WERA72: Agribusiness Scholarship Emphasizing Competitiveness

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

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[08/10/2020] [09/09/2022] [08/04/2023] [08/05/2024]

Date of Annual Report: 08/10/2020

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/03/2020 - 06/04/2020
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2019 - 09/30/2020

Participants

Serhat Asci - Fresno State, Michael Barrowclough - Illinois State University, Jason Bergtold - Kansas State University, Maria Boerngen - Illinois State University, Kate Brooks - University of Nebraska-Lincoln, David Bullock - North Dakota State University, Jennifer Clark - University of Florida, Kynda Curtis - Utah State University, Stephen Davis - Southwest Minnesota State University, David DePatie - University of Florida, Dave Harper - Kirkwood Community College, Aaron Johnson - University of Idaho, Bachir Kassas - University of Florida, Phil Kenkel - Oklahoma State University, Kristin Kiesel - University of California-Davis, Srini Konduru - Fresno State, Ryan Larsen - Utah State University, Jayson Lusk -Purdue University, Ivory Lyles - University of Nevada, Reno, Grace Melo, Eric Micheels - University of Saskatchewan, Lia Nogueira - University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Luis Pena-Levano - University of Florida, David Ripplinger - North Dakota State University, Amber Roberts - University of Minnesota, Brent Ross - Michigan State University, Aslihan Spaulding - Illinois State University, James Sterns - Oregon State University, Ye Su - University of Nebraska-Kearney, Cheryl Wachenheim - North Dakota State University, Ruby Ward - Utah State University, Tim Woods - University of Kentucky, Kara Zimmerman - University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Na Zuo - University of Arizona,

Brief Summary of Minutes

WERA 72 Business Meeting Minutes

Virtually via Zoom

June 3rd, 2020

Attendees: Kate Brooks, Aslihan D. Spaulding, Jennifer Clark, Eric Micheels, Nz Zuo, Maria Boerngen, Tim Woods, Stephen Davis, Ruby Ward, David Harper, Serhat Asci, Ye Su, Jason Bergtold, Kynda Curtis, Lia Nogueira, Brent Ross, James Sterns, David Bullock, David Ripplinger, Aaron Johnson, Ryan Larson

Meeting was called to order at 1:50 p.m. by Chair Kate Brooks. Attendance done through chat box in Zoom.

Reports:

2019 business meeting minutes were emailed prior to the meeting for approval. Jennifer Clark moved to approve as written, Aaron Johnson seconded, approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s report: Scott Downey resigned from treasurer last year. David Ripplinger (past-chair) prepared and read the report. The WERA-fund is housed at Purdue University and has a balance of $6,771.74. The annual meeting last year had a net gain of $365.91. Costs have been kept low with the university hosts and something we need to continue to consider. We do have a sizable amount of funds that we can consider using for reduced funds for new faculty or graduate students. Scott Downey has resigned as treasurer, but will stay involved with the group. A new custodian institution is needed for WERA funds.

President’s report: Kate Brooks discussed administrative details that need to be addressed within 90 days:
- Activity reporting for the previous year: Kate will send an email asking for information to be submitted. This is especially important as we are entering a new phase of the project.
- Kate discussed the importance of members submitting their Appendix E through the NIMSS System. Currently, WERA-72 only has 4 members listed in the NIMSS System and enrollment needs to be increased in order to continue as a group. Kate will send an email to remind members and provide information on the process of filing an Appendix E.
- If not receiving emails from WERA-72 (through MailChimp listserv), please let David Ripplinger or Kate know so that you can be added to the list.

Old Business: Kate Brooks – None.

New Business: Kate Brooks

Elections
- Treasurer: David Ripplinger has indicated interest in serving as treasurer, Ruby Ward nominated David Ripplinger and Kynda Curtis seconded, with David accepting the nomination. James Sterns proposed by acclimation and it was seconded by Ruby Ward and unanimously voted.
- Secretary: David Ripplinger nominated Ryan Larson and he accepted. Aaron Johnson moved to ceased nominations and proposed acclimation for Ryan Larson and it was seconded by Maria Boerngen and unanimously voted.

2021 Annual Meeting
- Potential locations were discussed. Portland, Oregon was cancelled for 2020 and moved virtually due to COVID-19. Discussion that Portland, Oregon location is a university location that allows for lower cost and a western location to encourage western institutions to attend. James Stern discussed advantages and opportunities of activities that could be held during 2021 meeting in Portland. Las Vegas as well as Kansas City was brought up as a potential destination in the future as well. Jason Bergtold moved to choose Portland, Oregon. Kynda Curtis University of Nevada Extension has a facility in Vegas that would also allow for a university facility. Ruby Ward and Kynda Curtis mentioned that Salt Lake City could also be a destination and that Utah State members could help with Vegas, Reno, or Salt Lake City locations. Discussion was to look at the potential for Portland, Oregon in 2021 and confirm dates and availability, with flexibility for alternative locations if needed.
- James Sterns asked about meeting dates whether it being the first or second week of June. Discussion of WERA-72 meetings overlapping with WERA-72 as well as quarter system schools. Need to watch going too early with overlap with Memorial Day Weekend. No one had a strong indication of dates so will plan based on availability of location.

Reminders
- Kate Brooks reminded members of the WERA-72 webinars for the month of June.
- Jason Bergtold, AETR has a special issue for any innovations or research from the spring semester with more information on website. If you have articles, please submit.

Tim Woods moved to adjourn, Eric Micheels seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 2:21 p.m.

Accomplishments

The 2020 annual committee meeting was held virtually this year.  Members met and discussed potential collaboration projects within research, Extension and educational programs.  A discussion of upcoming grant opportunities as well as continued discussion of agribusiness curricula was discussed during breakout groups.

