introduced as a complement to regulatory frameworks designed to reduce negative externalities from production.
Buyback Programs for Capacity Reduction in the U.S. Atlantic Shark Fishery
Authors: Larkin Sherry L. , Keithly Walter , Adams Charles M. , Kazmierczak Richard F.
Published: July 2016

Declining fishery stocks, increasing fishing effort, and adverse market conditions have produced difficult financial situations for fishermen worldwide. Several high-valued fisheries are considered to be overcapitalized. The purchase and permanent retirement of fishing vessels and/or permits under a buyback program is one approach for reducing fishing capacity. Evidence from previous programs, however, suggests that buybacks are not a panacea for solving overcapacity problems. Whether such programs can help rebuild stocks and improve the financial condition of fleets in any specific fishery depends on a multitude of factors. We consider the potential of a buyback program for the U.S. Atlantic shark fishery.
Issues and Strategies for Aggregate Supply Response Estimation for Policy Analyses
Authors: Ramirez Octavio A. , Mohanty Samarendu , Carpio Carlos E. , Denning Megan
Published: July 2016

We demonstrate the use of the small-sample econometrics principles and strategies to come up with reliable yield and acreage models for policy analyses. We focus on demonstrating the importance of proper representation of systematic and random components of the model for improving forecasting precision along with more reliable confidence intervals for the forecasts. A probability distribution function modeling approach, which has been shown to provide more reliable confidence intervals for the dependent variable forecasts than the standard models that assume error term normality, is used to estimate cotton supply response in the Southeastern United States.
Challenges in Modeling the Effects of Trade Agreements on the Agricultural Sector
Authors: Westhoff Patrick , Fabiosa Jacinto , Beghin John , Meyers William
Published: July 2016

Major issues and challenges encountered in modeling and analyzing agricultural and trade policy reforms are reviewed. We focus on modeling approach and pay special attention to the type and scope of models, calibration of a realistic baseline scenario, representation of the reform agreement, use of extramodel information, choice of metrics to measure reform impacts, and emerging issues in policy modeling. Existing solutions and unresolved issues are examined. We stress the complementarity of various modeling approaches in assessing policy reforms and the importance of helping users understand the limitations of the chosen approach.
The Determinants of First-Year Academic Performance in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University, 1990–1999
Authors: Barkley Andrew P. , Forst Jerry J.
Published: July 2016

This research identifies and quantifies the determinants of first-year academic performance in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University, 1990–1999. Forty-eight percent of the variation in first-semester college grades was explained by high school grades, standardized test scores, socioeconomic variables, high school characteristics, credit hours completed, and major field of study. Approximately 62% of the variation in second-semester grades was explained. First-semester college grades explained 43% of second-semester grades. Several statistically significant relationships are detected, and the implications for students, advisors, and administrators are discussed.
Pricing Benefit Externalities of Soil Carbon Sequestration in Multifunctional Agriculture
Authors: Hartell Jason G.
Published: July 2016

“Multifunctionality” emphasizes the benefit externality properties of nonfood products that coincide with agricultural commodity production, some of which also have public-good properties. However, determining the willingness to pay for local benefit externalities is seen as necessary but daunting. This paper pursues the idea that the valuation process might first start by estimating the incentives required to supply various levels of a benefit externality. With the use of carbon sequestration through the adoption of no-till cultivation as an example of a multifunctional benefit externality, mathematical programming is used to derive representative price schedules. The implication for incentive prices are examined in light of risk aversion.
Nutrient Best Management Practice Insurance and Farmer Perceptions of Adoption Risk
Authors: Mitchell Paul D.
Published: July 2016

This paper explores the effect farmer perceptions concerning how best management practice (BMP) adoption changes the profit distribution have on BMP adoption incentives and the potential for insurance to increase these incentives. Adoption indifference curves illustrate the effect of farmer perceptions on BMP adoption incentives and the potential for insurance to expand the set of perceptions consistent with adoption. Empirical analysis quantifies these conceptual results for nutrient BMP insurance, a new policy available to corn farmers as part of a USDA-Risk Management Agency pilot program in four states. Results indicate that nutrient BMP insurance can have economically relevant effects on farmer adoption incentives.
Alfalfa Hay Quality and Alternative Pricing Systems
Authors: Hopper Jared A. , Peterson Hikaru Hanawa , Burton Robert O.
Published: July 2016

