Agricultural Economics Commons^™

A Call For Better Understanding Household Complexity In Environmental Social Science, Rebecca Nixon, Brooke Mcwherter, Anna Erwin, Jonathan Bauchet, Zhao Ma

Department of Agricultural Economics Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Building Resilience: Incentivizing Agricultural Water Conservation In Utah Amid Climate Uncertainty And Prior Appropriation Water Rights, Man Li

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Target Consumers For Locally Grown Fruit In Utah, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Tammy King

All Current Publications

This fact sheet describes target consumers for locally grown fruits and fruit products in Utah. The data examined here comes from an online survey (via Qualtrics) of Utah consumers conducted in 2023. Here, we compare consumers who are willing to pay a higher premium for local fruit products and those who are not, outlining the distinction between them in terms of their demographics, purchasing patterns and shopping habits, as well as their lifestyle and attitudes.

Target Consumers For Organically Grown Fruit In Utah, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Tammy King

All Current Publications

This fact sheet provides an overview of target consumers for organically grown fruits and fruit products in Utah. The data examined here comes from an online survey (via Qualtrics) of Utah consumers conducted in 2023. Here, we compare those willing to pay premiums for organically grown fruit and those unwilling to do so, outlining the distinction between them in terms of their demographics, purchasing patterns and shopping habits, as well as their lifestyle and attitudes.

Why Is Workforce Development Such A Big Deal Now?, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel

Cornhusker Economics

For those linked to agriculture or agri-business, you are not only dealing with the national constraints of the current workforce, but if you are involved specifically in production agriculture, you are also hit by the changing size and scope of on-farm workforce trends. These are just a few of the reasons why workforce development in general, and especially in the agricultural sector, is a big deal now.

Potential Response Of Mexican Consumers To A Ban On Genetically Modified Maize Imports, Brandon R. Mcfadden, Lawton Nalley, Alvaro Durand-Morat, Wei Yang, Katie Loethen

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Mexico enacted a decree to ban the sale of genetically modified (GM) maize seed and maize for human consumption. Maize is particularly important to the average diet in Mexico as it is the main feed for the primary source of protein (poultry) and the main ingredient for the primary source of calories (corn tortillas). This study aimed to assess consumer awareness of the decree, support for the decree, and sensitivity of support given possible economic outcomes related to the decree. Additionally, we estimate the premiums consumers were willing to pay (WTP) for non-GM products relative to GM products (i.e., chicken …

Low-Emission Beef Production In The Southern Rangelands Of Western Australia: An Analysis Of Herd Structure And Stocking Rate Experiencing Droughts, Christophe D'Abbadie

Animal production and livestock research articles

Reconciling profitable cattle production with rangeland health and reduced emissions is a key challenge in the southern rangelands of Western Australia (WA). Stocking rate and herd structure selection are crucial decisions to achieve this balance. This study assessed the emission profiles of three contrasting herd structures (weaner production, live export, and slaughter production), and three stocking rates within a herd–carbon accounting modelling framework. The analysis considers the impact of varying drought frequencies on these cattle production systems. Herd models were developed for the semiarid southern WA rangelands. Stocking rates were set at 100%, 80% and 66% of the government recommended …

Estimating Prevented Planting Coverage Factor Variation, Christopher N. Boyer, Eunchun Park, Chad Hellwinckel, S. Aaron Smith, William Maples, Gabriela Perez-Quesada

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Prevented planting payments reimburse crop producers for losses from not being able to plant. These payments provide critical protection to producers; however, these payments, which are determined using a nationwide, crop-specific coverage factor, have been questioned to induce moral hazard. Depending on the region and crop insurance coverage, payments from this provision exceed producers’ losses. This paper estimates the prevented planting coverage factor by coverage level and region that would equitably reimburse corn and soybean producers for their losses. We find the prevented planting coverage factor has significant variation across coverage levels and location within our study region. The prevented …

Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus And Its Management In Lupins, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) is an aphid-transmitted virus that commonly causes necrotic symptoms that kills lupin plants when infected early before pod set. When plants are infected after pod set, black pods develop (known as black pod syndrome).

BYMV is found predominantly in high rainfall areas of the Western Australian (WA) grainbelt. This page outlines the symptoms, diagnosis, factors favouring disease risk and spread, yield and quality impacts, and management for BYMV in lupin crops in WA

Cucumber Mosaic Virus And Its Management In Narrow Leafed Lupins, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is a seed- and aphid-borne virus that infects narrow-leafed lupins. Western Australian (WA) grainbelt regions most at risk are the high rainfall zones of the northern and central agricultural region and the south coastal region.

