Agriculture Commons^™

Coffee Carbon Stocks, Pest And Diseases Under Varied Shade Management: A Review, Anna E. Nordseth

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Coffee agroforestry systems have received increased attention in recent decades because of their capacity to improve agricultural sustainability. Coffee (Coffea arabica), one of the most economically important crops, is widespread throughout the tropics and can have serious environmental impacts. To ensure sustainable coffee production, it is critical that coffee systems are maintained to maximize carbon storage and minimize susceptibility to pests and diseases. This study reviews the history of coffee production, from forested coffee systems to industrial coffee monocultures. We describe the five classifications for coffee systems, and use them as a framework to compare aboveground carbon stocks …

Epigenetic Regulation Of Salicylic Acid-Mediated Plant Defense, Phillip Key

Senior Theses

Plant pathogens remain a significant threat to the stability of modern agricultural systems, and the investigation of mechanisms to improve the security of food resources has led to the partial characterization of plant immune response. With this progress, there is a newfound ability to analyze the relative pathogen resistance capability of specifically modified organisms, and in doing so, it is possible to identify individual alterations that might play a role in creating a more robust immune response. In this study, ten Arabidopsis thaliana mutants were infiltrated with Pseudomonas syringae pv. morsprunorum alongside positive and negative control Col-0 Wild-Type and npr1-2. …

The Effect Of Cattle Management On Soil Carbon: Implications For Climate Change, Kelly M. Livernoche

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

In naturally occurring ecosystems, forests function as substantial carbon sinks, storing carbon in soil and in biomass that would otherwise exist in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. The conversion of forested land to cattle pastures and their associated operational processes are noteworthy contributors to recent increases in global carbon emissions and subsequent climate change. However, appropriately managed cattle pastures have potential to be reservoirs for carbon. Rotational cattle pastures, where cattle are moved between enclosed sections of pasture, may improve soil carbon content compared to conventional practices. In rotational cattle pastures, a more even distribution of manure increases plant biomass, …

Women In Agriculture: The Heart Of The Farm, Cheryl Griffith

Cornhusker Economics

Women in Agriculture: The Heart of the Farm was the theme of the 32^nd Nebraska Women in Agriculture (WIA) Conference, February 23-24, 2017 in Kearney. This annual conference is hosted by the Department of Agricultural Economics, Nebraska Extension and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). The Nebraska WIA program is committed to providing opportunities for all Nebraskans to develop risk management skills by providing tools for sound business decisions in every facet of agriculture through leadership, advocacy, and networking avenues.

Guide To The Byard Collection, Linfield College Archives

Linfield Archives Finding Aids

This collection is comprised of legal documents, wine labels and bottles, and other business materials from Don Byard’s time as owner and co-owner of Eola Hills Vineyard and Hidden Springs Winery.

Atole De Maíz Azul: Building Climate-Change Resilience With Local Knowledge/Food Sovereignty In Northern New Mexico, Katherine C.R. Dixon

Sustainability and Social Justice

The impacts of climate change in Northern New Mexico will cause a variation in seasonal precipitation and increased drought conditions. Northern New Mexico is home to numerous indigenous and rural-agricultural communities who rely on these water resources for subsistence and cultural practices. They are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

This paper investigates the impacts of climate change to Northern New Mexico. It examines the role of participatory methods and local knowledge in building community resilience. This paper is informed primarily through secondary research, and also draws upon a series of personalized interviews from Northern New …

Effects Of Integrating Mathematical Concepts Into A Nutrition Unit In The Animal Science Curriculum, Andrea R. Gardner, Brian K. Warnick, Rebecca G. Lawver

Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Faculty Publications

Achievement test scores in mathematics have been a concern among educators for many years. Teaching contextualized mathematics has been found to be effective and includes providing a direct application to real-life scenarios rather than teaching linear equations and algebraic principles in isolation. This study measured the effects of integrating mathematical skills in one instructional unit in an animal science curriculum. Students from eight schools participated in the research study. Students completed a pretest measuring their existing mathematical skills and self-efficacy in math. All students were taught a unit of instruction about animal nutrition and feeding. The control group received a …

