COWBOY ECONOMIST Ok lahoma State University • Depar tment of Agricultural Economics • Fall 2014
Passion for Markets Brorsen gains two prestigious awards
Diamond in the Rough?
Department alumna named 2014 Oklahoma Agriculture Women of the Year
Top 7/40 Freshmen
Seven agricultural economics students named out of Top 40 Freshmen
From the Department Head’s Desk We are pleased to share the latest issue of Cowboy Economist with
you. Our intent is to highlight key events in the life of the Department of Agricultural Economics over the past several months. Our faculty members have been recognized at multiple events regionally and nationally. Dr. Wade Brorsen received the highest honor in our profession and in the same year he received the most prestigious award on the OSU campus! Other faculty members were also honored for their outstanding contributions to our profession and service to our partners and clientele.
We spotlight two of our prominent alumni. You will enjoy reading about Blayne Arthur and Carly Schnaithman. Both are wonderful role models and true examples of success for our current students to follow!
Our students in our undergraduate and graduate programs continue to excel. What a wonderful privilege to interact with these students and watch them grow and progress! The Aggie-X organization is alive and doing well. I still run across former students and officers who remember selling and working the concession stands at ball games.
The Oklahoma Women in Agriculture and Small Business Conference continues to be a successful effort providing opportunities for enhancing the success of participants. The Rural Economic Outlook Conference welcomed participants from across the state and addressed issues ranging from trade to invasive species to water, as well as the, always anticipated, outlook panel. Our department is also pleased to partner with state and federal agencies and organizations to provide information and decision-making tools related to the new farm bill. This fall issue closes with a story on Grandparent University. We really enjoy partnering with the OSU Alumni Association to offer the FARRM Game. As the spring 2015 semester opens we are excited as always to serve our university, our state and our nation. Look for a report in our next newsletter regarding Dr. Bailey Norwood’s MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) called Farm to Fork. The course uses technology to provide a panoramic view of agriculture and is open to the public for free or to students for course credit via online tuition. The course will focus on many topics including livestock care techniques, the industrialization of agriculture, the impact of local food on the local economy, and the role of politics and culture in food. Additional information and registration is available online at www.casnr.okstate.edu/farmtofork. The enrollment deadline is January 20, 2015. Best regards. We hope you enjoy this issue!
2 • Welcome
I N
Faculty 4 6 7
T H I S
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Passion for Markets Brorsen gains two prestigious awards
National Conferences Overview Department attends two conferences, bringing home many awards Faculty Awards and Recognition A list of all awards faculty have recently received
Bringing Home a First Henneberry first at OSU to receive national teaching award
Alumni Spotlights 10 12 13
Diamond in the Rough? Department alumna named 2014 Oklahoma Agriculture Women of the Year Family Legacy Alumna has long family legacy in the agricultural economics department Scholarship Fund Donations
The Student Section
I S S U E
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Top 7/40 Freshmen Seven agricultural economics students named out of Top 40 Freshmen Aggie-X Update
Graduate Student Corner A summary of graduate student activities, fellowships, scholarships, hoodings and the list of theses/dissertations
Departmental Events
Oklahoma Women in Agriculture and Small Business Conference Summary
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Rural Economic Outlook Conference Summary
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Farm Bill Meetings Statewide meetings to educate producers about changes in the new bill
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Grandparent University Agribusiness management major taught at grandparent university
About the Cover:
Wade Brorsen working with one of his graduate students, Cortney Cowley. Read about his prestigious awards on page 4.
Passion for Markets W
ade Brorsen, OSU Department of Agricultural Economics Regents Professor and A.J. & Susan Jacques Chair, said his passion for agricultural economics was sparked by listening to radio market updates while driving a tractor for many hours growing up.
“The wheat markets were especially active in 1972 to 1973, with prices going up the limit for days in a row,” he said. “I sold my wheat for $1.25 per bushel one year and then for around $5 per bushel the next.”
Background
Brorsen grew up in Perry, Oklahoma, on a wheat and stocker cattle operation. He said attending Oklahoma State was the norm for his family.
“My parents had six kids and all of us went to Oklahoma State,” Brorsen said. “My parents met while attending Oklahoma State, where they were both animal husbandry majors.” Brorsen said he first majored in engineering at OSU, but switched to agricultural economics.
“I found the movement of prices to be a lot more interesting than the movement of machines,” Brorsen said. “The other reason I switched was, as a shy farm kid, I simply didn’t fit in with the others in engineering.”
Awards
From there he never turned back. In 2014, Brorsen received two prestigious awards.
In July, Brorsen was recognized at the 2014 Agricultural and Applied Economics Association annual meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as an AAEA Fellow. “Being recognized as an AAEA Fellow is our most prestigious honor, reserved for individuals with continuous contribution to the advancement of agricultural and applied economics,” said Mike Woods, OSU agricultural economics department head.
Then, at the OSU University Awards Convocation in November, Brorsen received the Eminent Faculty Award. This award is the highest honor given to a faculty member who has made sustained contributions to scholarly creative activity, instruction and service, bringing honor and recognition to the university. “Dr. Brorsen’s accomplishments in the field of agricultural economics are staggering and inspiring,” said Cortney Cowley, agricultural economics Ph.D. student and Brorsen’s advisee. Brorsen’s contributions to research have resulted in nearly 200 journal articles, with topics ranging from farmer marketing strategies to optimal levels of nitrogen fertilizer. His commitment to teaching is
Above: OSU President Burns Hargis presents Wade Brorsen with the Eminent Faculty Award at the University Awards Convocation in November. 4 • Faculty
revealed in his recognition as an outstanding OSU graduate teacher. And his service is highlighted by several years of serving as editor of two agricultural economics journals.
