Agricultural Economics Commons^™

Fruit Consumption Indicators: Who Consumes More Fruit In Utah?, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis

All Current Publications

This fact sheet discusses fruit consumption patterns in Utah, exploring the key demographic and socioeconomic factors linked to increased fruit intake. Fruit growers and marketers can use this information to design effective promotional campaigns targeting consumers more likely to purchase fruit and fruit products.

Utah Fruit Growers Assessment Results Overview, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis

All Current Publications

Fruit growers throughout Utah manage operations of varying sizes and sell their fruit products fresh or processed through various direct-to-consumer and wholesale markets. In early winter 2023, researchers conducted an online survey via Qualtrics to better understand the fruit products under production, current marketing methods, grower concerns, and future business interests. This fact sheet provides an overview of the survey results.

Utah Consumer Preferences And Willingness To Pay For Specialty Labeled Fruit Products, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Marcelo Pignatari

All Current Publications

In this fact sheet, we discuss the results of a 2023 study examining Utah consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for fruit products labeled local (Utah’s Own™), organic, and GMO-free. We discuss and compare survey respondents' past consumption, awareness, preferences, and attitudes toward these labeling programs. Additionally, we examine consumer WTP values for each of these labels for three fruit varieties and fresh and dried products, namely fresh apples, strawberries, and dried tart cherries.

Cow-Calf Retained Ownership Analysis And Price Forecasting Using An Online Decision-Support Tool, Dillon M. Feuz

All Current Publications

Cow-calf producers frequently must make the decision to either sell their calves at weaning or soon thereafter or retain ownership of the calves through a background/growing phase. While the price they might receive at weaning may be known, there is great uncertainty about what cattle prices might be at the end of the retained ownership program. This fact sheet explains a method for reducing some of the uncertainty with cattle prices when the sale will occur months in the future and introduces a web-based decision-support tool that can help cattle producers quickly analyze the potential returns and risks from various …

Importance Of Extrinsic Cues Of Grass-Fed Beef By U.S. Consumers Across Regions, Elizabeth K. Crandall, Kelsey Hall

Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Faculty Publications

Extrinsic qualities have become a priority because they affect the type of beef consumers purchase from grocery stores, farmers' markets, restaurants, and private vendors (Cheung et al., 2017; Gwin & Lev, 2011). Some consumers are concerned with the beef they eat, wanting to know about health benefits (Cheung et al., 2017; Gwin & Lev, 2011), the origin of their food (Grunert, 2005), animal welfare (FMI & FMRPE, 2018; Gillespie et al., 2016), concerns about how their beef is produced (Birt, 2017; Gillespie et al., 2016; Yang & Woods, 2016), environmental practices (FMI & FMRPE, 2018), etc. Increased premiums on grass-fed …

Livestock Risk Protection Insurance: Feeder Cattle, Logan B. Haviland, Ryan Feuz

All Current Publications

Livestock risk protection (LRP) insurance is a partially subsidized livestock insurance provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) that provides protection to producers against unexpected price declines. This fact sheet presents specific coverage information for feeder cattle and presents optimal coverage options based on historical contract performance.

Livestock Risk Protection Insurance: Swine, Logan B. Haviland, Ryan Feuz

All Current Publications

Livestock risk protection (LRP) insurance is a partially subsidized livestock insurance provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) that provides protection to producers against unexpected price declines. This fact sheet presents specific coverage information for swine and presents optimal coverage options based on historical contract performance.

Livestock Risk Protection Insurance: Fed Cattle, Logan B. Haviland, Ryan Feuz

All Current Publications

Livestock risk protection (LRP) insurance is a partially subsidized livestock insurance provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) that provides protection to producers against unexpected price declines. This fact sheet presents specific coverage information for fed cattle and presents optimal coverage options based on historical contract performance.

Livestock Risk Protection Insurance Faq, Logan B. Haviland, Ryan Feuz

All Current Publications

Livestock risk protection (LRP) insurance is a partially subsidized livestock insurance provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) that provides protection to producers against unexpected price declines. This fact sheet presents commonly asked questions and answers surrounding livestock risk protection insurance. It outlines the purpose of the program and explains how producers can use LRP insurance to mitigate price risk.