An Assessment Of Economic Considerations For Industrial Hemp Production, Luke T. Lane

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Undergraduate Honors Theses

The Farm Bill now allows for the legal production and research of industrial hemp as long as it meets the standards outlined in the Farm Bill. The bill passed by the House of Representatives states, “To amend the Controlled Substances Act to exclude industrial hemp from the definition of marihuana, and for other purposes” (House of Representatives, Bill 525). Prior to the passing of this bill, farmers were not allowed to produce industrial hemp. Industrial hemp is defined as, “the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of such plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of …

Cost Benefit Analysis Of Genetic Markers In Cattle, Josh Crystal

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Undergraduate Honors Theses

Genetic sequencing in beef cattle (L. Bos Taurus) is expected to aid producers select cattle with traits that enhance profitability. Using data from experimental trials conducted with Angus, Brahman, and their reciprocal cross, this project analyzes the profitability of grazing endophyte infected tall Fescue (L. Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) vs. Bermuda grass (L. Cynodon dactylon) pasture. The study is unique in the sense that actual cow-calf breeding failure rates (open cows were not culled) were tracked from 1991 to 1997 on herds that were bred to calf in spring and either exposed to fungal endophyte (L.Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones …

Engaging Educational Professionals And Students On The Viability Of Afnr Careers, Denton Perkins, Tyson Sorensen, Kelsey Hall, Joshua Dallin, Dave Francis

Applied Sciences, Technology, and Education Student Research

Between 2015 and 2020, an average of 57,900 annual job openings are expected in careers related to agriculture, food, and natural resource (AFNR) areas. With an average of 35,400 new U.S. graduates annually that have expertise in these areas, a large gap is present between the number of expected job openings and the number of well-qualified graduates to fill those positions (Goeker, Smith, Fernandez, Ali, & Theller, 2015). Due to this shortage, employers will have to look elsewhere to fill the remaining thirty-nine percent of job openings. Parents and counselors are often more willing to support agriculture than people believe; …

Identifying Professional Development Needs Of Secondary Education Professionals, Denton Perkins, Kelsey Hall, Tyson Sorensen, Joshua Dallin, Dave Francis

Applied Sciences, Technology, and Education Student Research

The increasingly important issues and top U.S. priorities of food security, sustainable energy, and environmental quality demand highly qualified graduates with expertise in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR). Despite demand, a recent study found 32% of U.S. employers report difficulties filling job vacancies due to a lack of skills and training among potential employees (ManPower, 2015). Between 2015 and 2020, an average of 57,900 annual job openings are expected in careers related to AFNR areas. With an average of 35,400 new U.S. graduates annually with expertise in these areas, a large gap exists between the number of expected job …

Comparison Of Serial Pgf2Α Protocols For Control Of The Estrous Cycle In Mares, Kaleigh Marie Potter

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Prostaglandin F2α is commonly administered to manipulate the estrous cycle in mares, at a dosage of dinoprost tromethamine (Lutalyse®) at 10 mg, administered IM. My objectives were to compare three serial low-dose PGF2α protocols, and determine the most effective treatment in terms of number of injections, intensity of protocol, time allocated, and labor. Quarter Horse mares (n=11) were used in a crossover design. Lutalyse was administered at 1.1 mL per injection: treatment 1- PGF2α once 6d post-ovulation; treatment 2- PGF2α twice daily 0 d, 1 d, and 2 d, then once 3 d and 4 d post- ovulation; treatment 3- …

An Assessment Of Seven New Grape Varieties And A Study Of Grapevine Vein Clearing Virus In Native Vitaceae Plants, Kaylie A. Austin

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

One of the most effective methods of reducing pesticide application in vineyards is breeding hybrid varieties for disease resistance. The new varieties must be assessed for disease resistance and viticultural traits. This thesis focuses on seven new varieties from a cross of ‘Norton’ and ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’. ‘Norton’ was chosen because of its disease resistance and cold hardiness. ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ was selected because of its high-quality wine making berries. The cross was made in 2005, seven were selected in 2011, and evaluation began in 2016. Using Botrytis cinerea as a model pathogen, resistance was measured with an incidence rate and severity …