“Dr. Brorsen’s scholarship is outstanding, reflected not only in hundreds of research publications in top tier scholarly journals, but also in his recognition by peers as an AAEA Fellow,” said Thomas Coon, OSU DASNR Vice President, Dean and Director.
Brorsen said he is honored to have received both awards. He said receiving both recognitions in the same year confirmed the old adage, “awards beget awards.”
Students
“His accomplishments alone are deserving of prestigious titles,” Cowley said. But, “I think what makes Dr. Brorsen even more deserving is his passion and dedication to sharing his knowledge and developing future agricultural economists.”
Seonwoong Kim, agricultural economics Ph.D. student and Brorsen’s advisee, said he came to OSU without an assistantship, after declining an assistantship at another university, just to study with Brorsen. He said he has not regretted his decision since.
Kim said Brorsen goes above and beyond to help every student in his courses. In addition, his theoretical
Q&A Questions & Answers
Q: What was your favorite agricultural economics course you took while in college at OSU? A: John Goodwin taught my first agricultural economics class, he was known for giving tests with patterns in them, such as one time he gave matching questions where the right answers spelled out “Dr. John gives easy tests.” This of course was not true, as he was well known for giving very long exams. I always looked for a pattern on the exam and never found one until our final exam where each page of the true/false questions was either all true or all false. Q: What is your most satisfying personal accomplishment?
A: I am most pleased with my undergraduate future markets class. It had 17 students the first year I taught it and the enrollment has now grown to more than 40 students. I missed out on a couple of jobs I really wanted, supposedly because they were afraid I
Senator James Halligan presents Brorsen with a tribute for his AAEA Fellow award. (L-R) Thomas Coon, Damona Doye, Wade Brorsen, James Halligan and Mike Woods.
background and ability to connect knowledge to a social phenomenon confirms Brorsen’s passion for research, he said.
“What I find most compelling about him is his generosity with students, the way he works with graduate students, even those who are not his advisees, to ensure their research is top tier and they persevere to see their work published,” Coon said. “Many students credit him with giving them a great start in the world of economics research. That is a lasting impact!” could not teach undergraduates, so it is rewarding to show I can do it well. Q: What do you see as your major professional accomplishment?
Serving as an editor of professional journals is my greatest professional accomplishment. Helping other people improve their work is perhaps more my comparative advantage. Q: What do you like most about being a professor at Oklahoma State?
A: What I like most about being a professor is the freedom I have. I can pick research topics that interest me and fit my background, and I get to teach the material I feel best fits the course. Thanks to generous donors such as Jean and Patsy Neustadt, and A.J. and Susan Jacques, I have the research funds to support graduate students, present papers at meetings and to purchase needed data and computers. Q: What do you see next?
A: I do not plan major changes since I like what I do. But one thing coming up is I will soon begin serving as the president of the Western Agricultural Economics Association.
Cowboy Economist • 5
National Conferences R
Overview
epresentatives of the agricultural economics department attended the Western Agricultural Economics Association annual meeting on June 22 to 24 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Francis Epplin was named a Distinguished Scholar, the highest honor WAEA awards (Photo 1). In addition, the Outstanding Extension Program Award for Project was given to “The Oklahoma Quality Beef Network Team,” including Eric DeVuyst, Damona Doye, Derrell Peel, Kellie Raper, Gant Mourer, David Lalman, Chris Richards, Megan Rolf, Daniel Stein, D.L Step and Justin Talley (Photo 2).
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The 2014 Agricultural & Applied Economics Association annual meeting was held on July 27 to 29 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “Our department was well represented and brought home several notable honors,” said Mike Woods, OSU agricultural economics department head. At the meeting, Wade Brorsen was recognized as an AAEA Fellow (Photo 3 and 4).
In addition, Derrell Peel, Damona Doye and Mary Ahearn received Honorable Mention, Outstanding Choices Article. There were four posters with OSU authors presenting (Photo 5). Both faculty and graduate students served as organizers, moderators, presenters or discussants for ten track sessions and five selected papers (Photo 6).
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In the category of meeting leadership, Jayson Lusk served as a Director for AAEA, on the Selected Presentation Committee and the AAEA Awards Committee; Larry Sanders Chaired the Distinguished Extension/Outreach Program Committee; and Brian Adam served on the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Committee.
For our student presence, a team of three graduate students – Aaron Ates, Choolwe Haankuku and Josh Maples – competed in the AAEA Case Study competition, coached by Jayson Lusk. A team of three undergraduate students – Hollee Koester, Cordell Lloyd and Vance Sharp – competed in the student quiz bowl, coached by Derrell Peel. 6 • Faculty
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Faculty Awards and Recognition
Faculty members in the department are constantly achieving excellence, as demonstrated by the countless awards and recognition they receive. Below is a list of awards and recognition faculty have recently received through the University and on the local, regional and national levels. Individuals:
Teams:
Wade Brorsen •• AAEA Fellow at the 2014 Annual Meeting •• Eminent Faculty Award from OSU (Photo 1)
The Oklahoma Quality Beef Network Team •• Outstanding Extension Program Award for Project •• Members: Eric DeVuyst, Damona Doye, Derrell Peel, Kellie Raper, Gant Mourer, David Lalman, Chris Richards, Megan Rolf, Daniel Stein, D.L Step and Justin Talley
Damona Doye •• Title changed to Regents Professor and Rainbolt chair in agricultural finance •• AAEA Honorable Mention, Outstanding Choices Article
Francis Epplin •• Distinguished Scholar at the 2014 WAEA Annual Meeting •• Promoted to the honorary title of Regents Professor (Photo 1) •• Recognized for 35 years of service (Photo 2) Shida Henneberry •• National Excellence in Teaching Award from USDA NIFA Bailey Norwood •• Promoted to professor
Derrell Peel •• Sarkeys Distinguished Professorship in Honor of Elmo Baumann (Photo 2) •• AAEA Honorable Mention, Outstanding Choices Article
David Shideler •• Promoted to associate professor with tenure •• Young Professionals of Stillwater, Top 10 Stillwater Emerging Leaders Under 40 Jeff Vitale •• International Education Faculty Excellence Award from OSU (Photo 1)
Ag Relay for Life Team •• Platinum Team, fifth place in fundraising at the June 2014 Stillwater event, raising more than $7,500 •• Recognized with a “Spirit of Relay” award for the team’s continued participation over decades, raising money and general involvement and support of Relay •• Team member, Damona Doye, awarded second highest individual in fundraising
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2 Cowboy Economist • 7
Homea First
Bringing S
hida Henneberry, Department of Agricultural Economics Regents Professor, holder of the Donald and Cathey Humphreys Chair in International Studies and director of OSU’s Master of International Agriculture degree program, is the first OSU faculty member to receive the Excellence in College and University Teaching Award for Food and Agricultural Sciences.
