bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agricultural Organization in an Era of Traceability
Authors: Sykuta Michael
Published: July 2016

From production to retail, information systems have become increasingly important in the agrifood system. Retailers use information systems to improve inventory management and increase efficiency in production and logistics. Innovations in agribiotechnology and food safety issues highlighted by incidences related to Starlink corn and “mad cow disease” have raised consumer concerns about their food products. In addition to food safety concerns, consumers are increasingly willing to pay premiums for nonobservable quality characteristics in their food products. This paper outlines a framework for evaluating the implications of traceability for the organization of the agricultural system and highlights potential organizational responses to traceability issues.
Coastal Erosion Management from a Community Economics Perspective: The Feasibility and Efficiency of User Fees
Authors: Kriesel Warren , Landry Craig E. , Keeler Andrew
Published: July 2016

Coastal communities cannot depend on funding from the state or federal government to maintain high-quality beaches that benefit the public and attract tourist revenues. This article investigates the feasibility and efficiency of beach improvement projects at two Georgia barrier islands through the alternative funding mechanisms of general-revenue financing and user fees. Benefits are calculated from an intensive, on-site survey of beach visitors, and the costs are calculated from observable sources. The analyses presented support beach improvement as an effective policy on both islands under all scenarios considered.
Opening a Public Recreation Area to Revitalize Coastal Communities and Preserve Natural Resources in Louisiana: The Case of Elmer's Island
Authors: Paudel Krishna P. , Caffey Rex H. , Devkota Nirmala , Hall Larry M.
Published: July 2016

The income capitalization approach is used, based on expenditure and nonmarket values collected from travel-cost and contingent valuation methodologies, to measure the feasibility of running a self-sustaining recreational site in coastal Louisiana. Through Internet and intercept surveys, a total of 2,696 respondents, 88% of them anglers, provided information on economic expenditures, destination preferences, and preferences for specific site amenities regarding Elmer's Island. The purchase and subsequent opening of the area to the public were found to be self-sustaining even when considering conservative economic estimates.
Phosphorus-Based Applications of Livestock Manure and the Law of Unintended Consequences
Authors: Norwood F. Bailey , Chvosta Jan
Published: July 2016

The application of manure phosphorus at rates above crop uptake has resulted in water pollution for some regions. In response, new manure management standards will require some farms to match manure phosphorus application rates with crop uptake. For some regions, this will lead to more crop acres and a shift toward crops with greater nutrient uptake, both of which will increase nitrogen runoff. The greater nitrogen runoff could offset the lower phosphorus runoff to result in greater water pollution. This demonstrates the law of unintended consequences, which results when policy does not consider how economic agents respond to incentives.
Profitability and Resource Allocation Among Cotton and Peanuts When Considering Planting and Harvest Timeliness
Authors: Meeks Timothy A. , Flanders Archie , Shurley W. Don , White Fred C. , Gunter Lewell F.
Published: July 2016

Harvest timeliness is a continual problem in the rotation of cotton and peanuts. Efficient allocation of land and labor resources during production of cotton and peanuts requires decisions be made on allocating resources throughout the growing season. Of particular concern is efficient allocation during planting and harvesting. Through economic analysis and linear programming optimization, planting and harvesting timeliness issues are addressed and compared with prevailing practices. Results for a representative farm indicate that cotton planting should increase during the early period of the planting season as compared with current practice, and most cotton should be harvested before peanut harvest begins.
Does Vertical Integration Effect Market Power? Evidence from U.S. Food Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Bhuyan Sanjib
Published: July 2016

The issue of whether vertical integration can raise market power is hotly debated because firms have a market power-related incentive to integrate vertically. Using a sample of U.S. food manufacturing industries, this “market power” motive is empirically tested in this study. Empirical analysis shows that forward vertical ownership integration (or vertical mergers) did not increase food manufacturers' market power in the final product market. The study, however, shows that both market structure and conduct significantly influenced market power in the food industries.
Implicit Price Estimation of Rice Quality Attributes for Asian Americans
Authors: Goodwin H. L. , Holcomb Rodney B. , Rister M. Edward
Published: July 2016

Product placement survey data for 192 Asian-American households in Houston were used to analyze the value of rice quality attributes via the Consumer Goods Characteristics Model (CGCM). Five rice varieties were used for this study: domestic Lemont, Jasmine 85, Toro II, and two different Thai import varieties. For each variety, marginal implicit prices were calculated at the means for seven characteristics: color, texture, aroma, stickiness, flavor, aftertaste, and moisture.
Satisfaction Evaluation of Milk Handlers by Southern U.S. Dairy Farmers
Authors: Sayers Dave M. , Kilmer Richard L. , Lee Jonq-Ying , Flambert Anouk M.
Published: July 2016