Price-quality relationships for alfalfa hay were analyzed by hedonic pricing models using 1996-2001 Wisconsin auction data. Individual nutrients included in the analysis all affected alfalfa price, with acid detergent fiber accounting for the largest impact. Alternative pricing models, based on an aggregate quality index or detailed quality information, were similar in their ability to predict price. However, disaggregating price predictions to account for differences in relative feed value (RFV) and crude protein (CP) indicate that bothRFVandCPare important determinants of price and that aggregating the two into a quality index is not warranted.
Is There a Link between the Changing Skills of Labor Used in U.S. Processed Food Trade and Rural Employment?
Authors: Schluter Gerald , Lee Chinkook
Published: July 2016

Between the 1970s and the 1990s, processed food exports switched from using more skilled labor per unit of output than imports to the opposite. Processed food trade also expanded during this period. More meat and poultry products in processed food trade could explain this switch in skill intensity. Growing meat trade paralleled an urban-to-rural shift in meat processing. Although this could have been a win-win situation for rural areas, many of the jobs related to expanded meat trade benefited commuter and migrant workers because late-1990s jobs slaughtering livestock and processing meat did not appeal to domestic rural workers.
Labor Risk Attributes in the Green Industry: Business Owners' and Managers' Perspectives
Authors: Bitsch Vera , Harsh Stephen B.
Published: July 2016

Managers of greenhouses, nurseries, and landscape contractors participated in five focus group discussions on labor-related risks. Managers conceptualize labor risks along the human resource management process: (1) recruitment and selection, (2) training and development, (3) performance evaluation and discipline, (4) careers and relationships, and (5) compensation packages. In addition, they identified (6) immigrant employees and (7) labor laws and regulations as sources of risk. They recognized a large number of risk-increasing attributes, but also a number of mediating strategies to reduce these risks.
Changing Factor Income Shares in Agri-Food Industries
Authors: Konduru Srinivasa , Bjornson Bruce
Published: July 2016

A concern in the political economy is how national income is shared between labor and capital. This study evaluates long-term changes in factor income shares in three agri-food industries, their attribution to the level of factor usage or to factor compensation rates, and relation to changes in capital intensity and factor productivity. We find long-term stability in the profit and labor shares of farm income, decline in the profit share of agricultural services industry income, and increase in the profit share of food manufacturing income due to fewer productivity improvements being passed on to wage increases.
Third-Country Effects on the Market Shares of U.S. Wheat in Asian Countries
Authors: Jin Hyun J. , Cho Guedae , Koo Won W.
Published: July 2016

An import demand model, augmented with third-country effect variables, is developed to examine the effects of strong U.S. dollar, volatility of the U.S. dollar, and competition among the exporting countries on the shares of U.S. wheat in Asian markets. In the empirical model, the dependent variable is the market shares of U.S. wheat. Explanatory variables include wheat prices of exporting countries, exchange rates between the importing and exporting countries, and volatilities of the exchange rates. Panel estimation results show that the U.S. currency value and volatility, Australian wheat price, and the volatilities of Canadian and Australian currency values have significant effects on U.S. market shares.
Measuring the Impact of Externalities on College of Agriculture Teaching Evaluations
Authors: Fleming Ronald A. , Bazen Ernest F. , Wetzstein Michael E.
Published: July 2016

Student evaluation of teaching (SET) is employed as an aid in improving instruction and determining faculty teaching effectiveness. However, economic theory indicates the existence of externalities in SET scores that directly influence their interpretation. As a test of this existence, a multinomial-choice, ordered data estimation procedure is employed to identify course externalities influencing SET. These externalities include student class standing, required courses, class size, days a class meets, class meeting time, classroom location, and classroom design. Results indicate that externalities have a significant impact on teaching evaluations. Thus, failure to internalize these externalities will lead to biases in SET and questionable use of SET as an aid in instruction improvement and determining faculty effectiveness.
Willingness to Pay for Information Programs about E-Commerce: Results from a Convenience Sample of Rural Louisiana Businesses
Authors: Watson Susan , Nwoha O. John , Kennedy Gary , Rea Kenneth
Published: July 2016

