Agricultural and Resource Economics Commons^™

Montana International Choral Festival 2025, Missoula County, Montana, Matthew Matz, Ava Worbets, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the Montana International Choral Festival to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2025 Montana International Choral Festival hosted in Missoula, Montana. Three hundred ninety-four attendees of the event completed the survey. Results show that the majority of respondents were relatively local, with 79% of respondents being residents of Montana and 83% of Montana respondents residing in Missoula County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 4.1 nights in Missoula, reporting a total spending of $100,274.00, mostly in rental home/cabin/condo, hotel/motel/bed and breakfasts, and restaurants/bars. Results provide event organizers with useful data for future …

Nursing Students’ Sociodemographic Characteristics And Consumer Preferences’ Prediction Level Of Perceived Food Literacy, Sinan Duru

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Food literacy, which is a critical competency for nursing students, plays a pivotal role in promoting evidence-based nutrition behaviors and contributes effectively to public health. This study aimed to determine the level of perceived food literacy among nursing students.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 488 nursing students from two universities in the south of Turkey. The research data were collected face to face via the Personal Information Form, the Consumer Preferences Form, and Self Perceived Food Literacy. The data was analyzed using the Independent Sample t Test, One Way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression.

Results: The …

Mapping Food Justice: Urban Farms And The Examination Of Equitable Food Access, Aaron Avila, Mark Ayiah, Jake Stavely, Marc T. Sager, Maximilian K. Sherard, Anthony J. Petrosino

SMU Journal of Undergraduate Research

In this project, we worked alongside members from an urban farm in South Dallas to learn about issues related to food justice, urban farming, and food deserts. Using participatory design research methods, we created data visualizations showing how society can reduce inequities relating to food access produced in historically underserved neighborhoods. The research goals guiding this study are: a) to identify food deserts and urban farms in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan region (DFW) and b) to determine which urban farms service the needs of these food deserts. To identify food deserts, we took two steps: First, we used open-access data …

Food Insecurity, Diet And Health Outcomes In Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Pilot Study, Nicole Zeky, Alysse Baudier, Colleen Leblanc, Elizabeth Mcdonough, Sarah A. Dumas, Dedrick Moulton

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Food insecurity (FI) is a well-defined factor in pediatric health outcomes and has been associated with lower diet quality. While poor diet quality has been linked to the rising prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), little is known about the impact of FI on pediatric IBD. This pilot study explores the feasibility and potential impact of FI on dietary intake and clinical outcomes in children with newly diagnosed IBD. Methods: This pilot study included newly diagnosed IBD patients aged 5 to 18. FI screening was completed using the USDA 6-item and AAP 2-item screeners at diagnosis and 6 months. …

Small Meat Processor Needs Are Similar Across Region, Jordan C. Wicks, Alexis Wivell, Thomas Archibald, David Gerrard

Journal of Extension

This needs-based assessment provides insight into the challenges of small meat processors in two regions of the US. On-line surveys were provided to processors and despite regional differences, data show approximately 70% of processors in each state find retention of skilled labor the greatest challenge in maintaining current levels of operation and impede future growth. These findings suggest educational and certification programing may help improve small processor viability and mitigate local food security concerns. Given the disparity in animal production and livestock availability between these diverse states but similarity in responses, we posit this information is translatable across the US.

Feedlot Willingness To Pay For Genomic Tested Feeder Cattle, Aisling G. Hagan, Karen L. Delong, Andrew P. Griffith, Christopher N. Boyer, Charley Martinez, Kimberly Jensen, Susan Schexnayder

Journal of Extension

Feeder cattle genomic tests assess the potential of economically important traits to feedlots such as residual feed intake and marbling. A survey was utilized to determine feedlot willingness to pay for genomic tested feeder cattle. Depending on test results, feedlots were willing to pay as much as 4.60% more for genomic tested cattle compared to untested cattle. Feedlots prioritize using genomic tests for marketing decisions and future purchases, despite reporting "poor" knowledge and perceived high costs associated with the tests. Findings can assist Extension personnel advising cattle producers about the potential uses and benefits of this technology.

