As broadband—or high-speed—Internet use has spread, Internet applications requiring high transmission speeds have become an integral part of the “Information Economy,” raising concerns about those who lack broadband access. This report analyzes (1) rural broadband use by consumers, the...

In this report, the role and importance of export-producing industries in Minnesota are discussed. Major emphasis is on agricultural-related industries and their economic importance to the State in value of gross output and contribution to gross state product.

This paper presents an overview of the U.S. ethanol industry, its location, and the public policy umbrella that supports its growth. Then the paper analyzes what happens when a county adds an ethanol plant, demonstrates what must be done to modify input-output models to capture those effects...

This report relies on fi ndings from several national surveys and current literature to assess water resource use and conservation measures within the U.S. irrigated crop sector. U.S. agriculture accounts for 80-90 percent of the Nation’s consumptive water use (water lost to the environment by...

Formation of the Producers Export Company (PEC) in 1958 was a first attempt by grain cooperatives to develop an export merchandising program. PEC's nationwide membership had different export needs and financial resources which imposed constraints on PEC's strategy and operations. A lack of...

Pulse production in the United States has become geographically specific and concentrated, and the marketing channels for pulses have changed dramatically over the past 30 years. The most marked change has be~n the growth of large proprietary marketing firms which are vertically integrated as...