Publications

Journal Articles:    Alizadeh, P., H. Mohammadi, N. Shahnoushi, S. Saghaian, and A. Pooya. (2019). “Investigating Factors Affecting Import Demand of Meat and Livestock Inputs in Iran.” Agricultural Economics (Iran), 13(3):1-28. DOI: 10.22034/IAES.2019.114832.1727. Asgari, M., S. Saghaian, and M. Reed. (2020). “The Impact of Energy Sector on Overshooting of Agricultural Prices.” American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 102(2): 589-606. DOI:10.111/ajae.12035. Baylis, Kathy, Linlin Fan and Lia Nogueira. 2019. “Agricultural Market Liberalization and Household Food Security in Rural China.” American Journal of Agricultural Economics 101(1):250-269, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ajae/aay031">https://doi.org/10.1093/ajae/aay031</a> Bergtold, J.S., E. Yeager and T.W. Griffin. “Spatial Dynamics in the Classroom: Does Where You Sit Matter?” Plos One (2019): <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__doi.org_10.1371_journal.pone.0226953&d=DwMF-g&c=Cu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo&r=RH8-lOyd3xNtxV8kZu0JPw&m=0aeCr9RjgzrgthXJKsVhDkENtUNAv8lKCtPJkrJXb_I&s=qSLpDPp9YTjIcf0h2Gor0iDb2_Yye324qrcGHkSq8eo&e=">https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0226953</a>. Boerngen, M.A.  2019.  Effectiveness of paperless communication from the USDA Farm Service Agency.  Journal of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers 2019:27-32. Boerngen, M.A. and E. Hortenstine.  2019.  Risk tolerance and cheap talk in the college classroom.  Natural Sciences Education 48:180022. Boerngen, M.A. and J.W. Rickard.  2020.  Assessment and perception of student farm background in an introductory agriculture course.  Natural Sciences Education 49:e20013. Brewer, B., J.S. Bergtold, A.M. Featherstone and C.A. Wilson. “Farmer’s Choice of Credit Between the Farm Credit System, Commercial Banks, and Nontraditional Lenders.” Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics (2019) 44(2): 362 – 379. Brown, R., Na Zuo, Jordan Shockley, and Steven Buck, 2019, “An Authentic Learning Approach to Group Assignments: An Analysis of Student Attitudes”, Applied Economics and Teaching Resources, 1(2): pp1-13. Brown, R., Na Zuo, Jordan Shockley, and Steven Buck, 2019, “The Project Manager/Private Contractor Approach to Group Assignments”, Applied Economics and Teaching Resources, 1(2): pp64-73. Bullock, D.S., M.A. Boerngen, H. Tao, B. Maxwell, J.D. Luck, L. Shiratsuchi, L. Puntel, and N.F. Martin.  2019.  The data-intensive farm management project: Changing agronomic research through on-farm precision experimentation.  Agronomy Journal 111(6):2736-2746. Chen, B., S. Saghaian, T. Mark. (2019). “Substitute or Complementary: Relationship between U.S. Farmers’ Adoption of Organic Farming and Direct Marketing.” British Food Journal, 122(2):531-546. DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-01-2019-0016 Chen, Qianmiao, Wachenheim, Cheryl, and Zheng, Shi. 2020. Influence of Land Scale, Cooperative Membership and Benefits Information on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Adoption in China. Sustainable Futures 2(100025), <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__doi.org_10.1016_j.sftr.2020.100025&d=DwMGaQ&c=Cu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo&r=RH8-lOyd3xNtxV8kZu0JPw&m=S71ynIR1j07glQelYnMVOuJcuH1wEhfthgDQSzUl-VI&s=MLirQFQE2RGpmYdXDRGhde27TPhXrrnVE2joIobhj_k&e=">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2020.100025</a>.  Curtis, K., M. Bradshaw, and S. Slocum, (2020). “The Role of Culinary Experiences in Destination Loyalty.” Journal of Gastronomy and Tourism, 4(2):67-79. Curtis, K., T. Drugova, and R. Ward, (2020). “Producer Response to Drought Policy in the West.” Journal of Food Distribution Research, 51(1), 17-25. Curtis, K., and D. Quarnstrom, (2019). “Untangling the Economic and Social Impediments to Producer Adoption of Organic Wheat.” Journal of Food Distribution Research, 50(1), 105-113. Darbandi, E., R. Radmehr, and S. Saghaian. (2020). “The Impact of Consumer Beef Safety Awareness on U.S. Beef Exports.” The International Trade Journal. DOI: 10.1080/08853908.2020.1742255. De Laporte, A., and D. Ripplinger. 2019. Economic viability of perennial grass biomass feedstock in northern climates. Industrial Crops and Products. 128, 213-220.   Dourandish, A., S. Saghaian, N. Shahnoushi, N. M. Rezazae, and S. Kuhestani. (2020). “The Relation between Property Rights, Farm Size, and Technical Efficiency for the Developing Countries’ Agricultural Sector.” Journal of International Development, DOI: 10.1002/jid.3476. Drugova, T., K. Curtis, and S. Akhundjanov, (forthcoming). “Organic Wheat Products and Consumer Choice: A Market Segmentation Analysis.” British Food Journal. Drugova, T., V. Pozo, K. Curtis, and R. Fortenbury, (2019). “Organic Wheat Prices and Premium Uncertainty: Can Cross Hedging and Forecasting Play a Role?” Journal of Agriculture and Resource Economics, 44(3):551-570. Feuz, R. & R. Larsen. (2020).Even Robots Need a House: The Robotic Milking System Facility Investment Decision Case Study. Applied Economics Teaching Resources, 2(1): 32-40. Giri, A., S. Sharma, K. Loverkamp, I. Tetteh, and J. Tiner. “Examining Agricultural Export Returns from Midwestern States”. International Journal Trade and Global Markets. Accepted for publication. Vol. 12 No. 3/4, pp. 394-411. August, 2019. Giri, A., V. Nelson, K. Lovercamp, S. Sharma, and I. Protopop (2017) “Can Nepal Attain Self-Sufficiency in Major Crops Production?” Journal of Forest and Livelihood 15(2): 1-12. Hansen, E. and C. Wachenheim. 2020. Industry Expectations for Beginning Agricultural Lenders. Agricultural Finance Review (in press). doi: 10.1108/AFR-07-2019-0081. Inman, Ruth, Aaron J. Johnson, Clay Dibrell, Rodney B. Holcomb, D. Dwayne Cartmell II, Shelly R. Sitton, and Robert Terry Jr. 2019. “Toward a Scale to Measure How Food Businesses Attain and Maintain Legitimacy.” Journal of Agribusiness 37(2). Junxuan Mao, Qianyu Zhu, Cheryl J. Wachenheim and Erik Hanson. 2020. A Credit Scoring Model for Lending Decisions in Rural China. International Journal of Agricultural Management (in press). Kiesel, K., Na Zuo, Zoë T. Plakias, Luis Moises Pena-Levano, Andrew Barkley, Katherine Lacy, Erik Hanson, and Julianne Treme, 2020, “Increasing Student Engagement in a Changing Academic Environment”, Applied Economics and Teaching Resources, forthcoming. Kussainova, G.B., S. Saghaian, and M. Reed. (2020). “Innovation Behavior of Agri-Food Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: The Case of Europe’s Emerging Economies.” Journal of International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, forthcoming. Marks, B. and M.A. Boerngen.  2019.  A farming community’s perspective on nutrient loss reduction.  Agricultural & Environmental Letters 4:190004 (2019). Mohammed, F., M. Barrowclough, M.L. Kibler, and M.A. Boerngen.  2020.  Measuring usage of formal financial services as a proxy of financial inclusion: A case of agricultural households in Ghana.  Agricultural Finance Review 80(4). doi:10:1108/AFR-09-2019-0096. Protopop, I. and A. Shanoyan (2016) “Big Data and Smallholder Farmers: Big Data Applications in the Agri-Food Supply Chain in Developing Countries.” International Food and Agribusiness Management Review. Vol. 19, Issue A, pp. 173-190. Protopop, I. (2014) “Human Capital Challenges Faced By Foreign Agribusinesses: Comparison of Ghana and South Africa.” Cornhusker Economics, University of Nebraska- Lincoln Extension. Qin, Ming, Cheryl Joy Wachenheim, Zhigang Wang, and Shi Zheng. 2019. Factors Affecting Chinese Farmers’ Microcredit Participation. Agricultural Finance Review 79(1), pp. 48-59. <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__doi.org_10.1108_AFR-2D12-2D2017-2D0111&d=DwMGaQ&c=Cu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo&r=RH8-lOyd3xNtxV8kZu0JPw&m=S71ynIR1j07glQelYnMVOuJcuH1wEhfthgDQSzUl-VI&s=3ztpSQBlTzN2v10UeAYAKCFkb4GWKkCodlVFuYca-cQ&e=">https://doi.org/10.1108/AFR-12-2017-0111</a>. Robinson, Courtney N., Gregory A. Baker, Michael J. Harwood, and Lucy O, Diekmann. Forthcoming. “Food Expenditures and Consuption by Food Bank clients in Silicon Valley.” International Food and Agribusiness Management Review. Rodriguez, D.G.P., D.S. Bullock, and M.A. Boerngen.  2019.  The origins, implications, and consequences of yield-based nitrogen fertilizer management.  Agronomy Journal. Ronaghi, M., M. Reed, and S. Saghaian. (2019). “The Impact of Economic Factors and Governance Index on Greenhouse Gas Emission.” Environmental Economics and Policy Studies. DOI: 10.1007/s10018-2019-00250-w. Ronaghi, M., S. Saghaian, M. Kohansal, M. Reed, M. Ghorbani. (2020). “The Effects of Good Governance on the Agricultural Sector.” International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research, 6(1):11-28. DOI: ijaer.in/view_archive2020.php?issue=1. Rossi Scalco, Andrea, Gilberto Ganga, Sandra Oliveira, and Gregory Baker. 2020. “Development and validation of a scale for identification of quality attributes of agri-food products in short chains.” Geoforum. <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__doi.org_10.1016_j.geoforum.2020.02.012&d=DwMFaQ&c=Cu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo&r=RH8-lOyd3xNtxV8kZu0JPw&m=4o741lOK3M9kvIel2ZnGXc9wEqD_ZmrRDqo-FagblHU&s=n-aYmYN8qsvpoINVSeYmylotG4ebT2n4Or_bt7hi-6I&e=">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2020.02.012</a>. Rossi Scalco, Andréa and Gregory A. Baker. 2019-2020. “<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__revistaesa.com_ojs_index.php_esa_article_view_ESA27-2D3-5F06-5Fvalue-5Fcapture&d=DwMFaQ&c=Cu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo&r=RH8-lOyd3xNtxV8kZu0JPw&m=4o741lOK3M9kvIel2ZnGXc9wEqD_ZmrRDqo-FagblHU&s=GQcFPc_xdeVTZ3Vf8svVjCZeUMPeKzy8GjqRI3-ZSQk&e=">Value capture analysis of small organic growers and their distribution channels in California</a>.” Estudos Sociedade e Agricultura. Vol. 27, No. 3. Saghaian, S., H. Aghasafari, M. Aminizadeh, and A. Riahi. (2020). “Factors Influencing Climate-Smart Goods Trade in Some Developing Countries in the Middle East and North Africa Region: An Application of the Spatial Panel Model.” The International Trade Journal, 34(3):281-296. DOI: 10.1080/08853908.2019.1651234. Sharma, S., A. Giri, T. Haque, and I. Tetteh (2018) “Land Acquisition in India: A Pareto and Kaldor-Hicks Perspective”. Land, 7, 66. Sterns, J. (2019). “Is the Emerging U.S. Hemp Industry Yet Another Boom–Bust Market for U.S. Farmers?”.  Choices - A Publication of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, 34(3 (3rd Quarter, 2019)). <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.choicesmagazine.org_choices-2Dmagazine_submitted-2Darticles_is-2Dthe-2Demerging-2Dus-2Dhemp-2Dindustry-2Dyet-2Danother-2Dboombust-2Dmarket-2Dfor-2Dus-2Dfarmers&d=DwMGaQ&c=Cu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo&r=RH8-lOyd3xNtxV8kZu0JPw&m=_pHHLMtbCLLPFPonkZCDpDUkSVqs4DLiR_7tjNPH29Q&s=3QXaY5m7Qc04zmR6VZzq6nH8Y30u9MuGSKdjS0hJmxI&e=">Is the Emerging U.S. Hemp Industry Yet Another Boom–Bust Market for U.S. Farmers</a>?   Sterns, J. (2019). “Let's take a moment to celebrate great teaching!”