Agricultural and Resource Economics Commons^™

Decision Modeling: Why Farmers Do Or Do Not Convert To Organic Farming, Ryan Locke

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study examines why farmers in Northern New South Wales, Australia do or do not convert to organic farming from conventional farming practices. Organic agriculture provides a production alternative that may be environmentally and nutritionally beneficial. Because the structural settings of economy and society influence decision-making on an individual basis at the farm level, discussions of policy must consider why farmers do, or do not, convert to organic farming. Ultimately, the successfulness of a policy depends on the effectiveness of motivating individual action. A hierarchical decision tree was created using ethnographic decision tree modeling. Elimination criteria, motivational criteria, and constraints …

Impacts Of Salt Production On Pemba, Lauren Wolchok

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The economic, social, and environmental impacts of salt production were studied on the eastern coast of Pemba Island. Solar salt production is associated with the clear cutting of mangrove forests, which are significant as soil stabilizers, animal habitats, and as an economic resource. An environmental assessment of this industry is necessary to determine whether the socio-economic gains from salt production justify the environmental costs. Interviews with owners, employees, and day laborers from 20 salt farms were conducted to assess the general sustainability of the industry. The average annual owner income was determined to be approximately 570 000 Tsh, while employees …

Los Impactos Socio-Económicos Del Proyecto De Desarrollo Sostenible En La Entrada Norte Del Canal De Panamá En La Comunidad De Cativá, Carey Pulverman

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

El Proyecto desarrollo sostenible en la entrada Norte del Canal de Panamá ha sido desarrollado por la Doctora Gloria Batista de Vega desde 1992, con el apoyo de ChevronTexaco como parte de su Plan de Manejo Costera de la Costa Caribe en el distrito de Colón, provincia de Colón. Gracilarias de Panamá, S.A., Acelerador Tecnológico fue establecido en el Tecnoparque de la Ciudad del Saber para desarrollar una innovadora industria de biotecnología no contaminante cuya materia prima es renovable y que utiliza como fuente de energía la luz solar. Gracilarias de Panamá, S.A. es la manifestación comercial del Proyecto desarrollo …

Public Price Reporting, Marketing Channel Selection And Price Discovery: The Perspective Of Cow/Calf Producers In The Dakotas, Scott Fausti, Bashir Qasmi, Doug Landblom, Martin Beutler, Pat Johnson, Roger Gates, Hubert Patterson, R. Salverson

Economics Staff Paper Series (1969 - 2017)

Cow/calf producers operating in the Dakotas were surveyed on their price discovery strategies, marketing channel preferences, and their perceptions of how regime change in the public price reporting system for fed cattle affected the beef industry in general and the cow/calf industry in particular. Survey results indicate cow/calf producers consider local institutions (auction barns etc.) to be more reliable for price discovery and marketing their feeder and stocker cattle than regional or national institutions (futures market etc.). Consistent with this view, producers perceive that the current public price reporting system is less reliable than local market sources when making individual …

Viviendo Sin Bosques: Perspectivas En Disputa Sobre El Desarrollo Y Su Impacto En El Pueblo Mbya Guaraní, Maya Politis

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The indigenous populations all over the world have been and continue to experience drastic transformations in these past decades, each at its own pace and in its own form. Although throughout history all cultures and societies experience transformations, for the most part the recent transformations have been forced on these communities to a degree more brutal than ever. The powerful effects of the modern capitalistic system are quickly displacing and endangering indigenous populations. Practically every square foot of land and air has been privatized, sold to big corporations and exploited to benefit productivity without even the consideration of sustainability. This …

Migration As An Economic Activity: The Efficiency Of Population Redistribution In Viet Nam, Megan L. Maurer

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Migration policy in Viet Nam views land and populations as economic resources. At reunification, these resources were not evenly distributed, thus the migration policy of the newly formed Socialist Republic of Viet Nam sought to redistribute them in a more efficient manner. However, this viewpoint does not take into account environmental and social factors. These factors include, but are not limited to issues surrounding the suitability of land for cultivation, the choice of crops to be cultivated, the infrastructural supports provided to migrant communities, and the lack of capital being put into the system.