An ordered probit model is used to investigate the factors that determine post-choice satisfaction of southeastern U.S. dairy farmers with their milk handlers. The impact on farmer satisfaction of milk handler attributes, farm/farmer characteristics, and farm location is tested. Results support the hypothesis that mailbox price and the quality of service provided by milk handlers have a positive effect on satisfaction levels. Bargaining-operating cooperatives are negatively associated with farmer satisfaction when contrasted against independently owned milk handlers and bargaining-only cooperatives. Choice and the ability to switch milk handlers are also important determinants of farmer satisfaction.
An Evaluation of Selected Decision Models: A Case of Crop Choice in Northern Thailand
Authors: Vieth Gary R. , Suppapanya Pramote
Published: July 2016

This research examines the predictability of a profit maximization model, an expected value-variance utility maximization (E-V) model, and two versions of the target-MOTAD model for modeling risky agricultural production decisions. Model solutions were translated into expected value and variance of farm income for analysis. Direct comparison and chi-square analysis of actual and predicted expected income distributions were used in the analyses. It was concluded that the utility maximization and cash-cost target-MOTAD models predicted distributions of farm income better than the variable-cost target-MOTAD and profit maximization models.
Evaluating the Impacts of Agricultural Exports on a Regional Economy
Authors: Bairak Roman I. , Hughes David W.
Published: July 2016

Agricultural exports are important to many regional economies, as is the case for agricultural exports either produced in or shipped through Louisiana. A hybrid (revised and verified) IMPLAN model of the Louisiana economy is used to estimate the direct and indirect impact of agricultural exports. Original model estimates of foreign exports lacked holistic (overall) accuracy. However, other, more general uses of the model were unaffected by this lack of accuracy. While the contributions of agricultural exports to the state economy were substantial, impacts were concentrated in unprocessed products. Increasing the export of processed agricultural products should enhance economic activity.
Is the New Deal Dead? Government, Economics, and the Rural South
Authors: Duffy Patricia A.
Published: July 2016

A year ago, apprehensive about writing this address, I spoke with former president Joe Broder. He advised me to pick something I cared about deeply. That advice, although well meant, left me rather stymied. I care about teaching, but Joe Broder's own presidential address had handled that topic better than I thought I could. So I floundered for a while, without gaining a focus. Then came August and the signing into law of the new welfare bill. A few months earlier, farm programs had also been vastly modified. My topic finally came together. The combination of the 1996 Farm Bill and the new welfare legislation clearly signaled major changes for the rural South, and I wondered what these changes would entail.
Why Economists Should Talk to Scientists and What They Should Ask: Discussion
Authors: Musser Wesley N.
Published: July 2016

Before I built a wall I'ld ask to know

What I was walling in or walling out,

And to whom I was like to give offense.

Something there is that doesn't like a wall,

That wants it down …

He says again,

‘Good fences make good neighbors.’

—Robert Frost, “Mending Wall”
Why Economists Should Talk to Scientists and What They Should Ask: Discussion
Authors: Ahearn Mary C.
Published: July 2016

Although interest in cross-disciplinary research is not new, expressions of the importance of collaboration are increasing. A focus on agricultural sustainability issues, which explicitly recognizes the links among agricultural production activities, the environment, and communities, is an example of this interest. Among agricultural economists, a 1996 Council on Food, Agriculture, and Resource Economics (C-FARE) survey regarding professional priorities indicated that the profession overwhelmingly (92%) believes there is a need for more cross-disciplinary collaboration. This view is common across all sciences (physical and social), and not limited to the agricultural sciences.
Demand and Competition Among Supply Sources: The Indonesian Fruit Import Market
Authors: Andayani R. M. , Tilley Daniel S.
Published: July 2016

Indonesia is a rapidly growing and competitive market for U.S. fruit. A restricted, source-differentiated, almost ideal demand system is estimated for apples, oranges, grapes, and other fruit in Indonesia. The Marshallian expenditure elasticities for U.S. fruit are estimated to be between 1.01 and 1.21. For grapes and oranges, competition with other fruits appears to be more important than competition with other supply sources. For apples, strong sourcedifferentiated substitution relationships are found.
Impact of National Generic Dairy Advertising on Dairy Markets, 1984–95
Authors: Kaiser Harry M.
Published: July 2016

The impacts of generic dairy advertising on retail, wholesale, and farm dairy markets are estimated in this study at the national level. The results indicate that generic dairy advertising had a major impact on retail, wholesale, and farm markets for the dairy industry. The main conclusion of the study is that farmers are receiving a high return on their investment in generic dairy advertising, i.e., an average rate of return of $3.40 for every dollar invested over the period 1984–95. Moreover, the return on investment in advertising was higher in the most recent year, almost double the average for the previous 11 years.
Imperfect Competition Models and Commodity Promotion Evaluation: The Case of U.S. Generic Milk Advertising
Authors: Suzuki Nobuhiro , Kaiser Harry M.
Published: July 2016

