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Economic Contribution Of U.S. Aquaculture Farms, Ganesh Kumar, Shraddha Hegde, Jonathan Van Senten, Carole Engle, Noah Boldt, Matthew Parker, Kwamena Quagrainie, Benedict Posadas, Frank Asche, Madan Dey, Suja Aarattuthodi, Luke A. Roy, Russell Grice, Quentin Fong, Michael Schwarz

Department of Agricultural Economics Faculty Publications

Economics is the study of the allocation of scarce resources to meet human wants and needs and has a critical role to play in addressing challenges related to environmental sustainability, community resilience, and food security. In the context of aquaculture, the key to such a discussion is understanding the linkages of aquaculture farming businesses with other economic sectors and how policy decisions that affect aquaculture result in economic ripples throughout local, regional, and national economies. The only previous national estimates of the economic contributions of U.S. aquaculture are nearly 30 years old. The current study was based on comprehensive data …

Science Of Hemp: Production And Pest Management Meeting Proceedings (2023)

Science of Hemp Annual Meeting

The fourth meeting of the Science of Hemp: Production and Pest Management Conference was held on November 13-15, 2023 at Auburn University in Auburn, AL. Agricultural scientists from 13 different universities across the United States attended a series of scientific presentations. Topics included agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, and controlled environment production. The abstracts for presentations and posters are included within this publication.

Economic Impact Of Cervid Farming In Kentucky, Hunter Groves

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Cervid farming, an agricultural endeavor, has gained prominence in Kentucky in recent years. The main objectives of this study were to estimate the economic contribution that the breeding sectors have on the state, measure the economic contribution of high-fence cervid hunting on the Commonwealth, and investigate the combined economic impact that the industry brings to the economy. The research provided a contextual background and explained the concept of cervid farming and the history of cervid farming. A literature review explored the existing body of knowledge on cervid farming from around the country and identified the gaps within current research. Methodologically, …

Nebline, August/September 2024

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Preserving the Harvest: Canning, Freezing and Drying Tips, Kayla Colgrove

How Savvy are YOU with Home Canning?

Recipe of the Month: Freezing Onions, Kayla Colgrove

Deep, Infrequent Irrigation Makes Lawns and Trees Healthier, Sarah Browning

Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month, Mary Jane Frogge

Get the Jump on Jumping Worms, Kait Jumpman

Preparing Water for Use in an Emergency, Becky Schuerman

Heart of 4-H Volunteer Award: Nicole Miller and Cole Meador

4-H Teen Council Invites New Members

4-H Announcements

Lancaster County Super Fair, August 1-10, 2024

4-H Premiere Communication Event Top Results

4-H Clover College: 55 Hands-on Workshops

4-H …

Contaminant Transport Mechanisms And Source Tracking In Karst Groundwater Systems Under Agricultural Land Use, Shreya Pandey

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Karst areas in general face severe groundwater contamination problems that can degrade their water quality. In comparison to other landscapes, groundwater within karst regions is more susceptible to contamination. The situation gets worse when agriculture is practiced in these karst regions, because the nutrients and bacteria like nitrates and E. coli (Escherichia coli) are released into the groundwater systems which contaminate the water quality of those karst groundwater systems. This research aims to study the impacts of these contaminants, specifically nitrates and E. coli., by identifying the contaminant transport mechanisms and source tracking of these contaminants in the groundwater under …

Hay – Essentials For Growing A Successful Crop, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Export hay fits into most of the accepted cropping rotations and helps reduce weed seed banks, overcome herbicide resistance, provides a break from traditional chemical regimes and good paddock preparation for the subsequent crop, and is an alternative profitable crop.

Talk to your local hay exporter about their requirements for hay produced for export before sowing oats for export hay. Hay exporters have different requirements, which will affect how you manage your crop.