As a consequence of these factors, …

Beef Export Verification Program For Japan, Mark Halstead, Darrell R. Mark

Cornhusker Economics

After regaining beef export trade with Japan in December 2005, export rule violations prompted Japan to reinstate its beef trade ban on January 20, 2006. While it is uncertain when trade will resume, it is incumbent upon the entire U.S. beef industry to understand the rules for beef export to Japan. These rules are established in USDA’s Beef Export Verification (BEV) Program for Japan. This BEV Program applies to companies, producers, feedlots, slaughterers and fabricators who supply beef and beef offal for export to Japan. Suppliers must comply with the specified product requirements under the USDA BEV Program for Japan …

Farm Income Outlook 2006, Burton Pflueger, Jack Davis

Economics Commentator (1972- 2016)

No abstract provided.

Nebraska’S Agricultural Land Markets: Dynamic And Diverse, Bruce B. Johnson

Cornhusker Economics

Preliminary results for the 2006 University of Nebraska–Lincoln Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Developments Survey show patterns of change and contrast. Overall, the average per-acre value of Nebraska farmland climbed 9.6 percent during the year ending February 1, 2006 (Figure 1 and Table 1). However, based on these preliminary findings, the annual changes across regions and types of land varied widely.

Crop Rental Rates, Roger Selley

Cornhusker Economics

One of the most frequently asked questions by landlords and tenants is, “Should we be adjusting our rental arrangement in response to the recent changes in costs (or returns)?” A related question is, “What are others in the area doing?” An implication of some of the questions asked is, “We should be doing something similar to our neighbors,” or at least, “what others are doing will provide guidance on what we should be doing.”

Nebraska Supreme Court Allows School Consolidation Law To Move Forward, J. David Aiken

Cornhusker Economics

On March 3, 2006 the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that a district court’s order stopping the implementation of a 2005 school consolidation statute was in error. Pony Lake School District v. State Committee for Reorganization, 271 Neb. 173 (2006). The Supreme Court’s ruling paved the way for the mandatory June 15, 2006 termination of over 200 Class I School Districts pursuant to L.B. (Legislative Bill) 126, despite a November 7, 2006 voter referendum on LB126.

A Billion Dollars A Day, E. Wesley F. Peterson

Cornhusker Economics

Government subsidies for agriculture in the industrialized nations of North America, Western Europe and East Asia (Japan and South Korea) have been severely criticized by many commentators because of their negative impact on developing countries. (See, for example, “Protecting the French Farmer,” from the editorial page of the New York Times, December 8, 2005). Many have noted that these wealthy countries subsidize their farmers at the rate of a billion dollars a day and that the resulting overproduction depresses world prices to the detriment of low-income countries that depend on agricultural exports. Agricultural subsidies have been a major issue during …

Investor Reluctance To Invest In Foreign Equities, John A. Sondey, Sarah L. Thompson

Economics Commentator (1972- 2016)

No abstract provided.

Public Inputs And Dynamic Producer Behavior: Endogenous Growth In U.S. Agriculture, Lilyan E. Fulginiti, Alejandro Onofri

Department of Agricultural Economics: Faculty Publications

This paper is an attempt to understand the impact of public R&D and public infrastructure on the performance of the U.S. agricultural sector during the last part of the twentieth century. A neoclassical Solow growth model is not sufficient for this understanding given the sustained growth performance of the sector. We base our analysis on a well known endogenous growth model, the 'AK model' where nonconvexities are introduced through non-rival inputs. Based on these models and within the dynamic models that rationalize private and public decision making, we have identified three testable hypotheses regarding the aggregate agricultural production technology. They …

