Agribusiness Commons^™

Women Empowerment Through Food Production Project In A Peri-Urban Landscape, Riyanto Adji

ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement

The paper discusses a community project related to local food production by a group of women in an idle peri-urban landscape. Instead of positioning women solely as homemakers within the house, this project views them as active participants of a peri- urban community. On the other hand, the availability of idle land in the peri-urban context can be utilized, allowing it to be transformed into an active space for growing food. Responding to the idea, a community project was conducted with a group of women farmers in a housing complex situated near the Bubulak Village, Bogor, Indonesia. They utilized an …

Cultivating The Wild: Strategies For Entrepreneurs Navigating Niche And Specialty Food Markets, Trey Malone, Courtney F. Cooper

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Introduction Consumer demand for authenticity and sustainability in food systems is growing, creating both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs in niche and specialty markets. While wild-foraged and hunted foods are often perceived as more "natural" and sustainable, attempts to scale these products through farming may compromise their perceived authenticity.Methods To explore these dynamics, we conducted discrete choice experiments with a nationally representative sample of 1,039 U.S. consumers. Participants evaluated their willingness to pay (WTP) for salmon, venison, and morel mushrooms, presented in both wild-foraged/hunted and farm-raised forms.Results Consumers exhibited strong preferences for wild versions of all three products, with average …

Cultural Worldview And Rural Consumer Preferences For Genetically Modified Foods, Nathan P. Kemper

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

The consumer acceptance of genetically modified (GM) foods varies widely based on personal values and social context. This study investigates how cultural worldviews—measured through the Individualism–Communitarianism and Hierarchical–Egalitarianism dimensions—affect willingness to pay (WTP) for food labeling attributes related to GM content. We surveyed 932 U.S. primary grocery shoppers and conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) with poultry product options. Using a Mixed Logit model and supplemental cognitive data from Query Theory, we find that rural individualists are more accepting of GM-labeled products. At the same time, urban communitarians show a stronger preference for non-GM labels. These results offer insight into …

Evolution Of The Usu Extension Farm And Ranch Succession Program, Jacob A. Hadfield, Joshua Dallin, Ryan Larsen, Matthew Garcia

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The Utah State University (USU) Extension Farm and Ranch Succession Program has been operating for five years, providing critical support to agricultural producers across Utah. Although its impacts were previously documented (Dallin et al., 2021), the program has since been revised and better adapted to meet the needs of producers. This publication highlights USU Extension’s efforts to address the growing need for farm and ranch succession training and examines the program’s ongoing impacts on agricultural communities throughout the state.

The Effects Of Extreme Weather On Rural Transportation Infrastructure And Crop Prices Along The Lower Mississippi River, James Mitchell, Hunter D. Biram

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Extreme weather events are worsening the fragile rural infrastructure in the United States, impacting trade flows of agricultural products. The Mississippi River, vital for transporting agricultural commodities, reached historic lows during the 2022 and 2023 fall harvests, increasing transportation costs and lowering crop prices. This paper estimates the cost of these drought events by analyzing Arkansas soybean basis data and Mississippi River stream gauge data. Low river levels significantly weaken soybean prices, with the impact being a function of a grain market's distance to a river port. Findings have implications for public policy investment in rural infrastructure and risk management …

The Evolution Of Agriculture Marketing: Harnessing Data Analytics To Understand Generational Shifts And Influencer Trends, Lexi Schweigert

Theses

The findings reveal that data analytics plays a crucial role in shaping marketing strategies in agriculture. Generational shifts, particularly among Gen Z and Alpha, are driving changes in consumer preferences and expectations. Influencers are also playing an increasingly important role in shaping the perception of agriculture and food among these generations.

Living Heritage, Resilience And Ethically Informed Infrastructures In Malawi, Martha B. Lerski, Frank Puluputu Mwale

Publications and Research

Rooted in a rural community’s needs, this paper explores how historically, and ethically informed infrastructures can support community engagement towards identification, documentation, and dissemination of local, traditional, and indigenous knowledge relating to climate change. The paper examines climate adaptation and sustainability issues through the lenses of community organizing and Library & Information Science best practices. It draws on a growing body of literature identifying a role for expanded epistemological and subject discipline perspectives. While the impacts of climate on material culture are increasingly recognized, intangible, and biocultural heritage have not received as much attention. Living heritage traditions and knowledge systems …

Empowering Local Communities For Global Impact: Bridging Leadership And Action For Food Systems Transformation, Jeremiah Rogito

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Empowering local communities is essential for transforming food systems. This approach focuses on strengthening leadership, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and creating solutions that address both local and global challenges. By facilitating collaboration and innovation, local action can contribute to global food security, climate adaptation, and sustainable development goals.