Waterbird-Perceived Damage, Control Measures, And Economic Implications For Rice Production In The Brazilian Cerrado, Demetrio Luis Guadagnin, Alexandre Afonso Meyer, João Augusto Rossi Borges, Fernanda Maia Justo

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Waterbirds have the potential to inflict economic damage to crops. However, is rice (Oryza sativa) production in the Brazilian Cerrado significantly affected by waterbirds? This study aimed to assess the extent of waterbird damage on irrigated rice production in Central Brazil. We conducted surveys of waterbird populations in rice agroecosystem habitats throughout the cultivation cycle and analyzed the expenses associated with waterbird-induced yield losses and the control measures employed by farmers. The 2 most prevalent waterbird species observed were Dendrocygna viduatta and D. autumnalis, comprising 68.6% of all recorded waterbirds. These species were more frequently encountered and …

Understanding Cut Flower Consumers, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Melanie Stock

All Current Publications

This fact sheet provides information on cut flower consumers, such as floral preferences and consumer demographics and psychographics. It discusses possible ways to enhance perceived value and interest in cut flowers.

Cut Flower Markets And Marketing In The Intermountain West, Makylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Melanie Stock

All Current Publications

This fact sheet discusses different markets for cut flowers in the Intermountain West, including wholesale and direct-to-consumer markets. Farmers markets, community-supported agriculture and subscription services, u-pick operations, farm venues, and online options are explored, as well as using social media to advertise and build clientele.

An Overview Of The Cut Flower Industry, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Melanie Stock

All Current Publications

This fact sheet provides an overview of the cut flower industry. It provides information about traditional and specialty cut flowers, comparing flowers sourced locally in Utah and internationally.

Consumer Taste Beliefs Impact Organic Specialty Baked Good Pricing, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis

All Current Publications

In this fact sheet, we discuss how consumer taste beliefs related to organic specialty baked goods differ from their taste beliefs for conventional specialty baked goods, and whether this difference affects the amount consumers are willing to pay for organic-labeled specialty baked goods. In other words, we examine how an organic label on baked goods affects taste perceptions and willingness to pay (WTP). Further, we examine whether providing information about organic labeling standards changes consumer taste beliefs and impacts WTP for organic baked goods. Finally, we examine the impact of providing taste information to mimic scenarios where respondents know the …

Who Values Organic Specialty Bakery Products?, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis

All Current Publications

In this fact sheet, we examine differences in socio-demographics and lifestyle choices between those who view organic as important when purchasing specialty bakery products and those who don’t, with the aim to identify a target market of consumers who prefer organic specialty bakery products. Additionally, we evaluate other important product attributes to consumers seeking organic specialty bakery products. Consumer taste ratings for organic and conventional specialty bakery products are compared for those who value organics and those who don’t to evaluate the impact of taste beliefs on consumer demand for organic specialty bakery products.

Which Factors Influence Consumer Organic Specialty Bakery Product Taste Ratings?, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis

All Current Publications

In this fact sheet, we compare consumer taste ratings for organic and conventional specialty bakery products and analyze what factors explain the differences. These products are typically consumed for pleasure and are more expensive than mainstream baked goods. However, consumers have high quality expectations, including taste, which may be an issue if not satisfactory. Understanding factors that impact consumer taste rating for organic specialty bakery products can help identify what might be done to improve taste perceptions/expectations and the success of organic specialty bakery/pastry products.