. Applied Economics Teaching Resources -A Publication of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, 1(1), 60-66. <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.aaea.org_UserFiles_file_AETR-5F2019-5F002RRManuscriptProofFinal-5Fpages-5Fv2.pdf&d=DwMGaQ&c=Cu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo&r=RH8-lOyd3xNtxV8kZu0JPw&m=_pHHLMtbCLLPFPonkZCDpDUkSVqs4DLiR_7tjNPH29Q&s=H2JBG9VJOLWj9zmAL9KuMNARGLnYnVEclq_uoY1mvJ0&e=">https://www.aaea.org/UserFiles/file/AETR_2019_002RRManuscriptProofFinal_pages_v2.pdf</a>   Sundstrom, William A.,Shelby McIntyre., Gregory A. Baker, and Brian Avants. Forthcoming. Bearers of Bad News: Heterogeneous Effects of Alternative Front-of-Package Labeling Schemes for Nutritional Information. Journal of Agribusiness. Tetteh, I. and M. Boehlje. “An Intergenerational Farm Transfer: When is a Good Time to Start Handing over the Reins?” International Food and Agribusiness Management Review Journal. Accepted for publication. Vol. 22 (3), pp. 429-434. April, 2019. Van Orden, C., B. Willis, R. Bosworth, T. McCarty, R. Larsen, M. Kim. 2020. "Weather Station Locations Are Significant for Drought Insurance." Choices. Quarter 1. Available online: <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.choicesmagazine.org_choices-2Dmagazine_submitted-2Darticles_weather-2Dstation-2Dlocations-2Dare-2Dsignificant-2Dfor-2Ddrought-2Dinsurance&d=DwMGaQ&c=Cu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo&r=RH8-lOyd3xNtxV8kZu0JPw&m=f8RlJMJbbxqfoBJ4Gi5bHw-Bq7ZImWN1VoWecD956WQ&s=IdxOajiYT7cIbcZHMfesfTBMuVef1mXAiWz1HsQhUGA&e=">http://www.choicesmagazine.org/choices-magazine/submitted-articles/weather-station-locations-are-significant-for-drought-insurance</a> Wachenheim, Cheryl J. 2020. Operational Pause: A Teaching Tip for Administrators and Faculty in Times of Sudden and Unexpected Environmental Change Such as with COVID-19. NACTA Journal. May. <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.nactateachers.org_images_TeachingTips_2020-2D0171-5FOperational-5FPause-5FA-5FTeaching-5FTip-5Ffor-5FAdministrators-5Fand-5FFaculty-5Fin-5FTimes-5Fof-5FSudden-5Fand-5FUnexpected-5FEnvironmental-5FChange.pdf&d=DwMGaQ&c=Cu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo&r=RH8-lOyd3xNtxV8kZu0JPw&m=S71ynIR1j07glQelYnMVOuJcuH1wEhfthgDQSzUl-VI&s=-XX1bqf96uIw5iZr0rKNfpFK0Wr30TnYpKR2iHfsiPc&e=">https://www.nactateachers.org/images/TeachingTips/2020-0171_Operational_Pause_A_Teaching_Tip_for_Administrators_and_Faculty_in_Times_of_Sudden_and_Unexpected_Environmental_Change.pdf</a> Wachenheim, Cheryl J. 2020. Seeking opportunities in the remote learning environment. Teaching Tips. NACTA Journal. May. <a href="https://www.nactateachers.org/images/TeachingTips/2020-0170_Seeking_opportunities_in_the_remote_learning_environment.pdf">https://www.nactateachers.org/images/TeachingTips/2020-0170_Seeking_opportunities_in_the_remote_learning_environment.pdf</a> Wachenheim, Cheryl. 2020. The Ethical Choice: Confronting Ethical Dilemmas with Industry Participants in a Curriculum. Applied Economics Teaching Resources 2(1), pp. 26-31. doi: 10.22004/ag.econ.301863 Wachenheim, C., S. Lim, D. Roberts, and J. Devney. 2019. Landowner valuation of a working wetlands program in the Prairie Pothole Region. Agricultural Economics 50(4), pp. 465-478. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/agec.12503">https://doi.org/10.1111/agec.12503</a>. Wilson, Paul N. and Na Zuo, 2019, “Outstanding Seniors: Where Have All the Young Men Gone?” Applied Economics and Teaching Resources, 1(2): pp31-42. Zheng, Shi, Zhigang Wang, and Cheryl Joy Wachenheim. 2019. Technology adoption among farmers in Jilin Province, China: The case of aerial pesticide application. China Agricultural Economic Review 11(1), pp. 206-216. <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__doi.org_10.1108_CAER-2D11-2D2017-2D0216&d=DwMGaQ&c=Cu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo&r=RH8-lOyd3xNtxV8kZu0JPw&m=S71ynIR1j07glQelYnMVOuJcuH1wEhfthgDQSzUl-VI&s=yF9gAhX7t5GS_v1uGL86gCJZsHkWwkY4WXwkCOlqIxM&e=">https://doi.org/10.1108/CAER-11-2017-0216</a>. Zuo, Na, and Hua Zhong, 2020, “Can Resource Policy Reverse the Resource Curse? Evidence from China”, Resource Policy, forthcoming. Zuo, Na, Anna Josephson, and Dan Scheitrum, 2019, “Engaging Students in Global Agriculture: Three Authentic-Learning Classroom Interventions”, NACTA Journal, 63(1a): 112-120. Zuo, Na, Jack Schieffer, and Steven Buck, 2019, “The Effect of the Energy Boom on Schooling Decisions in the U.S.”, Resource and Energy Economics, 55 (2019): pp1-23.     Extension and Outreach Publications Brooks, K., T. Meyer, E. Thompson, and C. Walters. 2019. “Economic Impacts of the Nebraska Ethanol and Ethanol Co-Products Industry (2015-2017).” University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Agricultural Economics White Paper.   Curtis, K., K. Salisbury, and C. Durward, (2019). “Fresh Produce Direct Sales and Pricing.” Utah State University Extension Curriculum (PowerPoint Presentations, Bulletins, and Factsheets). Online at: <a href="http://diverseag.org/direct_sales_pricing">http://diverseag.org/direct_sales_pricing</a> Curtis, K., K. Salisbury, V. Pozo, R. Ward, and C. Durward, (2019). “What Determines Produce Pricing in Utah?” USU Extension Fact Sheet, Applied Economics/2019-05pr. Curtis, K., K. Salisbury, R. Ward, and C. Durward, (2019). “Targeting Farmers’ Markets in Utah: Understanding Fresh Produce Pricing.” USU Extension Fact Sheet, Applied Economics/2019-03pr. Curtis, K., E. Rice, S. Slocum, and K. Allen, (2019). “Farm Shops: A Direct-to-Consumer Extended Season Opportunity.” USU Extension Fact Sheet, Applied Economics/2019-04pr. Curtis, K., E. Rice, and D. Quarnstrom, (2019). “Adopting Organic Wheat: Grower Motivations and Concerns.” USU Extension Fact Sheet, Applied Economics/2019-01pr. Curtis, K., E. Rice, and D. Quarnstrom, (2019). “Characteristics of Organic Wheat Growers.” USU Extension Fact Sheet, Applied Economics/2019-02pr. De Laporte, A. and D. Ripplinger. Corn-Alfalfa Intercropping Tool. NDSU Extension. 2019.  Drugova, T., and K. Curtis, (2019). “Does Consumer Knowledge of Organic Production Standards Influence Demand for Organic and Non-GMO Labeled Foods?” USU Extension Fact Sheet, Applied Economics/2019-06pr. Drugova, T., and K. Curtis, (2019). “Do Consumers Who Prefer Gluten-Free Also Prefer Organic?” USU Extension Fact Sheet, Applied Economics/2019-07pr. Jansen, J., J. Parsons, and K. Brooks. January 23, 2019. “Trends in Nebraska Agricultural Land Ownership and Rental Patterns.” Cornhusker Economics: Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Ripplinger, D., A. Wick. Soil Salinity Economics. February 19, 2019. Sterns, J. (2020). “Anticipating Changes in Distribution.” Vine to Wine COVID-19 Pandemic Special Issue – A Publication of the Oregon Wine Research Institute, Oregon State University, May 2020, <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__owri.oregonstate.edu_sites_agscid7_files_owri_20200506-5Fowri-5Fvtow-5Fmay2020-5Fspecialissue.pdf&d=DwMGaQ&c=Cu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo&r=RH8-lOyd3xNtxV8kZu0JPw&m=_pHHLMtbCLLPFPonkZCDpDUkSVqs4DLiR_7tjNPH29Q&s=iIJoZQhCPiyUw9DC7f_t5n2dDag51l0vL6qFk6xopj8&e=">https://owri.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/owri/20200506_owri_vtow_may2020_specialissue.pdf</a> Sterns, J. (2020). “Shifting Approaches for Direct-to-Consumer Marketing.” Vine to Wine COVID-19 Pandemic Special Issue – A Publication of the Oregon Wine Research Institute, Oregon State University, May 2020, <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__owri.oregonstate.edu_sites_agscid7_files_owri_20200506-5Fowri-5Fvtow-5Fmay2020-5Fspecialissue.pdf&d=DwMGaQ&c=Cu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo&r=RH8-lOyd3xNtxV8kZu0JPw&m=_pHHLMtbCLLPFPonkZCDpDUkSVqs4DLiR_7tjNPH29Q&s=iIJoZQhCPiyUw9DC7f_t5n2dDag51l0vL6qFk6xopj8&e=">https://owri.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/owri/20200506_owri_vtow_may2020_specialissue.pdf</a> Sterns, J. (2020). “Recalibrating Costs of and Returns to Capital.” Vine to Wine COVID-19 Pandemic Special Issue – A Publication of the Oregon Wine Research Institute, Oregon State University, May 2020, <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__owri.oregonstate.edu_sites_agscid7_files_owri_20200506-5Fowri-5Fvtow-5Fmay2020-5Fspecialissue.pdf&d=DwMGaQ&c=Cu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo&r=RH8-lOyd3xNtxV8kZu0JPw&m=_pHHLMtbCLLPFPonkZCDpDUkSVqs4DLiR_7tjNPH29Q&s=iIJoZQhCPiyUw9DC7f_t5n2dDag51l0vL6qFk6xopj8&e=">https://owri.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/owri/20200506_owri_vtow_may2020_specialissue.pdf</a> Sterns, J. (2020). “Strategic Thinking is Needed Now more than Ever.” Vine to Wine COVID-19 Pandemic Special Issue – A Publication of the Oregon Wine Research Institute, Oregon State University, May 2020, <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__owri.oregonstate.edu_sites_agscid7_files_owri_20200506-5Fowri-5Fvtow-5Fmay2020-5Fspecialissue.pdf&d=DwMGaQ&c=Cu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo&r=RH8-lOyd3xNtxV8kZu0JPw&m=_pHHLMtbCLLPFPonkZCDpDUkSVqs4DLiR_7tjNPH29Q&s=iIJoZQhCPiyUw9DC7f_t5n2dDag51l0vL6qFk6xopj8&e=">https://owri.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/owri/20200506_owri_vtow_may2020_specialissue.pdf</a> Wachenheim, Cheryl J. 2019. Landowner conservation attitudes and behaviors: a focus on the conservation reserve program. Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics Research Report No. 786. North Dakota State University, Fargo. Yiannaka, E., S. I. A. Meerza, C. Gustafson, and K. Brooks. October 30, 2019. “Informing the (Willfully) Uninformed.” Cornhusker Economics: Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.   Presentations   Miller, N.J., M. Taylor, J. Tack and J.S. Bergtold. “Forecasting Winter Wheat Basis with Soil Moisture Measurements.” Selected paper presented at the NCC-134: Conference on Applied Commodity Price Analysis, Forecasting, and Market Risk Management, St. Louis, MO, April 20-21, 2020. Sterns, J. A. Author & Presenter, Food Distribution Research Society Annual Meeting, "Block Chain in Agri-Food Supply Chains - Where's the Added Value?," Seattle, WA. National, Accepted. (October 21, 2019). Sterns, J. A. Presenter, Shively, G. E. Presenter, Howry, S. Presenter, Annual Meeting of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA), "Teaching Tips from AAEA Award Winners," Atlanta, GA. International, Invited. (July 23, 2019). Sterns, J. A. Author & Presenter, Capalbo, S. M. Author & Presenter, Spring Dinner for the Society of Physicians for Wine and Health, "Can a good bottle of wine sell itself?", Waverley Country Club, Portland, OR. Local, Invited. (May 19, 2019). Wachenheim, Cheryl. Innovation in teaching in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Western Education and Research Activities Committee on Agribusiness (WERA-072), June 23, 2020. Virtual Conference. Wachenheim, Cheryl. Knowledge retention in agricultural finance. 2020 NACTA Conference, June 16-19, Virtual Conference. Wachenheim, Cheryl. Culture, Entrepreneurship, and Policy in China. Fargo Garden Society. September 24, 2019.

