bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Young Adolescents' Perceptions of Environmental Issues: Implications for Environmental Education in Urban Settings
Authors: Wals Arjen Evert-Jan
Published: July 2016

Despite good intentions, many environmental education (EE) projects seem to fall short in realising ambitious learning goals such as “helping citizens become environmentally knowledgeable, skilled and dedicated people who are willing to work individually and collectively, toward achieving and/or maintaining a dynamic equilibrium between the quality of life and the quality of the environment.” (Harvey cited in Hungerford et al., 1980). Without always challenging the nature and content of these goals, many researchers and practitioners are trying to resolve this discrepancy between the theory and practice of EE. Some have tried to instrumentally structure EE content matter by using hierarchical levels of universal goals and objectives (e.g. Hungerford et al., 1980; Marcinkowski, 1990) whereas others who question the value or the status of universal goals and objectives, have put emphasis on contextual development of EE within the school community (e.g. Bull et al., 1988; Robottom, 1987). However, relatively little attention has been paid to the way young people come to make sense of their own environment through their everyday interactions with(in) the lifeworld.

For more than fifty years constructivist approaches to learning have suggested that the pre-instructional perceptions (also referred to as “mini-theories” and “misconceptions”) of the learner play a key role in successful learning or lack thereof (Ausubel, 1968; Driver and Oldham, 1986; Freyberg and Osborne, 1981; Gilbert and Watts, 1983; Hasweh, 1986; Novak and Gowin, 1984, Wals, 1987) Yet, unlike the English teacher who is very capable of determining at what “level” her students are, environmental educators have little understanding of students' perceptions of the environment and environmental issues, and the “mini-theories” to which they lead.
Rethinking Globalisation: A Book Review and a Reflection on Two Weeks in September 2001
Authors: Gough Noel
Published: July 2016

When I first read Bill Bigelow and Bob Peterson's (2002) intriguing collection of resources, Rethinking Globalization: Teaching for Justice in an Unjust World, I anticipated writing a short and enthusiastic review in which I would recommend it unreservedly to the attention of anyone involved in social and environmental education. But when I put my hands to the keyboard, I realised that I wanted to say more about why critical appraisals of globalisation are so important at this moment in world history and, thus, why this book's significance lies as much in what it stands for as its actual contents.
Factors Contributing to Intergenerational Communication Regarding Environmental Programs: Preliminary Research Findings
Authors: Ballantyne Roy , Connell Sharon , Fien John
Published: July 2016

Given the increasing recognition of the potential for school students to act as catalysts of environmental change, research is needed to determine the extent to which school environmental education programs can facilitate intergenerational communication and learning in the home and wider community. The present paper reports on preliminary findings from a pilot study based on two environmental education programs. Four factors were investigated in terms of their influence upon the extent to which school students discussed the programs at home: student response to the program; student environmental orientation; parent environmental orientation; and family communication properties. In this study, program and family communication factors exerted the greatest influence on the frequency of discussions concerning environmental education programs experienced by students. Suggestions are made for ways in I which environmental education programs can be designed in order to facilitate student-parent communication about environmental issues.
Environmental stewardship: “Where there's a will, is there a way?”
Authors: Maher Mary
Published: July 2016

Environmental management or stewardship is one area of environmental philosophy which has achieved a degree of acceptability in development decision-making. Its success is a product of its characteristics, e.g. that of taking a generally moderate approach to what causes an environmental problem, and of working for change through traditional channels. However, even stewardship is not without internal divisions, divisions which reflect differing views about the degree of change needed to avoid ecological disaster. Stewardship may be a useful environmental philosophy at a time when the development ethos (jobs, income, growth, productivity) predominates. But this paper poses the question, is it the best philosophy possible at this time? Finally, the impact of this philosophy on education is considered, highlighting the two aspects of what stewardship sees in environmental education and what environmental education could do about stewardship.
Human impacts on the tidal wetlands of Southern Moreton Bay
Authors: Hegerl Edward J.
Published: July 2016

Urban expansion in south-east Queensland poses a major threat to the tidal wetlands of Southern Moreton Bay. Significant features of the area and useful information sources are summarized. Conservation issues and the environmental impacts associated with urbanization are discussed, and reference is made to educational use of such areas.
Wetlands studies: an arts-aesthetic view
Authors: Danilchenko Boris
Published: July 2016

Watch young children at play. With bright eyes and boundless energy, they rush like whirlwinds from place to place, accompanied by a constant stream of excited chatter as they explore their surroundings with a wholehearted zest for life.