has received 17 awards and honors for her teaching including recognition for her undergraduate teaching and advising, her graduate teaching and advising, and her teaching scholarship.”
“Shida Henneberry is an outstanding teacher,” said Cynda Clary, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Associate Dean and Professor. “She
personal qualities come forward. I attribute this award to the level of greatness of our students.”
Henneberry said she uses an integrated approach in her teaching. She brings discipline-based research into the classroom and conducts research on teaching. Also, she uses real life examples, student participation in class and current event applications.
The national teaching award is presented annually by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to two university faculty for their use of innovative teaching methods and One of Henneberry’s students said, she is “able to take service to students. the extremely complex theoretical models and convert them to easily understood and applied concepts.” The honor was presented at the 127th Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Annual Meeting on Regarding the award, Henneberry said, “it’s often said, Nov. 2 to 4 in Orlando, Florida. when you are around great people it makes your best
Top: (L-R) Thomas Coon, DASNR Vice President, Dean and Director; Shida Henneberry; Cynda Clary, Professor and CASNR Associate Dean; and Steve Damron, Professor and CASNR Assistant Dean. 8 • Faculty
Alumni Spotlights
Cowboy Economist • 9
A
lumna. Professional. Leader. Wife. Mother. Agriculturalist. Blayne Arthur is far from “rough,” but she is undoubtedly a “precious stone.” In November, she was unveiled as the 2014 Oklahoma Agriculture Women of the Year at the Diamond Hats Gala. Blayne is an alumna of the Department of Agricultural Economics, currently resides outside of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and is the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Deputy Commissioner.
“This means I work directly for the Secretary of Agriculture and serve as the agency’s legislative liaison, coordinate with agriculture commodity groups and manage the agency’s communication staff,” Blayne said. Blayne is married to Jerrod Arthur and is a mother of two, Kelton, age 6, and Kennedy, age 2. They own and operate Lucky Strike Show Cattle, raising and selling show cattle to 4-H and FFA exhibitors across the U.S.
Passions
Blayne and her husband are active in the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Oklahoma Youth Expo, Diamond Hats and Ponies of the Americas. She said her passions reside with all facets of agriculture, particularly the youth.
“I think there is no better activity for the youth of Oklahoma than showing livestock,” Blayne said. “Showing livestock teaches you a multitude of things. It teaches you to work hard every single day, along with responsibility, financial management skills and how to be a good competitor.” Blayne said Kelton is already showing horses and pigs, and she is excited for both of her children to show.
She said she enjoys the family activity aspect of showing livestock because it allows each family member to have a part in the success of a 4-H or FFA member.
Diamond Hats
The Diamond Hats organization “promotes the youth of Oklahoma as they pursue their agricultural endeavors,”
10 • Alumni
according to their website. “Women from all parts of the state are united in an effort to elevate youth in agriculture. Fundraising efforts result in scholarship opportunities, mentoring programs and contributions to their projects.”
“It was an honor and privilege to recognize Blayne as the Diamond Hats 2014 Agricultural Woman of the Year” said Beth Norvell, Diamond Hats President. “Blayne is an exceptional leader in our state when it comes to agricultural issues. She has an incredible work ethic and passion for agriculture, making her a true asset to the industry.”
Blayne said she had no idea she was being awarded that night, and was curious why so many members of her family were attending the Gala during their busy time of the year. “It was a wonderful surprise to be recognized by a group of individuals I have so much respect for,” Blayne said. “I am so very honored to have been recognized by the Diamond Hats Organization. I have been very blessed and fortunate throughout my life to have many opportunities and to be surrounded by top tier professionals.”
Blayne said receiving this award supports her desire to increase her work with the Diamond Hats organization. She wants to help support young women in Oklahoma so they can achieve their goals and understand nothing is impossible, she said. Blayne said one of her favorite quotes is from Dr. Steve Maraboli, “at the end of the day, let there be no excuses, no explanations, no regrets.”
When asked her Diamond Hats involvement goals she said, “I will work to find additional scholarship activities for Oklahoma youth, as well as, leadership development opportunities so they can see success in both their careers, and farming and ranching operations.”
Success
Success is not from luck for Blayne. She attributes her success to her family, the FFA organization and the OSU
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Blayne said her family has helped guide her along the path to success and are always available to assist in a variety of ways, both when she was in college and now with her busy professional life. “I believe the FFA organization was also a tremendous catalyst for me,” Blayne said. “The tools and skill sets I obtained during my FFA career helped me throughout college and continue to help me in my career.”
Blayne said OSU CASNR is another reason she was able to be successful.