Cattle Cycles: Where Are We And Where Are We Headed?, Dillon Feuz

Cornhusker Economics

There are 97.1 million total head of cattle in the U.S. as of January 1, 2006. That is an increase of 1.78 percent over the 2005 value, and an increase of 2.33 percent over the 2004 value. The January 1, 2004 value marked the end of the prior cattle cycle and the start of a new cycle. The total number of beef cows that have calved is now at 33.3 million head, an increase of one percent over 2005. This marks the second year of herd growth and it appears that growth will continue in 2006; beef replacement heifers were …

Did He Say Switchgrass?, Richard K. Perrin

Cornhusker Economics

Yes, in his recent state of the union address, President Bush said, "We will also fund additional research in cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol, not just from corn but from wood chips and stalks or switchgrass. Our goal is to make this new kind of ethanol practical and competitive within six years."

Managing An Agricultural Business In A Risky Environment, H. Douglas Jose

Cornhusker Economics

What is Risk? Risk is a possible adverse event that has the potential to interfere with a business entity’s financial stability or its ability to achieve its mission. Risk can also have a positive outcome. Srategic planning is the process of selecting the plan that will overcome the possible negative impact and convert risks into opportunities.

Recreational Liability Bill Killed, J. David Aiken

Cornhusker Economics

Years of low commodity prices have encouraged farmers to consider adding alternative enterprises to their operation in order to improve farm income. Some farmers and ranchers have turned to community agriculture or “pick your own” operations (including organic agricultural production), and encourage customers to tour the farm when purchasing produce. Other operators have started a fee hunting enterprise. Still others have started a “pumpkin patch” type operation where visitors enjoy a variety of farm and outdoor amusements for a fee. While Nebraska law exempts landowners from recreational liability where no use fee is charged, landowners may be liable for injuries …

Strategic Labeling And Trade Of Gmos, Luc Veyssiere, Konstantinos Giannakas

Department of Agricultural Economics: Faculty Publications

The emergence of agricultural biotechnology and the subsequent introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the food system have been among the most controversial issues surrounding the increasingly scrutinized agri-food system. They have received considerable attention in the economics literature with the main focus being on the optimal regulatory response to products of biotechnology. This paper builds on the literature on the regulation of products of biotechnology by placing the analysis of labeling decisions in a multi-country context. Specifically, the objective of this study is to examine the effect of the strategic interdependence between countries on their regulatory responses to …

Analysis Of The Regulatory Effects Of California Specialty Crops: An Examination Of Various Issues Impacting Selected Forest Products, Tree Fruit, Nut, And Vegetable Crop Industries, Sean P. Hurley, Richard Thompson, Christopher Dicus, Lori Berger, Jay E. Noel

Agribusiness

In a research report for the California Institute for the Study of Specialty Crops, Hurley provided a broad overview of the web of regulatory bodies affecting California agricultural producers. He found that California specialty crop producers must comply with multiple regulations from multiple local, state, and federal agencies. Locally, producers must comply with county land use regulations developed by the county, as well as, regulations established by the County Agricultural Commissioner. At the state level, producers must follow the regulations established by California Environmental Protection Agency (CALEPA), the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), and the California Department of Food and …

Agri-Tourism: Family Style, David J. Goeller

Cornhusker Economics

Many farm and ranch families are considering adding agri-tourism as a way to supplement income or to provide increased profits needed to bring a younger family member back into the business. Agri-tourism however, is NOT for everyone. Dealing with the public, being available “on demand” and providing a service requires a completely different skill set than traditional farming and ranching.

Theses & Papers By Master's Degree Students In The Department Of Economics: 2005, Matthew Diersen, Larry Janssen

Economics Commentator (1972- 2016)

No abstract provided.

Bill Proposes Changes To Fence Viewer Statutes, J. David Aiken

Cornhusker Economics

In Nebraska, if I want to make a neighbor pay for part of a division fence, I can ask him or her to do so. If they refuse, I can request fence viewers to determine how much of the division fence each neighbor should pay for. I can also build the fence myself and assume full responsibility for the costs of construction and maintenance. Ideally, neighbors should have a written agreement (filed with the land deeds) identifying how the costs of building and maintaining the fence will be shared. But written fence agreements are rare.