Economic Impacts Of Wild Pigs On Livestock Producers In 13 States, Sophie C. Mckee, Ryan S. Miller, Jeremiah L. Psiropoulos, Stephanie A. Shwiff

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species in the mainland United States, where they are responsible for a wide range of negative impacts including damage to crops, livestock depredation as well as disease transmission, destruction of property and ecosystems, and depredation of wildlife. This manuscript summarizes a recent survey-based effort to estimate wild pig damage and control costs incurred by livestock producers by state and livestock type. The survey was distributed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistical Service in the summer of 2021 to a sample of livestock producers in the 13-state region. Findings …

Ten Considerations For Solar-Powered Irrigation In Utah, Ngonidzashe Mufute, Matt Yost, Burdette Barker, Kalen Taylor, Mark Nelson, Randall Violett, Jody Gale

All Current Publications

This fact sheet outlines considerations for using solar-powered irrigation in Utah:

• Solar powered irrigation (SPI) is becoming more cost effective and practical to consider on the farm as the cost of alternative sources of energy are rising.
• Irrigators can now benefit from incentives such as tax credits to help offset costs.
• Investing in solar provides more independence from price fluctuations and energy shortages.
• Considerations for SPI systems include energy demand of the irrigation system, type and value of crops grown, available incentives and support, cost and accessibility of alternative energy sources, and multiple uses of the …

High Tunnel Construction Cost Calculation Workbook, Shannon Rauter, Melanie Stock, Brent Black, Dan Drost

All Current Publications

The cost of building a high tunnel fluctuates over time with supply prices. This Excel workbook accompanies the USU Extension fact sheet, "Constructing a Low-cost High Tunnel" by Black, Drost, Rowley, and Heflebower (2011) and allows users to input local supply costs. The workbook then calculates the cost to build a USU low-cost high tunnel with several design options according to high tunnel length and door structure. It also provides an example calculation based on April 2022 pricing for reference.

Utah Farmers Market Snap Toolkit, Regan Emmons, Bridget Stuchly, Gina Cornia

All Current Publications

Utah State University Extension provides research-based programs and resources with the goal of improving the lives of individuals, families and communities throughout Utah. USU Extension manages Create Better Health, Utah’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program (known as SNAP-Ed), and provides nutrition education and obesity prevention services to SNAP recipients and other eligible low-income individuals. Create Better Health (SNAP-Ed) offers a variety of classes to expand participants’ knowledge of nutrition, budgeting, cooking, food safety, and physical activity. This toolkit outlines how farmers markets can implement a SNAP program and help combat food insecurity in their communities.

Double Up Food Bucks Csa Program, Hannah Martin, Kelsey Hall

Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Faculty Publications

Double Up Food Bucks (Double Up) is a statewide produce incentive program that allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers to access more locally growth, fresh vegetables and fruits at farmers markets, farm stands, and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs. A program of the Utah Department of Health, the benefits of Double Up and SNAP are four-fold: (1) families with low income eat more healthy food, (2) local farmers gain new customers and make more money, (3) more food dollars stay in the local economy, and (4) your community gains increased awareness of your CSA for participation in the Double …

Double Up Food Bucks Farm Stand Program, Hannah Martin, Kelsey Hall

Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Faculty Publications

Double Up Food Bucks (Double Up) is a statewide produce incentive program that allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formally known as food stamps program, customers to access more locally grown, fresh vegetables and fruits at farmers markets, farm stands, and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs. A program of the Utah Department of Health, the benefits of Double Up and SNAP are three-fold: families with low income eat more healthy food, local farmers gain new customers and make more money, and more food dollars stay in the local economy.

Drought Mitigation For Cow/Calf Producers: Depopulation Strategies, Reganne K. Briggs, Joshua Dallin, Jacob Hadfield, Matthew D. Garcia

All Current Publications

Drought is a recurring event faced by many cow/calf producers across the nation. As drought events increase in their severity, it is important for cattle producers to have a management plan to mitigate the economic effects of drought. Two of the most common strategies for mitigating the effects of drought include buying additional feed and depopulating a portion of the herd. This fact sheet reviews strategies that will guide the decision-making process to cull cattle during drought.