Education
“The ag college is the best place to find hard working staff and students who are always striving to be the very best,” she said. Blayne said she is privileged to have many people in her life who have helped open doors of opportunity.
“Blayne represents OSU and Oklahoma agriculture very, very well,” said Joe Williams, Department of Agricultural Economics Professor Emeritus. “I am extremely proud to have been Blayne’s academic adviser while she was at OSU. Blayne was a busy and involved student, I never questioned her ability and desire to succeed in her chosen profession. It has been very rewarding to watch her blossom into the
Kennedy and Kelton Arthur walking in a pasture after a Lucky Strike Show Cattle sale. Photo courtesy of Blayne Arthur.
professional she is today.”
While in college Blayne received several departmental scholarships. She said she was fortunate because the money allowed her to pursue her degree and participate in several extracurricular campus activities, helping her network. “I always enjoyed the ag econ scholarship banquet in the spring because it provided the opportunity to meet those individuals who provided the scholarship dollars,” Blayne said. “Many are alumni and many have great stories of how OSU and the ag college helped them to achieve success in their own career.” Blayne said she is thankful there is a land grant institution in Oklahoma developing future leaders for the agricultural industry and the nation.
Future
Blayne said she hopes to continue her passion to make her own positive impact on agriculture and to continue working towards developing policies that allow agriculture to grow and thrive in Oklahoma. Blayne provided great advice for Oklahoma youth. First, she encouraged short-term and long-term goal setting and to work daily toward those goals.
“Anyone who has grown up in agriculture or participated in 4-H and FFA already has an advantage in life,” Blayne said. “It doesn’t matter where you are from or what your economic status is, hard work and a good education can help you realize success.
Jerrod and Blayne Arthur at the Diamond Hats Gala. Photo courtesy of Blayne Arthur.
“Look for mentors and people who want to help you along the way,” she said. “There are so many people surrounding you who want you to succeed, you just have to put in the effort. No one is entitled to anything, you must put in the hours of hard work and dedication to see a reward.”
Cowboy Economist • 11
C
arly Schnaithman is a 2012 graduate of the agricultural economics department, and is also a product of a long family legacy.
“My years at Oklahoma State University, specifically in the college of ag, began long before I ever enrolled at Oklahoma State University,” Carly said. “My grandparents, my parents, both my siblings and most of my extended family have all attended OSU.” She credits her family members for being role models for her. Her mother was an OSU Homecoming Queen. She said her older brother, Travis, helped pave the way for her at OSU. He started the tradition of studying in the agricultural economics department, being elected a FFA state officer, being a Top 10 Freshmen and being a leader in the Greek life community.
Carly said “my older brother did not just tell me what classes and organizations to be a part of, he showed me. His influence led me to become a proud Chi Omega Alumna, be honored as Student Philanthropist of the year and serve on the CASNR Student Council all four years of college. He, along with my family, played a huge role in helping me become who I am today.” Carly said she did the best she could to follow in her family’s footsteps, and now she is serving as a role model for her younger brother, Tyler.
Tyler is currently a sophomore majoring in agricultural economics, and she said he is “loving it. He was just named a Top 10 Freshman at OSU, and you could not find a more proud big sister. Therefore, needless to say, our family is pretty fond of the ag econ program at OSU and always will be.”
Currently, Carly is working as the Legislative Affairs Director for the Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment in Oklahoma City. She said her employment resulted from her serving as an intern at the Oklahoma State Capitol during the spring semester of her senior year of college. She had the opportunity to serve as the CASNR Ag Intern for Former State Representative Phil Richardson, who was serving as the chairman for the House Agriculture Committee.
12 • Alumni
During her internship, she researched legislation, assisted with drafting press releases, attended all committee meetings and met many leaders across the state of Oklahoma. Then during the 2012 legislative session, the former Secretary of Environment, Gary Sherrer, offered her a job. She began working in the Secretary’s office after graduation in 2012. In 2013, the Secretary of Environment and the Secretary of Energy became a combined office under newly appointed Secretary Michael Teague. At that time, Carly became the Legislative Affairs Director for Secretary Teague.
About her duties, she said “once the Secretary decides his legislative agenda, I am charged with enacting that agenda. I am responsible for all legislative decisions for our office. I work with and coordinate with different legislators to ensure each of the Secretary’s request bills has authors and is assigned to the appropriate committee. I also work with legislators to prevent passage of bills the Secretary does not favor. “In addition to the Secretary’s legislative agenda, each agency under the Secretary has an agenda and request bills,” Carly continued. “I am actively involved in monitoring and coordinating our agencies’ request bills. Essentially from February through May, I am at the State Capitol every day monitoring all bills pertaining to energy and environment. “Other duties I perform during the months we are not actively involved in the legislative session include, assisting in coordinating the Governor’s Energy Conference, taking part in interim studies commissioned by the legislature relevant to the Secretary’s office and speaking at events on behalf of the Secretary’s office,” she said.
Carly grew up east of Garber, Oklahoma. Her family has a diversified crop operation her two brothers, Travis and Tyler, and her parents run today, she said. “I grew up being actively involved in FFA and sports,” she continues. “I am fortunate I had a family that always put God first, family second and career third. I
strive to do the same in my daily life.
“I met my wonderful fiancé, Scott Cordell, about two years ago at a work function and we will be married on May 23, 2015,” she said. “He is from Chickasha and even though he didn’t grow up as a farm boy, it did not take me long to get him out on the farm helping my Dad and my brothers. We plan to reside in the Oklahoma City area after we get married but hope to eventually get back to the Enid area.”
friend at the first internship, and the second internship led me to my current career. So, be active and pursue opportunities. Nothing can beat hands-on experiences, especially if you meet wonderful people and land a great job in the process.”