Understanding The Livelihood Diversification Of Arkansas Women Involved In Agricultural Production, Oluwatoyin Elizabeth Abati

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Agriculture as a livelihood activity entails significant risks and uncertainties, which expose agricultural households to a low standard of living, poverty, and a lowering of their food security status. Women's responsibilities in agriculture are expanding and becoming more critical, and farm women are now broadening their duties to include roles off-farm. More research is needed in Arkansas about agricultural women's roles, challenges, and essential job characteristics. Using a quantitative survey, this research aimed to provide a resource on how women involved in agricultural production diversify their livelihoods. Participants were asked to describe their livelihood diversification by identifying their activities on …

The Relationship Between Phosphorus Retention And Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 In Broiler Breeders, A. D. Magnuson, N. Boonsinchai, J. Caldas, J. England, C. Coon

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Previous studies with broiler breeders indicate a P retention threshold when fed daily dietary levels of non-phytate P (NPP) exceeding 320 mg. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a hormone secreted by osteocytes which modulates P retention and could be the biological agent which controls the P threshold in breeders. To evaluate the relationship between FGF23 and the P retention threshold, a 4 -wk study with 32 -wk -old breeders was conducted with 6 dietary treatments with daily NPP intake of 216 to 576 mg/d/h with increments of 80 mg/kg diet. The goals were 1) to …

Employer's Perceptions Of The Agricultural Leadership Development Program At The University Of Arkansas, Samantha Jones

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A review of the literature revealed a lack of peer-reviewed research on employer perceptions and expectations for agricultural leadership (AGLE) graduates. This study aimed to address this gap by identifying competencies necessary for effective education in AGLE programs. Utilizing a survey design, numerical data and qualitative responses, converted into numeric data to analyze frequency of concept occurrences were reported. A questionnaire, developed based on this study’s objectives and the Program System Model, was distributed to employers at the 2023 Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences Career Fair. The survey assessed employers’ perceptions of agricultural leadership programs, the …

Modeling Enterococcus Cecorum Horizontal Transmission To Investigate The Impact Of Perinatal Exposure On Extraintestinal Colonization, Disease Presentation, And Performance In Young Broiler Chickens, James Y. Higuita Valle

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Enterococcus cecorum (EC) has primarily been associated with osteomyelitis and lameness in older chickens. The recent emergence of pathogenic EC causing morbidity and mortality in young broiler chicken flocks requires further investigation. The purpose of this thesis was to develop a model to simulate horizontal transmission of virulent EC during the hatching phase in small scale hatchet cabinets. The model will be used to investigate novel pre- and post-hatch strategies to mitigate EC infections in young broiler chickens. The current thesis contains four chapters. Chapter I includes the thesis introduction. A literature review focusing on EC-associated disease in chickens, with …

Assessment Of The Drivers Of Adoption Of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices Among Field Crop Farmers In Zambia, Faindani Nyirenda

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Climate smart agriculture (CSA) practiced has been promoted in Zambia since the 1980s to address the declining crop productivity due to increased occurrence of drought or dry spells caused by climate change. Despite considerable research indicating that CSA practices have many potential benefits such as increased yield and income, the adoption rate in southern Africa is still low especially where farmers have stable off farm income. This might be because most of the research and promotion has been directed to the main staple crop maize and other context specific impacts related to agroecological and socioeconomic heterogeneity. In this study we …

Linking Risk Preference, Women’S Empowerment, Farm Investment And Household Well-Being, Samuel Olusesi Olumide

Department of Agricultural Economics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A nuanced understanding of intra-household dynamics can inform the design of more effective empowerment and agricultural investment policies. By integrating household risk preferences and empowerment dynamics, this work offers valuable insights into the complex mechanisms driving household welfare and provides a framework for future interventions to promote gender equality and economic development in rural settings. This thesis addresses three core hypotheses: first, that the spouses of risk-seeking male heads are more likely to be disempowered compared to those of risk-averse male heads; second, that households with risk-seeking male heads and disempowered spouses are likely to invest more in farming activities; …

Agronomic Practices To Enhance Weed Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Some agronomic practices, such as crop choice and sequence and improving crop competition and pasture competition, can improve crop environment and growth, and the crop's ability to compete with weeds.

Influence Of Row Pattern And Prohexadione Calcium On Peanut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) Maturity And Profitability, Samantha N. Mehl

All Theses

Many newer peanut cultivars offer yield benefits but have larger canopies and are taking 10 or more days longer to reach desired maturity levels. Prohexadione calcium (PC) and twin row planting pattern have been reported to increase the amount of orange, brown or black pods compared to their respective alternatives. Four cultivars were selected and studied based on frequency of use in South Carolina then paired into an earlier maturing group that reached optimal maturity at 135 to 140 days after planting, and a later maturing group that reached optimal maturity at 150 or more days after planting.