This article grows out of a fascination for the innate learning style of children and the wonder created by a unique and diverse wetlands setting. It explores how a group of educators, from Jacobs Well Field Study Centre (in south-east Queensland), developed an arts-aesthetic approach to environmental education as a joint project with the staff of Numinbah Valley Field Study Centre. ‘Project Ozone’ and the Boat Project are described as examples of what can be achieved by insight, and commitment to new directions in environmental education.
Towards education for the environment
Authors: Henry J. A.
Published: July 2016

This is a version of a paper presented at the Second National Conference of the Australian Association for Environmental Education held in Brisbane in August 1982.

This paper will begin with an attempt to address the question: “What presuppositions about teaching and curriculum are embedded in the developed conception of environmental education as education for the environment?” The answers advanced here will be tentative in nature and obviously incomplete. They will, however, allow the discussion to advance to a consideration of teacher behaviours compatible with the education for the environment concept, and to an appreciation of the dilemmas confronting teachers of environmental education so conceived.
J'accuse! depression as a likely culprit in cases of AD
Authors: Steffens David C.
Published: July 2016

Clinicians have long appreciated the links between depression, cognitive impairment, and development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias. More recently, investigators in the fields of epidemiology, genetics, neuroimaging, and neuropathology have sought to quantify the risk and to understand the underlying neurobiology of the relationship between depression and AD.
Carbon Markets and Methane Digesters: Potential Implications for the Dairy Sector
Authors: Key Nigel , Sneeringer Stacy
Published: July 2016

Anaerobic digesters that capture and burn manure methane can provide a renewable source of energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Paying producers for these emission reductions—either directly or through a carbon offset market—could substantially increase digester adoption. However, there is likely to be wide variation in the scale, location, and characteristics of adopters, so these policies could have long run structural implications for the livestock sector. Using a model of digester profits and data from a nationally-representative survey of dairy operations we estimate the likely distribution of digester adoption and profits under different carbon price scenarios.
Choosing a Cigarette Brand: Determining the Value of Countermarketing Information to Smokers Using Field Auctions
Authors: Rousu Matthew C. , Nonnemaker James , Farrelly Matthew
Published: July 2016

Information about cigarettes can help smokers come to an informed decision about what cigarettes to purchase. Countermarketing information can help smokers make informed decisions, but little is known about the value of this information to smokers. In this article, we use data from experimental auctions to estimate the value of countermarketing information that counters industry claims about reduced-risk cigarettes. We find that this information has significant value to smokers who have been exposed to marketing information from tobacco companies touting reduced-risk cigarettes, but we find no evidence it provides value to smokers not exposed to this marketing information.
Consumer Willingness to Pay for Fair Trade Coffee: A Chinese Case Study
Authors: Yang Shang-Ho , Hu Wuyang , Mupandawana Malvern , Liu Yun
Published: July 2016

Coffee consumption in China has seen a significant rise in recent years. This study seeks to explore the determinants of coffee consumption in China with a specific focus on fair trade coffee. In a survey of 564 respondents in Wuhan City, consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for fair trade labeled coffee was measured. This study uses an interval regression to investigate individual demographic and consumption characteristic impacts on WTP. Results show that on average, consumers were willing to pay 22% more for a medium cup of fair trade coffee compared with traditional coffee. In addition, other variables that indicated a higher WTP included female consumers, consumers who made their own coffee, and consumers who planned to consume more coffee in the following year.
The Economic Impacts of Self-Employment
Authors: Goetz Stephan J. , Fleming David A. , Rupasingha Anil
Published: July 2016

Even as self-employment continues to increase, policymakers remain largely unaware of this trend and fail to see it as an opportunity for addressing enduring joblessness. In part, this is explained by limited data on the self-employed and by widespread perceptions that returns to self-employment are low; that the self-employed are merely patching together piecemeal work opportunities requiring limited skills; and that there are no local economic impacts or spillover benefits into other sectors. Contrary to these perceptions, recent studies suggest that self-employment has tangible positive economic impacts not only on wage and salary employment but also on per capita income growth and poverty reduction. This article synthesizes the pertinent emerging literature and assesses dynamics of the lags involved between self-employment shocks and subsequent employment growth.
Discussion: Economic Opportunities in Rural Communities
Authors: Fannin J. Matthew
Published: July 2016

Three economic opportunities are presented for rural areas in this invited paper session: self-employment, investments in broadband infrastructure, and agritourism. Self-employment has shown growth in rural regions at the expense of wage and salary employment in the long-term. Production agriculture interests by themselves are unlikely to provide sufficient funding to expand infrastructure for broadband in rural areas. Agritourism approaches appear to be very wide ranging with many educational demands needing to be met to maximize its diversification possibilities. Research and extension faculty should be careful to focus on explaining the tradeoffs of these opportunities so that rural stakeholders do not fall victim to the latest academic economic development fad.
Drivers of Price and Nonprice Water Conservation by Urban and Rural Water Utilities: An Application of Predictive Models to Four Southern States
Authors: Boyer Christopher N. , Adams Damian C. , Borisova Tatiana
Published: July 2016