Carly’s advice for students is to get involved on campus. “The professors, alumni and students you will meet will make a huge impact on your experience at OSU,” she said. “I know my professors, Dr. DeVuyst and Dr. Ferrell, as well as many others, impacted me more than they will ever know, both in and out of the classroom.” She also recommends students get an internship over the summer if scheduling permits.
“College is a great time to explore your career options and to find your passions,” she said. “For me personally, I had two very different internships that were valuable life and learning experiences. I found a life-long best
The Schnaithman family in their school colors. (L-R) Tyler, younger brother; Carly; Lee, Father; Becky, Mother; and Travis, older brother.
Scholarship Fund Donations T
he department continues to grow our commitment to student success through numerous funds established to support educational programs and scholarship efforts. We are grateful to all of our donors, alumni and friends who provide assistance to our department. We appreciate those who not only donate monetarily, but those who give their time for interviews, internships, class projects and mentoring in many ways. “Scholarships really make a difference in attracting and retaining the best and the brightest students,” Mike Woods, agricultural economics department head said. “We work very hard to be good stewards of any contribution made to the department. Our supporters have a positive effect on the lives of our students and the people of Oklahoma. Their support really makes a significant difference and all gifts count. We appreciate all of their efforts.”
If you would like to make a donation to our departmental scholarship fund, please visit the agricultural economics website, www.agecon.okstate.edu, and click on “Opportunities to Give” in the left column. Click on “Scholarship History Booklet” to see information about our scholarship opportunities and read about other donors’ motivations. Then, click on “Give Now” to link to the OSU Foundation website for instructions on how to support the agricultural economics department. And remember, all contributions are tax deductible.
Cowboy Economist • 13
The
Student
14 • Students
n o i t c e S
7 / Top 40 Freshmen S
tudents in the agricultural economics department scored seven of the 40 slots for the Top 20 Freshmen Men and Top 20 Freshmen Women.
Students are selected based on scholarship, community service, campus involvement and outstanding leadership during their freshman year. Students must first submit an application and then the selection process is completed with interviews by the OSU Achafoa Chapter of Mortar Board.
The selected students were formally recognized during a ceremony on Oct. 4, in the Browsing Room of Edmon Low Library, and again later in the day during halftime of the OSU vs. Iowa State football game.
The students from the agricultural economics department are listed below with their enrolled major and hometown. •• •• •• •• •• ••
Luke Chapman, Agribusiness, Madill, OK Ethan Gingrich, Agribusiness, Bethel Acres, OK Bray Haven, Agribusiness, Cheyenne, OK Katie Lippoldt, Agribusiness, Kingfisher, OK Garrett Reed, Agribusiness, Locust Grove, OK Tyler Schnaithman, Agricultural Economics, Garber, OK •• Carson Vinyard, Agribusiness, Altus, OK
Pictured Above: Six of the Department of Agricultural Economics students recognized as Top 40 Freshman. (L-R) Ethan Gingrich, Carson Vinyard, Bray Haven, Tyler Schnaithman, Garrett Reed and Katie Lippoldt. Photo courtesy of Oklahoma State University. Cowboy Economist • 15
A G G I E X U P D A T E
16 • Students
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–Matt Fletcher
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Aggie-X Clu
Aggie-X Club Officers. (L-R) First row: Naomi Lemon, Administrative Vice-President; Jordan Langan, Assistant Administrative Vice-President; Bailey Gollihare, Secretary/Reporter. Second row: Logan Smith, Treasurer; Matt Fletcher, President; and Daniel Herndon, Education Vice-President.
The Aggie-X Club participated in the window painting contest for Homecoming 2014, the theme was ‘The Experience.” Their window was located along Farm Road in the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center.
Aggie-X Club officers, Matt Fletcher and Bailey Gollihare, at the CASNR Roundup event networking with a freshman about the club and why he should join.
Above: The Aggie-X Club hosted their sixth annual tailgate Oct. 4 for the OSU vs. Iowa State football game. Below: Students attending the Aggie-X Club cookout and Back-2School Bash at Boomer Lake gather for a photo, pistols firing!
Cowboy Economist • 17
Graduate Student Corner New Graduate Students
Below is a list of new agricultural economics graduate students along with the degree they are pursuing and their home country or state. Summer 2014:
•• Brannon Daniels, M.Ag., Arkansas •• Dylan Johnston, M.S., Oklahoma
Fall 2014: •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••
Emily Abbondanza, M.S., Pennsylvania Amy Boline, M.S., Kansas Jason Bradley, M.S., Oklahoma Wonkyu Cha, Ph.D., South Korea Mason Halcomb, M.S., Oklahoma Harshanee Jayasekera, M.S., Sri Lanka Hyun Ji Lee, M.S., South Korea Kangil Lee, Ph.D., South Korea Joshua Maples, Ph.D., Arkansas James Mitchell, M.S., Oklahoma Clinton Neill, Ph.D., Texas Andrew Paul, M.S., Oklahoma Benjamin Tong, M.S., Arkansas Ruoye Yang, Ph.D., China
Graduate Student Reception To welcome new graduate students to OSU, the department hosted the annual welcome reception. Drs. Chung and Woods spoke to the group. Those in attendance were new graduate students, current graduate students, faculty and staff. Cookies and punch were served while attendees spent time meeting, welcoming and visiting with new students and faculty.