Twin row …

Exploring The Motivations And Determinants Of Farmer’S Market Consumers And Organic Specialty Crop Producers, Jane Arnold

All Theses

This two-chapter thesis evaluates the motivations and determinants of the central figures in farmers’ markets and organic markets. The first chapter explores the rise of farmers’ markets popularity through an in-person survey that was designed and distributed to 274 farmers' market consumers. Logit and ordered logit regressions were used to identify the motivations and characteristics that affect the likelihood of being a frequent farmers’ market customer (visiting 5 times or more per season) and spending over $50. The second chapter investigates the organic markets for cucumber and kale, which are dominant specialty crops on today’s grocery shelves. To identify the …

Consumer Perceptions Of Hemp-Fed Aquaculture, Jillian Hyink

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Global demand for seafood has increased significantly over the past several decades and is projected to continue rising in the future. The volume of aquaculture production has also particularly increased to meet this demand in the United States and globally, offering a relatively sustainable supplement to wild fish supplies. However, conventional fish farming uses unsustainable quantities of fishmeal and fish oil as feed inputs, which raises the cost of production and introduces safety concerns associated with fish consumption. One currently underexplored potential alternative to fishmeal is hemp grain, which can provide an affordable and nutritious feed for carnivorous fish and …

Producer Perceptions Of Us Livestock Indemnity Policy, Victoria L. Campbell, Jada M. Thompson, Jenny L. Apriesnig, Glynn T. Tonsor, Dustin L. Pendell

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objective

Materials and Methods

Results and Discussion

Assessment Of American Tannin-Free Grain Sorghum As Feedstuff For Poultry: Nutrient Composition, Amino Acid Digestibility And Bird Performance, Santiago Sasia

All Dissertations

Given the rising cost of poultry diets, alternative ingredients like sorghum are crucial for maximizing returns without compromising product quality. Sorghum's drought tolerance and adaptability, along with its nutritional profile, make it a viable corn substitute. This dissertation examines the nutrient composition, amino acid digestibility, and performance of poultry fed with American tannin-free grain sorghum. Chapter II evaluates the impact of sorghum-based diets, with or without phytase superdosing, on broiler performance, including body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Results indicate that sorghum can replace corn without adverse effects on broiler performance. Chapter III explores the partial …

Carcassformer: An End-To-End Transformer-Based Framework For Simultaneous Localization, Segmentation And Classification Of Poultry Carcass Defect, Minh Tran, Sang Truong, Arthur F.A. Fernandes, Michael T. Kidd, Ngan Le

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

In the food industry, assessing the quality of poultry carcasses during processing is a crucial step. This study proposes an effective approach for automating the assessment of carcass quality without requiring skilled labor or inspector involvement. The proposed system is based on machine learning (ML) and computer vision (CV) techniques, enabling automated defect detection and carcass quality assessment. To this end, an end -to - end framework called CarcassFormer is introduced. It is built upon a Transformer -based architecture designed to effectively extract visual representations while simulta- neously detecting, segmenting, and classifying poultry carcass defects. Our …

Balancing The Scales: Evaluating Variables Of Greatest Impact To Profit Margins When Finishing Cattle, Ryan Bake

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This study examines the risk associated with finishing cattle in a feedlot, specifically in the context of historically high cattle prices and quality grade grid marketing systems that have not adjusted to these elevated prices. The analysis also looks at performance factors that drive profitability differences in pens of cattle in a commercial feedlot, and how market factors also impact profitability. Regression analysis determines the significance of performance variables such as days on feed, average daily gain, feed conversion rates, and carcass characteristics on pen profitability. The impact of cattle breeding and pre-feedlot management of the cattle are also considered …

Leveraging Generative Ai For Sustainable Farm Management Techniques Correspond To Optimization And Agricultural Efficiency Prediction, Samira Samrose