Impact Statements

3. Based on feedback from the annual meetings and the June webinar series, additional monthly webinars discussing teaching, research, and extension activities related to agribusiness have been scheduled.

Date of Annual Report: 09/09/2022

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/01/2022 - 06/02/2022
Period the Report Covers: 06/04/2021 - 06/02/2022

Participants

Downey, Scott (downeyws@purdue.edu) - Purdue University; Brooks, Kate (kbrooks4@unl.edu) - University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Clark, Jennifer (tspartin@ufl.edu) - University of Florida; Ward, Ruby (ruby.ward@usu.edu) – Utah State University; Johnson, Aaron (ajjohnson@ksu.edu) – Kansas State University; Larsen, Ryan (ryan.larsen@usu.edu) - Utah State University; Lyles, Ivory (ivory.lyles@oregonstate.edu) – Oregon State University; Ripplinger, David (david.ripplinger@ndsu.edu) - North Dakota State University; Sterns, James (jasterns@oregonstate.edu) - Oregon State University; Zuo, Na (nazuo@email.arizona.edu) - University of Arizona; Asci, Serhat (sasci@csufresno.edu) - Fresno State; Boerngen, Maria (maboern@IllinoisState.edu) - Illinois State University; Harper, Dave (david.harper@kirkwood.edu) - Kirkwood Community College; Ross, Brent (rross@msu.edu) - Michigan State University; Tewari, Rachna (rtewari@utm.edu) – University of Tennessee at Martin; Blare, Trent (tblare@ufl.edu) - University of Florida; Simandjuntak, Daniel (dps5776@psu.edu) - Penn State University; Bergtold, Jason (bergtold@ksu.edu) – Kansas State University; Ng, Desmond (dng@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University; Uddin, Md Azhar (mdazharuddin@ufl.edu) – University of Florida; Delbridge, Tim (delbridt@oregonstate.edu) – Oregon State University.

Participants Attachment:

WERA72_ListServ_09_09_2022.pdf

Brief Summary of Minutes

WERA72 Business meeting minutes and 2022 Agenda attached.

Summary: The 2022 annual meeting was held as a hybrid (in-person & online) format this year. In-person attendance met in Portland, OR at the OSU Portland Center; virtual members attended via Zoom. Members met and discussed potential collaboration projects within education, Extension, and research. A discussion of upcoming grant opportunities as well as continued discussion of identifying new skills needed by agribusiness graduates and innovations in agribusiness teaching programs needed was discussed during breakout groups.

The 2021 business meeting minutes were moved for approval and unanimously passed. It was recognized that the 2021 meeting approval and subsequent reporting procedures were not followed correctly with documentation in NIMMS due to lack of understanding and will to increase efforts to communicate reporting procedures extended to future WERA-72 leadership.

A motion was made and approved to move the balance of meeting support funds from Purdue University to Oregon State University.

The Chair’s report encouraged members to submit annual agribusiness publications for NIMMS reporting. Plans to coordinate increased communication outreach were introduced for the purpose of narrowing the gap between one hundred and forty members on the email list-serv and twenty-one members registered through the NIMMS system. It was agreed upon to more broadly disseminate meeting and collaboration information through collegial networks and academic professional agricultural, agribusiness, and agricultural economics associations. Members were identified to present WERA-72 presence through the Applied Agricultural Economics Association (AAEA) committees and North American College Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) meetings, and other associations (e.g., NGA, FDRS), prior to the next annual meeting. A discussion of updates to an informational WERA-72 website, currently hosted by Kansas State, invited participation and opportunity to volunteer as communications officers in this capacity.

The need for mentorship of younger faculty regarding operations of WERA-72 to meet USDA NIMMS requirements and to increase multi-institutional collaborative output was discussed favorably. A recommendation was made by WERA-72 Administrative Advisor, Dr. Ivory Lyles for the group to consider adding a second advisor with an administrative background in university agribusiness programs; a potential candidate with WERA-72 experience and administrative knowledge at the university level was identified.

Continuation of previous meeting discussions reintroduced the desire to organize an informal group of ‘Friends of WERA-72’, consisting of former WERA-72 Executive Council leadership, as a proactive strategy for learning about the historical context of the WERA-72 organization in TRE efforts, deepen understanding of new challenges in the discipline, and expand promotional efforts supporting increased participation within the WERA-72 coordinating committee activities.

David Ripplinger (NDSU) was elected as WERA-72 Treasurer for the next year. Serhat Asci (Fresno State) was elected as Secretary. Ryan Larsen (USU) moved to Chair’s position. Na Zuo (University of Arizona) moved to Chair-Elect. Jennifer Clark moved to Past-Chair.

The 2023 meeting location will be held in Logan, Utah and meeting request filed in NIMMS.

Minutes Attachment:

2021 WERA72 Meeting Report.pdf

Accomplishments

As stated in the project objectives:  The WERA-72 Coordinating Committee plays a key role in facilitating, promoting and advancing agribusiness scholarship by providing an educational, research and extension forum for focusing on fundamental and key issues in agribusiness. Agribusiness scholarship is defined as the creation of knowledge that explains, solves and provides options for agribusiness, and it is fundamental to the future of agribusiness. Short-term Outcomes:   We recognize that relevant and key issues facing agribusiness are changing including market structure and access, use and analysis of Big Data, food and energy security, efficiency and productivity of agribusiness firms, among others.  In response, WERA-72 participants have focused for several years on identifying how these changes apply to educating and training the next generation of agribusiness professionals as we recognize a changing industry frontier. Efforts to build faculty consensus and data collection related to employability skills and changing industry needs have been the focus of the last four years (2019-2022) of WERA-72 meetings.  We have focused on the role of Extension to identify industry needs that inform research innovations and teaching curriculum.  These efforts have led to increased efforts nationally to address the Association of Public Land-Grant Universities’ (APLU) identified gaps in employability skills and workforce preparedness among college graduates.  WERA-72 efforts to address critical growth areas for students has led to increased understanding in the discipline of the need for innovation in curriculum and outreach through other academic professional associations in this area.  Discussions and collaborative efforts continue to develop among WERA-72 participants in this area and several research groups have been established from these meetings Outputs: In 2019, a group of WERA-72 participants attended a post-meeting workshop focus group to discuss relevant information associated with a broad-base of academic units nationally. In 2020, a discussion was held about gaps within agribusiness TRE and potential deliverables, gaps within agribusiness competencies, interest of formal collaborations and perceived challenges associated with creating deliverables. A summer series of webinars included: <ul> <li>Developing a research and Extension agenda to address emerging ecosystem service markets</li> <li>Continuing WERA’s discussion of undergraduate agribusiness competencies (i.e., second round of participant data collection of perceived gaps between student needs and industry demands)</li> <li>Lessons from agribusiness curriculum review</li> <li>Developing and publishing effective and engaging teaching case studies for agribusiness and applied economics</li> <li>Lessons learned from sudden change to remote learning environment</li> <li>WERA-72 continues to offer support to graduate students as a forum for their presentations and full contribution as an academic professional.</li> </ul> In 2021, WERA-72 participants from eighteen universities met to discuss TRE efforts in a series of summer webinars including presentations addressing the <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/usda/employment/report-summary/">USDA/Purdue Jobs Outlook Project </a>and supply chain management and marketing industry professionals’ responses. 2022 WERA-72 efforts extended TRE efforts to invite industry feedback and synthesize output generated from previous three years related to APLU research findings and subsequent call to address employability gaps identified in <a title="From Academia to Workforce: Navigating Persistence, Ambiguity, Change and Conflict in the Workplace" href="https://www.aplu.org/library/from-academia-to-the-workforce-navigating-persistence-ambiguity-change-and-conflict-in-the-workplace/file">From Academia to Workforce: Navigating Persistence, Ambiguity, Change and Conflict in the Workplace</a> (2020), and <a title="From Academia to Workforce: Critical Growth Areas for Students Today" href="https://www.aplu.org/library/from-academia-to-the-workforce-critical-growth-areas-for-students-today/file">From Academia to Workforce: Critical Growth Areas for Students Today</a> (2020).  This year's annual meeting focus was to focus on listening to industry perspective and empirical evidence related to employability skills and perspective shared about innovations and new skill emphasis recognized as important for agribusiness success on the frontier of a changing industry and dynamic economy. Activities: Goal is to continue working with academic and industry collaborators conducting primary survey work in agribusiness programs including partnerships to identify employability skills needed by industry and stakeholders and to translate information into innovative curriculum programs and Extension efforts. Qualitative primary data was collected from Pacific NW industry representatives to determine factors associated with supply chain resiliency in a changing economy.  The panel discussion, held at the WERA-72 annual meeting was titled:  “Resiliency in Agri-Food Systems – For Supply Chain Management, As an Operational Core Competency, As a Strategic Competitive Advantage.”  Panelists ranged from value-added processed foods for retail and food-service to ingredient sourcing and bulk ingredient supply.  The data informed researchers about changing dynamics occurring in operations and supply chain network relationships resulting from distribution bottlenecks and shifts in consumer demand for products and services.  A group of more than twenty faculty met as a Council on Agribusiness Soft/Essential Skills (CASES) with an objective to incorporate soft/essential skills into existing curriculum across the country.  Efforts in this area relate to a new survey instrument being conducted nationally to update the 1987 LItzenberg and Schnieder paper on the AgriMASS survey noting soft skills being highly emphasized in the agribusiness hiring process and echoed by Boland and Akridge in 2001. Industry evidence also supports the theory that soft/essential skills are further emphasized in an emerging Big-Data driven economy.  Preliminary data collected from agribusiness professionals, agricultural economics faculty, and department heads is applying an evidence-based approach to build academy support for developing new curricula that delivers in-demand skills and knowledge.  Learning objectives associated with this research includes thinking strategically bout business decisions and the interaction between marketing, finance, operations, and human resource dimensions of firms.  The goal is to enhance students’ problem-solving and decision-making skills and provide opportunities for improving their ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms of information exchange. The International Fresh Produce Association’s Vice President of Supply Chain and Sustainability, Mr. Ed Treacy,  presented industry technology and innovation insights to WERA-72 participants representing more than thirty years of first-hand experience in his talk, “Adapting to changes in a data-driven industry and perspective on market-ready skills agribusiness graduates need.”  Mr. Treacy emphasized the need for new graduates to be able to work comfortably and experienced in managing bid data sets which are pervasive in industrialized global food supply chains.  He synthesized students’ skills to essentially be able to organize and analyze data by understanding the relevant variables needed to answer a question, recognize patterns in the data, use software to develop illustrative graphics representing their analysis, and be able to “tell the story that the data presents” to a diverse audience of team members and executive decision-makers.  Furthermore, demonstrating the capacity to work in teams that may have competing sub-goals (i.e., for sales, costs, or profit margins) is increasingly a focus of hiring consideration for internships and employment.  An AAEA- Teaching and Learning Committee (AAEA-TLC) continues working on a 2-year project to develop an Innovations in Agricultural Economics Teaching Curriculum Award.  The award focuses on program-level (not individual course-level) innovations that clearly address an employability need (e.g., graduate school, industry) with the potential to scale and transfer widely for adoption across academic units.  Two sub-groups of multi-institutional collaborators are working in the areas of 1) informing the application and scoring rubric based on extensive literature review and examination of similar academic innovation program awards, and 2) developing a survey instrument to be disseminated nationally to faculty and administrators of land-grant universities with the purpose of establishing a baseline of current curriculum, technology, and learning objectives representing the agribusiness and agricultural economics discipline at the national level. Milestones: <ul> <li>To reach our identification of new and emerging employability skills needed in agribusiness by 2024.</li> <li>To recognize innovations in agricultural economics and agribusiness higher-education programs beginning in 2024.</li> <li>To successfully apply for and receive a multi-institution led USDA Higher Education Challenge Grant in the areas of employability skills needed in agribusiness to support an increasingly data-driven food and fiber economy and interconnected global supply chain.</li> </ul>