This article examines whether the assumption of perfect competition in the U.S. dairy industry biases the findings of economic impacts of generic dairy advertising. An imperfect competition model based on an approach similar to that of Appelbaum is developed and used to evaluate generic milk advertising. The results are compared with a perfect competition model. The findings indicate positive price and quantity impacts due to generic advertising. The differences in magnitude of impacts between the two models are small, suggesting that the assumption of perfect competition for U.S. dairy models is plausible.
Minimizing Farm-to-Mill Cotton Cleaning Cost
Authors: Bennett Blake K. , Misra Sukant K.
Published: July 2016

This study focuses on least-cost farm-to-mill cotton cleaning configurations employing survey, regression, and simulation techniques. The resulting least-cost cotton cleaning configurations, employing standard textile technology, included the use of one lint cleaning in the ginning stage. The use of a field cleaner in the harvesting stage was also found to be optimal with some variation based on the desired yarn quality. Results of the study indicated that the optimal cleaning configurations were distinctly different from currently used practices, such that appropriate changes could save the cotton industry between $0.30 and $0.60 per bale of cotton, depending on the desired yarn quality.
Determinants of Kansas Farmers' Participation in On-Farm Research
Authors: Goodwin B. K. , Schurle B. W. , Norman D. W. , Freyenberger S. G. , Bloomquist L. E. , Regehr D. L.
Published: July 2016

On-farm research (OFR) has increased in popularity in the U.S. in recent years due to heightened interest in sustainability issues, the likely decline in resources available for agricultural research, and increasing pressures for accountability and responsiveness to state and local needs. Information relating to OFR was obtained from 431 commercial Kansas farmers. Data were analyzed to determine the degree of OFR being implemented, and three models were estimated to identify which farmer/farm characteristics influenced its implementation. The results indicate that OFR is commonly implemented, and that several farm/farmer characteristics are related to the degree of OFR initiated. It is proposed that to maximize the return from externally initiated OFR, there would be merit in focusing attention on farms/farmers with those characteristics.
Estimating Price Variability in Agriculture: Implications for Decision Makers
Authors: Ray Daryll E. , Richardson James W. , De La Torre Ugarte Daniel G. , Tiller Kelly H.
Published: July 2016

Using a stochastic version of the POLYSYS modeling framework, an examination of projected variability in agricultural prices, supply, demand, stocks, and incomes is conducted for corn, wheat, soybeans, and cotton during the 1998–2006 period. Increased planting flexibility introduced in the 1996 farm bill results in projections of significantly higher planted acreage variability compared to recent historical levels. Variability of ending stocks and stock-to-use ratios is projected to be higher for corn and soybeans and lower for wheat and cotton compared to the 1986–96 period. Significantly higher variability is projected for corn prices, with wheat and soybean prices also being more variable. No significant change in cotton price variability is projected.
A Conjoint Analysis of New Food Products Processed from Underutilized Small Crawfish
Authors: Harrison R. Wes , Özayan Aylin , Meyers Samuel P.
Published: July 2016

Attributes for two value-added seafood products derived from underutilized crawfish are analyzed using conjoint data from seafood restaurants in the southern region of the United States. Preferences for the products' form, price, and flavor attributes were tested. Statistical tests revealed that the attribute interactions were not significant, and part-worth utilities for all main effects were estimated using an additive preference model. Results indicate that the new crawfish products should be marketed as a high-quality fresh soup base or seafood stuffing, priced between 30% and 50% of the cost of fresh crawfish tail meat.
A Sectoral Analysis of Agricultural Trade Liberalization
Authors: Kennedy P. Lynn , Atici Cemal
Published: July 2016

Complete agricultural trade liberalization between the United States and the European Union is examined with respect to the agricultural sector. A static, partial equilibrium model, distinguishing among the European Union, the United States, and a politically passive rest of the world, is used to simulate agricultural free trade. The results of this research reveal how European Union and United States adoption of free trade affects domestic and world prices, production, consumption, self-sufficiency, and welfare.
Performance of Alternative Component Pricing Systems for Pork
Authors: Brorsen B. Wade , Akridge Jay T. , Boland Michael A. , Mauney Sean , Forrest John C.
Published: July 2016

One method of implementing value-based marketing is a component pricing system. This research develops and evaluates alternative component pricing systems for pork. Two electronic technologies for estimating carcass components (optical probe and electromagnetic scanner) were evaluated on two sets of data representing different populations. Model accuracy increased as additional components were added.
Risk Management Potential of Precision Farming Technologies
Authors: Lowenberg-DeBoer J.
Published: July 2016

