Agricultural and Resource Economics Commons^™

The Market Acceptance And Welfare Impacts Of ‘Terminator’ Technology, Marianna Khachaturyan, Amalia Yiannaka

Cornhusker Economics

An Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) system is effective when infringers can be identified, successfully sued for damages and deterred from further infringement. The effectiveness of IPRs in plant varieties is limited due to high detection costs of unauthorized use of seed that embodies intellectual property (e.g., genetically modified (GM) seed) and high enforcement costs. Seed companies have traditionally performed limited research and development (R&D) in self-pollinating plants mainly because seed saving limits their ability to recoup their investment.1

Market Reports

Cornhusker Economics

No abstract provided.

Retailing Patterns Across Nebraska In 2005, David J. Peters

Cornhusker Economics

Understanding your local trade area is important because retail sales taxes are an important source of revenue for local governments; and the geographic concentration of retailing directly affects smaller communities. This analysis provides some base information that allows a better understanding of local trade areas. It should be considered a first step in developing a larger trade area plan and strategies for expanding the retail sales base. Pull factors are the best method to summarize the relative success of an area’s retail sector. Pull factors estimate the relative proportion of retail sales that a county draws from outside its borders, …

The Economics Of Dry Distillers Grain As A Creep Feed For Yearling Cattle, Matthew Stockton

Cornhusker Economics

With the expected increase in ethanol production, one may expect an increase in production of its by-product, distiller’s grain. This by-product can be either sold as wet distiller’s grain (WDG) or as dry distiller’s grain (DDG). The value of DDG prices is expected to continue to fall relative to the value of corn, making this a much talked about alternative for feeding livestock of many different species. While much of the attention for the use of this by-product feed has been directed toward intensive livestock production such as dairy, hogs and fed cattle, recent work at the West Central Research …

Nebraska Network 21: Summary Of Visionary Food Systems Curricula Action Team, Governor’S Task Force On Agriculture And Natural Resources Education, Dick Fleming

Nebraska Network 21: Publications

Nebraska Network 21 was established as a result of a grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources to creatively meet the learning needs of Nebraskans in the 21st century. One outcome was establishment of the Visionary Food Systems Curricula Action Team. The Action Team held Summit I on Reinventing Agriculture and Natural Resources Education on Feb. 10, 1998 and Summit II on Nov. 19, 1998. Both Summits attracted more than 100 Nebraskans from across the state. Following Summit II, the Legislative Committee proposed establishing a group that would maintain …

Market Journal Toolbox, Becky Small, Darrell R. Mark

Cornhusker Economics

Producers often rely on cash market sales without the use of forward contracting, futures hedging and other risk management tools for several reasons. Some producers perceive that the use of hedging lowers their net price or increases price variability on average. Others view hedging as a risky price enhancement mechanism that is reliant on being able to successfully forecast futures prices. Selling crops or livestock that have not yet been raised, paying margin calls and dealing with brokers are all viewed as risk-inducing activities for some farmers and ranchers. Many producers indicate their use of forward contracting and hedging is …

Agri-Environmental Policy Options For Working Lands In The Next United States Farm Bill, Thomas L. Dobbs

Economics Commentator (1972- 2016)

No abstract provided.

Fall Tax Planning, Tina N. Barrett

Cornhusker Economics

There are many benefits to doing fall tax planning for your operation, but the best is what it may cost you if you don’t do it. Really good tax planning requires someone who is knowledgeable in the changes made in the tax law each year, creative enough to think outside of what is normal and realistic enough to know what is possible.

