Agriculture Commons^™

Fish Cultivation In Fallow Season Rice Fields: Effects On Landscape Methane Emissions, Samuel Carroll

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Co-cultivation of aquatic animals and rice in the same field is a fairly common practice in various parts of the world, with a number of well-established agro-ecological benefits, such as decreasing the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers, increasing soil organic matter, and reducing the land area needed for agricultural production. One area of environmental concern in rice production is greenhouse gas emissions. Rice production contributes about 10% of global anthropogenic methane (CH₄) emissions. Currently around 27.5% of Arkansas rice fields are flooded in the winter, which can increase CH₄ emissions in the fallow season by 45% …

Livestock Risk Protection Basis Risk For Feeder Cattle, Bryce Anderson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Recent government subsidies make livestock risk protection (LRP) insurance an affordable price risk management tool for many U.S. cattle producers. LRP insurance triggers a loss when the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Feeder Cattle Index falls below the selected coverage price. The CME Feeder Cattle Index is a 7-day weighted average of feeder cattle prices in 12 states. This paper determines if LRP policy holders who produce feeder cattle in states whose feeder cattle prices are not included in the CME Feeder Cattle Index are exposed to excess basis risk. To do this, we use a hedonic regression model to determine …

Utility Of John Deere's See & Spray Ultimate In Southern U.S. Row Crops, Tristen Avent

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Row crop producers across the southern United States are observing a boom in technological advancement to improve operational efficiency. Additionally, environmental concerns and reduced profit margins drive the adoption of targeted pesticide application technologies like the John Deere See & Spray. This technology is relatively new, introduced in 2022, and producers need more insight into the shortcomings, potential herbicide savings, and the economic benefits of adoption. Since 2021, research has been conducted in Keiser, AR, with additional collaborative projects in Mississippi, North Carolina, Indiana, and Illinois. Five different objectives were addressed in this research: 1) to determine the impact of …

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.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Flood-Irrigated Rice As Affected By Phosphorus Fertilizer Source, Chandler M. Arel, Kristofor R. Brye, Diego Della Lunga, Trenton L. Roberts, Richard Adams

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Research into alternative phosphorus (P) fertilizer sources that may be able to supplement P resources is necessary. Struvite (MgNH4PO4 · 6H2O) can be made by removing excess nutrients from waste sources and may reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from cropping systems. This study sought to quantify GHG [i.e., methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2)] fluxes, season-long emissions, and net GHG emissions from chemically precipitated struvite (CPST) and synthetic and real-wastewater-derived electrochemically precipitated struvite (ECST) compared to monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and an unamended control (UC) from flood-irrigated rice (Oryza sativa) grown in P-deficient, silt loam soil in a …

Arkansas Cotton Variety Tests 2024, F. Bourland, J. Gann, B. Lovelady, B. Guest Jr., J. Mcalee, L. Martin, Z. Treadway, C. Henderson

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

The primary goal of the Arkansas Cotton Variety Tests is to provide unbiased data regarding the agronomic performance of cotton varieties and advanced breeding lines in the major cotton-growing areas of Arkansas. This information helps seed companies establish marketing strategies and assists producers in choosing varieties to plant. These annual evaluations will then facilitate the inclusion of new, improved genetic material in Arkansas cotton production. Adaptation of varieties is determined by evaluating the lines at five University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture research sites (Manila, Keiser, Judd Hill, Marianna, and Rohwer). The 2024 tests at Keiser were adversely affected …

A Practical Guide To Uav-Based Weed Identification In Soybean: Comparing Rgb And Multispectral Sensor Performance, Kelvin Betitame, Cannayen Igathinathane, Kirk Howatt, Joseph Mettler, Cengiz Koparan, Xin Sun

Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Precision agriculture relies heavily on accurate, efficient, and economical methods to distinguish between crops and weeds of various types. The advancement of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies provides practical approaches for generating land-cover maps that are essential for monitoring and managing crop fields affected by various weeds. Although the overall cost of scouting crop fields with UAVs may be low and practical, it varies depending on the sensors used; and the existing studies have mainly focused on weed detection methods but not compared the sensors' performance. Therefore, to address this knowledge gap, this research aims to compare a UAV-mounted visual …

Vitamin A Fortification: Key Factors And Considerations For Effective Implementation, Joohun Han, Alvaro Durand-Morat, Khondoker Abdul Mottaleb

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Vitamin A fortification plays a crucial role in achieving long-term economic development in developing countries by supporting the growth and development of human capital. While fortification programs involve a range of nutritional, agricultural, economic, and political considerations, there is a lack of a comprehensive overview of the topic in the literature. Our review highlights the importance of holistic approach in designing fortification programs: the effective program should consider (a) the agronomic, economic, and administrative capability of the target regions in regard of fortification method and vehicle to maximize effectiveness; (b) strategies to ensure the producers' and consumers' adoption to enhance …

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 …

Arkansas Soybean Performance Tests 2024, J. F. Carlin, R. D. Bond, T. C. Swanson, J. C. Mccoy

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Soybean variety and strain performance tests are conducted each year in Arkansas by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Arkansas Crop Variety Improvement Program. The tests provide information to companies developing varieties and/ or marketing seed within the state and aid the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in formulating variety recommendations for soybean producers.

