This paper estimates and compares generalized Box-Cox and composite cost functions to identify scale and scope economies. The robustness of the outcomes to different functional specifications was examined. Increasing returns to scale was common for product-specific and the overall measures....

To assess the impact of BSE in Japan, a Japanese meat demand system is estimated as a gradual switching Rotterdam model. The results, based on data from April 1994 to May 2002, suggest the structural transition took five months from its discovery. The scare affected both domestic and imported beef.

The 2000 Illinois Vineyard Survey showed 400+ acres of grapes compared to 181 two years earlier. There are 28 wineries with eight more scheduled to open - up from four in the 1980s. State government has allocated $500,000 annually to an Illinois Grape and Wine Resource Council in part to boost...

The U.S. shrimp farming industry has been expanding in the southern U.S. in response to strong market demand for shrimp. U.S. farmers have difficulty competing with imports in frozen shrimp commodity markets. This study identified the shrimp purchasing behavior and preferences of seafood...

Replaced with revised version of paper 02/19/03.

Results from a Tobit model showed a complementary relationship between marketing inputs and the decision to hire farm managers. According to the results, as farmers increase expenditure on marketing consultants and information systems, their expenditure on farm managers increase as well.

The marketing of credence goods has the potential to increase revenue of agricultural producers. However, process attributes must be related to consumers effectively. This paper examines labeling issues of credence goods. Literature related to credence goods and process attributes is reviewed...

To meet environmental target, policies that coordinate nonpoint pollution control efforts within a watershed may result in higher total profits than policies that do not. That is, the greatest profits and most runoff reduction would be achieved with optimal combinations of BMPs. However, the...

This project will explore information technology adoption issues. The unique characteristics of information technology will be discussed. Advantages and disadvantages to adoption will also be identified. Finally, a statistical model of Internet adoption will be developed to estimate the impacts...

The objective of this paper is to assess the impact of NAFTA vis-a-vis other domestic and environmental forces in corn trading between U.S. and Mexico, and between U.S. and Canada. Pre- and Post-NAFTA comarison indicates that there has been a significant increase in corn trade in the post-NAFTA...