The probability of a business paying various amounts of money for an e-commerce presence ultimately depends on demographic features, experiences with e-commerce from a buyer's and seller's perspective, technological expertise, and knowledge of e-commerce opportunities and limitations. Estimating functions to assign probabilities associated with the willingness to pay for an e-commerce presence will assist in forecasting regional likelihood of certain profiles paying various monetary amounts for an e-commerce presence. In addition, if services are provided at no cost by a third party, value to a society will be maximized by selecting profiles with the highest willingness to pay.
A Uniform Substitute Demand Model with Varying Coefficients
Authors: Brown Mark G. , Lee Jong-Yinq
Published: July 2016

This study extends Batten's synthetic demand modeling approach to increase the flexibility of the uniform substitute specification of the Rotterdam demand system. Marginal propensities to consume (MPC) vary with budget shares and Slutsky coefficients are defined in terms of varying MPCs. An application of the model to orange-juice products shows that the pattern of income and price elasticities over time is much different than when MPCs are restricted to be constant.
Factors Affecting Adoption of Improved Maize Seeds and Use of Inorganic Fertilizer for Maize Production in the Intermediate and Lowland Zones of Tanzania
Authors: Kaliba Aloyce R.M. , Verkuijl Hugo , Mwangi Wilfred
Published: July 2016

This paper examines factors influencing the adoption of improved maize seeds and the use of inorganic fertilizer for maize production by farmers in the intermediate and lowland zones of Tanzania. The results indicate that availability of extension services, on-farm field trials, variety characteristics and rainfall were the most important factors that influenced the extent of adopting improved maize seeds and the use of inorganic fertilizer for maize production. Farmers preferred those varieties which minimize field loss rather than maximizing yields. Future research and extension policies should emphasize farmer participation in the research process and on-farm field trials for varietal evaluation and demonstration purposes.
Revenue Insurance for Georgia and South Carolina Peaches
Authors: Miller Stephen E. , Kahl Kandice H. , Rathwell P. James
Published: July 2016

We estimate actuarially fair premium rates for yield and revenue insurance for Georgia and South Carolina peaches. The premium rates for both products decrease at a decreasing rate as the mean farm-level yield increases. In general, the premium rate for revenue insurance exceeds the premium rate for yield insurance for a given coverage level and expected yield. Although the revenue and yield insurance rates differ in a statistical sense, they do not appear to differ in an economic sense except at high coverage levels for growers with very high yields.
Evaluating the Returns to Variable Rate Nitrogen Application
Authors: Roberts Roland K. , English Burton C. , Mahajanashetti S.B.
Published: July 2016

Potential benefits of variable rate nitrogen application are illustrated and information needs identified. Lower costs of precision farming services, higher crop prices, and greater divergence in yield response potentials across management zones reduce the spatial variability required for profitable variable rate application. Information needs include identification and measurement of management zones within a field and estimation of management zone yield response functions, crop and input prices, and the cost of precision farming services.
To What Surprises Do Hog Futures Markets Respond?
Authors: Frank Julieta , Garcia Philip , Irwin Scott H.
Published: July 2016

We reassess the effect of new information in the Hogs and
Pigs Reports (HPR) focusing on
announcements' rationality and alternative surprises.
HPR announcements are irrational estimates of
final estimates, and market expectations are irrational estimates of
HPR numbers. Using the market's best forecast
and incorporating final estimates, we modify conventional information
measures. Despite differences as large as 33 cents/cwt in price response,
findings suggest there is little to differentiate among surprise measures.
Regardless, the message that HPR provides new
information to the market is strongly supported. On balance, marketing
(breeding) information has a larger effect on short-term (long-term) price
changes.
Productivity and Economic Effects of Antibiotics Used for Growth Promotion in U.S. Pork Production
Authors: Miller Gay Y. , Algozin Kenneth A. , McNamara Paul E. , Bush Eric J.
Published: July 2016