Rooted In Resilience: Exploring Indigenous Economic Models And Sustainability On The Rocky Boy Indian Reservation., Dominique Nault

Capstone Collection

This study examines how traditional practices and cultural values of the Chippewa Cree shape the economic identity and sustainability of the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation. Using a mixed-methods approach that combined demographic surveys with culturally grounded interviews, the research reveals that economic development in the community is inseparable from traditional knowledge systems, collective well-being, and ecological stewardship. Rather than centering on financial accumulations, wealth is defined by family, community, and cultural continuity, placing traditional knowledge on par with land and monetary resources.

Three central themes emerged from the data: (1) the enduring role of traditional values and cultural knowledge in …

Four Nebraska Public Power District (Nppd) Irrigation Electricity Purchase Options, Matt Stockton

Cornhusker Economics

Farm managers are destined to face a myriad of choices while looking for and seeking the right balance between methods and outcomes that satisfy their individual farm’s needs. Successful farms require productivity, profitability, and continuity. This holds true for the many production choices made throughout the year. One of these opportunities is the purchase of electricity for irrigation. Nebraska is a unique state in that its electric power is generated and delivered by public power companies. The largest single entity in that system is NPPD, which serves all or part of 84 of the 93 counties within the state. NPPD …

Building Climate Resilience: Community Gardens And Environmental Education In Christchurch, New Zealand, Caleb T. Mccauley

Capstone Collection

The socio-political movements in post-earthquake Christchurch are studied to better understand the interplay of community gardens, climate, environmental, and land-based education, and to analyze their relevance to entrenching climate resilience in the region. Social networks and community responses to natural disasters like an earthquake are leveraged to understand their ability to influence the pillars of climate resilience, those being community, economic, and ecological resilience, respectively. The central hypothesis and research question of this paper will seek to answer: Can social cooperation in the wake of a natural disaster influence the ability of a community to respond to similar disruptions caused …

Shimmering Mirage Or A Promised Land? Climate Change, Agriculture, And Internal Migration In Sabha, Jordan, Tyler J. Rak

Capstone Collection

Given the rapidly shifting climate, high vulnerability, and low adaptability to climate related changes that rural areas face, this study highlights the complex relationship between climate change -- especially water scarcity -- agriculture, and internal migration in rural Jordan. I predict that if water scarcity is present and climate changes are occurring, they will undercut the rural agriculture sector which could contribute to rural out-migration. To study this relationship, I conducted a case study in Sabha, a small rural community in the Northern Badia of Jordan. Data was gathered by engaging in semi-structured interviews with current community members in Sabha …

From Larvae To Livelihoods: Examining The Realities Of Black Soldier Fly Farming In Malawi, Emily Herriott

Capstone Collection

Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae offer a cost-effective, nutrient-rich alternative to synthetic fertilizers and conventional feed inputs such as soy, fishmeal, and maize bran in sub-Saharan Africa. In Malawi, where smallholder farmers grapple with declining soil fertility, high input prices, chronic food insecurity, and livestock nutritional challenges, BSF farming is emerging as a promising circular agricultural innovation. Despite its technical promise, the social, economic, and ecological realities of BSF adoption remain underexplored.This study investigates the early implementation of BSF farming in Malawi through the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, focusing on farmer experiences, challenges, and the social and structural processes shaping uptake …

Digital Transformation In Jamaica's Education Sector, Grace Willis

Capstone Collection

Digital transformation in Jamaica’s education sector, significantly spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, represented a seismic shift on this small Caribbean island I call home. This transformation was central to national education reform and involved multiple projects aimed at modernizing educational delivery, infrastructure, and the supporting ecosystem. This study explored the multifaceted implications of these initiatives through qualitative research conducted with ten key stakeholders, complemented by a review of publicly available materials. Interviewees included school administrators, Information Technology (IT) teachers, funding sponsors, representatives from national education bodies, and international development agencies engaged in domestic strategic efforts. Participants were recruited through cold …