Wayne E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies 2024, Nathan A. Slaton

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Rapid technological changes in crop management and production require that the research efforts be presented in an expeditious manner. The contributions of soil fertility and fertilizers are major production factors in all Arkansas crops. The studies described within will allow producers to compare their practices with the university’s research efforts. Additionally, soil-test data and fertilizer sales are presented to allow comparisons among years, crops, and other areas within Arkansas.

Arkansas Soybean Research Studies 2023, Jeremy Ross

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

The 2023 Arkansas Soybean Research Studies includes research reports on topics pertaining to soybean across several disciplines from breeding to post-harvest processing. Research reports contained in this publication may represent preliminary or only data from a single year or limited results; therefore, these results should not be used as a basis for long-term recommendations.

Several research reports in this publication will appear in other University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station publications. This duplication is the result of the overlap in research coverage between disciplines and our effort to inform Arkansas soybean producers of the research …

Understanding Dairy Livestock Farmers' Intention To Adopt Sociocultural Dynamics For Food Security Using The Theory Of Planned Behaviour, Paresh Kumar Sarma, Mohammad Jahanghir Alam, Samiha Sarwar, Sadika Haque, Golam Rabbani, Ismat Ara Begum, Andrew M. Mckenzie

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study examines the impact of socio-cultural dynamics (SCD) on food and nutrition security in dairy farming households. Recognizing the role of cultural practices, social networks, and access to resources in shaping food security, we emphasize the need to incorporate these factors into interventions for dairy farming. Using a systematic random sampling technique, we surveyed 400 households in the Rajbari District of Bangladesh in 2024 and analyzed the data using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM model). The results revealed a positive association between the intention to adopt socio-cultural dynamics and food …

Lumpy Heterogeneity In Groundwater Service Values And Time Preferences, Kent F. Kovacs, Heather Snell, Brandon R. Mcfadden, Rodolfo M. Nayga Jr.

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

From a choice experiment about groundwater management, we consider time preferences and groundwater service values through sociodemographic characteristics using a model called the discounted latent class model. A policy-motivated latent class has a higher income, greater familiarity with an aquifer, and more concern for the risks that groundwater decline poses to people and the environment. A business-as-usual latent class has a conservative ideology. Exponential discounting is preferred, and the discount rate is larger for the policy group than the business-as-usual group. Other models we use include the discounted mixed logit model and the discounted logit-mixed logit model.

Determinants Of Market Participation Among Milk Producers In Kyrgyzstan, Akhmadjon Nurullaev, Eunchun Park, Bruce L. Ahrendsen, Stijn Speelman, Lawson Connor

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Numerous studies have been conducted to comprehend the economic importance of market participation for producers. However, a significant gap remains, particularly in Central Asia. This study assesses market participation drivers for Kyrgyzstan's milk producers using the Life in Kyrgyzstan dataset, encompassing a comprehensive nationwide farm-level survey. Findings reveal that household assets boost market entry and sales volume, whereas distance from markets discourages participation but can increase sales for active sellers, reflecting transportation cost strategies. The insights inform policy interventions benefiting rural small-scale milk producers in Central Asian countries that share similar cultural backgrounds.

Vulnerability And Adaptation In Flood-Prone Ecosystems Of Bangladesh: A Case Study Of Rice Farming Households, Mohammad Chhiddikur Rahman, Md Abdur Rouf Sarkar, Md Jahangir Kabir, Md Shajedur Rahaman, Jatish C. Biswas, Md Abdullah Aziz, Mohammad Ariful Islam, Md Abdullah Al Mamun, Niaz Md Farhat Rahman, Andrew M. Mckenzie

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Floods in Bangladesh significantly impact rice production, a vital element of food security. While regional flood effects have been extensively studied, the specific impacts on rice, the country's primary staple, remain underexplored. This study assesses the effects of floods on rice production, availability, and prices, alongside identifying household vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies. Using both quantitative and qualitative data from secondary sources and interviews with farmers, we analyzed how floods affect rice cultivation and market dynamics. Our findings showed that floods predominantly affect wet season Aman rice, temporarily disrupting cultivation, national yield, and market prices. However, the adoption of stress-resistant varieties …

The Adoption Of Biosecurity Measures And Its Influencing Factors In Bangladeshi Layer Farms, Mohammadyar Jahangir Alam, Ismat Ara Begum, Md Al Mamun, Md Asif Iqbal, Andrew M. Mckenzie

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Developing nations like Bangladesh are particularly vulnerable to poultry diseases, notably Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Adopting biosecurity approaches that assist farms in disease control and prevention can decrease the industry-wide dissemination of infectious diseases. In light of these factors, this study was carried out to investigate the implementation of biosecurity practices on layer farms in Bangladesh. Using a stratified random sample method, a total of 315 layer farms from fourteen upazilas (sub-districts) in seven districts were surveyed using a semi-structured interview schedule. The study explored layer farmers' experiences with biosecurity procedures adopted on farms that included equipment, employees, and visitors. …