Publications

Publications:  Bayabil1, H. K., Li, Y., Crane, J., H., Schafer, B., Smyth, A. R., Zhang, S., Evans, E.A., and Blare, T.  2022. Saltwater intrusion and flooding: risks to South Florida’s agriculture and potential management practices: threats of saltwater intrusion and flooding to South Florida’s agriculture and environment. AE572. 5/2022. EDIS 2022(3).   Blare, T. and Donovan, J. (2022). Challenges for ‘going local’ by the tourism sector: Lessons from direct food sourcing initiatives in Cusco, Peru. Tourism and Hospitality Research. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F14673584221074923   Blare, T.,Rivera, M., Ballen, F. H., and Brym, Z. 2022. Is a viable hemp industry in Florida’s future? FE1116 (English) FE117 (Spanish). EDIS. 2022(2).   Blare, T., Ballen, F., Singh, A., Haley, N., and Crane, J. 2022. Profitability and cost estimates for producing Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) in South Florida: FE1115 (English) FE118 (Spanish). EDIS. 2022(2).   Boerngen, M.A. and J.W. Rickard.  (2021).  You’re all farmers, right?  Students’ perceptions of classmates’ and instructors’ experience.  NACTA Journal 65, Suppl. 1:5.   Boerngen, M.A. and J.W. Rickard.  2021.  To Zoom or not to Zoom: The impact of rural broadband on online learning.  Natural Sciences Education 50:e20044.   Brown, R., Hamilton, L., Kiesel, K., Treme, J., and Zuo, N. (2021). Pedagogical Pivot - Faculty Reflections on the Rapid Transition to Virtual Teaching During COVID-19. Western Economics Forum, 19(1): 120-129. (Authors are listed in alphabetical order rather than in order of contribution.)   Brown, R., Buck, S., Kibler, M., Penn, J., and Zuo, N. (2021). Course-Related Student Anxiety During COVID-19: A Problem and Some Solutions. Applied Economics and Teaching Resources, 3(1): 1-21. (Authors are listed in alphabetical order rather than in order of contribution.)   Dallin, J., Hadfield, J., Pace, M., Hadfield, J., Smith, J., Greenhalgh, L., Taylor, K., Larsen, R., & Sulser, A. R. (2021, March 01). 4-H/FFA Turkey Dressing Percentage Calculation Tool. Journal of NACAA, 14(1).   Garcia, M., Chapman, K., Heaton, K., Dallin, J., Rood, K., Thacker, E., Hadfield, J., & Larsen, R. (2021). Using GPS and Genomic Technology to Provide a More Accurate Estimate of Bull Power in Western Intermountain Beef Systems. Journal of Animal Science, 99(Supplement\_3), 28--29.   Gardner, J.G., J.R.V. Franken, and M.A. Boerngen.  (2022).  A research agenda for cooperatives.  Journal of Cooperatives 37:38-66.   Hadfield, J., Waldron, B. L., Isom, S., Feuz, R., Larsen, R., Creech, J. E., Rose, M. F., Long, J. N., Peel, M. D., Miller, R. L., Rood, K., Young, A., Stott, R. D., Sweat, A., & Thornton, K. J. (2021, August 10). The effects of organic grass and grass-birdsfoot trefoil pastures on Jersey heifer development: Heifer growth, performance, and economic impact. Journal of dairy science, 104(10), 10863-10878.   Hoselton, G.S.W.* and M.A. Boerngen.  (2021).  Farmers’ awareness of and concerns about nutrient loss.  Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 76(5):387-491. Mehlhorn, S., I. Lepcha, and R. Tewari (2022). Student Perceptions of Their Online Learning Experience. NACTA Journal, 66, 147-153.   Morgan, K. L., Wade, T., Athearn, K., Prevatt, C., Singerman, A., Evans, E. Blare, T., Khachatryan, H., and Guan, Z. (2021). An introduction to Florida commodity enterprise budgets: An extension tool to improve farm financial planning: FE1109. 12/2021. EDIS. 2021, (6).   Motsinger, L. A., Young, A., Feuz, R., Larsen, R., Brady, T. J., Briggs, R. K., Bowman, B. R., Pratt, C., & Thornton, K. J. (2021, July). Effects of feeding a novel alfalfa leaf pellet product (ProLEAF MAX™) and alfalfa stems (ProFiber Plus™) on feedlot performance and carcass quality of beef steers. Translational Animal Science, 5(3), txab098.   Reichhardt, C. C., Feuz, R., Brady, T. J., Motsinger, L. A., Briggs, R. K., Bowman, B. R., Garcia, M. D., Larsen, R., & Thornton, K. J. (2021, May). Interactions between cattle breed type and anabolic implant strategy impact circulating serum metabolites, feedlot performance, feeding behavior, carcass characteristics, and economic return in beef steers. Domestic Animal Endocrinology, 77, 106633.   Rickard, J.W. and M.A. Boerngen.  (2022).  Perceived agriculture experience impacts the learning environment.  NACTA Journal 66, Suppl. 1:8.   Sant’Anna, A.C., T. Xia and J.S. Bergtold. (2022). Public Policies versus Market Factors: What Drives Ethanol Expansion in Brazil? Q Open 2(1), qoac009, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/qopen/qoac009">https://doi.org/10.1093/qopen/qoac009</a>.   Sant’Anna, A.C., J.S. Bergtold, A. Shanoyan, M. Caldas and G. Granco. (2022). Biofuel Feedstock Contract Attributes, Substitutability and Tradeoffs in Sugarcane Production in the Brazilian Cerrado: A Stated Choice Approach. Renewable Energy, 185: 665 - 679.   tyan, J.*, M.A. Boerngen, and M. Barrowclough.  2021.  Factors influencing increased usage of cash rent leases in Illinois.  Journal of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers 2021:6-16.   Tewari, R., K. Lange, and J. Mehlhorn (2022). Curious or not? Agribusiness students’ perceptions of curiosity dimensions. Journal of Agribusiness. Accepted April 2022.   Presentations:  Barnes, E., R. Tewari, J. Mehlhorn and A. Delmond. (2022, February 12-15). Preserving water quality in the U.S mid-south: producer perceptions and willingness to adopt alternative agricultural practices. [Conference presentation]. Southern Agricultural Economics Association Meetings. New Orleans, LA.   Bergtold, J.S. and B. Briggeman.  (2022, May 9). Active Learning in the Classroom: An Engaging Game About Agricultural Supply Cooperatives. [Keynote]. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Showcase, Teaching and Learning Center, Kansas State University.   Blare, T. (2022, September 8). Are environmental and social justice goals mutually exclusive? Exploring inclusive businesses in Peru’s cacao and coffee sectors. [Conference presentation]. International Workshop on Environmental Justice. Bern, Switzerland.   Blare, T. (2022, September 6). Application of transformative research to build inclusive and sustainable food systems: Experiences from Latin America and South Florida. [Invited Speaker]. University of Bern Center for Development & Environment Brown Bag Series. Bern, Switzerland.   Blare, T. (2022, July 20). Are agroforestry and social goals mutually exclusive? Exploring inclusive businesses in Peru's cacao, coffee, and oil palm sectors. [Conference presentation]. 5th World Congress on Agroforestry. Quebec City, Canada.   Blare, T. (2022, July 13). Are environmental and social justice goals mutually exclusive? Exploring inclusive businesses in Peru’s cacao and coffee sectors. [Conference presentation]. 58th Annual Meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation. Cartagena, Colombia.   Blare, T. (2022, May 7). What’s the Future of Hemp? Analysis of the Opportunities and Challenges to Strengthen US Hemp Markets. [Conference presentation]. Florida State Horticulture Society. Sarasota, Florida.   Blare, T. (2022, March 30). How to Market in a Digital Era: 2022 Florida Agricultural Marketing Manual. [Poster presentation]. 2022 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference. Omaha, Nebraska.   Blare, T. (2022, August 2). Effects of the COVID pandemic on agricultural markets & rural communities in the Andes. [Conference presentation]. Agricultural and Applied Economics Association Annual Meetings (AAEA). Austin, Texas.   Blare, T. (2021, August 31). Challenges for “going local” by the tourism sector: Lessons from direct food sourcing initiatives in Cusco. [Conference presentation]. International Conference of Agricultural Economists (virtual).   Blare, T. (2022, April 4). Market Potential for Floridan Growers in Industrial Hemp. UF/IFAS Cooperative Extension [In-service Training]. Virtual.   Blare, T. (2022, April 8). Nine steps to create your own marketing plan. UF/IFAS Cooperative Extension [In-service Training]. Apopka, FL.   Blare, T. (2022, April 19). Can I make money growing passion fruit and dragon fruit? Tools to analyze your enterprise’s profitability. [In-service Training].  Homestead, FL.   Blare, T. (2022, June 15). How to Market in Digital Era. Multi-State Passion Fruit Conference. [In-service Training].  Homestead, FL.   Brown, R., R. Tewari, and J. Clark. (2022, July 31). Report and updated proposal from TLC curriculum innovation/accreditation award working group. [Teaching, Learning and Communication Business Meeting]. Agricultural & Applied Economics Association Annual Meeting, Anaheim, CA.   Clark, J., N. Zuo, and R. Tewari. (2022, June 1). AAEA TLC Innovation Curriculum Award Developments and Survey Feedback. [Conference presentation]. WERA-72 Annual Meeting Portland, OR.   Clark, J. and Sharp, M. (2022). Using mapping tools in Excel for visual data analytics. [Conference presentation]. Applied Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting, Anaheim, CA (virtual), August 2, 2022.   Hopmann, L., A. Bittel, and R. Tewari. Integrating environmental and sustainability issues in the German-English Speaking Classroom. [Conference presentation]. Tennessee Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting, Cookeville, TN, November 2021.   Johnson, A. (2022, June 1). Translating new frontiers in agribusiness to critical skills for industry ready graduates. [Conference presentation]. WERA-72 Annual Meeting Portland, OR.   Johnston, E., Keeley, M., Meeks, N., panelists, Stone, D. moderator, (2022, June 1). Agri-food industry panel on resiliency within supply chains as a core competency & strategic competitive advantage. [Conference presentation]. WERA-72 Annual Meeting Portland, OR.   Ripplinger, D. (2022, June 2). Considering global issues and the impact on food marketing, energy, trade flows, and logistics systems. [Conference presentation]. WERA-72 Annual Meeting Portland, OR.   Sterrett, T., R. Tewari, J. Mehlhorn and I. Lepcha. (2022, February). Soil carbon markets as a means to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions: perceptions of agricultural producers in the U.S mid-south. [Conference presentation]. Southern Agricultural Economics Association Meetings. New Orleans, LA.   Sterrett, T., R. Tewari, J. Mehlhorn and I. Lepcha. (2021, November, 18). Mid-south agricultural producers’ perception and knowledge of the soil carbon market to potentially mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. [Conference presentation]. Tennessee Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting, Cookeville, TN.   Treacy, E. (2022, June 1). Adapting to changes in a data-driven industry and perspective on market-ready skills agribusiness graduates need. [Conference presentation]. WERA-72 Annual Meeting Portland, OR.   Wright., M., R. Tewari, and J. Mehlhorn. (2022, February). Researching Cattle Auction Bids with Climate Data: A Study from Cattle Production Areas in the U.S mid-south region. [Conference presentation]. Southern Agricultural Economics Association Meetings. New Orleans, LA.   Zuo, Na., R. Tewari., M. Bampasidou, and J. Mehlhorn. (2022, June). Innovative teaching strategies: targeting industry skills through single credit courses? [Conference presentation]. Annual North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Conference.

Impact Statements

WERA-72 will develop new ways to disseminate information regarding ongoing research and extension projects to interested parties. This will include greater use of the project website that catalogues past and ongoing research, as well as the potential utilization of new tools that may provide for greater discussion of current issues and the dissemination of research results.

Date of Annual Report: 08/04/2023

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/05/2023 - 06/07/2023
Period the Report Covers: 06/02/2022 - 06/07/2023

Participants

Clark, Jennifer (tspartin@ufl.edu) - University of Florida, Ruby Ward (ruby.ward@usu.edu) - Utah State University, Aaron Johnson (ajjohnson@ksu.edu) - Kansas State University, Ryan Larsen (ryan.larsen@usu.edu) - Utah State University, David Ripplinger (david.ripplinger@ndsu.edu) - North Dakota State University, Na Zuo (nazuo@arizona.edu) - University of Arizona, Serhat Asci (sasci@csufresno.edu) - California State University Fresno, Oscar Sarasty (oscar.s.sarasty@ttu.edu) - Texas Tech University, Jiayu Sun (sunjiay5@msu.edu) - Michigan State University, Lijiao Hu - California State University Chico, Tanner McCarty (tanner.mccarty@usu.edu) - Utah State University Zoom Attendees: Sawssan Boufous (sawssanb@nmsu.edu) - New Mexico State University, Wenfan Su (wenfan.china@gmail.com) - Texas A&M University, Phil Kenkel (phil.kenkel@okstate.edu) - Oklahoma State University, Chinonso Etumnu (chinonso.etumnu@kysu.edu) - Kentucky State University, Dave Harper (david.harper@kirkwood.edu) - Kirkwood Community College

Brief Summary of Minutes

2022 business meeting minutes were approved unanimously. Communication coordinator was proposed as an official position to help connect the previous years’ WERA-72 goals with the current goals, share culture, create opportunities to grow for younger faculty, utilize zoom for monthly summer meetings, connect with the Friends of WERA community, and engage in the website development, internal to the NIMMS system and maybe under one of the universities’ domains. The communication coordinator position was approved unanimously. Jennifer Clark (UF) was selected as the communication coordinator, unanimously.

Annual and the five-year report planning was discussed and the report planned to be prepared by the executive committee through Zoom meetings and email exchange. An alternative listserv mechanism was discussed to replace the current service, Mailchimp. David Ripplinger (NDSU) volunteered to look for a listserv and populate the listserv from the official NIMMS site and last 5–6-year participants from the meeting minutes.

The structure and the future of WERA-72 was discussed as an information coordinating committee and eligibility of submitting a grant and commentary articles from the group within discipline-related peer-reviewed journals.

David Ripplinger, Treasurer, reported the current funds at Purdue University with a balance of $4,500.00 approximately. The committee unanimously approved to host the funds at North Dakota State University. It was also discussed that waiving the annual meeting fee for first time participants and for graduate students was a good practice.