Public health experts are concerned about the diminishing efficacy of antibiotics. Some have called for a ban on growth-promoting antibiotics in animal agriculture. This study identifies the contribution of growth-promoting antibiotics in the grower/finisher phase of U.S. pork production. With National Animal Health Monitoring System swine data, relationships are estimated between growth-promoting antibiotic use and productivity. Results indicate improvements in average daily gain (0.5%), feed conversion ratio (1.1%), and mortality rate (reduced 0.22 percentage points); these productivity improvements translate into a profitability gain of $0.59 per pig marketed, or an improvement of 9% in net profits associated with growth promotion antibiotics.
Cash Ethanol Cross-Hedging Opportunities
Authors: Franken Jason R.V. , Parcell Joe L.
Published: July 2016

Increased use of alternative fuels and low commodity prices have contributed to the recent expansion of the U.S. ethanol industry. As with any competitive industry, some level of output price risk exists in the form of volatility; yet, no actively traded ethanol futures market exists to mitigate output price risk. This study reports estimated minimum variance cross-hedge ratios between Detroit spot cash ethanol and the New York Mercantile Exchange unleaded gasoline futures for 1-, 4-, 8-, 12-, 16-, 20-, 24-, and 28-week hedge horizons. The research suggests that a one-to-one cross-hedge ratio is not appropriate for some horizons.
Valuation of Intangible Capital in Agriculture
Authors: White Fred C.
Published: July 2016

This study examines the valuation of research as intangible capital in agriculture using Tobin's q theory. The market value of public research capital is estimated to be 8.6 times higher than conventional assets. Private research capital is valued 5.2 times higher than conventional assets. The estimated valuation multiplier for all farm assets dropped 1/3 over the last decade. In recent years the valuation multiplier has dropped below a dollar, which indicates the market is undervaluing farm assets.
Alternative Fluid Milk Procurement Systems For Florida Dairy Farmers
Authors: Nubern Christopher A. , Kilmer Richard L.
Published: July 2016

This article evaluates the effects of alternative fluid milk procurement strategies on the aggregate net revenue of Florida cooperative members. They are (1) supplemental milk obtained from import sources, (2) supplemental milk obtained from a supply plant, (3) increased supply as a result of an expanded production area, and (4) supplemental milk obtained through pooling arrangements with regional dairy cooperatives. The final ranking of a scenario appears to be dependent primarily on the total cost of exports within the model. The optimum procurement strategy for Florida cooperatives should concentrate on reducing the quantity of surplus milk.
The Influence of the Local Economy and the Willingness to Move on Human Capital Accumulation in Central Appalachia
Authors: Broomhall David
Published: July 2016

This study uses logit analysis to examine the influence of the perception of local economic opportunities and the willingness to move on the educational aspirations of rural high-school-aged youths. Those youths who are more willing to move have a greater career opportunity set and a strong incentive to achieve in school, since education allows them to compete for jobs elsewhere. A low willingness to move, coupled with a low perception of local job opportunities, translates into a low expected return to education, which reduces the incentive to achieve in school.
Rational Expectations Estimation of Georgia Soybean Acreage Response
Authors: Ahouissoussi Nicolas B. C. , McIntosh Christopher S. , Wetzstein Michael E.
Published: July 2016

The general method of moments procedure is used for estimating a soybean acreage response function assuming that producers hold rational expectations. Results indicate that soybean, corn, and wheat futures prices, lagged acreage, and government programs are significant factors for determining soybean plantings. Implications of the results are that crop acreage selection by Georgia producers is not very responsive to demand shocks. Thus, producers in other regions are more likely to absorb impacts from these shocks on crop acreage selection.
Diversity of Sources for Fresh Produce: Implications for Local Markets
Authors: Lohr Luanne , Hanson Steven D.
Published: July 2016

Number of suppliers, approximation of equal-shares market condition and market share held by in-state sources were calculated to determine diversity of sources for 10 fresh fruits and vegetables in eight U.S. wholesale markets. Specificity of growing conditions is associated with few supply sources, unequal market shares and limited purchases from in-state suppliers. For crops with few sources, lower perishability and greater transportability are correlated with greater balance in market shares. For crops with many supply sources, greater perishability and greater transportability are consistent with large market share from imports. Diversity across all commodities can increase market share for local producers.