Bridging Taste And Health: The Role Of Machine Learning In Consumer Food Selection, Saroj Adhikari, Brandon R. Mcfadden

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Navigating the modern food landscape is complex, often leading consumers to make suboptimal dietary choices due to information, time constraints, and psychological vulnerabilities. Machine learning (ML) presents a promising solution to enhance the contemporary grocery shopping experience by providing personalized dietary recommendations tailored to individual preferences and characteristics. Traditional methods of dietary guidance cannot account for nuanced consumer characteristics and preferences. In contrast, ML algorithms can incorporate specific information about individuals and continuously adapt to provide personalized recommendations, considering factors like historical eating habits, socio-demographics, nutritional requirements, etc. This paper explores the potential value of ML in enhancing personalized dietary …

Perspectives On Using Fats And Oils In Poultry Production, Brian J. Kerr

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

These proceedings describe lipid composition of fats and oils and outline fatty acid quality measurements. In addition, fat and oil energy composition and digestibility are presented. Finally, these proceedings describe ways to enhance lipid digestibility with emulsifiers and preventing lipid peroxidation with antioxidants.

Sustainable And Profitable Broiler Nutrition, Sergio R. Fernandez

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

These proceedings accompany a presentation on optimizing protein nutrition of broilers while minimizing environmental impacts of nitrogen excretion. The continual advancement of muscle development in modern broilers requires constant alignment of amino acid needs. These proceedings outline the importance and progression of feed grade amino acid supplementation in broiler nutrition.

Net Energy: The Precision Path To Sustainability, P. Srichana, A. C. Tay-Zar, M. Wongphatcharachai, C. Chanseyha

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

Adaptation of the net energy system in broiler diets will increase least cost formulation flexibility. These proceedings outline a net energy system developed and implemented in practice. In addition to lower carbon and nitrogen inputs in dietary formulation, the net energy system reduced feed costs.

Layer Industry Update: Nutrition Associated With Changes In Production Systems, Kenneth E. Anderson, Ishab Poudel

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

This is not a hardcore research presentation but rather an overview of three North Carolina Layer Performance and Management Tests. I used the 39th, 40th, and 41st Layer Test Reports that cover the years 2013 through 2025. The proceedings cover white and brown egg strains as groups and the cage and cage-free production environments. Over all three of these tests the production environments were the same and met UEP Cage standards and the Humane Farm Animal Care cage-free standards. There are papers outlining the changes in more detail with all the statistics. This is an overview of visual trends in …

Field Experience And Production Challenges In Australia And New Zealand, Nick Rodgers

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

Variability management represents the primary technical challenge facing the Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) broiler industry's vertically integrated operations. This analysis examines systematic approaches to controlling seasonal performance fluctuations, raw material quality variations, emerging disease pressures, and evolving welfare demands. Key variability sources include climatic extremes, season to season raw material quality and nutrient value variability and intermittent [mostly enteric] disease challenges, particularly in no antibiotics ever (NAE) production systems. Solutions require a scientific, data-driven approach with insights from field experience for causation identification and a collaborative approach within business functional units, and across industry collaborators such as suppliers and …

Instructions For Authors, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Contents, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Discovery: The Student Journal Of Dale Bumpers College Of Agricultural, Food And Life Sciences - Volume 26 2025, Several Authors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Featured Faculty Mentor/Student Team, Kelly Loftin, Eva Berryhill

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Broiler Breeders Today: Feather Development And Nutrition, Justina Caldas

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

The broiler industry in the US has observed a consistent decline in fertility and hatchability, particularly the past 5 years. There are numerous managerial and nutritional approaches to optimize the pullet and subsequent mature broiler breeder, and these proceedings focus on feathering. Moreover, these proceedings examine the quantity and quality of broiler breeder plumage as affected by both pullet and hen nutrition.

Kinetics Of Protein And Amino Acids, S. Y. Liu, M. Toghyani, S. P. Macelline, P. H. Selle

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

Protein and amino acid nutrition is key to poultry growth and sustainability, with synchrony between glucose and amino acid availability being critical for efficient feed conversion. While non-bound amino acids (NBAA) are rapidly absorbed and increasingly used to reduce crude protein levels, their fast uptake may disrupt amino acid balance and reduce nutrient utilization compared to protein-bound amino acids. Future research should redefine amino acid requirements in low-CP diets, explore the metabolic fate of NBAA, and investigate how protein sources affect gut microbiota and host metabolism.

Low Protein Diet Strategy, S. Y. Liu, P. V. Chrystal, M. T. Kidd, M. Toghyani, S. P. Macelline, P. H. Selle

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

Reduced crude protein (CP) diets can lower nitrogen excretion and improve litter quality, but their effectiveness varies depending on the grain type, with wheat-based diets often showing poorer broiler performance compared to maize or sorghum. The digestive dynamics and synchrony between NBAA and protein-bound amino acids, along with starch-to-protein ratios, influence feed efficiency and fat deposition, which remains a challenge in reduced CP diets. Optimizing amino acid supplementation and exploring alternative protein-rich ingredients may help improve outcomes, especially in regions with limited access to soybean meal.