Initial ideas on risk management uses of precision agricultural technology focused on site-specific treatment of problem areas to reduce the probability of low yields and returns. Recent discussions deal with sensor and remote-sensing information to improve marketing and “as applied maps” as trace-back mechanisms to manage liability. A theoretical model is presented that suggests that there are plausible circumstances under which precision farming can reduce temporal yield variability. Empirical evidence from an on-farm trial of site-specific P&K management in the Eastern Cornbelt supports the hypothesis that precision farming can have risk-reducing benefits.
PRRS and the North American Swine Trade: A Trade Barrier Analysis
Authors: Petry Mark , Paarlberg Philip L. , Lee John G.
Published: July 2016

The partial equilibrium model links the infection risk from imported products to a premium, which compensates the importing country for the risk incurred by allowing imports from infected countries. The model is applied to the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Mexican live swine imports. The premium is sensitive to the expected loss from a PRRS outbreak and to the magnitude of the risk. As the risk or severity of PRRS rises, so does the level of the barrier. If swine imports are categorized and appropriate restrictions applied, an acceptable level of disease protection can be achieved while improving national welfare.
Impacts of Increased Climate Variability on the Profitability of Midwest Agriculture
Authors: Dixon Bruce L. , Segerson Kathleen
Published: July 2016

Approximate profit functions are estimated using time-series, cross-sectional, county level data for 12 midwest states. Measures of climate variability are included in the profit functions. Simulated impacts of climate changes on profits are derived. Results show that inclusion of measures of climate variation are important for measuring the impact of changes in mean temperature and precipitation levels. Failure to account for the impact of differences in variability leads to an overestimate of damages. If global warming increases diurnal variation, such increases would have negative impacts on the profitability of midwest agriculture.
An Economic Analysis Of The Effectiveness of Thoroughbred Breeder/Owner Incentive Policies
Authors: Neibergs J. Shannon , Thalheimer Richard
Published: July 2016

Thoroughbred incentive programs are subsidy policies funded from state parimutuel tax revenue designed to promote regional race horse breeding and ownership. At issue is an ongoing debate concerning the effectiveness of alternative policies. Empirical results indicate that incentive programs have a positive economic effect, but gains to Thoroughbred breeders can be obtained by reallocating tax revenue to non-restricted purses. A policy allocating tax revenue to non-restricted purses shifts yearling demand and increases prices, while breeder subsidies shift only the supply function and therefore lower prices. Consequently, breeder revenues increase in response to a policy that favors non-restricted purses over subsidies.
Tax Incentives: An Effective Development Strategy for Rural Communities?
Authors: Rainey Daniel V. , McNamara Kevin T.
Published: July 2016

As national and local economies become more globalized, many rural areas are going to find it more difficult to compete for private capital investments. A traditional tool, modifications to tax policy, of state and local governments will not be as effective (for many communities it has never been effective) in the future. These communities will need to seek other avenues of growth. However, for many rural communities even alternative avenues will not lead to enhanced economic opportunity.
Civic Community Approaches to Rural Development in the South: Economic Growth with Prosperity
Authors: Robinson Kenneth L. , Lyson Thomas A. , Christy Ralph D.
Published: July 2016

The free market-based policies of the corporate community model have skewed economic development across the South. For many small, rural communities, the consequences of global capitalism have resulted in declining real wages, high underemployment, and increasing rates of income inequality. Backed by recent scholarship and grassroots movements that suggest that both civic engagement and the presence of smaller-scale, locally controlled enterprises can help determine whether communities prosper or decline, this paper explores the links between social structure and rural development in the South. The goal is to expand our understanding of civic community theory as an alternative to the neoclassical economic model of development. Using a local problem-solving framework, we suggest that a departure from the traditional, neoclassical path of development is in order. We conclude that rural policy makers must establish a role for civic community in the rural development process if they wish to protect the welfare of workers and communities, while increasing the prospects of economic growth with prosperity.
Market Inversion in Commodity Futures Prices
Authors: Yoon Byung-Sam , Brorsen B. Wade
Published: July 2016

In an inverted market, current prices are higher than future prices and thus the price of storage is negative. Market inversions as measured with futures spreads rarely occur during early months of the crop year. However, market inversions frequently occur across crop years and near the end of the crop year. In the last half of the crop year, market inversions clearly reflect a signal to sell stocks. Too few inversions occur early in the crop year to reach a definitive conclusion for that period. Behavioral finance offers possible explanations of why producers would hold stocks in an inverted market.
Japanese Import Demand for U.S. Beef and Pork: Effects on U.S. Red Meat Exports and Livestock Prices
Authors: Miljkovic Dragan , Marsh John M. , Brester Gary W.
Published: July 2016

Japanese import demand for U.S. beef and pork products and the effects on domestic livestock prices are econometrically estimated. Japan is the most important export market for U.S. beef and pork products. Results indicate foreign income, exchange rates, and protectionist measures are statistically significant. The comparative statics quantify the effects of recent economic volatility. For example, the 1995-1998 depreciation in the Japanese yen (39%) reduced U.S. slaughter steer and hog prices by $1.29 per cwt and $0.99 per cwt, respectively, while the 1994-1998 reduction in tariffs (14%) increased slaughter steer and hog prices by $0.49 per cwt and $0.33 per cwt, respectively. Livestock producers will continue to have a vested interest in Asian trade liberalization policies.
Effects of Quality Considerations and Climate/Weather Information on the Management and Profitability of Cotton Production in the Texas High Plains
Authors: Britt Megan L. , Ramirez Octavio A. , Carpio Carlos E.
Published: July 2016

