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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Livestock Checkoff Cases, J. David Aiken
Livestock Checkoff Cases, J. David Aiken
Cornhusker Economics
Over the past thirty-five years, Congress has authorized generic promotion programs, known as checkoff programs, for a variety of agricultural commodities. Within the past year, the beef checkoff has been invalidated, the pork checkoff has been invalidated, and the legality of the beef checkoff has been upheld. The two cases invalidating checkoff programs relied on U.S. Supreme Court rulings that checkoff programs violated the producers free speech rights. The one case ruling the beef checkoff constitutional characterized the checkoff advertising program as government speech, which is exempt from constitutional free speech protections. This article takes a look at legal issues …
A New Twist To Regional Economic Development, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel
A New Twist To Regional Economic Development, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel
Cornhusker Economics
Regional collaboration has always sounded like a good idea. The challenge was that it was hard to implement. From a business perspective, it was easier and more cost effective to make adjustments to your own business plan without asking for added input from other regional businesses, agencies and institutions. When times are good, you have the luxury of working independently. However, when you are faced with a general downturn in the economy and increased global competition, as many of the business sectors are today, you look hard for other ways of increasing efficiency. Some methods that could be explored may …
Initiative 300 And The Structure Of Nebraska’S Cattle Feeding Industry: Did The Law Make A Difference?, Azzeddine Azzam
Initiative 300 And The Structure Of Nebraska’S Cattle Feeding Industry: Did The Law Make A Difference?, Azzeddine Azzam
Cornhusker Economics
In a recently completed study on the effect of Initiative 300 on the structure of Nebraska's cattle feeding industry, agricultural economists, Azzeddine M. Azzam from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and John R. Schroeter from Iowa State University, in cooperation with UNL Ag Law specialist, David Aiken, found no statistical difference between how the size of feedlots has evolved in Nebraska and how they've evolved in other major cattle feeding states (Colorado, Kansas and Texas) that have no restrictions on corporate investment in cattle feeding. All four states studied have seen a trend of larger feedlots supplanting small-scale operations. The study …
Open Meetings Law Violation Invalidates Dairy Zoning Permit, J. David Aiken
Open Meetings Law Violation Invalidates Dairy Zoning Permit, J. David Aiken
Cornhusker Economics
In Nebraska, as in most other states, most actions by public officials are subject to compliance with state public meeting or open meeting law requirements. Failure to comply with open meeting requirements can lead to a court’s declaring the action taken by public officials to be invalid. Such was the case in a zoning decision involving a dairy expansion in Antelope county. Alderman v County of Antelope, 11 NebApp 412 (Sep. 24, 2002).
2002 Women In Agriculture Conference, Deb Rood
2002 Women In Agriculture Conference, Deb Rood
Cornhusker Economics
The eighteenth annual Women in Agriculture: The Critical Difference conference, held September 12-13, 2002, in Kearney, Nebraska was a good ending to a very dry spring and summer. The conference, held each year in Kearney, has become a place for women to meet and talk about their business, agriculture.
Options Under The New Farm Program, Roger Selley
Options Under The New Farm Program, Roger Selley
Cornhusker Economics
Producers have until April 2003 to select base and yield options under the new Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program. The options selected will be effective through 2007 and could significantly effect farm program payments. In many instances, the option that maximizes payments will depend upon program commodity prices. As a result, producers may want to consider some likely price scenarios, or simply consider the outcome at a range of price levels. Several computer programs are available to help producers evaluate the alternatives. However, understanding the principles can help in interpreting the computer results and provide some guidance if using a pencil …
An Economic Assessment Of Nebraska Agriculture In 2002, Roy Frederick
An Economic Assessment Of Nebraska Agriculture In 2002, Roy Frederick
Cornhusker Economics
With the fall harvest rapidly nearing completion, it’s time to begin thinking about the bottom line for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers in 2002.