Pillars Of Growth In Nebraska’S Non-Metropolitan Economy, Eric Thompson, Ernie Goss, Chris Decker, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Bruce Johnson, Ben Schmitz, Julian Neira, Pavel Jeutang

Rural Initiative Program: Publications and Reports

Agriculture is a critical part of Nebraska’s economy, and changes in the fortunes of agriculture play an important role in the success of the state’s non-metropolitan regions. Trends toward consolidation and rising productivity in agriculture, however, have raised concerns about the future of non-metropolitan Nebraska. Some citizens and policymakers have begun to wonder if the economy can create sufficient job opportunities for non-metropolitan residents. The answer to this question depends not only upon the relative strength of the agricultural sector, but also upon the presence of other industries that can join agriculture as pillars for employment growth in non-metropolitan Nebraska. …

Whither Grain Ethanol?, Richard K. Perrin

Cornhusker Economics

Grain ethanol has been in the Nebraska news almost weekly over the last couple of years - plans announced, plant construction begun, plant openings, etc. The news has buoyed corn prices this fall, despite gasoline prices in the vicinity of $2.00/gal that reduces demand for ethanol. There is concern by some that diversion of corn from food (meat, milk and eggs) to fuel will have serious consequences for livestock and food markets. Concerns are also expressed that overexpansion will turn the ethanol boom into a bust. Much research remains to be done to clarify these economic issues, but some insights …

The Heart Of The Farm, Meg Klosterman Kester, Maggie Miller

Cornhusker Economics

The 22nd Annual Women in Agriculture Conference was held September 14-15, 2006 in Kearney, Nebraska. This year’s conference theme was “The Heart of the Farm,” chosen because of the vital role women play in their operations, both as a producer and a relationship builder. There were nearly 400 women in attendance from 57 Nebraska counties, four states and Australia. Over 50 percent of conference attendees were sponsored by local lenders and agribusinesses.

Does The Federal Estate Tax Impact Farm Transition?, David J. Goeller

Cornhusker Economics

Statistics show that the Federal Estate Tax impacts an extremely small number of farms and ranches. A Congressional Budget Office report based on data from the year 2000 projects less than 125 estates that own agricultural property would pay Federal Estate Tax nation wide.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish: The Economic And Environmental Impacts Of Commercial Fishing, Jessica Glenn

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Fish and fisheries play an important role in the Amazon River Basin. Fishing provides jobs to people of both urban and rural communities, and fish are a major source of protein in people’s diets and a major part of the Amazon River ecosystem. In recent years commercial fishing has increased due to greater access to both domestic and international markets, and government incentives which have helped fishermen obtain better equipment and boats. The purpose of this study is to observe the Belém Ver-O-Peso fish market and interview fisherman about different aspects of commercial fishing (what species of fish were caught, …

Labor Force Implications Of Population Decline In Non-Metropolitan Nebraska, Randolph L. Cantrell

Rural Initiative Program: Publications and Reports

The most recent release of population estimates from the Census Bureau indicates that 70 Nebraska counties lost population between 2000 and 2005. These counties included 52 of the 53 that recorded population losses between 1990 and 2000, joined by 18 counties that had grown through the 1990s.

While those counties estimated to have lost population over the last five years included three of 11 micropolitan core counties, eight of ten outlying microplitan counties, and even one of seven outlying metropolitan counties, the great majority were nonmetropolitan. Of the 43 Nebraska counties containing no community of 2,500 or more residents, 42 …

The Effects Of The Makgadikgadi Wildlife Fence On Cattle Populations And Local Cattle Industry, Jenny Hazelhurst, Elliot Vander Kolk

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study was conducted to determine the effects of the erection of the Makgadikgadi wildlife fence along the western border of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park on cattle populations and livestock owners to the west of the fence. Cattle foraging behavior and movement patterns were recorded using GPS and focal observation methods to determine resource use and pressures affecting the populations. Interviews were also conducted in the area of Meno-a-Kwena camp to examine the effects of the fence on the economics of the local cattle industry. Signs of resource stress were found in the continued selection of poor quality forage, …

Piecing Together Social And Environmental Priorities In The Ongoing Process Of Community Development In The Mst Assentamento Of Palmares Ii, Clara C. Ward

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Over the last twelve years the Amazonian MST assentamento, Palmares II, in the Southeastern state of Para, has experienced many successes in terms of advances in education, health care services, community organization, and physical infrastructure in general. This progress in community development is often considered to support the theory of agrarian reform as an effective mechanism for achieving greater social equality and stability. Despite these relative successes, community development to date has not supported the concept of agrarian reform as a mechanism of environmental preservation and sustainable land use. This is due in part to the failure of the community …