Exploring The Impact Of Digital Solutions On Sustainable Economic Growth In The Agricultural Sector Of Rural Zambia: A Case Of Central, Lusaka And Southern Provinces, Ireen Wesley Chimoga V

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

The study explored the impact of digital solutions on sustainable economic growth in the agricultural sector of rural Zambia, focusing on Central, Lusaka, and Southern provinces. It explored how digital mobiles can increase agricultural production, reduce poverty, and advance economic growth. The findings aimed to suggest policies for rural development.

2025 Legislative Update, J. David Aiken

Cornhusker Economics

The 2025 Nebraska state Unicameral dealt with major state budget challenges but also managed to enact four bills affecting Nebraska agriculture and holding three other bills over for possible action in the 2026 legislative session. Enacted legislation dealt with a ban on laboratory-grown meat, the merger of state natural resource and environmental agencies, amending the 2024 paid sick leave initiative, and establishing a School Financing Review Commission. Agricultural-related bills carried over to the 2026 legislative session include modifying cattle feedlot brand inspection fees, inheritance tax reductions, and modifying the 2022 minimum wage initiative.

Nebraska National Agri-Marketing Association (Nama), Marissa Davis, Rosalee A. Swartz

Cornhusker Economics

NAMA PALOOZA, the 2025 Agri-Marketing Conference, was held April 9-11 in Kansas City, Missouri. The conference is an annual event that brings together National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) professional and student members. There are 27 professional chapters and 32 student chapters from across the United States and Canada. The conference is a great opportunity to foster connections between students and professionals in marketing, advertising, communications, promotion, sales, and public relations.

Evaluating Nanobubble-Enriched Water Treatments For Cleaning Stainless Steel Winery Tanks At The Gallo Winery Research Station In Livingston, California, Edgar Godoy-Garcia

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

Evaluating nanobubble-enriched water treatments for cleaning stainless steel winery tanks at the Gallo winery research station in Livingston, California.

Edgar A. Godoy-Garcia

Sanitation of stainless steel wine storage tanks is a critical component of quality control in commercial winemaking operations. Ineffective cleaning can lead to microbial contamination, product spoilage, and safety concerns. Traditionally, wineries rely on manual scrubbing, chemical cleaning agents, and extensive water rinsing cycles to maintain sanitary tank conditions. However, these methods are resource-intensive and may pose risks to both workers and the environment due to chemical exposure and wastewater generation. In response to growing industry interest …

The Industrial Hemp Supply Chain Solution, Honovi C. Trudell Sir

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Realistically solving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals utilizing an Industrial Hemp supply chain with economy to scale to replace petroleum based plastics and permanently offset carbon emissions produced from other continuously produced hazardous waste.

The State Of Municipal Scale Highest Use Urban Wood Reclamation Projects, Bradley C. Almond

Graduate Liberal Studies Theses and Dissertations

Millions of urban trees are downed annually for various reasons, such as storms, disease, or development. We are all witnesses to the loss of trees as we see the piles of woody waste assembled on the curbside, ready for public works pickup. Today, most urban wood waste ends up in landfills, mulching/chipping facilities, or firewood production. Each of these alternatives results in the release of sequestered carbon back into the atmosphere.

The initial research led to successful diversion from landfills to mulch and firewood operations. Then, the research shifted to converting urban wood waste for its best use, which outlined …

Annie’S Project: Farming In Cities And The Urban Fringe, Robin G. Brumfield, Deborah L. Greenwood, Madeline Flahive Di Nardo, A.J. Both, Joseph R. Heckman, Nicholas Polanin, Ashaki Rouff, Amy Rowe, Richard Vanvranken, Surendran Arumugam, Ramu Govindasamy

Journal of Extension

Annie’s Project, is a nationally recognized educational program for women farmers focused on five areas of risk management: marketing, production, financial, human, and legal. Some challenges are common to all farms, while some are unique to urban locations. We added urban-focused topics including short-term leases, contaminated soils, water availability, indoor production, and access to capital and resources to develop Annie’s Project: Farming in Cities and the Urban Fringe. As urbanization spreads and a greater percentage of farmers across the United States are women, our curriculum can be used to address needs that are unique to farmers in urban …

Natural Resource Enterprises - Income Diversification And Conservation Practices Implemented On Private Lands In The United States, Daryl Jones

Journal of Extension

Wildlife-related recreation is popular with Americans spending over $150 billion dollars annually. I have conducted educational workshops (>100 events) to train U.S. landowners in natural resource enterprises development offering recreational hunting, angling, and nature tourism excursions along with conservation management practices to enhance wildlife habitats on their lands. To measure impacts, I conducted a comprehensive mail survey study with participants since 2010. Findings revealed that landowners who initiated these enterprises earned annual incomes and implemented conservation practices on properties. More training for landowners is recommended to increase income diversification and conservation of wildlife habitats and stewardship on private lands.