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Sustainable farm management practice is a multifaceted challenge. Uncovering the optimal state for production while reduction of environmental negative impacts and guaranteed inter-generational assets supervision needs balanced management. Also, considering lots of different factors (cost, profit, employment etc), the agricultural based management technique requires rigorous concentration. In this project machine learning models are applied to develop, achieve and improve the farm management techniques. This experiment ensures the resultant impacts being environment friendly and necessary resource availability and efficiency. Predicting the type of crop and rotational recommendations will disclose potentiality of productive agricultural based farming. Additionally, this project is designed to …

Approaches To Controlling Palmer Amaranth And Its Interference In Furrow-Irrigated Rice, Tanner Austin King

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats) is the most troublesome and problematic weed in most mid-southern U.S. row crop production systems. With the increased adoption of furrow-irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.), there is a greater occurrence of Palmer amaranth due to sustained moist conditions allowing continual emergence of the weed throughout the growing season. Palmer amaranth has previously been shown to negatively affect crop yields when left unmanaged. Therefore, there is a high potential for rice yield loss due to the weed’s ability to emerge over an extended period and interfere with crop development. However, there is a lack of …

Information About Honey Fraud: Implications Of Information Choice For Consumer Behavior, Christopher R. Gustafson

Cornhusker Economics

The study highlights that standard research practice—exposing participants to information—may not capture what will happen outside of the lab when people have a choice about what to read, view, or do with their time. While we found that having participants read about honey fraud significantly shifted their willingness to pay for local and domestic versus imported honey, we did not find those changes when people were able to select a text to read.

The implications of these findings extend beyond the issue of honey fraud to broader contexts of food safety, nutrition, and production techniques. While people have preferences for …

Pocket Gophers, Mark Nelson, S. Nicole Frey, Earl Creech, Kalen Taylor, Jacob Hadfield, Linden Greenhalgh, Cory Farnsworth, Jody Gale, Melanie Heaton, Justin Wyatt Clawson, Steve Price

All Current Publications

Pocket gophers can damage agriculture and human development infrastructure. In agricultural fields, pocket gophers cause conflicts by directly consuming plants, destroying plants when their soil mounds cover them, and causing premature loss of field stands such as alfalfa, necessitating expensive alfalfa stand replacement. They can chew through electrical, internet, and other utility cables, damaging irrigation pipes, and compromising the integrity of canals and ditch banks. They also cause significant damage to lawns and gardens in urban areas. Understanding pocket gopher habits, especially the burrow system, is the key to effective control. Management methods include trapping, hand or mechanical baiting, fumigation, …

Lure Specificity, Phenology, And Damage Caused By Epiphyas Moths (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) In Western Australian Apple Orchards, Maryam Yazdani, Elliot T. Howse, Wee Tek Tay, Helen Spafford, Rieks Van Klinken

Horticulture Research Articles

Multiple Epiphyas species inhabit southwestern Western Australia, including Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a globally significant, polyphagous pest. This study evaluated the efficacy and specificity of lures designed for 3 Epiphyas species: E. postvittana, Epiphyas pulla (Turner), and the undescribed Epiphyas sp. (1) (Common). Additionally, the study sought to determine the presence and distribution of Epiphyas species in 3 significant apple-growing localities. Trapping, together with partial sequencing of the mitochondrial COI gene, found LBAM to be restricted to the Perth Hills and E. pulla, to apple orchards near Manjimup and Pemberton. This geographic …

Optimization Design And Experimental Research Of Sandwich Seaweed Tunnel Baking Equipment, Yu Chao, Chen Shufa, Niu Shuoshuo, Liu Yang, Qi Hengyang, Zhan Zhaoya

Food and Machinery

Objective: In order to solve the practical problem of uneven temperature distribution in the tunnel and easy adhesion of sandwich seaweed to the conveyor belt. Methods: The structure of tunnel baking equipment for sandwich seaweed and the software and hardware of fuzzy PID temperature control system were designed in this study, the baking device model was established based on the boundary conditions set in the actual production environment, after that, the CFD simulation optimization experiments was performed on the temperature field inside the tunnel. Results: The simulation experiment showed that the parameter combination of evenly arranged heating tubes, 30 heating …