Nebraska’S Participation In Global Food And Agricultural Marketing, Neil H. Donovan

Cornhusker Economics

Nebraska is one of the leading agricultural producing states in the country, and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture is highly committed to ensuring that the state maintains its leadership position. Within the Department, the Division of Agricultural Promotions and Development assists agricultural producers and value-added companies in identifying target markets, coordinating trade missions and sponsoring outreach projects to market Nebraska products abroad. The Division utilizes funds available from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service along with membership in MIATCO (Mid-America International Agri-Trade Council), USMEF (United States Meat Export Federation) and USLGE (United States Livestock Genetic Exports) who also provide financial support and …

The Hog Industry In 2005, Al Prosch

Cornhusker Economics

The hog industry enjoyed a remarkable year in 2005. The USDA, December 1st Hog and Pig Report estimated the market herd at 100.3 percent, breeding herd at 100.7 percent, and total herd at 100.4 percent of December 1, 2004 numbers. For the third year in a row, producers increased production while receiving profitable prices.

Economic Sustainability Of The Flambeau Mine Ladysmith, Wisconsin, Anne M. Hartingh

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Today sustainable development is a very pertinent issue. Communities do not want companies, specifically mining companies, to deplete a natural resource and leave. The goal is to minimize the negative impacts of mining and the boom/bust cycles of natural resource extraction.

In this study a three part framework was developed to analyze the sustainability of the Flambeau Mine in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. The first and second part dealt with an in-depth local and regional analysis and whether the community was developing within its own vision. The third part used nine sustainability measures including:

1. Need Present Generation

2. Future Need

3. …

A Comparison Of Emissions Taxes And Permit Markets For Controlling Correlated Externalities, Arthur J. Caplan

Applied Economics Faculty Publications

This paper provides an answer to the question, are emission taxes an efficient and self-enforcing mechanism to control correlated externality problems? By “correlated externalities” we mean multiple pollutants that are jointly produced by a single source but which cause differentiated regional and global externalities. By “self-enforcing” we mean a mechanism that accounts for the endogeneity that exists between competing jurisdictions in the setting of environmental policy within a federation of regions. This mechanism incorporates sequential decision making among the jurisdictions and therefore determines an equilibrium based on the concept of subgame perfection. We find that, unlike joint domestic and international …

Interactive Geometry For Surplus Sharing In Cooperative Games, Arthur J. Caplan, Yuya Sasaki

Applied Economics Faculty Publications

The need to understand surplus-sharing rules in cooperative game theory occurs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The rules are generally depicted as mathematical problems that entail the calculation of a vector of allocations. This Web page provides a downloadable program that enables users to interactively generate geometrical depictions of the rules for an unlimited number of three-player games. The program (1) demonstrates graphically how the simplex (i.e., area of potential cooperation) is shrunk to its corresponding core on the basis of the game’s characteristic function (i.e., the specification of the payoffs for each of the seven possible coalitions, …

Interactive Scenario Analysis Of Exhaustible Resource Problems, Arthur J. Caplan, John Gilbert

Applied Economics Faculty Publications

We provide several interactive models that can be used in an intermediate- or graduate-level, natural-resource economics course to numerically solve a host of exhaustible-resource problems, and thereby help to verify the intuition and symbolic solutions typically provided in textbooks. Examples are drawn from Tietenberg (2006).

Cheap Talk Reconsidered: New Evidence From Cvm, David M. Aadland, Arthur J. Caplan

Applied Economics Faculty Publications

Two recent studies have shown that “cheap talk” is an effective means of eliminating positive hypothetical bias in experimental and field-auction settings. We further investigate the ability of cheap talk to mitigate positive hypothetical bias in a contingent-valuation phone survey administered to over 4,000 households. Positive hypothetical bias is detected in our data by contrasting revealed and stated preference information. However, a short, neutral cheap-talk script appears to exacerbate rather than mitigate the bias. Based on this and mixed evidence from earlier studies, we suggest caution in using cheap talk as an ex ante control for hypothetical bias.