International Dinner On Sunday, Oct. 12, the agricultural economics Graduate Student Association hosted their 28th Annual International Dinner at the Wes Watkins Center. The GSA is proud to represent students from 15 countries and nine states. The potluck dinner is designed to help students learn about different parts of the world while introducing them to some new types of cuisine. Students and faculty brought traditional dishes from their home state or country. Throughout dinner, a slideshow displayed interesting pictures and facts about each state and country represented. After dinner, GSA’s social chair, Aaron Ates, led guests in a game of Jeopardy, which included questions and answers from the previously mentioned slideshow. The evening was full of good food and fellowship and was made possible with help from the department and Dr. David Henneberry from the School of International Studies. 18 • Students
Scholarship and Fellowship Recipients
Spielman Scholarship (Jan and Hank Spielman) Awarded annually to the top two scholars in the M.S. program and the top two scholars in the Ph.D. program •• •• •• ••
Nathan Thompson Amanda Weaver Kelsey Conley Karthik Ramaswamy
Ph.D. Ph.D. M.S. M.S.
•• Ahmad Ghaith •• JeongSeung Kim •• Karthik Ramaswamy
Ph.D. Ph.D. M.S.
Dr. Chung presenting The Leonard F. Miller Distinguished Graduate Fellowship in International Rural Development to Ahmad Ghaith.
Dr. Chung presenting the Spielman Scholarship to Kelsey Conley.
Leo and Betty Blakley Graduate Fellowship Awarded annually to students with at least one semester of course work completed and who are currently studying or plan a career in dairy marketing or agricultural price analysis •• •• •• ••
Jasdeep Banga Ahmad Ghaith Jung Min Lee Aaron Ates
Ph.D. Ph.D. Ph.D. M.S.
Endowed International Agricultural Economics Fellowship Fund Awarded annually to student(s) who have demonstrated high academic and leadership abilities and who graduated from a high school in a country outside of the United States •• Seon-Woong Kim Ph.D. •• Candi Ge Ph.D.
Mapp Fellowship Fund
Awarded annually to student(s) with an interest in production economics, natural resource economics or agricultural finance. •• •• •• ••
Nurul Nadia Ramli Nathan Thompson Curtis Dick Leon Hounnou
Ph.D. Ph.D. M.S. M.S.
Dr. Chung presenting the Leo and Betty Blakley Graduate Fellowship to Aaron Ates.
The Leonard F. Miller Distinguished Graduate Fellowship in International Rural Development Awarded annually to students with a strong interest in rural development
Dr. Chung presenting the Endowed International Agricultural Economics Fellowship Fund to Seon-Woong Kim (left) and the Mapp Fellowship Fund to Nathan Thompson (right). Cowboy Economist • 19
&
Graduate Hooding Summer/Spring Graduates
(L-R) Justin Anderson, Cortney Cowley, Robert Parrish, Katie Smithson, Randi Williams, Vasco Langa and Zhiming Qiu.
Justin Anderson
Yu Wang
M.S., Dr. Tilley, University Research Productivity: Determinants of University Technology Transfer Production
M.S., Dr. Vitale, Determinants of Hybrid Maize Adoption in Kenya
Arjun Basnet
Ph.D., Dr. Kenkel, Three Essays: Switchgrass Yield Predition; Biomass Harvesting Cooperative; and Oklahoma Grain Infrastructure Replacement
Vasco Langa
M.S., Dr. Vitale, Economic Benefits of Different Institutional Structures on the Cotton Sector in West and Central Africa: Evidence From Burkina Faso
Brandon McFadden
Ph.D., Dr. Lusk, Three Essays Examing the Effects of Information on Consumer Response to Contemporary Agricultural Production
Katie Smithson
M.S., Dr. Lusk, Effect of Information Displays on CageFree and Organic Egg Sales: Evidence from Two Field Experiments
Randi Williams
M.S., Dr. Whitacre, Electronic Medical Record Adoption in Oklahoma: Rural-Urban Differences and the Role of Broadband Availability
20 • Students
Zhepeng Hu
M.S., Dr. Brorsen, Spatial Price Efficiency in the Urea Market
Zhiming Qiu
M.S., Dr. Chung, Effects of Food Programs On Children’s Food Insecurity: A Simultaneous Equation Model
Candi Ge
M.S., Dr. Adam, The Value of Genetic Information in a Whole-Chain Traceability System for Beef
Suling Duan
M.S., Dr. Adam, Insect Control Without Failure, is it Possible? Finding Insect-control Strategies that are Robust to Varying Weather Conditions and Insect Immigration Rates
Temesgen Helsabo
M.S., Dr. Stoecker, A Critical Analysis Of Crop Production, Yield Response To Fertilizer and Rainfall, Yield Variability Factors and Their Influence on Food Security Efforts of Ethiopia
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Theses/Dissertations Fall Graduates
Lori Allmon
Jana Walker
M.S., Dr. Tilley, Will Cattle Producers be Willing to Adopt Electronic Cattle Monitoring Systems?
M.S., Dr. Kenkel, Valuing The Cooperative Firm Based On Discounted Cash Flows
M.S., Dr. Campiche, Which Agricultural Sectors Benefit From the Low-Carbohydrate Diet Movement: A Survey of Consumer Perceptions of Healthy Food Substitutes on a Low-Carbohydrate Diet.
Ph.D., Dr. Lusk, Restrictions in the SNAP Program and Consumption Outcomes
Brianna Domnick
Mana-anya Iemsam-Arng
M.S., Dr. Henneberry, U.S. Import Demand for Rice Utilizing Rotterdam and AIDS Models
Amanda Weaver
Tayler Witte
M.S., Dr. DeVuyst, Determining the Impact of a New Farm Credit Branch in East Central Oklahoma
Peaseth Trak
M.S., Dr. Chung, Technical and Cost Efficiency of Rice Farms in Korea
(L-R) Amanda Weaver, Brianna Domnick, Lori Allmon, Jana Walker and Tayler Witte. Cowboy Economist • 21
Welcome China Ag University Students Students from the China Agricultural University in Beijing, China, will be joining us for the spring semester to major in agricultural economics. Hannah McReynolds, an OSU agricultural economics undergraduate major, attended CAU this past fall semester. Her classmates were members of the collaborative group coming to study in Stillwater.