Production function models for cotton lint yields, seed yields, turnout, and lint quality characteristics are developed for the Texas High Plains. They are used to evaluate the impacts of quality considerations and of climate/weather information on the management decisions and on the profitability and risk of irrigated cotton production systems. It is concluded that both quality considerations and improved climatic/weather information could have substantial effects on expected profitability and risk. These effects mainly occur because of changes in optimal variety selection and irrigation water use levels. Quality considerations in particular result in significantly lower irrigation water use levels regardless of the climate/weather information assumption, which has important scarce-resource use implications for the Texas High Plains.
Challenges and Opportunities Provided by Seasonal Climate Forecasts: A Literature Review
Authors: Hill Harvey S.J. , Mjelde James W.
Published: July 2016

Use of seasonal climate forecasts is a rapidly evolving area. Effective research and application of climate forecasts require close cooperation between scientists in diverse disciplines and decision makers. Successful collaboration requires all players to at least partially understand each other's perspectives. Issues associated with seasonal forecasts, through a selected review of both physical and social sciences literature, is presented. Our hope is that the review will improve research in this area by stimulating further collaborations.
Regional Adjustment Costs: A Failure of National Analysis
Authors: Dicks Michael R.
Published: July 2016

The use of national aggregate measures for the purpose of analyzing the impacts of agricultural policies often hides the impact of national policies on the distribution of benefits and costs between and within regions, size, and types of businesses. While economists can use national aggregate measures to indicate changes in overall efficiency due to policies, the tradeoff between efficiency and equity should be measured and the results provided to policymakers. These tradeoffs were not presented during the 1995–96 Farm Bill debate.
Did the 1995 Farm Bill Address the Critical Issues? Discussion
Authors: Salathe Larry
Published: July 2016

In 1995, for the first time since the 1930s, the United States failed to pass new farm program legislation. The inability to pass farm legislation occurred despite bipartisan agreement that farm programs should continue the trend over the past decade of less government intervention. This paper discusses the sequence of events, the role of agricultural economists, the major issues, and the lessons learned from the 1995 Farm Bill debate. The trend toward declining government intervention in agriculture will require that the profession look increasingly to the private sector for solutions to the problems facing agriculture in the twenty-first century.
Agricultural Policy Analysis: Discussion
Authors: Schertz Lyle P.
Published: July 2016

Agricultural economists are appropriately concerned about their profession's contributions to policy decisions. An examination of alternative approaches to transforming policy analyses is in order. There are opportunities to (a) focus on income and wealth distribution, (b) give attention to the public as a primary client, (c) avoid advocacy, and (d) adjust institutions in ways that encourage participation in policy analyses including the development of data systems.
Federal Environmental Policy: A Summary Overview
Authors: Carriker Roy R.
Published: July 2016

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which was signed into law on January 1,1970, has come to be regarded as the first major piece of federal legislation to call for comprehensive attention to environmental concerns in the United States. During the two decades following enactment of NEPA, Congress adopted and then refined major legislation on nearly every aspect of environmental quality concerns: air pollution, water pollution, drinking water quality, hazardous waste management, wildlife protection, pesticide use, and several related problem areas. Current arguments for environmental regulatory reform are a phase in the continuing evolution of this body of federal environmental policy.
Environmental Policy Reform: A Taxonomy of Economists' Perspectives
Authors: Shabman Leonard , Stephenson Kurt
Published: July 2016

As the environmental policy recommendations of economists become more acceptable, differences in the professional understanding of, and support for, different policy forms are becoming more apparent. These different approaches to environmental policy and research are described around a taxonomy of four perspectives: “rational analysts,” “cost analysts,” “market managers,” and “free market environmentalists.” These perspectives are compared and contrasted. Recognition of these differences can result in a better appreciation of the different research agendas of economists and can improve clarity in teaching and policy advising.
Morale and Faculty Development in Agricultural Economics
Authors: Purcell Wayne D.
Published: July 2016

Morale and faculty development are closely related. The agricultural economics profession must decide what it is about. There is room to practice the principle of comparative advantage and allow a degree of specialization in teaching, extension, and research. To continue in the role of an applied discipline, there must also be an opportunity for the young professional to establish rapport with, and understanding of, the private sector and the policy-making arena. If that is to happen, there must be encouragement in the institutional setting and by faculty colleagues who respect the importance of investment in building rapport and in establishing credibility. If that environment is present, morale should be good and faculty development will occur.
Quality of Professional Life: Faculty Compensation and Appointments
Authors: Trapp James N.
Published: July 2016