This study examines water system characteristics, managers' attitudes and perceptions toward water conservation, and future planning strategies that influence the adoption of water conservation programs for urban and rural communities. We surveyed water system managers in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Florida; and we parameterized predictive adoption models for price-based (PC) and nonprice-based (NPC) conservation programs. Notably, results suggest that information about the price elasticity of water demand for a community does encourage PC and NPC adoption; and we found no evidence that PC and NPC adoption is jointly considered by water systems.
The Likelihood of Positive Returns from Value-Added Calf Management Practices
Authors: Williams Brian R. , DeVuyst Eric A. , Peel Derrell S. , Raper Kellie Curry
Published: July 2016

Extension faculty have been educating cow-calf producers about value-added calf management programs and the premiums available at auction from these management practices for years. Despite these efforts, producers express doubt regarding the likelihood of premiums and the profitability of value-added management practices. We use matching pairs to calculate the difference in premiums and net returns between adopters and nonadopters and calculate the likelihood of positive net returns (and premiums) for individual practices and practice bundles. The probability of positive net returns ranges from 57% for dehorning to 79% for a certified vac-45 program (calves certified by a third party to be preconditioned for a minimum of 45 days, vaccinated, and dehorned) and probabilities increase with more practices adopted.
The Effect of Calorie Labels on Caloric Intake and Restaurant Revenue: Evidence from Two Full-Service Restaurants
Authors: Ellison Brenna , Lusk Jayson L. , Davis David
Published: July 2016

Field experiment data were used to study the effect of numeric calorie labels in two full-service restaurants. Ultimately, both field experiments, despite using different experimental designs, reached the same conclusion: the numeric calorie label had no significant effect on total caloric intake. However, results revealed the addition of a traffic light symbol to the numeric label led to a 67.8-kcal reduction in average calories ordered. Furthermore, results showed restaurant revenue is unlikely to be affected by the addition of calorie labels on menus. The results have implications for restaurant labeling laws that are being considered around the world.
Local and Regional Food Systems in Florida: Values and Economic Impacts
Authors: Hodges Alan W. , Stevens Thomas J. , Wysocki Allen F.
Published: July 2016

A survey of 1599 randomly selected Florida households was conducted in 2012 to evaluate the consumer characteristics and economic impacts of local food purchases through retail stores, restaurants, and direct-to-consumer market channels. The total annual value of local food purchases averaged $1114 per household and represented 20.1% of food purchased for at-home consumption. The total economic impacts of local food purchases in Florida were estimated at 183,625 jobs and $10.47 billion in value-added, including regional multiplier effects for agricultural production and wholesale and retail distribution. These values are significantly higher than found in previous studies in other states.
Snack Peanuts Purchase Pattern: Effects of Nutritional Considerations and Household Characteristics
Authors: Rimal Arbindra P. , Fletcher Stanley M.
Published: July 2016

This study examines the effect of a meal planner's nutritional awareness, exercise habits, and household socioeconomic characteristics on market participation and frequency of purchase of snack peanuts. Data are from a household survey of 2880 U.S. households collected by Gallup in 1997. Statistical tests showed that a double-hurdle or Cragg model best represented consumers' participation and purchase level decisions in the snack peanut market. The results indicated that meal planner's nutritional considerations while making food purchase decisions had little effect on the participation level decisions, but did affect purchase frequency of snack peanuts. Those household meal planners who were overly concerned about undesirable nutritional factors tended to decrease their purchase of snack peanuts. Promotion of snack peanuts on the basis of nutritional benefits through health professional and media is a useful tool to increase purchase frequency.
Measuring Inefficiency in the Presence of an Export Tax, an Import Tariff, and a State Trading Enterprise
Authors: Schmitz Troy G.
Published: July 2016

Agricultural sales cooperative unions (ASCUs) in Turkey are heavily influenced by both domestic and international government policies. Both export taxes and import tariffs are used as policy tools to regulate cotton markets. Domestic price support programs, water subsidies, fertilizer subsidies, and credit subsidies have also been used as domestic policy tools. These types of subsidies are not uncommon among developing countries. This paper provides empirical estimates of the degree of economic inefficiency associated with government intervention in Turkish cotton markets. A two-region partial equilibrium model of cotton exports and imports is developed under the “small country assumption” to obtain empirical estimates of the deadweight welfare loss associated with these government subsidies. Although government intervention results in significant income distribution among the various cotton sectors within Turkey, the overall economic inefficiency of the redistribution is very low.
Overshooting of Agricultural Prices in Four Asian Economies
Authors: Saghaian Sayed H. , Hasan Mohamad F. , Reed Michael R.
Published: July 2016