Determination Of Seven Nicotinamide Compounds In Health Products, Wu Ziling, He Minheng, Huang Jiale, Cai Xiayi, Sun Wenwen

Food and Machinery

Objective： This study aimed to establish an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous determination of 7 nicotinamide compounds in health food. Methods： The samples were dissolved in 10% methanol water, extracted by ultrasonic, and 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate-acetonitrile was used as the mobile phase of gradient elution. The seven nicotinamide compounds were monitored by ESI, positive and negative ion scanning mode, and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Results： The 7 nicotinamide compounds showed good linearity in the mass concentration range, and the correlation coefficients were greater than 0.996. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.075~0.600 mg/kg, the …

The Effects Of Moisture On Microorganisms, Quality, And Flavor Of Liuyang Douchi During The Pile Fermentation Period, Jiang Liwen, Zhang Haodong, Qin Yeyou, Hu Jialiang, Liu Yang

Food and Machinery

Objective: Pile fermentation is an important process for the formation of Liuyang Douchi flavor, the initial moisture of the douchi qu during pile fermentation could induce the temperature changes which might further affected the microbial community and flavor compounds formation. Methods: In this paper, metagenomic sequencing, combined with headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （HS-SPME-GC-MS）, was used to investigate the effects of different moisture （low 35%, medium 42%, high 50%） of the douchi qu on the bacterial community changes and volatile composition of Liuyang Douchi during pile fermentation. Results: The results showed that bacteria in high moisture douchi qu proliferated faster …

Study On The Mechanism Of Boschniakia Rossica Polysaccharide Inhibiting The Activation Of Inflammasomes And Pyroptosis In J774a.1 Macrophages, Zhang Tian, Xu Hui, Quan Jishu, Jin Aihua

Food and Machinery

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of Boschniakia rossica polysaccharides （BRPS） on the activation of inflammasome and pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide （LPS） and adenosine triphosphate （ATP）. Methods: The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） inflammasome model was established by stimulating J774A.1 macrophages with LPS and ATP. Cell viability was detected using the cell counting kit-8, the release of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） was tested with the microplate method, the cellular level of NLRP3 and cell membrane damage were detected using the immunofluorescence staining method, and the secretion of interleukin-1β （IL-1β） was …

A Comparative Study On The Quality And Flavor Of Dromedary And Bifocal Camel Yogurt, Li Yang, Chen Shuxing

Food and Machinery

Objective: This study aimed to analyze and compare the quality and flavor of dromedary and bifocal camel yogurt. Methods: Through physicochemical analysis, texture analysis, rheological analysis, SPME-GC-MC, sensory evaluation, etc., the overall differences in quality and flavor of dromedary and bifocal camel yogurt were determined. Results: The viable bacteria count, protein, fat, total solids content, and antioxidant activity of dromedary camel yogurt were lower than those of bifocal camel yogurt （P<0.05）, but it exhibited better storage stability than bifocal camel yogurt （P<0.05）. Texture analysis showed that the hardness of bifocal camel yogurt was significantly higher than that of dromedary camel yogurt （P<0.05）, while the adhesiveness, cohesiveness, and gumminess of dromedary camel yogurt were significantly higher than those of bifocal camel yogurt （P<0.05）. No significant differences were found in elasticity and chewiness between the two. Rheological characteristics showed that both single and bifocal camel yogurt exhibited shear-thinning flow characteristics, with initial apparent viscosity values of 5.82 and 2.33 Pa·s, respectively. Both formed thixotropic loops, with areas of 2 421.82 and 3 674.16 Pa/s, respectively. The exhibited gel properties, with dromedary camel yogurt having higher elasticity and viscosity. A total of 48 volatile flavor substances were detected in single and bifocal camel yogurt, with significant differences in the content of volatile flavor substances shared by the two camel yogurt types （P<0.05）. The content of volatile acids, esters, aldehydes, ketones, and other substances with lower flavor thresholds was relatively higher in bifocal camel yogurt, making its flavor superior. The sensory evaluation score of dromedary camel yogurt was higher than that of bifocal camel yogurt （P<0.05）. Conclusion: Bifocal camel yogurt has higher nutritional and flavor substance content, while dromedary camel yogurt exhibits superior storage stability and taste.