What Happened To Milk Prices This Year?, H. Douglas Jose
What Happened To Milk Prices This Year?, H. Douglas Jose
Cornhusker Economics
Dairy farmers don’t need to be reminded that milk prices have declined dramatically in the past year. In September, the U.S. average all milk price was $11.50, or down about one-third compared to a year ago. The answer lies in that basic economic tenet - supply and demand. Too much supply relative to the demand for milk and dairy products.
False Labeling And Its Ramifications For Organic Food Product Markets, Konstantinos Giannakas
False Labeling And Its Ramifications For Organic Food Product Markets, Konstantinos Giannakas
Cornhusker Economics
Consumer concerns regarding the health and environmental effects of inputs used in conventional production systems (i.e., fertilizer, pesticides, etc.), coupled with rising living standards and/or subsidization of organic agriculture (i.e., case of the European Union (EU)), have resulted in the development of fast growing markets for organic food in several countries around the world. “Organic” refers to food produced through a process characterized by mandatory “soil building” crop rotations and absence of synthetic inputs. The lack of synthetic inputs results in reduced yields and, when compared to conventional food production, the production of organic food is more labor intensive
Changing Hog Markets, Allen Prosch
Changing Hog Markets, Allen Prosch
Cornhusker Economics
Pork producers may yet dodge the worst possibilities of the fourth quarter of 2002. With hog slaughter at or near record numbers in the third quarter, it appeared that a replay of the 1998 price disaster could have been in the making.
Changes In The U.S. Food Marketing System, Jeffrey S. Royer
Changes In The U.S. Food Marketing System, Jeffrey S. Royer
Cornhusker Economics
The U.S. food marketing system is characterized by improved efficiency, increased concentration and fundamental changes in the relationships between buyers and sellers in a recent report by the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The 95-page report, The U.S. Food Marketing System, 2002: Competition, Coordination and Technological Innovations into the 21st Century (Agricultural Economic Report No. 811), can be downloaded from the ERS website at www.ers.usda.gov. It was written by J. Michael Harris, Phil R. Kaufman, Steve W. Martinez and Charlene Price.
Decision Making During Stressful Times, David J. Goeller
Decision Making During Stressful Times, David J. Goeller
Cornhusker Economics
Do you find yourself wondering why you can’t make those snap decisions like you use to? Do you ever wonder why you catch yourself second guessing your decisions more? It may be that stress has gotten to a level in your life that it is having a larger influence on you than you realize. Many factors have caused Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers to experience higher stress levels this year. These factors include the threat of war, the drought, low commodity prices, higher input costs, uncertainty with the federal farm programs, shortage of adequate livestock feed, prospects for a long winter …
Small Changes In The Farm Bill Fruit And Vegetable Provisions May Pay Big Dividends For Western Nebraska Dry Edible Bean Producers Facing Continued Drought, Paul Burgener
Cornhusker Economics
The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 has retained many of the same restrictions for producers with dry edible beans in their cropping system. Dry beans are included in the fruit and vegetable (FAV) crop classification under the new direct and counter cyclical (DCP) program. This is consistent with the past farm legislation. However, there are a few changes in the new farm legislation regarding the FAV rules that could be very beneficial to Western Nebraska farmers who have grown dry edible beans in the past, or who intend to grow them in the future.
Public School Financing In Nebraska: A Chronic Dilemma, Bruce B. Johnson
Public School Financing In Nebraska: A Chronic Dilemma, Bruce B. Johnson
Cornhusker Economics
School Financing – hardly any topic gets more spirited debate than this. Those who bear the brunt of the property tax say we have pushed the limits; while others see greater state formula dollars to schools being synonymous with tax increases someplace else. Moreover, many people fear the erosion of local control of their schools as financing changes. However, regardless of one’s personal position, these are extraordinary economic times that require us to be realistic. The following data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest Annual Survey of Local Government Finances, I believe, sheds some light on this topic.