This article examines the impacts of monetary policy on agricultural prices in four Asian economies using time series analysis and graph theory. The estimations clearly show that agricultural prices overshoot their long-run equilibrium values for Korea, Philippines, and Thailand, and the overshooting for agricultural prices is larger than for manufactured prices. Impulse-response functions and variance-decomposition analysis based on directed graphs and causal structures highlight the complex interplay among the variables in the model and how those relationships differ by country. Money supply changes clearly affect real variables and relative prices for all countries either through overshooting or non-neutrality of money.
Beef Producer Preferences and Purchase Decisions for Livestock Price Insurance
Authors: Fields Deacue , Gillespie Jeffrey
Published: July 2016

Personal interviews were conducted with beef cattle producers in Louisiana to determine their preferences and purchase decisions for livestock price insurance. Conjoint analysis was utilized to determine the importance of selected attributes of insurance policies for these producers. The characteristics of producers who prefer given attributes were also identified. Producers rated products given four economic situations to evaluate. A two-limit tobit model was used to estimate the part worth utility values for each attribute. Univariate probit models were estimated to evaluate the influence of producer characteristics on purchase decisions.
Estimating Asymmetric Advertising Response: An Application to U.S. Nonalcoholic Beverage Demand
Authors: Zheng Yuqing , Kaiser Harry M.
Published: July 2016

We propose a regime-switching model that allows demand to respond asymmetrically to upward and downward advertising changes. With the introduction of a smooth transition function, the model features smooth rather than abrupt parameter changes between regimes. We apply the model to nonalcoholic beverage data in the United States for 1974 through 2005 to investigate asymmetric advertising response. Results indicate that a decrease in milk advertising had a more profound impact on milk demand than an increase did. An increase in milk advertising had no impact on milk demand, but a decrease could have an own-advertising elasticity up to 0.049.
Factors Affecting Adoption of Cow-Calf Production Practices in Oklahoma
Authors: Ward Clement E. , Vestal Mallory K. , Doye Damona G. , Lalman David L.
Published: July 2016

Most technology adoption research has focused on crops. Primary data were used to determine differences in management practices among two groups of Oklahoma cow-calf producers based on herd size and cattle income dependence. Significant differences were noted between two groups of producers (smaller operations with less dependence on cattle versus larger with more dependence on cattle) in 79% of the management practices examined. Logit models determined factors influencing the probability of adopting 17 recommended practices. Important factors included the firm goal to choose practices that reduce labor, income dependence on cattle, human capital, and size of operation.
Contributions of Immigrant Farmworkers to California Vegetable Production
Authors: Devadoss Stephen , Luckstead Jeff
Published: July 2016

A major concern with immigrants coming into the United States is that they adversely affect domestic workers through job competition and wage depression. We study the displacement and wage reduction effects of immigrants in California vegetable production, which is labor intensive, and 95% of the farmworkers in California are immigrants. Our findings show that this concern is not valid in vegetable production because the addition of one new immigrant displaces only 0.0123 domestic workers, and wage reduction is inconsequential. But one immigrant worker increases the vegetable production by $23,457 and augments the productivity of skilled workers, material inputs, and capital by $11,729.
Growing U.S. Trade Deficit in Consumer-Oriented Agricultural Products
Authors: Zhuang Renan , Koo Won W. , Mattson Jeremy
Published: July 2016

We investigate the factors behind the growing U.S. trade deficit in consumer-oriented agricultural products by using reliable panel data and an empirical trade model derived from international trade theory. The results indicate that per capita income in the United States appears to be the most important determinant for the growing U.S. trade deficit of consumer-oriented agricultural products. An increase in per capita income and trade liberalization in foreign countries would improve the U.S. trade balance. U.S. foreign direct investment abroad in food manufactures and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are found to have negative effects on the U.S. trade balance.
Land Preservation in British Columbia: An Empirical Analysis of the Factors Underlying Public Support and Willingness to Pay
Authors: Androkovich Robert , Desjardins Ivan , Tarzwell Gordon , Tsigaris Peter
Published: July 2016

This study extends previous empirical research on land preservation by considering an actual land preservation scheme, the agricultural land reserve in British Columbia, Canada. The reserve was established in 1973 to ensure that development did not occur on the province’s most productive agricultural land. ‘To ensure that local food production is maintained,’ ‘the economic importance of British Columbia's agricultural sector,’ and ‘to protect the environment’ are the most important factors that underlie support for the reserve. Aggregate, provincewide willingness to pay to maintain the land reserve is substantial, with our most conservative estimate being Can$91.18 million per year.
Dynamics of Price Transmission in the Presence of a Major Food Safety Shock: Impact of H5N1 Avian Influenza on the Turkish Poultry Sector
Authors: Saghaian Sayed H. , Özertan Gökhan , Spaulding Aslıhan D.
Published: July 2016