At the 2002 annual meeting, WERA-72 advisor Ivory Lyles suggested considering a second advisor with an agribusiness background. Associate Dean Al Wysocki (UF) was suggested as a second advisor given his long history and participation with WERA-72. After initial discussion with Dean Wysocki at the 2023 NACTA conference, committee members tabled the discussion as a future New Business item to meet and discuss current committee needs, including the development of Friends of WERA-72 as a means to recruit participation outside of the annual meeting, and to clearly identify what mentorship and guidance might be realistic expectations from a second advisor. The committee wants to invite Dean Wysocki to a future executive, prior to the next annual meeting, to pursue this initiative.

The committee additionally discussed the meeting registration fee for expanding access to online participants, including the cost of an IT person for managing the hybrid meeting option.

Tanner McCarty (USU) was elected as the secretary of WERA-72.

Na Zuo (U Ariz) proposed to host the 2024 annual meeting at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. Tentative dates will be determined after WAEA and NACTA meeting dates are determined to avoid schedule conflicts.

Jason Bergtold (K State) summarized AETR plans on a Special Issue on AI, a proposed Teaching Academy for summer, the AAEA trust funding to participate in pre-conference activities at the WERA-72 annual meeting, and sponsorship opportunities for some conferences via publishers, such as McGraw Hill. A Special Issue in AETR on agribusiness skills and engaging undergraduate and graduate students was also discussed.

Minutes Attachment:

WERA-72 Business Meeting Minutes 2023.pdf

Accomplishments

We recognize that relevant and key issues facing agribusiness are changing including market structure and access, use and analysis of Big Data, changes in technology used by both companies and producers, food and energy security, and efficiency and productivity of agribusiness firms, among others. The WERA-72 milestones identified in our project include providing forums in teaching, research, and extension scholarship activities related to information exchange between academia, industry, and affiliated external associations serving agribusiness stakeholders.  This information exchange committee also has a deep culture to be intentional in their invitational process to invite diversity within our meetings, specifically focusing on outreach for graduate students and new faculty across Land-grant, non-Land grant, and HBCU’s to present new research ideas, discuss works in progress, and for professional development experiences, including peer-feedback, prior to attending other national conferences.  Professional relationships developed between attendees is evidenced through increased engagement with participants at other national academic and industry-related conferences.  Our activity accomplishments are summarized below with plans for the following year briefly summarized. Short-term Outcomes: To meet new needs in agribusiness teaching research and skill development for students, WERA-72 participants have focused for several years on efforts to engage academic faculty with industry leaders to learn new needs facing hiring managers in agribusiness by supporting educational priorities for future agribusiness leaders.  Efforts continue to update the data associated with the AGRI-MASS survey (Liztenberg and Schneider, 1988) and include additional items relevant to changing technologies.  Stakeholder engagement continues to leverage increased involvement through Cooperative Extension with our faculty supporting Case Study methodology as an approach for conducting agribusiness research proposed by Sterns, et.al. (1998) connecting industry professionals’ concerns and strategic decisions with agribusiness faculty and their students in the classroom.   Participant collaborators recognize the need to mentor and develop new and diverse agribusiness faculty and engage graduate students to meet academic and non-academic employability skills in a changing industry.  These efforts continue needs have been the focus of the last five years (2019-2023) of WERA-72 meetings. We have focused on the role of Extension to identify industry needs that inform research innovations and teaching curricula. These efforts have led to increased efforts nationally to address the Association of Public Land Grant Universities’ (APLU) identified gaps in employability skills and workforce preparedness among college graduates. WERA-72 efforts to address critical growth areas for students have led to increased understanding in the discipline of the need for innovation in curriculum and outreach through other academic professional associations in this area. Discussions and collaborative efforts continue to develop among WERA-72  participants in this area and several research groups have been established from these meetings. Outputs: Faculty from Kansas State University have initiated an updated national AGRI-MASS survey to a broad array of student, faculty, and industry participants and researchers reported more than 800 responses received to date.  Researchers shared preliminary findings with participants at the annual meeting and these efforts will continue through the next academic year.   Faculty collaborations from Kansas State University, Western Washington University, University of Arizona, Tuskegee University, North Carolina A&T University, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Florida have continued to develop output to meet teaching and mentoring goals for diverse graduate students and new faculty members through the submission of a Teaching Academy proposal through the AAEA Trust for funding.  Outputs would include a regularly-occurring workshop (i.e., academy) for disseminating teaching methodology, theory, and practice specific to agricultural economics that would include agribusiness teaching. (Update July 2023, the AAEA executive board approved branding the AAEA Teaching Academy with publishable output disseminated through the AETR journal with funds dedicated to website development. Thirty-seven publications, two abstracts, and nine invited presentations are included in the publication list.  Efforts will be made to develop and synthesize a more comprehensive list of research project outputs associated with WERA-72 milestones and include them in the 2024 five-year report.   Activities:  <ul> <li>Addressing the talent gap in agribusiness was the central focus of the WERA-72 meetings this year. Matt Swan, CEO of Intermountain Farmers Association (IFA), spoke with the group about how their organization is developing strategies to hire and develop new employees. IFA was established in 1923 as a farmer cooperative and operates in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada. Urbanization, changing consumer demographics, and a struggling agricultural economy are primary factors that they are managing. Mr. Swan discussed their market plan for strategically engaging consumers through commercial and online storefronts and also shared how their management training program is targeted towards new college graduates who are increasingly, not from agricultural backgrounds. Meeting participants discussed with Mr. Swan how universities could work together to help prepare students for careers in agriculture in light of concerns about dropping enrollments in agricultural economics programs and increased demand from employers for industry-ready hiring candidates.</li> <li>Dr. Ruby Ward (USU) moderated an industry panel consisting of a cross-section of agriculture. The panel included Mark Rowley, owner of Rowley Fruit Farms, and Brady Blackett from Renaissance Ag, a new ag-tech company based out of Provo, Utah focused on feed efficiency and automated feed systems for livestock production. Brady and Mark provided viewpoints from both the production and tech sides of agriculture. Participants discussed with the panelists how universities could be engaged in working on Case Study projects that are sensitive to privacy concerns but able to deliver educational content supporting strategic agribusiness management decisions in various sectors of agricultural operations.</li> <li>Eight selected papers are presented and discussed at the 2023 WERA-72 annual meeting. Topics range from machine-learning methods, the market for sorghum, Carbon Credits Programs, alternative protein food products, and the private food safety certification market, to thesis structure for Masters of Agribusiness.</li> <li>Seven annual meeting participants joined the local Agribusiness Tour and visited Gossner Foods and Whites Ranch.</li> </ul> Milestones:  <ul> <li>WERA-72 participants will continue to facilitate the development of collaboration and scholarly output reflecting quality research, teaching and extension programs in agribusiness and economic development through collaboration in integrated and multi-state work.</li> <li>WERA-72 participants will work to coordinate special issues of peer-reviewed journals related to specific themes from the WERA-72 objectives.</li> <li>WERA-72 participants will develop new ways to disseminate Case Study related information and research project findings involving agribusiness research, extension projects, and scholarly teaching to interested parties. This will include greater use of the project website that catalogs past and ongoing research, as well as the potential utilization of new tools that may provide for greater discussion of current issues and the dissemination of research results.</li> </ul>

Publications

Publications: Barrowclough, M., B. Messman, D. Lannin, M.A. Boerngen, and M. L. Kibler.  2023. Measuring mental health service preferences amongst Illinois dairy producers.  Journal of Agromedicine. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/1059924X.2023.2229815"> https://doi.org/10.1080/1059924X.2023.2229815</a> Tibbs, R. and M.A. Boerngen.  2023.  Nutrient loss reduction in the Mississippi/Atchafalaya River Basin.  Journal of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers 2023:106-115. Rickard, J.W. and M.A. Boerngen.  2022.  Resource allocation concerns: Matching teaching and research needs with financial management at university farms.  Journal of Higher Education Management 37(2):128-135. Gardner, J.G., J.R.V. Franken, and M.A. Boerngen.  2022.  A research agenda for cooperatives.  Journal of Cooperatives 37:38-66. Soltani, S., S.H. Mosavi, S. Saghaian, S. Azhdari, H.N. Alamdarlo, and S. Khalilian. (2023). “Climate Change and Energy Use Efficiency in Arid and Semiarid Agricultural Areas: A Case Study of Hamadan-Bahar Plain in Iran.” Energy. DOI:<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2022.126553"> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2022.126553</a>. Impact Factor: 9. Ansarinasab, M. and S. Saghaian. (2023). “The Relationship between Environmental Quality, Sustainable Health, and Coronavirus Pandemic in the European Countries.” Sustainability, 15(12), 9412. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129412. Impact Factor: 3.9. Mohammadi, H., S. Saghaian, and F. Boccia. (2023). “Antibiotic-Free Poultry Meat Consumption and Its Determinants.” Foods, 12(9), 1776. DOI:<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091776"> https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091776</a>. Impact Factor: 5.561. Ansarinasab, M. and S. Saghaian. (2023). “Outbound, Inbound and Domestic Tourism in the Post-COVID-19 Era in OECD Countries.” Sustainability, 15(12), 9412. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129412. Impact Factor: 3.9. <a href="https://sciprofiles.com/profile/2494201">Firoozzare</a>, A.,<a href="https://sciprofiles.com/profile/632209"> S. Saghaian</a>,<a href="https://sciprofiles.com/profile/author/VWpSUEJuM2JxejQwRmMvZGVPZjc1ZEVNYjZETXJDTGtweHlkUXhhU0Z2bz0="> S. Esfandiari-Bahraseman</a>,<a href="https://sciprofiles.com/profile/author/cnp6TTROTnV2R0VoUTQwSzBNUDQvWUtjT3VSdWs3VlJIOFB1bktISEt6cz0="> M. Dehghani-Dashtabi</a>. (2023). “Identifying the Best Strategies for Improving and Developing Sustainable Rain-Fed Agriculture: An Integrated SWOT-BWM-WASPAS Approach.” Agriculture, 13(6), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13061215. Impact Factor: 3.6. Zhang, W., S. Saghaian, and M. Reed. (2023). “Investigation of Export-Driving Forces and Trade Potentials of the U.S. Bourbon Whiskey Industry.” Applied Economics, DOI:<a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00036846.2023.2178626"> https://doi.org/10.1080/00036846.2023.2178626</a>.   Saghaian, S., H. Mohammadi, and M.S. Jafari. (2023). “Factors Affecting Sales of Selected Agricultural Products in Network Marketing.” Journal of Food Distribution Research, Volume 54, Issue 1, pp. 1–7. Mohammadi, H., S. Saghaian, and B. ZandiDareGharibi. (2023). “Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Consumption and its Impact on Economic Growth.” Sustainability, 15(4), 3822. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043822. Impact Factor: 3.9. Shokoohi, Z. and S. Saghaian. (2022). “Nexus of energy and food nutrition prices in oil importing and exporting countries: A Panel VAR model.” Energy. DOI:<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2022.124416"> 10.1016/j.energy.2022.124416</a>. Impact Factor: 9. Zhang, W., S. Saghaian, and M. Reed. (2022). “Influences of Power Structure Evolution on Coffee Commodity Markets: Insights from Price Discovery and Volatility Spillovers.” Sustainability, 14, 15268.<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su142215268"> https://doi.org/10.3390/su142215268</a>. Impact Factor: 3.9. Saghaian, S., H. Mohammadi, and M. Mohammadi. (2022). “The Effects of Agricultural Product Exports on Environmental Quality.” Sustainability, 14, 13857.<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113857"> https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113857</a>. Impact Factor: 3.9. Radmehr, R., E. Baba Ali, S. Shayanmehr, S. Saghaian, E. Darbandi, E. Agbozo, and S. A. Sarkodie. (2022). “Assessing Global Drivers of Sustained Economic Development: The Role of Trade Openness, Financial Development, and FDI.” Sustainability, 14, 14023;<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114023"> https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114023</a>. Impact Factor: 3.9. Mohammadi, H., and S. Saghaian. (2022). “Factors Affecting Consumption of Different Forms of Medicinal Plants: The Case of Licorice.” Agriculture, 12(9), 1453.<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091453"> https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091453</a>.  Impact Factor: 3.6. Codjia, C.O. and S. Saghaian. (2022). “Determinants of Food Expenditure Patterns: Evidence from U.S. Consumers in the Context of the COVID-19 Price Shocks.” Sustainability, 14, 8156.<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138156"> https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138156</a>. Impact Factor: 3.9 Hosseinzadeh, M., S. Saghaian, Z. Nematollahi, and N. Shahnoushi-Foroushani. (2022). “Water Consumption and Economic Growth: Evidence for the Environmental Kuznets Curve.” Water International. Doi: 10.1080/02508060.2022.2091398. Impact Factor: 3.395 Saghaian, S., H. Mohammadi, and M. Mohammadi. (2022). “Factors Affecting the Success of Entrepreneurship in Agribusinesses: Evidence from Mashhad, Iran.” Sustainability, 14, 7700. Doi:<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084391"> 10.3390/su1413</a>7700. Impact Factor: 3.9. Erol, E. and S. Saghaian. (2022). “The COVID-19 Pandemic and Dynamics of Price Adjustment in the U.S. Beef Sector.” Sustainability, 14, 4391. Doi:<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084391"> 10.3390/su1408439. Impact Factor:</a> 3.9. Xing, X., and S. Saghaian. (2022). “Learning Outcomes of a Hybrid Online Virtual Classroom and In-Person Traditional Classroom during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Sustainability, 14, 5263. Doi:<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095263"> 10.3390/su14095263</a>. Impact Factor: 3.9.  Adhikari, L. and S. Saghaian. (2022). “Impact of Remittance on Household Welfare: Evidence from the Western Region of Nepal.” Journal of Food Distribution Research, 53(1):41-50. Odiase, S. and S. Saghaian. (2022). “Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Vertical Price Transmission in the U.S. Fresh Banana Market.” Sustainability, 14, 6354. Doi:<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106354"> 10.3390/su14106354</a>. Impact Factor: 3.9. Ajibade, A. and S. Saghaian. (2022). “U.S. Almond Exports and Retaliatory Trade Tariffs.” Sustainability, 14, 6409. Doi:<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su14116409"> 10.3390/su14116409</a>. Impact Factor: 3.9. Wachenheim, C., Parman, B., Idowu, A., and Hanson, E. (2023). “Data: What Farmers Need to Know.” Choices, 38(1): 1-5.  Wachenheim, C. J., Idowu, A., and Hanson, E. (2023). “Student Feedback on Use of Breakout Rooms.” NACTA Journal, 67: 117-123. Jahan, M., Wachenheim, C., Hanson, E., Sun, X., and Parman, B. (2023). “Returns to Zone Management Under Varying Conditions.” Journal of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, 129-139.  Hanson, E., Cossette, M., and Roberts, D. (2022). “The Adoption and Usage of Precision Agriculture Technologies in North Dakota.” Technology in Society, 71. Listed in Social Sciences Citation Index. Hanson, E., and Wachenheim, C. (2022). “Predicting Performance in an Introductory Agricultural Finance Course.” NACTA Journal, 66: 71-77.  Stacanelli-Pires-Chagas-Scott, I., Scott, F., McCarty, T.,  & Penn. C. (accepted) Techno-economic Analysis of Various Phosphorus Removal Structures Environmental Science and Technology Young, J., McCarty, T., Lancaster, S. Bisch, M.  (2023) Modeling Soybean Planting Decisions with Network Diffusion: Does Herbicide Drift Affect Farmer Profitability and Seed Selection? Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics Young, J., & McCarty, T. (2022) Adapting Network Theory to Fit Spatial Network Externalities in Agriculture: A Case Study on Hemp Cross-Pollination. American Journal of Agricultural Economics Lee, W., McCarty, T., Thayer, A., Larsen, R. (2022) Milner Ranch: Is the Grass Greener in Processing?. Applied Economics Teaching Resources McCarty, T.J., Wang, Z., Kim, M., and Evans, J., (2022) The economic contribution of Utah’s energy and mining industries: Utah Geological Survey Miscellaneous Publication 176, 12 p., 4 appendices,<a href="https://doi.org/10.34191/MP-176"> https://doi.org/10.34191/MP-176</a> . Herchenbach, J., B.C. Briggeman, J.S. Bergtold, A. Shanoyan, S.A. Low and B. Miller. “A Qualitative Assessment of Farmer Director Skills in Agricultural Cooperatives.” International Food and Agribusiness Management Review (2023): Forthcoming. Danelon, A.F., H.F.S. Spolador and J.S. Bergtold. “The Role of Productivity and Efficiency Gains in Sugar-Ethanol Industry to Reduce Land Expansion for Sugarcane Fields in Brazil” Energy Policy (2023) 172: 113327.<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113327"> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113327</a>. Sant’Anna, A.C., J.S. Bergtold, A. Shanoyan, M. Caldas and G. Granco. “Biofuel Feedstock Contract Attributes, Substitutability and Tradeoffs in Sugarcane Production in the Brazilian Cerrado: A Stated Choice Approach.” Renewable Energy (2022) 185: 665 - 679. Abstracts: Boerngen, M.A. and J.W. Rickard.  2023.  The relationship between experience and perception in the agricultural classroom.  NACTA Journal 67, Suppl. 1:113. Rickard, J.W. and M.A. Boerngen.  2022.  Perceived agriculture experience impacts the learning environment.  NACTA Journal 66, Suppl. 1:8. Presentations and Invited Talks: Boerngen, M.A. and J.R. Rickard.  The relationship between experience and perception in the agricultural classroom.  69th Annual North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Conference, Poster presentation.  Las Cruces, NM, June 2023. Tibbs, R. and M.A. Boerngen.  Examining farmers’ perceptions of precision agriculture technologies and on-farm precision experimentation.  Oral presentation.  NC-1210 Frontiers in On-Farm Experimentation Annual Meeting.  January 2023, Corpus Christi, TX. Tibbs, R. and M.A. Boerngen.  Examining the perceptions of precision agriculture technologies and on-farm precision experimentation.  Poster presentation.  American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America International Annual Meeting.  November 2022, Baltimore, MD. Tibbs, R. and M.A. Boerngen.  Farmers’ views of on-farm precision experimentation (OFPE).  5-Minute Rapid-Fire Oral presentation, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America International Annual Meeting.  November 2022, Baltimore, MD. Rickard, J.W. and M.A. Boerngen.  Perceived Agriculture Experience Impacts the Learning Environment.  Oral presentation, 68th Annual North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Conference.  June 2022, virtual. Boerngen, M.A.  2023.  Farm Management and Financial Analysis.  McLean County Farm Bureau Landowner 201 Seminar Series.  February 16, 2023, Bloomington, IL, hybrid.  Boerngen, M.A., C. Prins, and H. Shear.  2022.  Academic and Farm Management Roundtable.  American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers Annual Conference, November 2022, San Antonio, TX.  Boerngen, M.A. and B. Basting.  2022.  Grain Marketing and Crop Insurance.  McLean County Farm Bureau Landowner 101 Seminar Series.  February 24, 2022, Bloomington, IL.  Boerngen, M.A.  2022.  Farmland Leasing.  McLean County Farm Bureau Landowner 101 Seminar Series.  February 10, 2022, Bloomington, IL.