The average real salary of agricultural economists has risen approximately 20 percent over the last two decades. Currently agricultural economists' salaries are approximately 6 percent above the average college of agricultural salary and 1 percent above the average of all university faculty. Over the last two decades agricultural economists' salaries have remained among the highest in the college of agriculture and their numbers have risen as a percentage of total agricultural faculty. Conversely our profession, and the college of agriculture in general, has experienced declines in salary levels and faculty numbers relative to average university salaries and total faculty numbers.
The Future of Land Grant Universities
Authors: Schuh G. Edward
Published: July 2016

The United States has for long had the world's premier system of higher education. No other country has anything that comes close to our major research universities (whether they be private or public), and that includes our international competitors, Germany and Japan. Our society expects a lot of our universities, and much more than other countries expect of theirs. For example, we were the only country in the world that turned to our universities (and especially to our land grants) to deliver an important part of our foreign policy in the form of economic and technical assistance to the developing countries.
Structural Change in Higher Education: Implications for Agricultural Economics Academic Programs
Authors: Connor Larry J.
Published: July 2016

Major changes affecting Agricultural Economics include: level and sources of funding, increased accountability, a renewed emphasis on teaching, increasing university and college linkages, an evolving student base, and the continuing adoption of educational technology. Major implications include: broader faculty teaching involvement, agribusiness program development, expanding multidisciplinary majors, Ph.D. program modifications for teacher preparation, expanding professional M.S. degrees, graduate program size and specialization reductions, alternative financing of graduate education, and faculty training in teaching methods. Teaching represents a major growth opportunity for Agricultural Economics, but it remains to be seen whether the discipline takes advantage of this opportunity.
Impacts of Chapter 12 and Lender Liability Suits on Bankers' Propensity to Lend in Western Arkansas
Authors: Dixon Bruce L. , Raub Kristin M. , Flaccus Janet A.
Published: July 2016

The recent availability of Chapter 12 bankruptcy and the more frequent use of lender liability suits by borrowers are factors that may be adversely affecting the supply of agricultural loans. An experiment using hypothetical loan applications was undertaken involving 34 banks in western Arkansas. Responses were used to estimate the impacts of these legal procedures on banks' lending behavior. The estimated models indicate Chapter 12 is not a significant factor in the loan approval process. Lender liability has marginal significance in lowering the probability of granting an intermediate term loan.
Modeling Perennial Crop Supply: An Illustration from the Pecan Industry
Authors: Elnagheeb Abdelmoneim H. , Florkowski Wojciech J.
Published: July 2016

Two methodological approaches were applied to estimating the number of non-bearing trees in the absence of such data using data for the Southern USA pecan industry. The first approach distinguished between bearing and non-bearing phases of a tree life and directly estimated the number of non-bearing trees. The second focused on indirect estimating of the non-bearing tree number from changes in production. This approach relaxed the assumption of maintaining maximum yields for infinite period as used in earlier studies. Empirical applications used two data sets from the pecan industry. The comparison of empirical results suggested that the first method was more accurate than the alternative approach in predicting the number of newly planted trees over an extended period of time. Additional data collection will allow for further application of available methodology to the pecan industry.
Consumer's Specie Knowledge and the Values of Natural Christmas Tree Characteristics
Authors: Davis George C.
Published: July 2016

Consumers' willingness to pay for natural Christmas tree characteristics are estimated. Differences in willingness to pay for characteristics by specie knowledge and lack of specie knowledge are tested. Differences in willingness to pay for characteristics by specie are also tested. The results suggests that willingness to pay measures differ by these separations of the sample and, ceteris paribus, sellers of natural Christmas trees could benefit by altering characteristics in accordance with the results of these sample separation tests.
A Portfolio Approach to Landscape Plant Production and Marketing
Authors: Purcell David L. , Turner Steven C. , Houston Jack , Hall Charles
Published: July 2016

The ornamental horticultural industry continues to be one of the most rapidly expanding sectors in agriculture. This study examined a decision model for landscape plant production based on portfolio analysis. A quadratic programming model was developed to generate an optimal crop portfolio for a selected southeastern nursery. Empirical results indicate opportunities exist for modest diversification to offset income variability in landscape plant production and marketing.
Labor Market Incentives to Stay in School
Authors: Stallmann Judith I. , Johnson Thomas G. , Mwachofi Ari , Flora Jan L.
Published: July 2016

Human capital theory suggests that job opportunities will create incentives for human capital investment. If job information does not flow freely, or if they prefer not to move, students will make investment decisions based upon local job markets. Communities with a high percentage of low-skill jobs which do not reward high school and higher education do not create incentives for students to finish high school or continue beyond high school. Data from Virginia support this hypothesis. Targeted job creation, and improved labor market information may create incentives for increased human capital investment in many rural communities.
Economic and Fiscal Impacts of a Retirement/Recreation Community: A Study of Tellico Village, Tennessee
Authors: Siegel Paul B. , Leuthold Frank O.
Published: July 2016