Farming With Data: Tracing Critical Tensions Using Data Science For Food Justice, Marc Sager, Maximilan Sherard, Anthony Petrosino

Publications

In this manuscript, we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and equitable learning in higher education, focusing on data science as a subset of AI and social justice as the core theme of equity. Our investigation sheds light on the nuanced tensions inherent in employing data science for social justice. Rooted in situated perspectives of learning and consequential learning, our study employs an instrumental case-study methodology and analysis techniques from interaction and conversation analysis. Collaborating with three undergraduate students and an urban farm, the students used data science practices to highlight inequities surrounding food justice and access to food. …

Consumer Preferences For Blockchain Technology In Tracking Carbon Footprint And Organic Claims In Animal-Based Foods, Josie Nasekos

All Theses

In 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC) program set aside over $3 billion to be invested in 141 projects for agricultural products produced using practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or increase carbon sequestration. Although the majority of the PCSC funding was canceled in 2025, save a few selected projects that could potentially receive funding under the USDA’s new Advancing Markets for Producers initiative, there is no USDA-certified label to verify the climate-smart commodities that already received funding or similar products that exist in the market. However, third-party verified carbon footprint labels can …

Montana Resident Report: Participation In Outfitted And Guided Outdoor Recreation And Sports Tourism Within Montana, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

While nonresidents play a significant role in outdoor recreation and travel across the state, the contribution of residents is not to be underestimated. This report sheds light on two important topics from the Montana resident perspective: 1) their participation in outfitted or guided outdoor recreation activities in Montana, and 2) their participation in travel for sport across Montana.

Impacts And Insights: Assessing The Aftermath Of Yellowstone’S 500-Year Flood In Montana, Melissa Weddell, Kara Grau, Patrick Holland-Stergar, Christina S. Barsky, Lauren K. Mckeague

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Tourism is shaped by many elements, including natural disasters and unexpected events, which can profoundly affect visitor patterns and destination choices. While disasters typically reduce tourist numbers, occasionally they can have a positive influence. The purpose of this report is to document the flood event, analyze its impact, recovery process, and the economic losses to the region, particularly in terms of tourism visitation and revenue to the area and its gateway communities. The project was a coordinated effort among researchers from the University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research (ITRR), the Department of Public Administration and Policy, and …

Economic Contribution Of 2023/2024 Averaged Nonresident Travel Spending In Montana Travel Regions And Counties, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Nonresidents spend over $5 billion in Montana each year. This report looks at the distribution of spending across Montana’s six travel regions, as well as 20 of the 56 counties with the highest spending based on an average of 2023 and 2024 spending data.

Nacaa Am/Pic Conference 2025, Billings, Montana, Ava Worbets, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for Montana State University (Extension) to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2025 National Association County Agricultural Agent’s Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference hosted in Billings, Montana. Four hundred forty-seven attendees of the event completed the survey. Results show that the majority of respondents resided outside of Montana, 95% in other US states and 1% visiting from other US Territories, only 3% of respondents were residents of Montana. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 6.4 nights in Montana, reporting a total spending of $748,676.05, mostly in hotel/motel/bed and breakfasts and event registration …

Kemiskinan Multidimensi Dan Ketahanan Pangan: Analisis Multilevel Di Kalimantan, Lina Agustina Pujiwati, Afriyanni Afriyanni, Dewi Harfina, Zainal Fatoni

Jurnal Ekonomi Kependudukan dan Keluarga

Food security is a crucial issue for sustainable development and is highly influenced by multidimensional poverty. This study measures food security and multidimensional poverty in Kalimantan Island, analyzes the determinants of household food security through a multilevel approach, and explores the influence of multidimensional poverty and regional context on food security. Data were obtained from the March 2022 National Socio-Economic Survey, comprising 33,201 households and integrated with district-level characteristics. Multidimensional poverty was measured using the Alkire-Foster method, while food security was measured based on energy consumption and the proportion of food expenditure. A multilevel ordinal logistic regression was employed to …