Empowering Diversity: A Comprehensvie Approach To Minority Risk Management Education, Jahqethea Johnson

Applied Science Program: Theses

Federal programs are pivotal to the foundation of the United States agricultural sector. Program payments impact the economic well-being of agricultural producers, yet accessibility, outreach and education disparities remain prevalent among socially disadvantaged producer and agriculturists. From 2020-2024, an average of $21.7 billion dollars in federal agricultural payments have been paid to producers. Although federal funding historically supports commodity crops, livestock producers also depend on a distinct set of federal risk management programs, which are often less visible but pertinent for operational sustainability. There is a growing focus on the need for addressing disparities faced by socially disadvantaged producers and …

The Impact Of Irrigation On Agricultural Land Values In The United States Southeast And An Analysis Of Farmland Prices In South Carolina, Christopher L. Thomas

All Theses

Land is a key component of the agriculture industry in the United States. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, farm real estate (land and buildings) accounted for 82.8% of total US farm sector assets in 2022, consequently making land the largest source of wealth in a farmer’s investment portfolio and the primary source of collateral used for farm operating loans. The Southeastern region of the United States has seen rapid farmland appreciation and intense population growth in recent years. This research investigates the rising farmland prices across the Southeast from both a regional and state-level perspective. Chapter Two …

A Case Study On Readiness Of Engineers In Agricultural Technology Start-Ups, Katie Marie Mowat

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This dissertation explores the perceptions of practicing engineers regarding the skills necessary to be workforce-ready at agricultural technology (ag-tech) start-ups in the Midwestern United States. A qualitative case study methodology is leveraged, combining both interview and job description data. Given their uniqueness, the study divides the ag-tech start-up industry into two subcases: livestock and cropping systems. The Work Readiness Integrated Competence Model (WRICM) is used as the theoretical framework for this study and informs the conceptual framework and analysis processes. The study identified skills that fit into thirteen distinct categories, which are further grouped into four overarching resource groups. Skills …

Assessing The Implicit Prices Of Health And Wellness Product Attributes In Pet Food: A Hedonic Analysis Approach, Lonnie Hobbs Jr., Andrew Anderson

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Here we examine product attributes present in dry dog food to show there exist potential price premiums and discounts associated with health and wellness attributes in dry dog food. The findings indicate price premiums are associated with attributes related to digestion and allergy care. Pricing discounts are found to be associated with immune support and dental attributes. The results of this study are anticipated to be a starting point for more sophisticated and dynamic analysis of pricing and willingness-to-pay studies in the pet food industry.

Understanding Pre-Harvest Hedging Behavior And Basis Forecasting: The Role Of Information In Grain Marketing, Iyore Eronmwon

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This dissertation examines decision-making under risk in grain marketing, focusing on how information influences behavior, attitudes toward accessible information, and methods for forecasting commodity basis. Through three essays, it explores the impact of information on hedging decisions, the determinants of information-seeking behavior, the extent to which students can serve as proxies for farmers in risk experiments, and the effectiveness of different forecasting approaches for commodity basis.

The first essay examines the impact of information on pre-harvest grain marketing hedging decisions and grain marketing information-seeking behavior. Specifically, it evaluates two types of information hypothesized to influence decision-making: expected cost of production …

Fractured Inheritance: Quantifying The Economic Impact Of Heir’S Property On Arkansas Farmers, Makenzie Mcjunkins

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Heir’s property arises when the original owner still holds the title despite their passing, and ownership is distributed among their heirs. This was driven by barriers to retaining land ownership and access to legal support in predominantly African American populations in the early 20th century. This approach allowed land to remain in the original owner's name while granting continued ownership to future generations without formal paperwork. Additionally, allowing limited land access, land management, and disparities in capital access compared to property with direct ownership rights. This analysis examines how modern heir’s property impacts agricultural returns. This study develops a conceptual …

Trenching And Compost Sustain Grain Yield Increases Over Nine Years On Deep Sands But At A Cost, David J.M. Hall, Tom J. Edwards

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Context. Crops grown on deep sands on the south coast of WA are limited by soil physical and chemical properties including compaction and poor nutrition. Aims. Crops grown on deep sands on the south coast of Western Australia are limited by soil physical and chemical properties including compaction and poor nutrition. Our aim was to determine what effects deep-placed organic amendments have on soil properties and crop production in a deep sand and whether such amendments are profitable. Methods. A long-term field trial was conducted over nine years (2015–2023) to investigate soil amendments including lime (0 and …

Combating Forced Labor In Global Supply Chains Through Modern Technology: A Case Study Of Uyghurs In Xinjiang, Samuel Donohue

