Farm Labor Trends and Management in Washington State
Dawn D. Thilmany
Abstract: The Washington State farm labor market is a pivotal point in the western migrant stream. Farm employers argue that the seasonal labor market has tightened as a result of changes in immigration policy and economic conditions, even as they increase acreage of labor-intensive crops and the demand for labor. Yet, one could argue that a sufficient labor supply is available if workers are offered competitive wages and sufficient hours. To address some of these questions and issues, this study explores whether employer-specific factors (commodity, region, size, and management practices) influence worker turnover and the ability of employers to attract return workers.
Key Words: farm labor, Washington agriculture, worker turnover
Contact Author:
Dawn D. Thilmany
Dept. of Ag. & Res. Economics
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1172
Phone: (970) 491-7220
Fax: (970) 491-2067
Agricultural Cooperative Managers and the Business Environment
John L. Adrian, Jr., and Thomas Wade Green
Abstract: Managers of agricultural cooperatives were contacted to determine their knowledge/capabilities and perspectives of the cooperative environment with special emphasis given to the importance of cooperative principles to the operation and success of the business, division of responsibility between management and the board of directors, and business decision making in the areas of financial analysis plus selected scenarios. Managers showed strong adherence to traditional cooperative principles and basic decision areas. Self-assessments were positive and consistent with performance measures. The opportunity exists to improve manager knowledge/capabilities related to cooperative principles, division of responsibility between managers and the board, and financial analysis.
Key Words: board of directors, cooperative principles, cooperatives (agricultural), leadership, management, managers
Contact Author:
John L. Adrian
Dept. of Ag. Econ. & Rural Soc.
203 Comer Hall
Auburn University
Auburn University, AL 36849-5406
Phone: (334) 844-5652
Fax: (334) 844-5639
Testing for Symmetry in Price Transmission: An Extension of the Shiller Lag Structure with an Application to Fresh Tomatoes
Scott D. Parrott, David B. Eastwood, and John R. Brooker
Abstract: An empirical model of the price relationship between distribution stages is developed based on the Shiller lag. The assumption of constant returns to scale is relaxed to incorporate changes in the volume of shipments. An iterative GLS methodology is developed to estimate the model. Tests for symmetry, length of adjustment, and the amount of price transmission are outlined. An application using the change in the retail price of tomatoes based on shipping point price changes is described. Results suggest that the supermarket chain does not respond differently to price increases versus decreases at the shipping point level.
Key Words: farm level, price spreads, price transmission, retail level, Shiller lag structure, symmetry, tomatoes
Contact Author:
David B. Eastwood
Dept. of Ag. Econ. & Rural Soc.
The University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37901
Phone: (865) 974-7231
Fax: (865) 974-7484
Biotechnology in Agriculture: Implications for Farm-Level Risk Management
Shiva S. Makki, Agapi Somwaru, and Joy Harwood
Abstract: This study examines the risks associated with adoption of biotech crops and discusses their implications for risk management at the farm level. We develop an analytical risk evaluation matrix framework to illustrate changes in production and marketing risks of biotech and non-biotech crops. Price uncertainty generated by consumer concerns is the major risk facing biotech farmers, while cross-pollination with biotech crops and preservation of non-biotech status are major concerns for non-biotech farmers. Improved market infrastructure to handle biotech products and modification of the current risk management tools to accommodate new risks are essential in reducing the farm-level risks.
Key Words: biotechnology, genetically modified organisms, marketing risks, production risks, risk evaluation matrix, risk management
Contact Author:
Shiva S. Makki
USDA ERS
1800 M St NW
Room 5007
Washington, DC 20036-5831
Phone: (202) 694-5316
Fax: (202) 694-5823
Market Analysis of a Student Agribusiness Organization as a Planning and Educational Tool
Dawn D. Thilmany and Dana L. Hoag
Abstract: Although marketing principles and strategies are taught in all major agribusiness management programs in the country, few agribusiness student groups use these very principles in the planning of their own activities. This article describes a market research project developed by the AgriBusiness Association at Colorado State University (CSU) as an example of how to integrate coursework with an undergraduate agribusiness organization's program of activities. In addition to reinforcing marketing principles learned at CSU, the project taught students the importance of setting objectives, research design, and data analysis. Many of the findings were used to plan and improve the club.
Key Words: agribusiness clubs, marketing, undergraduate students
Contact Author:
Dawn D. Thilmany
Dept. of Ag. & Res. Economics
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1172
Phone: (970) 491-7220
Fax: (970) 491-2067
An Initial Look at the Tokyo Grain Exchange Non-GMO Soybean Contract
Joe L. Parcell
Abstract: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) such as soybeans and corn have garnered considerable consumer attention due to the concern over potential effects from using these commodities as inputs into food production. In the simplest form, segregation of bioengineered and non-bioengineered crops is an identity-preserved system. For these identity-preserved systems to exist, there must be a market discovery mechanism in place whereby supply and demand factors interact to establish a market price. In May 2000, the Tokyo Grain Exchange began a non-genetically modified organism (non-GMO) soybean contract. This article describes information garnered from the first public-offered identity-preserved marketplace.
Key Words: biotechnology, genetically modified organisms, identity-preserved markets, non-GMO, soybean contract, Tokyo Grain Exchange
Contact Author:
Joe L. Parcell
Dept. of Ag. Economics
143 Mumford Hall
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: (573) 882-0870
Fax: (573) 884-6572
Public-Private Agreements for Emerging Technologies in Agriculture
Marc A. Johnson
Abstract: Land Grant Universities are partnering with private firms to fulfill the university mission. Public and private entities can come together in mutually beneficial activities, measured by fulfillment of each party's mission. Rules of engagement are discussed. Six actual agreements currently in operation between Kansas State University and private entities represent a range of types of public-private agreements. The principal components of each agreement are described and the benefits to each party enumerated in the context of organizational missions.
Key Words: biotechnology, commercialization, intellectual property, joint venture, Land Grant Universities, nonprofit corporation, patent licensing
Contact Author:
Marc A. Johnson
College of Agriculture
114 Waters Hall
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506-4008
Phone: (785) 532-7137
Fax: (785) 532-6563
