Over the past fifteen years, the agricultural biotechnology industry has exhibited cyclical behavior in concentration and consolidation. This paper provides a theoretical model of endogenous R&D, in which industry concentration exhibits cyclical behavior. The model also generates additional...

In 1998, Thorn Apple Valley ceased slaughter operations at its Detroit, Michigan plant, the state's only major hog packing facility. We examine the plant closing's local impact via an investigation of whether prices received by Michigan hog producers decreased relative to hog prices in the...

Today is a time of dynamic structural change in the agri-food system that brings new challenges to producers. This change is not unique to any particular production sector within the system, nor is it restricted to one level within the agri-food marketing chain. This testimony describes the...

This study seeks to understand whether beef operators who specialize in cow-calf production exhibit different motives for alliance participation and different levels of satisfaction with these vertical marketing arrangements than their counterparts in cow-calf production who also operate...

As the 1998 U.S. hog market collapse unfolded, Thorn Apple Valley ceased hog slaughter operations at its Detroit, Michigan plant. We examine the impacts on Michigan live hog prices relative to Eastern Corn Belt hog prices. Results indicate that Michigan producers' relative price advantage...