Nebraska Supreme Court Restricts Farm & Ranch Worker Compensation Exemption, J. David Aiken
Nebraska Supreme Court Restricts Farm & Ranch Worker Compensation Exemption, J. David Aiken
Cornhusker Economics
Agricultural workers comprise 6.6 percent of the Nebraska workforce; yet 33 percent of the Nebraska workplace fatalities from October 1, 2001- September 30, 2002 were agricultural related. This means that agricultural work related fatalities were 500 percent of agriculture’s proportionate share. Obviously, agriculture is a hazardous industry. Nonetheless, Nebraska statutes §48-106(2) states that “the following are declared not to be hazardous occupations . . . : employers of household domestic servants and employers of farm and ranch laborers . . . .” On July 26, 2002, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled in Larsen v D B Feedyards, 264 Neb 483, …
The New Farm Bill: An Increase Or Decrease In Farm Program Payments?, Roger Selley
The New Farm Bill: An Increase Or Decrease In Farm Program Payments?, Roger Selley
Cornhusker Economics
The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (the farm bill) has been recognized as potentially providing agricultural producers with enhanced financial support. The bill has titles (sections) that address commodity programs, conservation, trade, nutrition programs, credit, rural development, research, forestry and energy. Some provisions are intended to indirectly affect producer prices and costs of production through trade promotion and research, for example. The commodity and conservation programs promise direct support for agriculture based on planting history and production, as well as payments for following specific production practices expected to conserve resources and protect the environment. The purpose of …
World Grain Situation And Some Marketing Strategies, Lynn Lutgen
World Grain Situation And Some Marketing Strategies, Lynn Lutgen
Cornhusker Economics
On August 12, USDA released the fist crop production report that truly reflected the drought conditions that exist here in the United States. The market responded favorably to the report and of course prices rose.
Is Today’S Agricultural Policy The Appropriate Approach To Meeting The Needs Of Rural Farm Families?, Ray Supalla
Is Today’S Agricultural Policy The Appropriate Approach To Meeting The Needs Of Rural Farm Families?, Ray Supalla
Cornhusker Economics
Susan Offutt, Administrator, Economic Research Service (ERS), USDA, and incoming president of the American Agricultural Economics Association (AAEA), gave a stimulating presidential address last week in Long Beach, California. Her theme was that it is time for agricultural policy to begin focusing on rural farm household income rather than just income from the farm business as a measure of rural need and well being.
Dealing With Cooperative Losses, Darrell R. Mark
Dealing With Cooperative Losses, Darrell R. Mark
Cornhusker Economics
Nebraska has about 80 farm supply and marketing cooperatives that provide over 75,000 member-producers with agricultural inputs and marketing services. As owners, these member-producers provide the equity to finance their local cooperative. Many of the local cooperatives in Nebraska are part of the federated cooperative system. That is, they invest in and become owners of regional cooperatives that offer grain merchandising services and supply wholesale inputs such as fertilizer, petroleum products and ag chemicals. As equity holders in regional cooperatives, local cooperatives are subject to both gains and losses on their investments in regionals. With the current bankruptcy reorganization of …
Blowing Hot And Cold: Carbon And The Question Of Climate Change, Gary D. Lynne
Blowing Hot And Cold: Carbon And The Question Of Climate Change, Gary D. Lynne
Cornhusker Economics
The title is borrowed in part from a section in the recent “Survey of the Global Environment” published in The Economist, an economically conservative magazine that also asks more broadly “How Many Planets?” will it take to support a world-wide economy like that in the U.S.A. (see Vaitheeswaran). The answer is: It would take 3-planet earths, which is perhaps the main reason the United Nations, with both private (e.g., the Ford Foundation) and public financial support, is sponsoring the World Summit on Sustainable Development in South Africa this fall. According to the following website, upwards of 60,000 individuals will be …
Planning For Beef Cattle Operations In The Face Of Drought, Richard T. Clark, Don C. Adams
Planning For Beef Cattle Operations In The Face Of Drought, Richard T. Clark, Don C. Adams
Cornhusker Economics
About two years ago we wrote a Cornhusker Economics article on this same topic. Unfortunately, the current drought is more widespread and onerous. Presently, many producers are out or about to be out of grass. This late in the year options are limited. Selling cattle, including part of the breeding herd is an option that many have begun to exercise. Weaning early, selling the calves or placing them in feedlots and feeding the cows are other options.