Retirement/recreation communities (RRCs) have been promoted as a way for some rural regions to develop their economies. RRCs can have substantial economic impacts (changes in employment and income) and fiscal impacts (changes in local government revenues and costs) on rural communities. Because the magnitude and direction of these impacts are site-specific, assessments of RRCs as a rural development strategy should consider both the economic and fiscal impacts for a given region. This paper presents a case study of the economic and fiscal impacts of Tellico Village on Loudon County, Tennessee.
Research in Agricultural Economics -- Is Anyone Listening? Discussion
Authors: Richardson James W.
Published: July 2016

The common thread running through these three papers is the quest for relevance in agricultural economics. Zilberman (DZ) is looking for acceptance and relevance in interdisciplinary research, Robison and Colyer (R&C) are looking for relevance in the professional journals, and Skees (JS) tells us how we can do relevant economic research for the policy process. I will discuss each paper in turn and then try to draw a relevant conclusion.
Refections on Relevance of Agricultural Economics Research: Discussion
Authors: Wetzstein Michael E.
Published: July 2016

Robinson and Colyer, Skees, and Zilberman offer a number of propositions for improving economists' impact on public policy. Unanswered is what the potential impact on policy would be if these propositions are fulfilled. Couching these propositions in economic theory provides some clues for answering this question. Thus, the main point of this discussion is outlining the role that theory can play in developing hypotheses on the potential impact of these alternative propositions.
Societal Constraints on Agriculture: Discussion
Authors: Kuch Peter J.
Published: July 2016

The three papers presented here made interesting reading, provided much food for thought, and gave evidence of a great deal of effort.

The moderator asked us to pay special attention to how well each paper addresses “the struggle between environmental regulation and the policy of maintaining cheap food”. I will attempt to deal with this and to give my reaction to other related issues that come to mind.
Trade Agreements, Competition and the Environment: Gridlock at the Crossroads: Discussion
Authors: Pompelli Greg
Published: July 2016

The southern perspective provided in the Seale and Fairchild paper makes this paper especially interesting as an overview of concerns related to the use of trade policies to advance environmental objectives on a global scale. With the exception of their “World Environmental Bank” idea, it is easy for me to agree with most of their points and their underlying premise that the development of trade policies based on environmental priorities represents an effort to link the inaccurate with the unstable.
Measuring Use Value from Recreation Participation: Reply
Authors: Whitehead John C.
Published: July 2016

In Whitehead (1992), I proposed a one-step method of estimating recreational use values. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify several points made in the original paper and correct some mathematical errors. The criticisms raise three major issues that should be addressed: the theoretical construct of use value, diminishing marginal utility, and empirical specification. Before I address the criticisms I would like to emphasize that the one-step, recreation-participation method is not viewed as superior to the two-step, travel-cost method or any of its extensions. The method is a means of obtaining order of magnitude use-value estimates if the travel-cost method can not be implemented. To re-state one of the conclusions: “The one-step method is a useful, low-cost substitute for two-step travel cost models when research budgets are limited (Whitehead, 1992 p. 118).” This notion was underemphasized in the original paper.
Industrialization and Sustainable Development, Are We Ready? Discussion
Authors: Weatherspoon Dave D.
Published: July 2016

The authors in this session are to be commemorated on their attempt to integrate the bodies of knowledge of agricultural industrialization and sustainable development. Drs. Davis and Langham's broad based paper explores the domestic vrs. international markets, small vrs. large farmers, North vrs. South theory, and finishes with the unique issues of developing countries. Dr. Drabenstott's paper is primarily concerned with domestic industrialization. This paper is full of examples of how industrialization has taken place and explores the possibilities of the future. Drabenstott does not attempt to answer or to discuss the issue of sustainability. Instead he focuses on the new consumer demands being placed on firms for quick services and quality products.
Applications of Social Capital Theory
Authors: Allan Schmid A. , Robison Lindon J.
Published: July 2016

Experiments and studies were conducted to investigate the role of social capital. Social capital (relationship to others) is a productive asset which is a substitute for and complement to other productive assets. The productivity of social capital leads to the expectation that firms and individuals invest in relationships. Data were collected to answer the following questions: Does the identity (relationship) of trading partners affect selling and buying prices; the acceptance of catastrophic risk; the choice of share or cash leases in agriculture; loan approval; and banks investment to retain customers? The evidence is in the afffirmative.
Technological Advances in Agricultural Economics Curricula
Authors: Schurle Bryan , Comer Dorothy A.
Published: July 2016