How Beliefs Shape What We Consider When Choosing What To Eat, Christopher Gustafson

Cornhusker Economics

What determines which foods we consider? One factor, certainly, is what we like to eat, and if liking what we eat were the sole relevant outcome of food consumption, there would be little to say about incomplete consideration. However, diet quality has important, well-documented effects on health outcomes (as well as other important considerations, such as differential environmental impact). Close to 75 percent of American adults are overweight or obese, which increases the likelihood that the individual will experience one or more serious non-communicable diseases. A food’s healthiness is an important consideration for many people when making food choices, but, …

Increasing The Effectiveness Of Rural, Regional And Remote Food Security Initiatives Through Place-Based Partnerships—A Qualitative Study, Stephanie L. Godrich, Melissa Stoneham, Isabelle Chiera, Jess Doe, Amanda Devine, Emily Humphreys

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issue Addressed: This work aimed to understand the ways in which local organisations were working in partnership to support food security action in rural, regional, and remote areas. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 101 food security initiative leaders, representing 148 food initiatives within Australia's largest state, Western Australia (WA). A thematic analysis was undertaken using NVivo that indicated a total of 378 partnering organisations worked on the food security initiatives. Results: Organisations partnered to address food security in their regions through coordinated action; community consultation; food/financial donations; funding and grants; on-ground programme and service delivery and physical and human …

Crazy Mountain Fiber Fest 2025, Sweet Grass County, Montana, Ava Worbets, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the Sweet Grass County Chamber of Commerce to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2025 Crazy Mountain Fiber Fest. Fifty-two attendees of the event completed the survey. Results show that 92% of respondents were residents of Montana, of which 33% were from Sweet Grass County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 3.9 nights in Montana, reporting a total spending of $8,770.00, mostly in hotel/motel/bed and breakfasts. Results provide event organizers with useful data for future event planning, making improvements to the event, event marketing/promotion, and understanding the visitor spending associated with the …

Living Heritage, Resilience And Ethically Informed Infrastructures In Malawi, Martha B. Lerski, Frank Puluputu Mwale

Publications and Research

Rooted in a rural community’s needs, this paper explores how historically, and ethically informed infrastructures can support community engagement towards identification, documentation, and dissemination of local, traditional, and indigenous knowledge relating to climate change. The paper examines climate adaptation and sustainability issues through the lenses of community organizing and Library & Information Science best practices. It draws on a growing body of literature identifying a role for expanded epistemological and subject discipline perspectives. While the impacts of climate on material culture are increasingly recognized, intangible, and biocultural heritage have not received as much attention. Living heritage traditions and knowledge systems …

Political Ecologies Of The Livestock Industry, Jecca Bowen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the United States today, livestock production is dominated by an intensified, industrialized production paradigm whose growth in recent decades has utterly transformed the logistical realities and community impacts of animal agriculture. This dissertation investigates the effects of this production paradigm on livestock producers—whose decision-making is shaped by multi-scalar and often contradictory forces—as well as residents living near these large operations. To do so, I draw upon mixed-methods fieldwork, including in-depth interviews, spatial analysis, and field odor measurements in Weld and Morgan Counties in northern Colorado. I also use political ecologies of emotion, embodiment, and health to examine the complex …

Captured And Enhanced Potentials Of Wild Edible Fruits In Tabora Rural, Uyui And Sikonge Districts, Tabora In Tanzania, Mirau N. Mbise

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Rural communities worldwide supplement food and income through wild edible fruits. However, the paucity of scientific inquiry on the perceptions and uses of wild edible fruits, value-addition, and marketing prompted this study. It interviewed respondents from 274 households in Tabora rural, Sikonge, and Uyui districts in the Tabora region of Tanzania. Descriptive and quantitative analyses were undertaken, and results showed that wild edible fruit activities are perceived to be for women, children, and less-educated people. Furthermore, the findings indicated that 100% (n = 274) of the respondents use wild edible fruits as food, and 48.6% (n = 133) use them …

The Impact Of Blue Economy Factors On Morocco's Economic Growth, Lqamar Youssef, El Amine Youness Mr, Smouni Rachid Pr

Journal of Ocean and Coastal Economics

Purpose - This study examines the influence of blue economy factors on Morocco's economic growth.