The principal infection source for lupin crops is sowing infected lupin seed.

Ascochyta Blight Disease And Its Management In Faba Beans, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

This factsheet summarises the symptoms, disease risk, infection cycle and control measures for Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta fabae) in faba bean compared to the diseases, Alternaria and Cercospora.

Blackleg And Its Management In Canola, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Blackleg, caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans, is the most common and serious disease of canola in Western Australia (WA). Blackleg can cause significant damage by infecting the cotyledons or first leaves early in the season, leading ultimately to crown lesions or cankers later in the season.

Changes in variety choice, crop rotation, earlier sowing times, and stubble retention have extended the risk of blackleg disease. Because of early emergence, later stages of crop growth are more likely to be exposed and infection can occur on all parts of the plant above ground, including canola flowers, stems, and branches (this …

Root Lesion And Burrowing Nematodes And Their Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Nematodes are common soil pests that feed on the roots of a wide range of crops in all agricultural areas of Western Australia, resulting in significant crop yield loss. Root lesion nematode can be managed but not eradicated.

This factsheet summarises the biology of the root lesion nematode (RLN, Pratylenchus spp.) and burrowing nematode (Radopholus spp.) species that damage Western Australian (WA) crops, and their diagnosis and management.

Roly Poly And Its Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Roly poly, also known as prickly saltwort or tumbleweed (Salsola australis), is a native species found throughout Australia. The dead plants can break off at ground level, forming the ‘tumbleweeds’ seen in movies.

Like most summer weeds, roly poly uses soil moisture and nutrients that would otherwise be available to the following crop. The time taken to clear uncontrolled plants can delay seeding.

Livestock will graze the young plants; however, they will not eat the mature plants and are injured by the prickly leaves.

Net Form Net Blotch And Its Management In Barley, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Net form net blotch is a fungal disease that can reduce yield and grain quality of barley crops. It can vary in appearance depending on the pathogen, variety of barley, and stage of infection. This factsheet describes the symptoms, and how this disease is managed.

Yellow Spot And Septoria Nodorum Blotch And Their Management In Wheat, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Leaf spot diseases affecting wheat in Western Australia (WA) are yellow spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis), septoria nodorum blotch (Parastagonospora nodorum), and septoria tritici blotch (Zymoseptoria tritici). They are caused by 3 different fungal pathogens but the disease symptoms and biologies are similar.

Impact from leaf spot diseases vary greatly from season to season and between locations. They are a problem in continuous wheat crops in stubble retention (no-till) farming systems. For the most effective control, an integrated disease management (IDM) approach is required.

This page outlines the symptoms, diseases spread and risk factors, yield and quality losses, and management options for …

Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus And Wheat Curl Mite And Their Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) is a seed and mite-borne virus that infects wheat, causing severe leaf symptoms and reduced yields. The symptoms and damage are more severe in wheat than other hosts, in which infection is symptomless.

Wheat streak mosaic virus can cause crop failure when widespread infection occurs in seedling wheat, particularly when a heavily WSMV-infected green bridge is not controlled before sowing an early crop, and warm temperatures favour mites.

Wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella) is the only known vector of WSMV. It can transmit the virus in its nymph and adult stages.

Doublegee And Its Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Doublegee is a significant weed of agriculture and causes a loss of $20 million annually over an estimated one million hectares of crops and one million hectares of pastures, in Western Australia (WA) alone.

Armyworms And Their Management In Cereal Crops, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Armyworms are pests of cereals crops. They are frequently found along the south coast of Western Australia and occasionally in other grainbelt locations.

When barley crops are maturing in spring, large armyworm caterpillars climb plants and can chew through the stems, causing the heads to fall to the ground. Damage to wheat and oat crops occurs less frequently and is usually minor compared to damage in barley. Armyworms are seldom a serious problem in pastures.

Sclerotinia Stem Rot And Its Management In Canola, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Sclerotinia stem rot, caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a disease of canola that can cause significant yield losses exceeding 20% under conducive conditions. This disease occurs in all areas of the WA grainbelt.

Sclerotinia stem rot is one of the most variable and unpredictable diseases of canola, with incidence of infection varying greatly between paddocks and between years. Yield losses can be severe in years of higher moisture, cool conditions, and high humidity, which favour disease development.

This factsheet details the symptoms, disease risk and spread, yield and quality losses, and integrated disease management tactics for sclerotinia stem …

Aphid Feeding Damage And Its Management In Cereal Crops, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Adult and nymph aphids suck sap from cereal crops, with large populations, especially in winter and spring, limiting grain yield and size. This page relates to feeding damage from oat aphid (Rhopalosiphon padi) and corn aphid (Rhopalosiphon maidis) in the absence of virus, and Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia).