This article addresses the dynamic impact of the 2005 H5N1 avian influenza outbreak on the Turkish poultry sector. Contemporary time-series analyses with historical decomposition graphs are used to address differences in monthly price adjustments between market levels along the Turkish poultry supply channel. The empirical results show that price adjustments are asymmetric with respect to both speed and magnitude along the marketing channel. Results also reveal a differential impact of the exogenous shock on producers and retailers. The findings have critical efficiency and equity implications for the supply-chain participants.
Consumer Acceptance and Willingness to Pay for Blueberry Products with Nonconventional Attributes
Authors: Hu Wuyang , Woods Timothy , Bastin Sandra
Published: July 2016

Consumer acceptance and willingness to pay for three nonconventional attributes associated with six processed blueberry products was examined through an in-store conjoint experiment survey. Both credence and experience attributes were considered, including whether the products were produced locally, and whether they were organic or sugar-free. The results indicate heterogeneity in consumer preference and willingness to pay for different attributes across product categories. Local products and organic formulations generally received positive willingness to pay across all products. This information has implications for blueberry growers and retailers who are trying to create and position value-added products for maximum revenue.
What Influences Consumer Choice of Fresh Produce Purchase Location?
Authors: Bond Jennifer Keeling , Thilmany Dawn , Bond Craig
Published: July 2016

There is evidence that consumers are increasingly purchasing food directly from local producers, but little is understood about which market-specific, intrinsic, extrinsic, and demographic attributes influence the probability of preferring to purchase fresh produce through direct-market channels. A multinomial logit model is used to analyze a national dataset of fresh produce consumers with a focus on exploring differences among those that prefer to purchase direct always, occasionally (seasonally and as a secondary source), and never. Results suggest that to increase patronage and loyalty of current customers, producers may emphasize the availability of fresh, superior, vitamin-rich, and locally-grown produce at market locations through booth displays, ads in magazines, radio spots, and electronic newsletters. To attract new customers who do not currently admit a preference for purchasing direct, producers may find greater success by locating in convenient-to-reach venues, showcasing a variety of colorful offerings, and working to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of market locations.
Consumer Preferences for Amount and Type of Fat in Ground Beef
Authors: Lusk Jayson L. , Parker Natalie
Published: July 2016

Scientists and beef industry participants are investigating ways to improve the healthiness of beef. We report results of a nationwide mail survey developed to determine Consumers' preferences for fat content in ground beef and identify how consumers would most like to improve the healthiness of beef. The results from a choice-based conjoint experiment indicate that consumers place significant value on reducing saturated fat and the Omega 6:3 ratio in ground beef, but were relatively unconcerned about conjugated linoleic acid. The relatively new method of best-worst scaling was used to further identify which methods consumers most preferred producers use to improve fat content in beef. The results indicate consumers preferred feeding cattle a grass-fed diet as opposed to supplementing cattle feed with fish-meal or flaxseed to improve the fatty acid content in beef. Although consumers were receptive to the idea of using genetic testing to breed only those cattle with improved fatty acid content, using cloning to achieve this end, was viewed as very undesirable.
What Does Initial Farm Size Imply About Growth and Diversification?
Authors: Melhim Almuhanad , O'Donoghue Erik J. , Shumway C. Richard
Published: July 2016

Recent consolidation in agriculture has shifted production toward fewer but larger farms, reshaping business relationships between farmers, processors, input suppliers, and local communities. We analyze growth and diversification of U.S. corn, wheat, apple, and beef farms by examining longitudinal changes in 10 size cohorts through three successive censuses. We fail to reject Gibrat's law in apple and wheat industries and the mean reversion hypothesis in beef and corn industries. Apple and wheat farms diversify over time. The findings suggest that scale economies diminish for large farms across all four industries and scope economies dominate scale economies for large apple and wheat farms.
The Asymmetric Cycling of U.S. Soybeans and Brazilian Coffee Prices: An Opportunity for Improved Forecasting and Understanding of Price Behavior
Authors: Ramirez Octavio A.
Published: July 2016

The behavior of agricultural commodity markets can arguably result in markedly asymmetric price cycles, that is, downward cycles of substantially different length and breadth than upward cycles. This study assesses whether asymmetric-cycle models can enhance the understanding of the dynamics and provide for a better forecasting of U.S. soybeans and Brazilian coffee prices. The forecasts from asymmetric cycle models are found to be substantially mode precise than those obtained from standard autoregressive models. The asymmetric cycle models also provide useful insights on the markedly different dynamics of the upward vs. the downward cycles exhibited by the prices of these two commodities.
Managing Price Risk in Volatile Grain Markets, Issues and Potential Solutions
Authors: McKenzie Andrew M. , Kunda Eugene L.
Published: July 2016