Options And Aid: What The Future Holds For The Displaced Sugar Cane Families Of Labasa, Fiji, Lieselot Whitbeck

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In 1997, a large number of agricultural leases in the Fijian sugar belts began to expire without renewal. Stepping away from the debates over who should have access to land under what legislation and for what purpose, this paper concentrates on the people who are being directly affected by lease expiration: the cane farmers and cutters themselves. Through the collection and analysis of information gathered through personal interviews and associated literature, this paper focuses on the present moment in Fiji and identifies the needs of displaced cane families, the options available to them, and the different types of aid that …

Intsormil Crsp: Sorghum, Millet And Other Grains Collaborative Research Support Program: Leader With Associates Cooperative Agreement No. Eep-A-00-06-0016-00; Award From The U.S. Agency For International Development To The University Of Nebraska-Lincoln, Joseph Schmidt

INTSORMIL Scientific Publications

Pursuant to the authority contained in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) hereby awards to University of Nebraska - Lincoln (hereinafter referred to as the "Recipient"), the sum of $9,000,000.00 to provide support for a program in Sorghum, Millet, and Other Grains Collaborative Research Support Program as described in the Schedule of this award and in Attachment B, entitled "Program Description."

This Leader with Associates Cooperative Agreement is effective and obligation is made as of 09-30-2006 and shall apply to expenditures made by the Recipient in furtherance of program objectives during …

What Are The Market And Regulatory Conditions Under Which Livestock Mandatory Reporting Would Benefit Livestock Producers?, Azzeddine Azzam, Konstantinos Giannakas, Kenneth Njoroge, Amalia Yiannaka

Cornhusker Economics

On Wednesday, September 20, 2006, Senator Chuck Hagel’s office announced the re-authorization of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act. Enacted in 2001, the Act provides market participants with information on all cash and non-cash transactions reported by packers to the Marketing Service on a daily basis. The information is aggregated under specific confidentiality guidelines to preserve anonymity of the source, and published in the Mandatory Livestock and Meat Market News Reports.

Perspectives Of Cow/Calf Producers In The Dakotas - Marketing Channel Selection, Martin Beutler, Scott Fausti, Bashir Qasmi

Economics Commentator (1972- 2016)

No abstract provided.

Report Discusses Farm Policy Preferences, Bradley Lubben

Cornhusker Economics

The development of the next farm bill is a complex, comprehensive process that involves numerous issues. The process will, in part, be driven by the economic climate, the budget situation, the trade arena and the political setting at the time of the debate. The economic setting and the political setting invite a significant debate on the shape of the farm bill and the potential for new directions or alternatives. The budget setting and the trade setting both present challenges for this farm bill debate in terms of program priorities and potential program trade-offs.

Working Lands Agri-Environmental Policy Options And Issues For The Next U.S. Farm Bill, Thomas Dobbs

Economics Staff Paper Series (1969 - 2017)

U.S. farm legislation is due to be updated in 2007, to become effective with the 2008 crop year. Major questions surround the role of environmental or conservation provisions in the new Federal farm bill. In this paper, I first present some background on the evolution of U.S. 'agri-environmental policies'-policies encompassing conservation of agriculture's natural resources and agriculture's impact on the environment. I follow that with a brief discussion of the concept of' multifunctionality' in agriculture, a concept that increasingly is driving discussions of agri-environmental policy options in Europe and the U.S. The subsequent section of the paper contains discussion of …

The Effect Of Early Vs Normal Calf Weaning On Feedlot Performance And Herd Management: A Northern Plains Case Study, Scott Fausti, Douglas Landblom, Patricia Johnson, Martin Beutler, Roger N. Gates, Robin R. Salverson, Hubert H. Patterson, Staeve I. Paisley

Economics Staff Paper Series (1969 - 2017)

A two-year study of early vs. normal weaning of steer calves was conducted in the western Dakotas in 2003-04. Economic and statistical analysis of calf feedlot performance and carcass quality was conducted. The analysis concludes that early weaning improves feedlot production efficiency, and reduces per day and per pound feedlot production costs. However, early weaned steers are lighter at slaughter; therefore, early weaning lowers carcass revenue relative to normal weaning. The early weaning effect on the profitability of retaining calves through the feedlot stage was not statistically significant. However, statistical analysis indicates that early weaning does have a positive effect …

Crp In South Dakota: Potential Effects On South Dakota Agriculture, Gary Taylor, Larry Janssen

Economics Commentator (1972- 2016)

No abstract provided.