President and Mrs. Hargis, OSU Regents, McReynolds and her classmates in China.
McReynolds said the classes were smaller than OSU with about 20 students but they were instructed similar to OSU. She served as a teaching assistant and she said the teachers were great. Look for a complete story in the spring issue!
Other Departmental Media Newsletters & Emails Building Up Business | Newsletter | www.oces.okstate.edu/payne/rural-development/newsletters Community First | Biannual newsletter | www.oces.okstate.edu/payne/rural-development/newsletters Cow Calf Corner Newsletter | Weekly newsletter | www.agecon.okstate.edu/livestock/cowcorner.asp Food Demand Survey (FooDS) | Monthly report | www.agecon.okstate.edu/agecon_research.asp
Social Media Food Demand Survey | twitter.com/OKState_FooDS Oklahoma Women in Agriculture and Small Business | www.facebook.com/OKWomenInAg OSU Farm Management | www.facebook.com/OSUFarmManagement Sustainable Living through Effective Solid Waste Management | www.facebook.com/OkstateSolidWasteManagement 22 • Students
l a t n e m t r a p e D
events
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Conference Summary T
he Oklahoma Women in Ag and Small Business Statewide Conference was held on Aug. 7 to 8 at the Moore Norman Technology Center in Oklahoma City. The conference occurs annually and is developed to benefit women of Oklahoma, said Damona Doye, Department of Agricultural Economics Regents Professor and Rainbolt Chair in Agricultural Finance. It is designed to provide opportunities for learning and networking for women associated with agriculture or a small business, or both, she said. “It offers a variety of workshops and keynote speakers,” said Jessica Tevebaugh Dunlap, threetime conference attendee and Cleveland County Cooperative Extension 4-H and Youth Development Educator. “However, the majority of the conference focused on women embracing themselves and being an entrepreneur in today’s society.
“One characteristic of this conference is the wonderful atmosphere you immediately feel as you enter,” she
24 • Events
said. “The air about the room is welcoming and full of passion because you realize you are all brought together by one common factor, agriculture.”
The two-day event is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and numerous other sponsors.
The keynote speaker for day one was Jane JenkinsHerlong, a professional speaker, author and humorist. Jenkins-Herlong started off the day with her speech titled ‘Don’t throw tomatoes at my field of dreams.’ It was an uplifting presentation encouraging women to follow their dreams.
Attendees were then released for breakout sessions. They had the freedom to attend a total of five sessions. Topics ranged from food safety to farm loans, and starting a business to social media.
At the end of the day, participants set out to ‘dine around OKC.’ Once signed up for their preferred dining
option, groups drove to the location to experience city favorites and to do more networking with the group.
On day two, keynote speaker Matt Rush kicked off the day with his speech titled, ‘Goal Setting and Achievement.’ He discussed why it is important for agricultural producers and small business owners to set goals. He included the difference between “dreams” and “goals” and how goals are achieved through hard work, accountability and commitment to the project. Two more series of breakout sessions occurred with topics including farming wildlife to wine making.
Rush then closed out the conference at lunch with a presentation on being ‘Viable, Valuable and Visible.’ Through humorous true-life stories, he discussed how to overcome the intimidating and scary obstacles often faced in agriculture and small businesses, so business owners could become and remain successful.
For those interested, a post conference farm transitions
workshop was held at the same location.
During breaks, attendees were encouraged to visit the mini-mall that included local Oklahoma vendors selling products such as fudge, jewelry and honey. “While attending the conference, be prepared to become motivated, learn and sample some of Oklahoma’s agricultural components,” Dunlap said. “Oklahoma Women in Ag and Small Business Conference is an opportunity you do not want to miss.” The 2015 conference will be held Aug. 6 to 7 at the Moore Norman Tech Center in Oklahoma City. The keynote speakers will be Carrie Mess, also known as Dairy Carrie, and Marjorie Alaniz of FarmHer project. For more information visit, www. okwomeninagandsmallbusiness.com and like the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/OKWomenInAg.
Cowboy Economist • 25
Rural Economic Ou
26 • Events
utlook Conference y r a m Sum T
he Rural Economic Outlook Conference was held on Oct. 31 in Stillwater, Oklahoma, at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center. The conference attracted approximately 200 attendees from across the state.
“This conference highlighted trends and expectations for the rural economy and agriculture,” said Damona Doye, Department of Agricultural Economics Regents Professor and Rainbolt Chair in Agricultural Finance. “The excellent lineup of speakers included Wells Fargo economist, Michael Swanson.” Swanson, Wells Fargo Bank Senior Vice President and N.A. Ag Economist, kicked off the conference with his discussion titled, ‘Global policies and local impacts: Why the grain and livestock markets are not about population and GDP.’ Swanson’s presentation included trade data, the growth of countries – specifically China – and global supply and demand.
When identifying the top 10 competitors, Swanson said there were none below the equator, such as Brazil, Africa, etc., but these countries will soon be the most important market competitors because they have the yield and growth to compete in the future. Sam Fuhlendorf, OSU Natural Resource Ecology and Management Regents Professor and Groendyke Chair for Wildlife Conservation, followed with a presentation on the importance of prescribed fire to control cedar trees, including alternatives to fire.
“It is easier to manage a problem before you know there is a problem,” Fuhlendorft said, while stressing the importance of maintaining land. He said if you skip controlling tree growth initially, it is hard to get back to a level of maintenance.