Cultivation Of Industrial Hemp On And Near Airports: Implications For Wildlife Use And Risk To Aviation Safety, Bradley F. Blackwell, Page E. Klug, Lee A. Humberg, Zachary T. Brym, Bryan M. Kluever, Jennifer M. Edwards

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Land-use planning on and near airports should consider possible revenue from land covers, associated maintenance costs, and potential for land covers to attract vertebrate species recognized as hazardous to aviation safety. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has expressed interest in recent attention given to industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.; hemp) as a revenue-producing land cover that might be cultivated on or near airports. Our purpose was to better understand the potential production value of hemp as well as its possible role in affecting aviation safety if cultivated on or near airports. Our objectives were to: (1) review the literature …

Evaluating Alternative Feed Sources During Drought, Matthew D. Garcia, Ruger P. Carter, Ryan Larsen, Eric Thacker, Jacob Hadfield, Reganne K. Briggs, Justen Smith

All Current Publications

During years of drought, it is important to critically evaluate alternative feed sources available for cattle. The traditional method for sustaining a herd through a drought is feeding extra stored forage to compensate for decreased forage production or decreased forage quality available on rangelands and pastures due to drought conditions. However, hay prices rise substantially, and availability decreases due to irrigation water limitations and increased demand from livestock producers. This fact sheet will evaluate why hay prices rise and what alternatives are available to compensate for forage reductions during drought.

Size And Scope Of San Juan County Agriculture 2020, Reagan Wytsalucy, Ryan Feuz, Ryan Larsen, Paige Wray

All Current Publications

Located in the southeast corner of the state with approximately 5.2 million acres, San Juan County (SJC) is the largest county in Utah. It makes up one of the four corner states bordered by Colorado on the east and Arizona on the south. Surrounding Utah counties include Kane, Garfield, Wayne, Emery, and Grand. The current population is estimated at 15,772. This fact sheet provides agricultural information on land ownership, crop, vegetable, and livestock production, county characteristics, and producer farm income for San Juan County.

Data From: Yellow Air Day Advisory Study, Arthur J. Caplan

Browse all Datasets

Using a dataset consisting of daily vehicle trips, PM2.5 concentrations, along with a host of climactic control variables, we test the hypothesis that “yellow air day” advisories provided by the Utah Division of Air Quality resulted in subsequent reductions in vehicle trips taken during northern Utah’s winter-inversion seasons in the early 2000s. Winter inversions occur in northern Utah when climactic conditions are such that PM2.5 concentrations (derived mainly from vehicle emissions) become trapped in the lower atmosphere, leading to unhealthy air quality (concentrations of at least 35 µg/m3) over a span of what are called “red air days”. When concentrations …

Balancing Food Security And Environmental Sustainability By Optimizing Seasonal-Spatial Crop Production In Bangladesh, Man Li, Zhe Guo, Wei Zhang

Applied Economics Faculty Publications

The intensification of crop production has been identified as one of the major drivers of environmental degradation. While significant advances could still be made with more widespread adoption of sustainable intensification technologies that address the agronomic efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers, the dynamic use of agricultural land across seasons and associated crop-specific responses to fertilizer applications have so far been largely overlooked. This paper explores the potential for improving the economic-environmental performance of crop production through spatially integrated modeling and optimization, as applied to Bangladesh. Results show that per-billion-Taka nitrogen loss from soil would decline by 83% from the baseline level …

Wheat Miller And Distributor Organic Wheat Quality And Quantity Requirements, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis

All Current Publications

This fact sheet summarizes the findings of a survey conducted with wheat buyers (millers and distributors) to assess their organic wheat quality and sourcing needs. We examine the importance of various quality measures in miller and distributor decisions to purchase organic wheat and their perceptions of organic and conventional wheat quality. We also discuss the issues wheat buyers face when purchasing organic wheat and what prevents them from buying organic wheat if not already doing so. Given the significant contribution of the Intermountain West’s production to domestic organic wheat supply, growers and breeders must understand the needs of organic wheat …

Bakery Organic Wheat Flour Quality And Quantity Requirements, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis

All Current Publications

This fact sheet summarizes the findings of a survey conducted with bakery owners and managers to assess their organic wheat flour quality and sourcing needs. We examine the importance of various quality measures in bakery decisions to purchase organic flour and baker perceptions of organic and conventional flour quality. We also discuss the hurdles and issues that bakeries face when purchasing organic flour and what prevents them from using organic flour if not currently doing so. Given the significant contribution of the Intermountain West’s production to domestic organic wheat supply, growers and millers must understand the needs of organic wheat …