Impact Statements

The quantifiable difference that the WERA-72 program makes in agribusiness scholarship emphasizing competitiveness is to continue the long-history of the group in developing a culture of sharing among diverse participants associated with this discipline, recognizing the changing need of the agribusiness sector supporting the global food and fiber supply chains, and communicating these new needs and opportunities for mentorship among industry and academic stakeholders.

Date of Annual Report: 08/05/2024

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/04/2024 - 06/05/2024
Period the Report Covers: 06/08/2023 - 06/07/2024

Participants

Serhat Asci-California State University Fresno, Mahdi Asgari-University of Wyoming, Jennifer Clark-University of Florida, Dari Duval-University of Arizona, Jody Herchenbach-University of Nebraska Kearney, Yunkyung Lee-California State Polytechnic University, Tanner McCarty-Utah State University, Claudia Montania-University of Arizona, David Ripplinger-North Dakota State University, Ana Claudia Santanna- West Virginia University, Grace Strahan-University of Wyoming, Azita Varzira-University of Kentucky, Aaron Johson-Kansas State University, Timothy Woods-University of Kentucky, Na Zuo-University of Arizona, Geroge Frisvold-University of Arizona, Russ Tronstad-University of Arizona, James Sterns, Oregon State University

Brief Summary of Minutes

On June 4 and 5, the 2024 WERA-72 Annual Meeting was held in Tucson Arizona on the University of Arizona campus. The annual meeting gathered more than twenty Agribusiness scholars, educators, extension specialists, and industry practitioners across the U.S. and beyond. Javier Badillo, the managing member of Fresh International and Chairman of the Tomato Division at the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, kicked off the meeting with the Keynote Talk on the New State of the Tomato Industry. The participants further engaged in an Industry & Academic panel discussion focusing on the challenges, opportunities, and talent gaps of agribusinesses in uncertain times. Professor and Extension Specialist, Dr. George Frisvold, gave an invited talk on Water Challenges Facing Arizona. In addition, eight papers and five posters were presented and discussed, with topics from food consumer behavior, food brand positions, diary risk management, and e-commerce stockouts, to agribusiness case studies, teaching pedagogies, and curriculum development. The meeting concluded with a local agribusiness tour, visiting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Port of Entry and a warehouse distributor at Nogales, Arizona. Participants experienced and learned firsthand about the fresh produce trade across the borderland in southern Arizona. A detailed meeting agenda is updated and attached to the meeting approval.

The WERA-72 Business Meeting was taken place on June 4, 2024, from 3 to 5 pm during the annual meeting. Fifteen members attended in person and three members participated virtually on Zoom. Key Takeaways from the business meeting are summarized below and a detailed business meeting minute is attached with the report.

Key Takeaways from the 2024 business meeting:

Approval of Previous Minutes:
- The 2023 business meeting minutes were approved.

Change in Administrative Advisor:
- Ivory Lyles was honored posthumously for his contributions.
- Eric Belasco was introduced as the new Administrative Advisor.

Vision and Direction (Dr. Eric Belasco):
- Emphasis on supporting WERA-72 and linking agribusiness scholarship to teaching and extension.
- Annual meeting location planning to increase participation.
- Urgent revisions are required by July 15th.

2024 Annual Report Request:
- Members to contribute to the publication list.
- Suggestion to use a Qualtrics survey to gather information.

Five-Year Renewal Proposal:
- The renewal proposal for 2024-2029 is under review with minor revisions needed.
- Discussion on recruiting new members and improving communication strategies.

Recruitment Strategies:
- Addressing the inefficacy of Mailchimp for reaching all members.
- Importance of personal invitations and leveraging the WERA website.
- Proposal for a communication officer to manage outreach.

Treasurer’s Report (David Ripplinger):
- Attendance is similar to last year; slight financial deficit covered by existing funds.
- The current balance is approximately $4k.

Communication Report (Jennifer Clark):
- Proposal to purchase a domain name and improve the website.
- Emphasis on messaging to junior faculty and graduate students.

Election of Secretary:
- Ana Claudia Santanna was elected as the new secretary.

2025 Annual Meeting:
- Proposed location: Fresno, CA.
- Tentative dates: June 4-5, 2025.

Announcements:
- Special issue proposal deadline at the end of the month.
- AAEA Teaching Academy pre-conference workshop.

Adjournment: The meeting concluded at 5:11 p.m. PT.

Accomplishments

As stated in the project objectives:  the WERA-72 Coordinating Committee plays a key role in facilitating, promoting, and advancing agribusiness scholarship by providing an educational, research, and extension forum for focusing on fundamental issues in agribusiness. The WERA-72 milestones identified in our project include providing forums in teaching, research, and extension scholarship activities related to information exchange between academia, industry, and affiliated external associations serving agribusiness stakeholders. To this end, the WERA-72 committee has contributed significantly to linking the internal project efforts to external peer groups, stakeholders, and clientele. The specific short-term outcomes, outputs, and activities of 2023-2024 are summarized below. Short-term Outcomes: <ul> <li>Increased awareness of the regional food supply chain for the annual meeting participants. We recognize that relevant and key issues facing agribusiness evolve temporally and vary regionally. To meet new needs in agribusiness, WERA-72 continues the strong tradition of building industry connections and bridging the gap between industry and academia. In the 2024 annual meeting, industry partners from the <a href="https://www.freshfrommexico.com/">Fresh Produce Association of the Americas</a> (FPAA) were actively engaging in the meeting program through the Keynote Talk on the new state of the tomato industry, the industry-academia panel discussion on challenges, opportunities, and talent gaps of agribusinesses in uncertain times, and facilitating a local agribusiness tour in Southern Arizona, exploring the trade flow of fresh produce across the southwest borderland.</li> <li>Identification of critical/key research and education issues. The annual meeting continues the tradition of discussing critical issues and works in progress. In the 2024 annual meeting, key research and education issues were identified and discussed including Water Challenges Facing Arizona and Southwest, Shaping Agribusiness Management Programs through Program Learning Outcomes (Targets), Curriculum Mapping (Process), and Challenges (Experiences), Growers’ Experience, Perceptions and Behavioral Adaptation towards Climate Change, and consumer behaviors related to novel food products such as CRISPR-edited Beef and Try Cultured Meat.</li> <li>Address the talent gap in Agribusiness through teaching scholarship and innovations in agribusiness education programs. The enrollment or demographic cliff has been predicted with a significant multiyear decline in the number of traditional-age college students starting 2025. Efforts continue to update the data associated with the AGRI-MASS survey (Liztenberg and Schneider, 1988) and include additional items relevant to changing technologies.  Stakeholder engagement continues to leverage increased involvement through Cooperative Extension with our faculty supporting Case Study methodology as an approach for conducting agribusiness research, connecting industry professionals’ concerns and strategic decisions with agribusiness faculty and their students in the classroom. New case study, Cooperative Growth in the Agri-Food Value Chain: The Case of SSK Cooperative, and innovative pedagogy methods, Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE): A Case in a Food Economy Course, were presented and discussed in the 2024 annual meeting.</li> <li>Greater coordination of agribusiness research projects, educational programs, and extension programs across states and regions as well as greater and more timely dissemination of research results and information. WERA-72 committee also has a deep culture to be intentional in their invitational process to invite diversity within our meetings, specifically focusing on outreach for graduate students and new faculty across Land-grant, non-Land grant, and HBCU to present new research ideas, discuss works in progress, and for professional development experiences, including peer-feedback, before attending other national conferences. Professional relationships developed between attendees are evidenced through increased engagement with participants at other national academic and industry-related conferences.  In the 2023 annual meeting, a communication officer position was added to the WERA-72 executive council group, and Jennifer Clark has stepped up and been voted into the role to further deploy effective communication strategies in facilitating coordination and dissemination. The Communications Officer will manage communication needs, develop the WERA-72 website to include a historical context of the organization and enhance outreach to increase member participation. Strategies include leveraging personal invitations, improving the website, and targeted messaging to junior faculty and graduate students. This targeted messaging will focus on sharing information about other agribusiness teaching, research, and extension program opportunities to keep members informed and engaged. Additionally, the officer will create a calendar-based communication outreach plan to ensure regular engagement through online meetings with other agribusiness organizations and opportunities to engage in scholarly collaborative networks. These efforts are expected to significantly increase interest and membership in the organization</li> </ul> Outputs: <ul> <li>August 2023 and ongoing: WERA-72 participant, Jason Bergtold, faculty from Kansas State University, serves as editor for a special issue in Applied Economics Teaching Resource (AETR), an AAEA journal, on the topic of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics in the Classroom and the Academy. The special issue has attracted 17 manuscript submissions, and the full issue is scheduled to be published in 2025</li> <li>March 2024 and ongoing: WERA-72 participants, Aaron Johnson, faculty from Kansas State University, and Tanner McCarty, faculty from Utah State University serve as co-editors for a special issue in Applied Economics Teaching Resource (AETR), an AAEA journal, on the topic of Designing Agribusiness Education for Changing Student Demographics and Employer Needs. The special issue has attracted 21 abstracts by June 2024 and aims to be published in 2025-26.</li> <li>June 4-5 2024, the 2024 annual meeting of WERA-72 was successfully held at Tucson Arizona. More information and meeting pictures can be found at this story of <a href="https://economics.arizona.edu/news/2024/06/2024-wera-72-annual-meeting">2024 WERA-72 Annual Meeting</a>.</li> <li>July 2024 and ongoing: WERA-72 participants, Na Zuo, faculty from the University of Arizona, Jason Bergtold, faculty from Kansas State University, and Jennifer Clark, faculty from University of Floria, collaborating with faculty from Tuskegee University, North Carolina A&T University, Oklahoma State University, and University of Tennessee, Martin have launched the inaugural <a href="https://www.aetrjournal.org/teaching-academy">AAEA Teaching Academy</a>. The 2024 AAEA Teaching Academy includes a full-day workshop on July 27, 2024, at the New Orleans pre-AAEA annual meeting, and year-round periodical virtual workshops and webinars for disseminating teaching methodology, theory, and practice specific to agricultural economics that would include agribusiness teaching. The 2024 Teaching Academy has attracted 44 participants as trainees and 10 experienced agribusiness educators serving as primary mentors. The trainees are the majority of graduate students and early career professionals in Agricultural Economics. For example, 22 graduate students, 6 post-docs, and 11 assistant professors are among the 44 participants. With intentional outreach, the participants are from diverse institutions such as land grant universities (29), HBCUs (5), non-land grant regional universities (5), community colleges (1), private institutions (1), and foreign universities (3). The 2024 AAEA Teaching Academy is sponsored by the <a href="https://www.aaea.org/trust">AAEA Trust</a> Funds and an Association of Public Land-grant University (APLU) <a href="https://www.aplu.org/members/awards/aps-innovative-teaching-awards/aps-innovative-teaching-awards-winners/">Interinstitutional Innovative Teaching Award</a>.</li> <li>Thirty-three publications, twelve awarded grants and research/extension reports, and fifty-one invited presentations from WERA-72 participants are included in the publication list.  Efforts will be made to develop and synthesize a more comprehensive list of research project outputs associated with WERA-72 milestones and include them in the 2024 five-year report.</li> </ul> Activities:  <ul> <li>The fresh produce industry across the borderland was the central focus of the 2024 WERA-72 annual meeting. Javier Badillo, the managing member of Fresh International and Chairman of the Tomato Division at the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, gave the Keynote Talk on the New State of the Tomato Industry. Mr. Badillo first overviewed the supply chain of fresh tomatoes expanding from Mexico to the US and Canada. Then, Mr. Badillo unpacked the production evolutions of fresh tomatoes in response to climate events and changes, as well as production technology advances. Mr. Badillo concluded the talk with his observations on the COVID-19 impacts on the tomato industry and the most recent Tomato Suspension Agreement.  Meeting participants discussed with Mr. Badillo on how universities could work together to identify and investigate major challenges in the tomato industry.</li> <li>Georgina Felix Berrueto, Director of Operations & International Affairs of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA). Moderated an industry and academia panel on challenges, opportunities, and talent gaps of Agribusinesses in uncertain times. The panel includes John Pandol from the <a href="https://pandol.com/">Pandol Brothers</a>,  Javier (JJ) Badillo from Fresh International LLC, Allison Moore, the Executive Vice President of Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, and Prof. George Frisvold, Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Arizona. Meeting participants discussed with the panel on how universities could work together to help prepare students for careers in agriculture in light of concerns about dropping enrollments in agricultural economics programs and increased demand from employers for industry-ready hiring candidates.</li> <li>Thirteen selected papers were presented and discussed at the 2024 WERA-72 annual meeting, among which five were poster presentations. Topics range from consumer Willingness to Pay studies on novel food products, Agricultural Marketing related to local, state brand, and/or climate-smart food, growers’ experience, perceptions, and behavioral adaptation to climate change and case studies on cooperative growth in the Agri-Food value chain. </li> <li>Ten annual meeting participants joined the local Agribusiness Tour, visiting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Port of Entry and a warehouse distributor at Nogales, Arizona. Participants experienced and learned firsthand about the fresh produce trade across the borderland in southern Arizona.</li> <li>Beyond the annual meeting, WERA-72 participants continue advancing the Agribusiness scholarship by serving editors and co-editors of special issues in journals with topics related to Agribusiness research, teaching, and extensions. For example, the special issues of “Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics in the Classroom and the Academy”, and “Designing Agribusiness Education for Changing Student Demographics and Employer Needs” in AETR.</li> <li>Beyond the annual meeting, WERA-72 participants continue leading the AAEA Teaching Academy in enhancing teaching in Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics education.</li> </ul> Milestones:  <ul> <li>The WERA-72 committee will continue to host a multi-day WERA-72 annual meeting in 2025.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>The WERA-72 committee will explore and identify effective communication channels in further engaging the participants, facilitating coordination and dissemination in 2025. Develop new ways to disseminate Case study-related information and research project findings involving agribusiness research, extension projects, and scholarly teaching to interested parties. This will include greater use of the project website that catalogs past and ongoing research, as well as the potential utilization of new tools that may provide for greater discussion of current issues and the dissemination of research results.</li> <li>WERA-72 participants will continue working to propose and lead special issues of peer-reviewed journals related to specific themes from the WERA-72 objectives in 2025.</li> <li>WERA-72 participants will continue to facilitate the development of collaboration and scholarly output reflecting quality research, teaching and extension programs in agribusiness and economic development through collaboration in integrated and multi-state work in 2025.</li> </ul>