The potential use of computers and electronic technology have created considerable interest among educators in agricultural economics. This paper provides an overview of the use of electronic technology within agricultural economics curricula; examines areas in which technological development offers promise and examines issues associated with adoption of the technology.
Distance Education Via Television: Some Reflections After Four Years
Authors: Kendrick Jim
Published: July 2016

Four years of televising a university course for delivery to an audience of agricultural producers provides some reflections on the feasibility of combining traditional classroom instruction with in-depth extension educational programs. There are a sizable number of active agricultural producers who are eager to study academic topics in greater depth than could be obtained in traditional workshops or seminars. It seems possible to overcome many obstacles that earlier suggested distance education via television was not feasible from an administrative, budgetary or client acceptance point of view. The results seem worth the effort, with the providing institution benefiting from increased national recognition.
Effect of Proposed Grain Standards on Marketing Costs of the U.S. Sorghum Sector: An Interregional Transshipment-Plant Location Model
Authors: Ziari Houshmand A. , Fuller Stephen , Grant Warren , Sutaria Vinod
Published: July 2016

Recent legislative initiatives call for studies to evaluate costs associated with cleaning U.S. grains to meet more stringent standards. This paper reports on a study which developed a mixed-integer programming model of the U.S. sorghum sector to (1) determine the least-cost geographic location for new cleaning investment at the country, terminal and port elevator stages of the marketing system and (2) measure additional system marketing costs associated with implementing the proposed standards. Results show the least-cost cleaning location to be at country and terminal elevators in excess supply regions. Implementing the proposed standard would increase system costs about 2 percent.
Non-Parametric and Semi-Parametric Techniques for Modeling and Simulating Correlated, Non-Normal Price and Yield Distributions: Applications to Risk Analysis in Kansas Agriculture
Authors: Featherstone Allen M. , Kastens Terry L.
Published: July 2016

Parametric, non-parametric, and semi-parametric approaches are commonly used for modeling correlated distributions. Semi-parametric and non-parametric approaches are used to examine the risk situation for Kansas agriculture. Results from the model indicate that 2000 will be another difficult year for Kansas farmers, although crop income will increase slightly from 1999. However, unless another supplemental infusion of government payments occurs, crop income is expected to be the lowest since 1992.
What Can Social Scientists Contribute to the Challenges of Rural Economic Development?
Authors: Freshwater David
Published: July 2016

While this session focuses on the persistence of poverty in the rural South, my paper looks beyond how the research community can be effective in dealing with poverty to how we might better approach rural development. Persistent poverty is clearly a major element of the development dilemma, but the solution to poverty cannot come through transfer programs that support the poor, although they may play a role. It can only come from a broad development initiative that changes the environment in which the rural poor live and provides them with the opportunity to participate in the economy. This is a large task, and it is not one that we should believe will be easily or rapidly accomplished. But despite the odds we have an obligation to society to identify a role for social science research in the process and to carry out that role to the best of our ability.
Panel Stratification in Meta-Analysis of Economic Studies: An Investigation of Its Effects in the Recreation Valuation Literature
Authors: Rosenberger Randall S. , Loomis John B.
Published: July 2016

Statistical summarizations of literature review databases using meta-regression analysis provide insight into the differences in past estimates of economic variables such as benefits and price elasticities. The panel nature of the data is an issue that has not received adequate attention in past meta-analyses. This paper conceptually and empirically explores the complexity of stratifying data into panels that model the potential correlation and heterogeneity of past outdoor recreation benefit research. Although our tests of three stratifications of the data did not discern panel effects, the inherent complexity of the data maintains a strong presumption of heterogeneous strata.
Price Transmission, Threshold Behavior, and Asymmetric Adjustment in the U.S. Pork Sector
Authors: Goodwin Barry K. , Harper Daniel C.
Published: July 2016

The US pork sector has experienced many significant structural changes in recent years. Such changes may have influenced price dynamics and transmission of shocks through marketing channels. We investigate linkages among farm, wholesale, and retail markets using weekly price data for the period covering 1987 through 1998. Our analysis uses a threshold cointegration model that permits asymmetric adjustment to positive and negative price shocks. Our results reveal important asymmetries. Our results are consistent with existing literature which has determined that price adjustment patterns are unidirectional and that information tends to flow from farm, to wholesale, to retail markets.
Go Ahead, Count Your Chickens: Cross-Hedging Strategies in the Broiler Industry
Authors: Maynard Leigh J. , Dillon Carl R. , Carter Joy
Published: July 2016

Some suppliers of broilers without giblets (WOG) offer customers a choice between paying Urner Barry's WOG quote or a formula price based on futures prices. From a buyer's perspective, the formula price examined in this study is second-degree stochastic dominant. The formula price allows the seller to set perfect cross-hedges of WOGs with corn and soymeal. Stochastic dominance and mean variance results suggested that the seller's dominant strategy would shift from the Urner Barry quote to the hedged formula price as risk aversion increased. Input-based formula pricing may be usefully extended to other industries.