Assessing Drought Damage, Roy Frederick
Assessing Drought Damage, Roy Frederick
Cornhusker Economics
Nebraskans see it around them every day. Browning pastures, withered cornfields and higher water bills are reminders of the ongoing drought. Not surprisingly, most of us worry about the drought’s impact in personal terms. If you farm, what is it doing to my crops? Or my irrigation costs? If you own a business in a rural community, how much is the drought reducing producers’ off-farm purchases? Obviously, the bottom-line concern is that droughts affect our pocketbooks.
Nebraska Supreme Court Rules County Livestock Zoning Regulations Legal, J. David Aiken
Nebraska Supreme Court Rules County Livestock Zoning Regulations Legal, J. David Aiken
Cornhusker Economics
The development of large swine production facilities has been highly controversial in Nebraska for the past several years. A major focus of the “hog wars” has been county livestock zoning regulations. In Nebraska, livestock facilities are subject to state environmental regulation by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, and to local zoning regulations if the county is zoned (or if the livestock facility will be located near a zoned community). The number of zoned counties has more than doubled in the last decade from 36 to at least 75. Most of the newly zoned counties have adopted zoning in order …
Concentration Of Wealth In Nebraska:, John C. Allen, Randolph L. Cantrell
Concentration Of Wealth In Nebraska:, John C. Allen, Randolph L. Cantrell
Cornhusker Economics
The concentration of people, jobs and earnings in Nebraska’s metropolitan counties has been well documented. In the year 2000, the state’s six metropolitan counties were home to 52 percent of the population, while generating 57 percent of all jobs and 63 percent of all earnings in the state. This trend toward geographic concentration has been very pronounced in the last twenty years, with the gap between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan portions of the state growing at an accelerating rate. This trend implies broad implications for rural development in the state.
Farmland Ownership Transfer: Patterns And Implications, Bruce B. Johnson
Farmland Ownership Transfer: Patterns And Implications, Bruce B. Johnson
Cornhusker Economics
While the market for agricultural real estate is unique in numerous ways, one very significant way is the low rate of ownership turnover. For many market participants, the buying or selling of farmland may be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Numerous agricultural properties continue to remain under a family’s ownership for generations. Even in those instances where individuals are actively buying and selling agricultural real estate, the activity is still relatively infrequent. In short, agricultural land tenure is very stable.
Multifunctionality And Trade, George Pfeiffer
Multifunctionality And Trade, George Pfeiffer
Cornhusker Economics
Agricultural production results in a large number of joint products. Many are obvious: wheat and straw, corn and stalk grazing, etc. Many are somewhat less obvious: agricultural production results in open, usually attractive rural landscapes; agricultural income maintains local communities and provides rural employment; it maintains cultural values; and it provides food security. These are among the benefits often cited as spillover effects of agricultural production which are valued by society above and beyond the monetary value of the agricultural products themselves. Many have also noted that agricultural production frequently has negative spillover effects also. Among those cited are ground …
Study Focuses On Business Entry Strategies, Marilyn R. Schlake
Study Focuses On Business Entry Strategies, Marilyn R. Schlake
Cornhusker Economics
Small business ownership is the life-blood of Nebraska’s economy. In fact, they comprise more than 90% of all businesses across the state.Two burning questions that the Nebraska EDGE (Enhancing, Developing and Growing Entrepreneurs) Program, located at the Center for Applied Rural Innovation, UNL, wanted to know is: How do many of Nebraska’s business owners actually decide to enter into business ownership? And, what are the implications of these entry decisions on their willingness to access outside assistance?