Barley And Cereal Yellow Dwarf Viruses And Their Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Barley yellow dwarf viruses (BYDV) and cereal yellow dwarf viruses (CYDV) damage cereal crops worldwide. These yellow dwarf viruses infect wheat, barley, oats and grasses and are transmitted by aphids.

This page describes these collective yellow dwarf viruses (barley and cereal yellow dwarf viruses), which damage cereals crops and advises on their diagnosis, monitoring, and management the viruses in the Western Australian (WA) grainbelt.

Growers are encouraged to check cereal crops for aphids on a regular basis, especially early in the season during autumn when winged aphids migrate into cereal crops during the crops’ most vulnerable growth phase. Early detection …

Septoria Avenae Blotch And Its Management In Oats, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Septoria avenae blotch (Phaeosphaeria avenaria f.sp. avenaria) is a stubble borne fungal disease of oats and is the most common oat disease in Western Australia and occurs throughout the cereal growing areas.It is host specific, meaning it only affects oats.

This page summarises the symptoms, factors favouring disease risk and spread, yield and quality losses, and management strategies for the disease

Fleabane And Its Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Flaxleaf and tall fleabane (Conyza spp.) are emerging weeds in Western Australia (WA), germinating in spring and becoming major weeds in summer. Fleabane is now considered an important weed of reduced tillage farming systems.

Historically, fleabane was primarily a weed of roadsides, particularly if the road shoulders were sprayed with glyphosate, leaving bare soil on which the fleabane could germinate and flourish.

Capeweed And Its Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) is a prostrate, stemless, sprawling annual herb that germinates during autumn and winter. In Western Australia (WA), competition from 7 to 90 capeweed plants per square metre in a wheat crop can reduce crop yield by 28 to 44% and net return by 25 to 76%.

Rust Disease And Its Management In Faba Beans, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Faba bean rust (Uromyces viciae-fabae) is host specific, meaning it does not infect cereals or other break crops. The rust is not widespread in Western Australia but low to moderate levels occur in the Esperance and Katanning regions. Individual crops suffer yield losses in some years.

Rust has also been recorded in the high rainfall region in the northern agricultural area, around Dongara.

This page summarises the symptoms, infection cycle, disease risk and spread, and management recommendations for faba bean rust disease.

Sclerotinia Stem Rot And Its Management In Lupins, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

With lupins being susceptible and grown in close rotation to canola, particularly in the northern Western Australia (WA) grainbelt, lupin growers are facing increasing pressure from the disease sclerotinia stem rot (caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum).

This page covers the disease symptoms, infection process, yield and quality impacts, and management in lupin crops.

Breeding Ewes Are Worth Feeding, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Despite potentially elevated grain prices, strong prices for meat and wool mean that Western Australian sheep farmers can confidently supplementary feed their underweight ewes in summer/autumn.

Analysis in 2019, based on then-current prices, showed it was a profitable investment to feed all ewes to maintain condition during pregnancy, and to feed low condition score single bearing ewes and low and medium condition score twin bearing ewes to gain condition.

In 2019, John Young from Farming Systems Analysis Service completed an analysis on the value of a ewe in the WA farming system. His report had some important messages for the …

Willingness To Pay And Market Potential For Biowrap: An Economic Study Of A New Biodegradable Mulch Product In Home Gardening, Gengchen Cai

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

This study explores the market potential of BioWRAP, a biodegradable sprayable weed suppression product, by assessing the willingness to pay (WTP) among American home gardeners. Traditional plastic mulch offers significant agronomic benefits but poses considerable environmental challenges, making BioWRAP a promising alternative due to its similar benefits and reduced environmental impact. Using a double-bounded contingent valuation method, we analyze the WTP for BioWRAP among different demographic groups and gardening practices. Our findings indicate that the highest WTP for BioWRAP is among home gardeners who currently use chemical sprays for weed suppression, followed by those using physical barriers, with the lowest …

Testing Feed Is Vital For Feed Budgeting, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

A little knowledge of the nutritional value of your supplementary feeds can save you a lot of money and hassle.

In dry seasons, it is likely that farmers will need to start supplementary feeding earlier than usual. The higher requirement for supplementary feeds over dry seasons means accurate feed budgeting becomes increasingly important to minimise feed wastage, for weaner survival, and to maintain stock at the right condition score (CS) for joining.