During 2008 extreme price volatility in grain markets led to country elevators incurring unprecedentedly large margin calls on their futures hedges. As a result elevators' traditional liquidity sources and lines of credit were stretched to breaking point. This article explores the potential liquidity benefits of making available an Over-the-Counter Margin Credit Swap contract to grain hedgers. The swap would enable hedgers to draw upon sources of capital outside the farm credit system to provide liquidity needed to make margin calls. Simulation results clearly show that a Margin Credit Swap contract would provide significant liquidity benefits to hedgers during volatile periods.
Conditions Necessary for Private Investment in the Ethanol Industry
Authors: Kenkel Philip , Holcomb Rodney B.
Published: July 2016

While agricultural economics literature has become rife with the economics of ethanol production and cellulosic ethanol feedstock production, little has been written about capital investment necessary for the magnitude of industry development mandated by the Energy Security and Independence Act of 2007. Financing the development of the ethanol industry to meet the 36 billion gallon production capacity set for 2022 (with 16 billion gallons from cellulosic ethanol) will require capital investments exceeding $100 billion for production facilities, plus extensive investment in feedstock establishment and transportation/handling infrastructure. Federal support associated with political mandates does not address all of the financial issues related with the development of the industry in such a relatively short timeframe. This article addresses the challenges associated with and the conditions necessary for achieving the private investment needed to expand the ethanol industry in the United States.
Valuing Intellectual Property Rights in an Imperfectly Competitive Market: A Biopharming Application
Authors: Kostandini Genti , Mills Bradford F.
Published: July 2016

Small research firms developing biotechnology applications often focus on establishing intellectual property rights (IPRs), which can then be sold to more established firms with existing market channels. This paper presents a method for valuing the IPRs for an innovation that lowers product production costs below those associated with the patented process of a monopolist. The application to Glucocerebrosidase enzyme from transgenic tobacco suggests an IPRs value of about $1.75 billion. Despite the innovator's market power, significant surplus gains also accrue to consumers. Further, U.S. antitrust laws that prohibit IPRs acquisition by the current monopolist increase consumer welfare by almost 50%.
Does Price or Income Affect Organic Choice? Analysis of U.S. Fresh Produce Users
Authors: Smith Travis A. , Huang Chung L. , Lin Biing-Hwan
Published: July 2016

This study analyzes consumer purchasing behavior of organic fresh fruits and vegetables using the 2006 Nielsen Homescan panel. An ordered logit model was estimated to quantify the impacts of economic and socio-demographic factors on the probability of a household belonging to a specific organic user group—devoted, casual, or nonuser. Results suggest that price and income, to some extent, affect consumer purchases of organic produce. Additionally, the profile of an organic produce user is most likely to consist of an Hispanic household residing in the Western United States with children under 6 years old and a household head older than 54 years with at least a college degree.
Wheat Variety Selection to Maximize Returns and Minimize Risk: An Application of Portfolio Theory
Authors: Barkley Andrew , Peterson Hikaru Hawana , Shroyer James
Published: July 2016

This research shows that a portfolio of wheat varieties could enhance profitability and reduce risk over the selection of a single variety for Kansas wheat producers. Many Kansas wheat farmers select varieties solely based on published average yields. This study uses portfolio theory from business investment analysis to find the optimal, yield-maximizing and risk-minimizing combination of wheat varieties in Kansas.
Farmer Willingness to Supply Poultry Litter for Energy Conversion and to Invest in an Energy Conversion Cooperative
Authors: Jensen Kimberly L. , Roberts Roland K. , Bazen Ernie , Menard R. Jamey , English Burton C.
Published: July 2016

Conversion of poultry litter to energy can serve as a renewable energy source and provide an alternative to land application in areas where poultry production is intensive. Economies of size may limit a farmer's ability to economically use on-farm conversion. Capital costs can be spread across several poultry farmers to convert poultry litter to energy in a centralized facility. This research determined influences on the amount of litter poultry producers will to sell to a centralized conversion facility, on their willingness to invest in a conversion cooperative, and on the prices for litter required to divert litter from current uses.
The Relative Impacts of U.S. Bio-Fuel Policies on Fuel-Energy Markets: A Comparative Static Analysis
Authors: Kim C.S. , Schaible Glenn , Daberkow Stan
Published: July 2016

Rapidly declining gasoline prices from their record high during the summer of 2008, while ethanol prices remained relatively high, made it difficult for many bio-fuel policy modelers to fully explain the impacts of U.S. bio-fuel policies on fuel prices. Using profit-maximization models for blenders, refiners, and distillers, we conduct a comparative static analysis to measure the relative magnitudes of the impacts of tax credits and blending mandates on fuel-energy market equilibrium prices. Our results indicate that first, the prices of all fuels including conventional gasoline, ethanol, and blended gasoline decline as the biofuel tax credit increases, but they increase as the rate of the blending mandate increases. Second, the shadow value of a blending mandate represents the marginal rate of substitution between the marginal price change associated with a blending mandate and the marginal price change associated with a bio-fuel tax credit. Therefore, bio-fuel policies can affect the prices of all fuels including conventional gasoline, ethanol, and blended gasoline. Finally, ethanol imports are affected by domestic blender's market-power effects, more than by the import duty imposed to offset the tax credit associated with the use of imported ethanol in the blending process.
The Role of Bounties and Human Behavior on Louisiana Nutria Harvests
Authors: Dedah Cheikhna , Kazmierczak Richard F. , Keithly Walter R.
Published: July 2016