Senior Theses

This thesis examines how modern traceability technologies can help combat forced labor in global supply chains, focusing on the case of Uyghur workers in Xinjiang, China. The research addresses the pressing challenge of verifying ethical labor practices in complex, multi-tiered supply networks, using the case study alongside an extensive literature review. It evaluates advanced technological solutions, including blockchain ledgers, isotope analysis, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tagging, and microbiome tracing as tools to improve supply chain transparency. Through qualitative case analysis and analysis of current research, the thesis assesses each technology’s capability to trace product origins and authenticate labor conditions. The findings …

Racial Differences In Knowledge, Attitudes Toward Vaccination, And Risk Practices Around Lyme Disease In The United States, Madiha Shafquat, Niyati Patel, Brandon Mcfadden, James H. Stark, L. Hannah Gould

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Introduction Lyme disease (LD) incidence in the United States is highly regional, with most cases occurring in 16 high-incidence jurisdictions. LD incidence and severity of disease have been found to vary by race. This study describes racial differences in knowledge, attitudes toward vaccination, and risk practices related to LD.Methods Four web-based surveys were conducted with adults and caregivers of children in high-incidence jurisdictions and 10 states neighboring them. Respondents were recruited via an established online panel to represent the general population. Self-reported race was pooled into 3 categories: 'White', 'Black or African American', and 'Other' for analysis. Analyses were conducted …

Nebraska Beef Cow Breeding Herd As Capital Stock, Richard Perrin, Margarida Noelia De Aguiar Cunha Souza, Lilyan E. Fulginiti

Cornhusker Economics

Throughout her lifetime, the capital stock value of a cow first rises as the size/quality of calves increase, then declines because there are fewer calves expected over her remaining lifetime. The value later in life begins to rise in anticipation of culling value.

We estimate the age distribution of the Nebraska cow herd every year, then we estimate the capital value of each cohort. Adding these values across ages and adjusting to 2015 prices, we obtain the series of capital values, measured in terms of 2015 dollars.

In addition, we calculate the value of the annual flow of services provided …

Learning Food Supply Chains Through Generative Ai – Tips, Techniques, And Student Perceptions, Subbu Kumarappan, Urmila Pal Chaudhuri

National Collaborative for Research on Food, Energy, and Water Education (NC-FEW)

The classroom pedagogies are evolving significantly with Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). The students in a Food Supply Chains class completed a project for various agricultural products describing 12 factors and 7 supply chain principles. They reflected on the use of GenAI and how it impacted their knowledge and critical thinking skills. The students scored GenAI high on ‘relevancy, diverse topics, significance, and sufficiency;' the repeated use of GenAI for food supply chains enabled them recognize the importance of sustainability and ESG factors in the management of natural resources. There were differences in students use and benefits with GenAI use.

2025 Nebraska Farmland Values And Cash Rental Rates, Jim Jansen

Cornhusker Economics

The market value of agricultural land in Nebraska declined by 2% over the prior year to an average of $3,935 per acre, according to the 2025 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey. This marks the first decline in the market value of agricultural land in Nebraska since reaching the record non-inflation-adjusted statewide land value in the survey's 46-year history in 2024.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department of Agricultural Economics annually surveys land industry professionals across Nebraska, including appraisers, farm and ranch managers, agricultural bankers, and related industry professionals. Results from the survey are divided by land class and summarized by …

Cold Chain Logistics Optimization: Integrating Iot And Data Analytics To Reduce Post-Harvest Loss In The United States Perishable Food Supply Chain: A Case Study Of Dole Food Company, Sarah Onyeche Usoro, Elizabeth Ramatu Galadima, Onyeche Helen Adogwa

Student Publications

Food spoilage in the United States is not simply a logistical inconvenience. It is one of the most underappreciated sources of economic and environmental waste in the country's food system. Fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat are routinely lost during storage and transport not because operators lack the will to prevent it, but because conventional cold chain management has historically lacked the tools to detect and respond to deteriorating conditions before damage becomes irreversible. This paper examines how the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) sensing networks and data analytics platforms is reshaping what cold chain operators can know, predict, …

Gendered Differences In The Implementation Of A Rice-Based Enterprise Program In Sariaya, Quezon Province, Philippines, Imelda Dg Olvida, Nico Jayson C. Anastacio, Paul Jersey G. Leron

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study examined gendered differences in the experiences of local farmers in Sariaya, an agricultural municipality in Quezon Province, Philippines. Using the Harvard Analytical Framework, this paper aimed to provide insights into how gender influences the experiences of local farmers under the Rice Business Innovation System (RiceBIS) Community Program of the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rice Research Institute (DAPhilRice). A qualitative approach was employed using data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes on the different gendered differences in the roles, resource access, needs, and challenges of local farmers in …