Design/methodology/ approach - Using secondary data from 1980 to 2022, the analysis focuses on fishery production and its various sectors as contributing factors to economic growth. The study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method and aims to highlight the impact of deep-sea fishing and coastal fishing in the context of a transition to a sustainable and inclusive blue economy.

Findings - The results suggest that coastal fishing has more potential for creating inclusive economic value within the development of the blue economy, thus promoting …

Benefits And Challenges Of Collaborative Networks Addressing Food System Disruptions During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Dikshya Dahal, Tania Schusler

School of Environmental Sustainability: Faculty Publications and Other Works

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted food systems with disproportionate impacts on marginalized social groups, which in the USA included racial and ethnic minorities, working class families, immigrants, seniors, and people with disabilities, among others. The pandemic also greatly affected the operations of nonprofit organizations, which play important roles in disaster response. We explored how social networks supported non-profit organizations’ efforts to address increased food insecurity and food-related business disruptions during the pandemic in the Chicago region, IL, USA. We used mixed methods including a Social Network Analysis (SNA) of 48 organizations and their reported partners plus focus group discussions with representatives …

Arts-Based Sustainability: From New York To Malawi, Martha B. Lerski

Publications and Research

Recognizing that libraries serve multiple constituencies and subject areas, this chapter documents and advocates for development of transdisciplinary arts-based research (ABR) and culture-related projects linked to environmental challenges. Libraries contribute collections and spaces, as well as the research of library and information scientists. Libraries are currently among invisible contributors to sustainability planning and services. The chapter will link this invisibility to the value of what visual arts refer to as negative space elements in subjects ranging from traditional ecological knowledge to environmental science. Library collections, projects, and research contribute to education for sustainable development (ESD) as required to achieve the …

United Seas For Resilient Reefs: A Blueprint For Coral Conservation Through International Cooperation, John J. Bohorquez, Maoz Fine, Dana I. Grieco, David A. Gill, Ali Al-Swalimih, Jacqueline Padilla-Gamino, Isaiah W. Bolden, Margaux Hein, Callum Backstrom, Melanie Mcfield, Raphael Martinez, Benjamin Midberry, Fahd Al-Guthmy, Ellen K. Pikitch, Natalia Benejam, Chen Azulay, Britt Ronen, Oren Levy, Anne Mcelroy, Karine Kleinhaus

School of Marine & Atmospheric Sciences Faculty Publications

Coral reefs are one of Earth’s most vital and threatened ecosystems. They protect coastlines, generate billions of dollars of tourism revenue, support valuable fisheries, and contribute to the development of vital medicines. Yet half of the world's coral reefs have been lost in the last 50 years, and 90% of remaining reefs are projected to die off by the middle of this century, mainly due to warming seas from climate change.

Despite these challenges there is reason for hope. Some coral reefs – such as in the northern Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba – have demonstrated remarkable resilience to …

Dataset Supporting The Manuscript Promoting Awareness And Adoption Of Biochar As A Soil Amendment: Effect Of Message Framing, Tong Wang, David Wiltse, Filip Viskupic, Akinsola Oyebanji

South Dakota Farm Survey

A farmer survey was conducted from February 22nd to March 9th, 2025 to test the impact of message framing on farmers’ learning and adoption decisions of biochar. The survey targeted operators of farms in Eastern South Dakota where the production of corn requires chemical fertilizer is intensively used as a crucial input. Biochar as a soil amendment has the potential to serve as a partial substitute for chemical fertilizer in our studied region. A sample of 10,000 South Dakota farming operations east of the Missouri River (where climate favors row crop production) was randomly drawn from those who participated in …