In response to nutria-linked degradation of much of its coastal wetlands, Louisiana established the Coastwide Nutria Control Program (CNCP) in January 2002. CNCP instituted, among other things, an "economic incentive payment” of $4.00 per delivered nutria tail from registered participants in the program. To examine whether this bounty has had an impact on nutria harvest and whether alternative bounty levels can, in general, generate additional harvesting activities, we developed a bioeconomic supply model that relates Louisiana's annual nutria harvests to a suite of economic and environmental factors. Results suggested that the annual nutria harvest is responsive to both the price received per animal and costs. Results also suggested that the nutria harvest has increased as a result of the bounty, but that the initial bounty of $4.00 per tail may be insufficient to achieve the state's goal of harvesting 400,000 animals per year but that a bounty equal to $5.00 per tail would likely achieve the stated goal.
A Multi-Period Analysis of Two Common Livestock Management Strategies Given Fluctuating Precipitation and Variable Prices
Authors: Ritten John P. , Frasier W. Marshall , Bastian Christopher T. , Paisley Steven I. , Smith Michael A. , Mooney Siân
Published: July 2016

Many areas of the US recently endured a severe drought and management strategies to cope with the lack of forage production varied. A multi-period mathematical model is presented that estimates the outcomes of two common producer responses to changes in precipitation, partial liquidation and purchasing hay, given fluctuating cattle prices over a long term planning horizon. Results were further summarized with regression analysis and selected elasticities were calculated to reflect the sensitivity of outcomes to variability in precipitation and livestock prices. Although little impact was seen from utilizing additional hay as a strategy during drought, producers who follow this strategy are in a position to market more animals immediately post drought in general, resulting in better long run financial outcomes. Elasticity estimates suggest that profitability is more sensitive to variability in prices but that optimal choices of management strategies are more sensitive to variability in precipitation.
Factors Influencing Farmer Adoption of Portable Computers for Site-Specific Management: A Case Study for Cotton Production
Authors: Walton Jonathan C. , Larson James A. , Roberts Roland K. , Lambert Dayton M. , English Burton C. , Larkin Sherry L. , Marra Michele C. , Martin Steven W. , Paxton Kenneth W. , Reeves Jeanne M.
Published: July 2016

Personal digital assistants (PDA) and handheld global positioning systems (GPS) have become increasingly important in cotton production but little is known about their use. This research analyzed the adoption of PDA/handheld GPS devices in cotton production. A younger farmer who used a computer in farm management and had a positive perception of Extension had a greater likelihood of adopting the devices. In addition, farmers who used complementary remote sensing, plant mapping, and grid soil sampling information were more likely to use PDA/handheld GPS devices. Finally, the COTMAN in-field decision support program from Extension also positively impacted adoption.
Limited Access to Conservation: Limited-Resource Farmer Participation in the Conservation Security Program in the Southeast
Authors: Bergtold Jason S. , Molnar Joseph J.
Published: July 2016

The paper examines the joint adoption of conservation tillage, crop rotations, and soil testing by small and limited-resource farmers in the Southeast. The objectives are to determine the potential eligibility of small farmers for the Conservation Security Program, examine socioeconomic factors affecting adoption, and assess the interdependence between adopting different conservation practices. Results indicate that conservation management, ethnicity, and farm characteristics affect practice adoption. Of the producers surveyed in the study, 7% meet Conservation Security Program eligibility requirements, while the other 93% have less than a 20% likelihood of adopting the needed practices to qualify.
Assessing the Technical and Allocative Efficiency of U.S. Organic Producers
Authors: Park Timothy A. , Lohr Luanne
Published: July 2016

We develop measures of technical and allocative efficiency of producers in marketing certified organic products. A stochastic output distance frontier and the associated revenue share equations are estimated using comprehensive U.S. data on certified organic producers. Farm-level measures of technical efficiency are calculated and factors that enhance performance are identified. Factors that systematically influence allocative efficiency are assessed. The revenue mix of organic producers is systematically inefficient as both male and female producers rely too heavily on revenue from organic markets relative to conventional outlets.
Verifying Credence Attributes in Livestock Production
Authors: Olynk Nicole J. , Tonsor Glynn T. , Wolf Christopher A.
Published: July 2016

