Agricultural Economics

Our Agricultural Economics program covers many of the areas found in similar departments. A blend of research, classroom instruction, and extension outreach efforts serve a wide range of folks. We are traditionally recognized for strong programs in agricultural outlook, policy and trade; marketing and farm management; as well as in specialized programs related to agricultural cooperatives and financial risk management. Current emphasis includes work related to risk management, farm/environmental management, precision farming, nutrition and health, policy and trade issues, economics of genetically modified organisms, and management training. Several endowed programs support related research and outreach.

Our faculty are in demand as analysts and speakers for government and industry organizations throughout the world. Research, particularly in the areas of risk management, trade policy, and technology adoption, is addressing critical topics for industry and academia. Some of the department’s most important applications of advanced computational methods and econometrics relate to researching industry management and marketing issues.

Recent work in agricultural economics has related to these issues:

  • Price risk management
  • Hog producers’ attitudes toward industry change
  • Global food security
  • Trade implications of genetically modified organisms
  • Livestock waste management
  • Impact of health concerns on food demand
  • Sub-irrigation system economics
  • Evaluation of site-specific farming technologies
  • Consequences of alternative food and agricultural policies
  • Effects of vertical markets on trade policy reform
  • New applications for cooperative business models
  • Crop insurance
  • Dairy product demand
  • New uses for agricultural products
  • Economic impact of Ohio agriculture