A farm bill update was next on the agenda. Jody Campiche, OSU Department of Agricultural Economics Assistant Professor, reviewed the changes made to the farm bill, the importance of the approaching deadlines and the opportunity to attend farm bill meetings in Oklahoma counties.
After lunch Matt Fletcher, Aggie-X President, gave an undergraduate update, topics included their annual cookout and tailgate.
Water is a major concern across the country and world. Garey Fox, Oklahoma Water Resources Center Interim Director and OSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Professor and Orville L. and Helen L. Buchanan Chair, further discussed the issue. Fox elaborated on the research being done on water; water plan recommendations; and the issues of drought, infrastructure, water quality and environmental effects. “OSU is investing funds in the right direction to solve water problems,” Fox said.
Next, Larry Sanders, Department of Agricultural Economics Professor, and David Shideler, Department of Agricultural Economics Associate Professor, examined the recovering economy. “The U.S. economy is expanding, proving resilience,” Sanders said.
Sanders said Oklahoma entered the recession later than the U.S., but employment recovered more quickly. Agriculture and mining were beneficial in this recession recovery, he said. The conference ended with an outlook panel. Doye evaluated farmland values; Kim Anderson, Department of Agricultural Economics Professor Emeritus, discussed the corn and wheat markets; and Derrell Peel, Department of Agricultural Economics Professor and Charles Breedlove Professorship in Agribusiness, reviewed the cattle market.
Peel said the reason we saw $3/lb. calves was because the total beef cow inventory by cycle was 4 million head below where it should be, the lowest since 1962. Those not able to attend the conference could have followed the live tweeting done by the agricultural economics department and various attendees, using #REOC14. Search this hashtag on Twitter to view more photos from the event. Also, presentations from the conference are available at www.agecon.okstate.edu/ extension/ruralconference.asp.
Cowboy Economist • 27
T
Farm Meetings Bill
he 2014 farm bill was signed into law in February 2014, and includes significant changes to commodity and crop insurance programs administered by the Farm Service Agency and the Risk Management Agency. These changes will directly impact members of the Oklahoma agricultural community, including producers, landowners, bankers, agribusinesses and crop insurance agents. The bill repeals certain programs, continues some programs with modifications, authorizes several new programs and includes new decisions for producers and landowners. Most of these programs are authorized and funded through 2018. To assist individuals in understanding the changes in the new farm bill, agricultural economics assistant professor, Jody Campiche, and other members of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service have been hosting farm bill information meetings throughout the state. These meetings are free and open to the public. The fall 2014 meetings were held as a partnership between Oklahoma Cooperative Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They were primarily meetings to address the changes in the new farm bill, approximately 4,000 producers attended the meetings.
be able to enter their own farm data into this software tool to assist with the decision process. These meetings will be conducted primarily by Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Area Economists Trent Milacek (NW area), Scott Clawson (NE area), Jason Pace (SW area) and JJ Jones (SE area), and County Educators, with assistance from Campiche and Devuyst.
Want to learn more? The spring schedule of meeting dates and times will be available in January at: http:// agecon.okstate.edu/agpolicy/farmbill.asp. The decision tool can be downloaded at: http://okla.st/DecisionTool.
The next round of meetings will continue in the spring of 2015, with more hands-on assistance for the attendees to help them understand how the changes will impact their own operations. The meetings will feature a computer lab and a newly developed Microsoft Excel-based tool, jointly developed by OSU agricultural economics professors Eric DeVuyst and Campiche, and Art Barnaby, Mykel Taylor and Robin Reid at Kansas State University. The new farm bill includes several new options for producers and landowners, and they will 28 • Events
Above: Attendees at an information meeting in Osage County. (Large photo: Jay Goff, Osage County Farm Service Agency Director, speaks to group at an information meeting in Osage County.) Photos courtesy of Oklahoma State University.
Grandparent University Grandparents and their grandchildren played the FARRM Game again this year at OSU’s Grandparent
University, sponsored by the OSU Alumni Association. They participated in the Agribusiness Management “major” presented by agricultural economics professors Kim Anderson and Eric DeVuyst, and assistant extension specialist J.C. Hobbs. The Grandparent University major was offered for the seventh year. Four grandchildren and five grandparents used the computer game to virtually manage a 1, 280 acre wheat, sorghum, cotton, and stocker farm and ranch. They used historical prices and yields for Oklahoma crops and wheat stockers. They made decisions about planting crops, buying livestock and insurance hoping to make a big profit.
Anderson said, “agribusiness management actually helps grandparents strengthen their relationship with their grandchildren because they work as a team. The grandchildren not only learn from the instructors, but also from the supervision of their grandparents and their experiences of farming and ranching. Together they learn the value of money and financial management plus how to evaluate risky investments. One of the important aspects of this major is the realization, decisions have consequences.”
Grandparent University provides an opportunity for young people to experience, along with their grandparents, life on a college campus from staying in dorm rooms to attending classes in their “majors.” Participants of the 2014 Grandparent University. Photo courtesy of Oklahoma State University Alumni Association.
Cowboy Economist • 29
Thank you
for your support of the Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Economics and for taking the time to read about the life of the department. We are always interested and excited to receive your feedback about the department and the newsletter. In addition, we enjoy hearing any news about you. Please email us at ageconnews@okstate.edu, and we welcome you to follow or like all of our departmental social media outlets.
Notes
Cowboy Economist • 31
Department of Agricultural Economics Oklahoma State University 308 Agricultural Hall • Stillwater, OK 74078 Phone: 405-744-6161 • Fax: 405-744-8210 ageconnews@okstate.edu
Published by the Oklahoma State University, Department of Agricultural Economics Writer/Editor/Designer: Katie Powers, Communications Specialist Writer/Editor: Judy Rudin, Communications Specialist Emeritus