Livestock producers can respond to increasing consumer demand for certain production process attributes by providing verifiable information on the practices used. Consumer willingness to pay data were used to inform producer decision-making regarding selection of verification entities for four key production process attributes in the production of pork chops and milk. The potential for informing farm-level decision-making with information about consumer demand for product and production process attributes exists beyond the two products assessed as example cases in this analysis.
Discussion: The Economics of Animal Welfare
Authors: Hudson Darren
Published: July 2016

This discussion highlights some of the strengths and weaknesses of the literature on animal welfare. Most pointedly, the literature on the economics of animal welfare is quite scant. As exemplified by these papers, however, there is a growing body of literature, especially those related to added costs of production and consumer demand for animal welfare attributes.
Recent Macroeconomic Dynamics and Agriculture in Historical Perspective
Authors: Orden David
Published: July 2016

This article explores the similarities, differences, and implications from the 1970s-1980s experience for the macroeconomic dynamic that may arise from the 2008 price spike and subsequent recession. Role of monetary policy (deviations from Taylor rule) is assessed. This is an argument that has not been too prominent in public discourse about causes of the financial crisis or the policies undertaken to restore stability to financial markets and avoid an even deeper downturn than occurred. The “misery index” is compared across the past and recent macroeconomic events. Effects on agriculture of exchange rates are reviewed, effects dependent on currency values and interest rates that can change quickly and in unexpected ways.
The U.S. Animal Identification Experience
Authors: Anderson David P.
Published: July 2016

Animal identification has been one of the most contentious issues for the last decade in the livestock industry. More specifically, at issue is the idea of a government-sponsored identification system, although it is unclear that an identification system forced on the industry by the market would be any more popular. Rancor over the issue has set livestock groups at odds over the merits of establishing such a framework; it has highlighted differences between species, within species, and by size and scale of agriculture. Given its politically sensitive nature, many groups without a tie to agriculture have been drawn in to lobby on the issue. This article examines the U.S. experience with the development of an animal identification system.
Discussion: Animal Identification Systems in North America: Achievements and Future Challenges
Authors: Knutson Ronald D.
Published: July 2016

Although Canada has developed an effective animal identification system, and the provinces are progressing toward a system that has full traceback capabilities, the U.S. and Mexico have made little or no progress. Contemporary U.S. proposals for state initiatives will not work. In the meantime, the U.S. livestock industry will continue to lose markets for its products and has little to no basis for complaining about lost sales and the lack of open markets. Also indentified are relevant economic and political principles that both underlie animal identification systems and the failure to make positive steps forward toward establishing a North American animal identification system.
Dynamic Effects of Grain and Energy Prices on the Catfish Feed and Farm Sectors
Authors: Muhammad Andrew , Zheng Hualu
Published: July 2016

This study examines the dynamic effects of grain prices and energy prices on catfish feed prices and the price of food-sized catfish at the farm level. Using the autoregressive distributed lag model and bounds testing procedure, a long-run relationship between feed and farm prices and their determinants was confirmed. Given the effect of corn and soybean meal prices on catfish feed prices, and catfish fish feed prices on farm prices, the long-run responsiveness of feed prices to a percentage increase in U.S. ethanol production is 0.325, and the responsiveness of catfish farm prices is 0.064. Although both feed and farm prices increase with ethanol production, the relatively small responsiveness of farm prices when compared with feed prices suggests that catfish farmers are worse off. Results are conditional on ethanol production causing an increase in grain prices.
Are Consumers Willing to Pay More for Biodegradable Containers Than for Plastic Ones? Evidence from Hypothetical Conjoint Analysis and Nonhypothetical Experimental Auctions
Authors: Yue Chengyan , Hall Charles R. , Behe Bridget K. , Campbell Benjamin L. , Dennis Jennifer H. , Lopez Roberto G.
Published: July 2016

This study used and compared hypothetical conjoint analysis and nonhypothetical experimental auctions to elicit floral customers' willingness to pay for biodegradable plant containers. The results of the study show that participants were willing to pay a price premium for biodegradable containers, but the premium is not the same for different types of containers. This article also shows the mixed ordered probit model generates more accurate results when analyzing the conjoint analysis Internet survey data than the ordered probit model.
Location Choice Behavior of Gulf of Mexico Shrimpers under Dynamic Economic Conditions
Authors: Ran Tao , Keithly Walter R. , Kazmierczak Richard F.
Published: July 2016

This study uses a mixed logit model to analyze monetary and nonmonetary factors that influence location choice behavior of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico shrimpers. Shrimpers' responses to economic conditions are compared and contrasted for two periods related to changing economic conditions in the industry. Results show that even though shrimpers are generally revenue driven in choosing a fishing site, their past experience also plays an important role. Further, changes in economic conditions appear to exhibit an influence on the risk attitudes of some shrimpers.