Developing Sustainable Rice Production Through Image Classification, Parker R. Fitzgerald

Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

The agricultural industry’s continued success is critical to our future. However, many agricultural practices—specifically rice farming—are currently based on unsustainable methods. The processes used in rice farming consume water at an unsupportable rate, and, consequently, are serious contributors to rising emission levels. Several alternative growing methods have been introduced, and one of the most promising candidates is Alternative Wetting and Drying (AWD). An obstacle encountered by proponents of these methods comes in implementation. Studies have shown AWD is more successful in fields with higher leveling precision. The research in this study works to create a stepping stone for farmers to …

Evaluation Of Different Probiotic Strains Supplemented In Commercial Broiler Rations And Their Influences On Performance, Yield, And Intestinal Microbiota., Justin M. Glasscock

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to evaluate Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus subtilis, as probiotic strains compared to Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (BMD) 50 as the antibiotic growth promotor, supplemented in commercial broiler rations and their influences on performance, yield, and intestinal microbiota. This trial was completed as a randomized-block design with 4,800 birds split into 96, 5’x10’ pens, and randomly assigned to one of eight treatment groups. The birds were placed at a stocking density of 1.00 ft²/bird, (50 birds/pen), and reared on used pine shaving for 55 days. Throughout the study, bird …

The Influence Of The Agricultural Cluster On The Fayette County Economy [2017], Alison Davis, Simona E. Balazs

Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky Reports

Executive Summary:

Historically, employment associated with agriculture in Fayette County has been limited to production agriculture. Recently, the Ag Cluster has been extended to include agricultural inputs and food processing and manufacturing. However, there are hundreds of establishments in the county that are service-based (finance, veterinary, recreation), transportation, communications, as well as wholesale and retail businesses that are 100% dedicated to agriculture. These businesses have never been included in an economic impact study exploring the impact of agriculture in Fayette County. Ignoring these businesses underestimates the value of the agricultural sector. This is particularly important in Fayette County because of …

Nebline, May 2017

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: Biosolids Land Application Program Celebrating 25 Years of Benefiting the Community

Food & Health

Farm & Acreage

Pests & Wildlife

Horticulture

Early Childhood

4-H & Youth

and other extension news and events

Exploring Winery Operation As A Diversification Option For Native American Tribal Enterprises, Randi M. Combs

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to examine the perceptions of tribal members regarding the strengths, challenges, and opportunities presented by tribal winery operation. Specifically, issues of business diversification, marketing, perceived barriers to success, potential benefits to the tribe, and the role of agriculture in the preservation of tribal heritage were considered. A modified mixed-methods exploratory sequential research model was used to collect and organize data in two phases. Phase 1 quantitative data was used to inform the development of a Phase 2 qualitative interview protocol. Phase 1 found a significant relationship between a higher income level and a lower …

Influence Of Exogenous Phytase Level And Interaction With Supplmental Xylanase On Live Performance And Phosphorus Retention Of Broilers, Peyton Gilbert

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Two 3-week experiments were conducted, each using 480 day-old male broilers placed randomly among 96 battery cages (5 per cage; 680cm2 per bird), to evaluate the influence of phytase supplementation, with or without supplemental xylanase, on bird performance. Individual body weights and cage feed weights were taken on days 0, 7, 14, and 21, and mean BW, body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and FCR over each period calculated. Mortality was recorded daily and used to calculate livability and adjust FCR in both trials. In trial 2, excreta was collected by cage from 14 to 21 days for bone …

Response Of Problematic Weed Populations In Nebraska To Glyphosate, Spencer L. Samuelson

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

There are currently nine reported herbicide-resistant weed species in Nebraska, six of which are resistant to glyphosate. Overall distribution and frequency of these resistant species is unknown.

The objectives of this research were to understand the frequency and distribution of glyphosate-resistant weeds in Nebraska. Common and problematic weeds of Nebraska were arbitrarily collected from fields in 77 counties during the fall of 2013-2015. From our statewide collection, five species including: horseweed (Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq.), kochia (Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.), Russian-thistle (Salsola tragus L.), giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.), and common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) …