Bioenergy, Safety Net Tools Are Producers’ Top Priorities For Next Farm Bill, Bradley Lubben, Mary Thompson

Department of Agricultural Economics: Presentations, Working Papers, and Gray Literature

Bioenergy and the structure of safety net programs are of high interest to farmers and ranchers as the next farm bill is debated, according to more than 15,000 farmers and ranchers in 27 states surveyed by Farm Foundation’s National Public Policy Education Committee (NPPEC). The survey was released today as part of Farm Foundation's 2007 Farm Bill Forum.

Producers ranked renewable energy, enhancing opportunities for small and beginning farmers, and assuring a safe and affordable food supply as their top three goals for the next farm bill. “All the goals presented to producers to rank were decades-old rationales for farm …

Agricultural Earnings Highly Variable Over Time And By Sub-State Region, Bruce Johnson, Gibson Nene, Anneke Gustafson

Cornhusker Economics

For anyone close to production agriculture it is obvious that income and earnings levels are highly fickle from one year to the next. This can be clearly seen in Nebraska’s year-to-year total net farm income levels over the past decade, which have ranged from a low of $813 million in 2002 to nearly $3.4 billion in 1996 and again in 2004. But what about variation across the sub-state regions? And what economic impacts might these variations have for these regional economies?

The Cost Of Reducing Irrigation, Ray Supalla, Brian Mcmullen, Tom Buell

Cornhusker Economics

For several decades Nebraska has proudly and appropriately regarded irrigation development as an important source of economic growth. However, in some parts of the state we now have too much of a good thing! To meet our Compact obligations to Kansas and Colorado in the Republican Basin and to comply with the proposed Cooperative Agreement for the Platte Basin we must find a way to consume less irrigation water. The cost of reducing irrigation and the equity implications will depend on what methods the state uses to achieve this objective.

Non-Standard Structure Flow Measurement Evaluation Using The Flow Rate Indexing Procedure - Qip, Stuart W. Styles, Bryan Busch, Daniel J. Howes, Marcus Cardenas

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This report details the proper installation and calibration techniques for hydroacoustic meters. The calibration procedure developed as part of this study is called the Flow Rate Indexing Procedure (QIP). The QIP can be competed by a professional technician with a boat-mounted Acoustic Doppler Profiler (ADP) or a standard current meter. Once the QIP has been used to properly calibrate a hydroacoustic flow meter, the device can then measure and record the flow rate and volume in a channel to within +/- 6% of actual values.

The 2007 Farm Bill: U.S. Producer Preferences For Agricultural, Food And Public Policy, Bradley Lubben, Nelson L. Bills, James B. Johnson, James L. Novak

Department of Agricultural Economics: Faculty Publications

The development of the next farm bill is a complex, comprehensive process that involves numerous issues. The process will, in part, be driven by the economic climate, the budget situation, the trade arena, and the political setting at the time of the debate. The economic setting and the political setting invite a significant debate on the shape of the farm bill and the potential for new directions or alternatives. The budget setting and the trade setting both present challenges for this farm bill debate in terms of program priorities and potential program trade-offs.

In this complex environment, understanding producer attitudes …

Adaptive Management, Economic Realities And The Platte River Cooperative Agreement, Karina Schoengold

Cornhusker Economics

In the past several years, the term ‘adaptive management’ has been used a lot with reference to the Platte River Cooperative Agreement. This leads to many questions – what exactly is adaptive management? How does it relate to economic and policy choices? How does it affect management choices made on the Platte River?