Publications

Publications Lone, T., P. Xu, Q. Sun, L. Davis, and A. Levi. (2023). An Empirical Analysis of Agricultural College Students’ Perceptions of Virtual Learning. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 23-13: 1-18. <a href="https://nabpress-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2nqOPcoIGq0ia8Ll6SGKlyhKCbbUlcO8_TcRR4_rEkOPyx-bAigG7PzVUcQF2vfkGhvy-IJ4siONN-5A8TRknY0lXFFq5_30ZNPE7D542d2yqnWoiROXIp4ccRFzcAPK5zKozxCbBf0zkUDTynsbhAheoYsW6LpOUZCE2oU-M_a6MNYXUdImOyitBbWZlK31gWg">https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v23i13</a>. Zheng, S., X. Lyu, J. Wang, and C. Wachenheim. (2023). Enhancing sales of green agricultural products through live streaming in China: What affects purchase intention? Sustainability15,5858, <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075858">https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075858</a>. Iwodu, A., C. Wachenheim, E. Hanson, and A. Sickler. (2023). The disposition of data from precision agricultural technologies: What do young agriculturalists think? Technology in Society 75, 102398. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2023.102389">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2023.102389</a>. Wachenheim, C., Parman, B., Idowu, A., and Hanson, E. (2023). Data: What Farmers Need to Know. Choices, 38(1): 1-5. Wachenheim, C. J., Idowu, A., and Hanson, E. (2023). Student Feedback on Use of Breakout Rooms. NACTA Journal, 67: 117-123. Jahan, M., Wachenheim, C., Hanson, E., Sun, X., and Parman, B. (2023). Returns to Zone Management Under Varying Conditions. Journal of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, 129-139. Tewari, R., N. Zuo, J.  Mehlhorn, and M. Bampasidou. Learning by the Hour: Student perceptions on single-credit-hour agribusiness and agricultural economics courses. Journal of Agribusiness. Forthcoming. Codjia, C., T. Woods, and Y. Zheng. (2024). Mandatory nutrition attributes labeling and consumer demand: a structural approach analysis of the U.S. soft drink market, Agricultural and Food Economics, JAFE-D-23-00450R2 accepted for publication May 2024. Rossi, J. and T. Woods. (2024). Placing Community Supported Agriculture in Local Food Systems, International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, accepted for publication, February, 2024. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2024.2318936">https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2024.2318936</a> Yang, S., K. Ujiie, and T. Woods (2023), The Impact of Visiting Local Winery on Non-Wine Products Purchasing Behavior in the Northern Appalachian States, Journal of Wine Economics, (18):315-331, doi:10.1017/jwe.2023.28 Rossi J. and T. Woods. (2023). How do residents perceive local food system activity? Perspectives of system performance and awareness using the local food vitality survey, Local Development & Society, Published online Nov 6, 2023 DOI: 10.1080/26883597.2023.2275208 Biddle, M. J., J. Kang, J. Derringer, A. Rose, D. P. Brewer, M. Chung, T.A. Lennie, G. Mudd-Martin and T. A. Woods (2023). Examining Food Security, Choices and Barriers among Community Supported Agriculture Participants during COVID- 19 in Kentucky, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition, 18(6): 878-888, DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/19320248.2021.1994084">10.1080/19320248.2021.1994084</a> Packer, J., Feuz, R., and McCarty, T. (2024). Western Safflower Contracting Strategies. Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, 56(2), 216-233. Packer, J., McCarty, T., and Feuz, R. (2024). Mountain States Oilseeds: Can Contracts Enhance Safflower Seed Procurement. Applied Economics Teaching Resources (AETR), 6(1), TBD-TBD. Westover, C., and McCarty, T. (2024). Renaissance Ag: Identifying the Who, How, and Where of Marketing a New Technology. Applied Economics Teaching Resources (AETR), 6(2), 47-62. Stacanelli-Pires-Chagas-Scott, I., Scott, F., McCarty, T., and Penn. C. (2023). Techno-economic Analysis of Various Phosphorus Removal Structures Environmental Science and Technology, 57(34), 12858-12868. Brown, R., Clark, J., and Tewari, R. (2024). We Need to Talk About Curriculum Innovation. Applied Economics Teaching Resources (AETR), 6(1), TBD-TBD. Sant'Anna, A. C., Kim, K. N., and Demko, I. (2023). Limits to capital: Assessing the role of race on the Paycheck Protection Program for African American farmers in America. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy. Sant' Anna, A.C., Spolador, H, Bergtold, J.S. (2023). Cost efficiency and land rental cost of sugar and ethanol producing plants – an analysis for 2021/2022 harvest year. Anais do 61º Congresso da Sociedade Brasileira de Economia, Administração e Sociologia Rural (SOBER). Anais. Piracicaba(SP) ESALQ/USP, 2023 Mahmoudi, M.; H. Mohammadi, H.; S. Saghaian; A. Karbasi. (2024). Factors Affecting the Waste of Selected Agricultural Products with an Emphasis on the Marketing Mix. Agriculture, 14, 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14060857. Karamian, F., and S. Saghaian. (2024). Analysis of Barriers Facing Rural Women's Entrepreneurship in Kermanshah Province: An Application of the Grounded Theory. Soltani, S., S.H. Mosavi, S. Saghaian, S. Azhdari, H.N. Alamdarlo, and S. Khalilian. (2023). Climate Change and Energy Use Efficiency in Arid and Semiarid Agricultural Areas: A Case Study of Hamadan-Bahar Plain in Iran. Energy. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2022.126553. Ansarinasab, M. and S. Saghaian. (2023). The Relationship between Environmental Quality, Sustainable Health, and Coronavirus Pandemic in the European Countries. Sustainability, 15(15), 11683; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511683. Mohammadi, H., S. Saghaian, and F. Boccia. (2023). Antibiotic-Free Poultry Meat Consumption and Its Determinants. Foods, 12(9), 1776. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091776. Ansarinasab, M. and S. Saghaian. (2023). Outbound, Inbound and Domestic Tourism in the Post-COVID-19 Era in OECD Countries. Sustainability, 15(12), 9412; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129412. Firoozzare, A. S. Saghaian, S. Esfandiari-Bahraseman, M. Dehghani-Dashtabi. (2023). Identifying the Best Strategies for Improving and Developing Sustainable Rain-Fed Agriculture: An Integrated SWOT-BWM-WASPAS Approach. Agriculture, 13(6), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13061215. Zhang, W., S. Saghaian, and M. Reed. (2023). Investigation of Export-Driving Forces and Trade Potentials of the U.S. Bourbon Whiskey Industry. Applied Economics; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00036846.2023.2178626. Saghaian, S., H. Mohammadi, and M.S. Jafari. (2023). Factors Affecting Sales of Selected Agricultural Products in Network Marketing. Journal of Food Distribution Research, Volume 54, Issue 1, pp. 1–7. Mohammadi, H., S. Saghaian, and B. ZandiDareGharibi. (2023). Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Consumption and its Impact on Economic Growth. Sustainability, 15(4), 3822; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043822. Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C., Bergtold, J., Shanoyan, A., Low, S., Miller, B. (2023). A Qualitative Assessment of Farmer Director Skills in Agricultural Cooperatives. International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, 26(4), 655-672.  Hovhannisyan, V., and S. Asci, (2024). “Urbanization and economic growth in China: empirical evidence based on a SIVQR approach.” China Agricultural Economic Review. doi: 10.1108/CAER-08-2023-0234. Reddy, K., V. Paramesha, K. Kumar, S. Asci, et al. (2024) “Econometric Modeling of Tobacco Exports in the Milieu of Changing Global and National Policy Regimes: Repercussions on the Indian Tobacco Sector.” Frontiers in Environmental Economics, 2:1216153. doi: 10.3389/frevc.2023.1216153. Koc, A., S. Asci, and P. Uysal, (2023), “The Alcoholic Beverages Demand and Evaluation of Tax Policies in Turkey.” Eastern European Economics, 1-19; doi: 10.1080/00128775.2023.2169165.   Grants and Research/Extension Reports Vang, K., G. Banuelos, T. Lone, and T. Centofanti. "The organic production of agretti in poor-quality soils with poor-quality water." CSU, Fresno ARI Final Report, California State University, Fresno, September 2023. Zuo, Na (PI). “AAEA Teaching Academy: Opportunities to Improve Pedagogy and Teaching in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness”, Funded $20,000 proposal to the AAEA Trust Fund, 2024 Shear, Hannah, Jason Bergtold, and Na Zuo (PIs). “Cultivating Impactful Teaching:  An Innovative Agricultural Economics Teaching Academy.”, Funded $7,000 proposal of an Association of Public Land-grant University (APLU) Interinstitutional Innovative Teaching Award, 2024-2025 Baro, Mamadou (PI), Na Zuo (specialist) “USAID Niger Resilience and Agribusiness Master’s Program (N-RAMP)”, a team of UA faculty and partners, where Na Zuo serves as the Agribusiness curriculum and teaching specialist. Funded $6,836,460 proposal to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), October 2023 – September 2028 Zuo, Na (PI), Satheesh Aradhyula(Co-PI). “Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience in Agricultural Economics”, Funded $6,600 course proposal to faculty grant at UA, 2023-2024 Josephson, Anna (PI), Na Zuo and Katherine Speirs (Co-PIs). “Food Insecurity Among College Students: Understanding Hunger at the University of Arizona”, Funded $35,000 proposal to the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Faculty Seed Grants at UA, 2022-2023. Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 4 of 4): A Tool to Evaluate Director’s Skill Levels and Gaps. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. <a href="https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html">https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html</a> Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 3 of 4): Identifying the Most Important Director Skills. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. <a href="https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html">https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html</a> Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 2 of 4): Existing Skill Gaps. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. <a href="https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html">https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html</a> Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 1 of 4): Skills Needed to be Engaged and Knowledgeable Directors. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. <a href="https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html">https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html</a> UC-ANR Team, Fresno State Team - S. Asci (Co-PI) et al. “The Southwest Regional Food Business Center” USDA-NIFA Award (Fresno State Team budget - $2,200,000) 2023-2028. Herzig L. (PI), S. Pooya, S. Konduru and S. Asci (Co-PIs). “The effect of a Comprehensive Nutrition Intervention Program emphasizing fruit and vegetable consumption on reduction of food insecurity, obesity, NAFLD with a focus on the mediatory role of BDNF” CSU-Agricultural Research Initiative-ARI ($295,252) 2023-2026.   Presentations Jauregui, V., I. Guarduno., S. Asci, and T. Lone. "Ready-to-Serve (RTS) Grilled Eggplant" 2nd Annual Fresno State Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summitt, Fresno, CA, April 25, 2024. Kier, Lillian, and T. Lone. "Using drainage water to grow an alternative salt and boron tolerant crop, guayule, that produces natural latex and resin for the San Joaquin Valley in Central California, then conducting parametric analysis to investigate the economic feasibility for farmers." 45th Annual Central California Research Symposium (Outstanding Poster Presentation Winner), Fresno, CA, April 3, 2024. Na Zuo and Lijiao Hu, “Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL): A Case Study”, AAEA Annual Meeting, Washington DC, July 23-25, 2023 Lijiao Hu, Yuqing Zheng and Na Zuo, “Relationship-Specific Learning in Private Food Safety Certification Market”, Western Education and Research Activities Committee on Agribusiness (WERA-72) Annual Meeting, Portland OR, June 6-7, 2023. Woods, T., Azita Varziri and Shuoli Zhao, “LCM Models for Brand Positions of Local and Climate Smart Dairy Products”, WERA-72 Annual Meeting, Tucson, AZ, June 4-5, 2024 Woods, T., Jairus Rossi and Azita Varziri,“State Brand Awareness and Purchasing Determinants in Kentucky”, WERA-72 Annual Meeting, Tucson, AZ, June 4-5, 2024 Woods, T. and Jane Eastham, “Strategies for Improving Nutritional Quality Along the Food Supply Chain”, Food Distribution Research Society annual meeting, Washington, DC, November 13, 2023. Woods, T., Azita Varziri, Favour Esene, and Shuoli Zhao“Consumer Preferences toward Local vs Carbon: A Study of Value-Added Dairy Products”, Food Distribution Research Society annual meeting, Washington, DC, November 13, 2023. Woods, T. and Jairus Rossi, “Understanding Consumer Values of CSA Subscribers”, Food Distribution Research Society annual meeting, Washington, DC, November 13, 2023. Woods, T., Favour Essene and Shuoli Zhao “Consumer attitudes toward state-grown promotion program: marketing implications and prospects”, FAMPS track session, American and Applied Economics Association annual meeting, Washington, DC, July 24, 2023 Woods, T., “Localisation of Local Food Systems”, Virtual symposium of local food system professionals in SW England and Kentucky, June 19, 2023 Woods, T., Favour Essene and Shuoli Zhao “A local sourcing and carbon footprint branding willingness-to-pay experiment for dairy products in Kentucky, USA”, Global Systems Institute, University of Exeter, June 14, 2023 Woods, T., “Controlled Environment Agriculture Creative Destruction?  New World for Food and Agriculture”, presentation at the University of Exeter Food Group Spring Pechakucha seminar series, May 23, 2023 Woods, T., Shang-Ho Yang and Kiyokazu Ujiie “The Impact of Visiting Local Winery on Non-Wine Products Purchasing Behavior in the Northern Appalachian States”, presentation at the American Wine Economics Association annual meeting, Stellenbosch, South Africa, June 28, 2023 Feizy, Saber, Steven Buck, Jairus Rossi, Timothy Woods, “Mean Reversion and the Impact of a Community Supported Agriculture Food Program on Diet-Related Medical Expenditures”, presented paper at the Southern Ag Economics Association annual meeting, Stillwater, OK, February, 2023 (paper awarded 3rd place in  the SAEA job market competition) Woods, T., Emily Spencer, Brett Wolff, Camille Stevens, Savannah Columbia, Katie Harvey Horticulture Outlook: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Today, quarterly CCD training and outlook for Hort and ANR agents, online, March 11, 2024. Woods, T., Retail Pricing for Profit and Customer Value at Farm Markets, KY Farm Bureau Certified Markets Annual Meeting, Louisville, KY, March 6, 2024 Woods, T., MarketReady Core Training, Train-the-trainer; producer training, Lincoln, NB, February 19-20, 2024 Woods, T., Kentucky Horticulture Outlook 2024, KY Ag Lenders, Flemingsburg, KY, February 9, 2024 Woods, T., Emerging Marketing Approaches and Opportunities for Farmers Markets, Daviess County Farmers Market, Owensboro, KY, January 25, 2024 Woods, T., Kentucky Horticulture Outlook 2024”, Hort Culture podcast (with Brett Wolff, Ray Tackett, Alexis Sheffield), January 17, 2024. Woods, T., “Kentucky Horticulture Outlook 2024”, Economic Subject Matter agent trainings, Winchester, Columbia, Princeton, KY (with Savannah Columbia), January 8, 9, 10 Woods, T., “Britain’s Best: Tim’s Top 10 Local Consumer Connection Innovations”, Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Growers Annual Conference, Bowling Green, KY, January 4, 2024 Woods, T., “Kentucky Local Food Consumer Insights: 2024 Edition”, Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Growers Annual Conference, Bowling Green, KY (with Jairus Rossi, Emily Spencer, and Brett Wolff), January 3, 2024 Woods, T. and Emily Spencer “Farmers Market Average Prices & 2023 Production Input Survey Results”, Farmers Market Short Course, KFVG Conference, Bowling Green, KY, January 2, 2024  Woods, T. and Joanna Coles “Marketing Kentucky Dairy Products”, Kentucky Farm and Home Morning Show (TV), December 13, 2023  Woods, T. and Joanna Coles “Food Inflation and Kentucky Consumers”, Kentucky Farm and Home Morning Show (TV), December 13, 2023  Woods, T. and Joanna Coles “Kentucky Horticulture Input Costs and Market Outlook”, Kentucky Farm and Home Morning Show (TV), December 13, 2023  Woods, T. and Jairus Rossi “CSA in Workplaces and Universities”, part of a KY-WV-MI Extension In-Service training on CSA to the Workplace, Lexington, KY, August 10, 2023. Clark, J. (2024, June 25-26) Scale of Production Differences in Farm Operators' Access to Resources and Information as an Agribusiness Teaching Tool. [Poster presentation] North American College Teachers of Agriculture, Las Cruces, NM, USA. Sant'Anna, A. C. (2023). “Top Five Strategies for a Young or Beginning Farmer” Blog Farm Credit of the Virginias Saghaian, S., S. Yarmand1, H. Mohammadi, and M. Dehghani1. (2024). “Export Sustainability in Small and Medium Enterprise in the Agricultural Sector.” International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE2024-IAAE), 2-7 August, New Delhi, India. Saghaian, S., H. Mohammadi, and M. Mohammadi (2024). “The Effects of Agricultural Product Exports on Environmental Quality.” IFAMA 2024 World Conference and Symposium, 17-20 June, Almeria, Spain. Saghaian, S., R. Zhaleh1, H. Mohammadi, A. FiroozZare. (2023). “Factors Affecting Consumers' Attitudes towards Genetically Modified Food Products: The Case of Edible Oil.” 2023 IFAMA World Conference, 17-21 June, Christchurch, New Zealand. Zhaleh1, R., H. Mohammadi, S. Saghaian, and A. FiroozZare. (2023). “Consumption of Genetically Modified Food Products and its Determinants: Evidence of GM edible oil consumption in Mashhad.” 2023 IFAMA World Conference, 17-21 June, Christchurch, New Zealand. Saghaian, S. (2023). “International Agricultural Product Markets under the Influence of the Covid and Conflict between Russia and Ukraine.” Invited lecture, South China Agricultural University, May 29, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Saghaian, S. (2023). “Infrastructure, Productivity, Competitiveness, and Clusters.” Invited lecture, South China Agricultural University, May 22, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Saghaian, S. (2023). “Economics of Strategy.” Invited lecture, South China Agricultural University, May 19, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C., van Rooyen, J. WERA-72 Annual Meeting, "Cooperative Growth in the Agri-Food Value Chain: The Case of SSK Cooperative," Tucson, AZ. (June 5, 2024). Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C., Bergtold, J., Trudo, C. Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Annual Conference, "Valuing Trust in an Agricultural Lending Relationship," AAEA, Washington, D.C. (July 24, 2023). Herchenbach, J. S. Nebraska Cooperative Council (NCC) Intern Retreat, "Cooperatives' Role and Value," Nebraska Cooperative Council (NCC), Kearney, NE. (June 14, 2023). Herchenbach, J. S. (Author & Presenter). DesignPLUS Faculty Showcase, "DesignPLUS Faculty Showcase," UNK, Kearney, NE. (April 5, 2023). Herchenbach, J. S. Nebraska State FBLA Conference, "Building Communication for Success," Nebraska FBLA, Kearney, NE. (April 4, 2023). Herchenbach, J. S. and Weber, R. Frenchman Valley Cooperative Board of Directors Retreat, "Director Skills - Frenchman Valley Board," Frenchman Valley Cooperative, Imperial, NE. (March 21, 2023). Herchenbach, J. S. and Briggeman, B. C. Nebraska Cooperative Council (NCC) Graduate Director Program, "Developing the Most Important Skills for Directors," Nebraska Cooperative Council (NCC), Kearney, NE. (January 4, 2023). Asci, S., S. Konduru, S. Pooya and L Herzig. (2024), “Comprehensive Nutrition Intervention Program emphasizing fruit and vegetable consumption to reduce food insecurity in Central Valley of California.” Selected paper presented at the WAEA annual meeting. June 2024, San Francisco, California. Hovhannisyan V. and S. Asci. (2023), “An Empirical Examination of the Relationship Between Urbanization and Economic Growth in China.” Selected poster presented at the AAEA annual meeting. July 2023, Washington D.C. Hovhannisyan V. and S. Asci. (2023), “An Instrumental Variables Quantile Regression Framework for Analyzing the Urbanization-Economic Growth Link.” Selected paper presented at the WAEA annual meeting. July 2023, Whistler, Canada. Hovhannisyan, V., S. Asci and A. Khachatryan (2023), “A Quantile Regression Approach to Analyzing the Effects of Urbanization on Economic Growth in China.” Southern Agricultural Economics Association (SAEA) Annual Meeting, Feb 4-8, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Asci, S. (2024), “Global Marketing Challenges.” Panelist at a Roundtable Discussion. PAGG Growers Conference, May 18, Madera, CA. Andrada J., S. Konduru and S. Asci, (2024), “An Analysis of Produce Consumption in Fresno County.” 45th Annual Central California Research Symposium, Apr 3, Fresno, CA. Andrada J., S. Konduru and S. Asci, (2024), “Fresh Produce Accessibility in the County of Fresno.” World Ag Expo, Feb. 13, Tulare, CA.

Impact Statements

1. The annual meeting provides the forum for agribusiness industry leaders, policy makers, scholars and students to exchange perspectives and ideas, which leads to increased awareness of regional food supply chain, identification of critical/key research and education issues, and greater coordination of agribusiness research projects, educational programs, and extension programs across states and regions as well as greater and more timely dissemination of research results and information.
2. The special issues of peer-reviewed journals related to specific themes from the WERA-72 objectives further generate interest in agribusiness field and increase awareness of agribusiness related research, teaching and extension innovations, leading to potential behavior changes and improved conditions among agribusiness stakeholders.
3. The continuing collaborations in grant funding address significant multi-state research, extension and instructional issues in the field of agribusiness and work towards a more efficient and equitable food supply chain that sustains lives. Grants, contracts and/or other resources obtained by one or more project members are listed below: Grants and Research/Extension Reports Vang, K., G. Banuelos, T. Lone, and T. Centofanti. "The organic production of agretti in poor-quality soils with poor-quality water." CSU, Fresno ARI Final Report, California State University, Fresno, September 2023. Zuo, Na (PI). “AAEA Teaching Academy: Opportunities to Improve Pedagogy and Teaching in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness”, Funded $20,000 proposal to the AAEA Trust Fund, 2024 Shear, Hannah, Jason Bergtold, and Na Zuo (PIs). “Cultivating Impactful Teaching: An Innovative Agricultural Economics Teaching Academy.”, Funded $7,000 proposal of an Association of Public Land-grant University (APLU) Interinstitutional Innovative Teaching Award, 2024-2025 Baro, Mamadou (PI), Na Zuo (agribusiness curriculum specialist) “USAID Niger Resilience and Agribusiness Master’s Program (N-RAMP)”, a team of UA faculty and partners, where Na Zuo serves as the Agribusiness curriculum and teaching specialist. Funded $6,836,460 proposal to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), October 2023 – September 2028 Zuo, Na (PI), Satheesh Aradhyula (Co-PI). “Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience in Agricultural Economics”, Funded $6,600 course proposal to faculty grant at UA, 2023-2024 Josephson, Anna (PI), Na Zuo and Katherine Speirs (Co-PIs). “Food Insecurity Among College Students: Understanding Hunger at the University of Arizona”, Funded $35,000 proposal to the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Faculty Seed Grants at UA, 2022-2023. Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 4 of 4): A Tool to Evaluate Director’s Skill Levels and Gaps. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 3 of 4): Identifying the Most Important Director Skills. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 2 of 4): Existing Skill Gaps. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html Herchenbach, J. S., Briggeman, B. C. (2023). Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis (Paper 1 of 4): Skills Needed to be Engaged and Knowledgeable Directors. Research Series on Director Skills Gap Analysis. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Agricultural Economics - Arthur Capper Cooperative Center. https://accc.k-state.edu/research/fact_sheet_series.html UC-ANR Team, Fresno State Team - S. Asci (Co-PI) et al. “The Southwest Regional Food Business Center” USDA-NIFA Award (Fresno State Team budget - $2,200,000) 2023-2028. Herzig L. (PI), S. Pooya, S. Konduru and S. Asci (Co-PIs). “The effect of a Comprehensive Nutrition Intervention Program emphasizing fruit and vegetable consumption on reduction of food insecurity, obesity, NAFLD with a focus on the mediatory role of BDNF” CSU-Agricultural Research Initiative-ARI ($295,252) 2023-2026.