Market Coordination in the Beef Stocker Sector: Short and Long Run Implications of Higher Corn Prices

Beef industry sectors are coordinated by a relatively subtle combination of absolute price levels and price relationships across feeder cattle weights. This paper presents a conceptual framework to understand market based coordination of production in the beef industry. The paper illustrates with examples from history and discusses the implications of permanently higher corn prices.Cattle Markets, Stocker Cattle, Market Coordination, Marketing,

THE MEXICAN CATTLE AND BEEF INDUSTRY: DEMAND, PRODUCTION, AND TRADE

Livestock Production/Industries,

Implementation of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) in the Beef Industry

Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, International Relations/Trade, Q13, Q18,

Transformation of Uranium in a Geological Environment

Incorporation of uranium into iron oxide minerals is a promising mechanism for the environmental immobilization of U(VI). In this study, synthesized hematite was doped with uranium and analyzed with SEM-EDS, TEM, XRD, and ICP-MS. The results of this analysis strongly indicate uranium incorporation into the mineral, as well as the possible presence of a co-precipitated uranium mineral clarkeite. Preliminary results also shows an increase in the amount of uranium associated with the hematite particles as a function of mineral aging. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) was used to induce and characterize electrochemical changes of uranium in the doped hematite system; these changes may possibly affect the stability of the bulk hematite, as well as the solubility of incorporated uranium should the hematite dissolve. The latter scenario is of particular interest, given the possibility of corrosive pH and temperature conditions in a geological waste repository. For this reason, uranium redox reactions were investigated at varying physical conditions. CV experiments demonstrated that a rapid and reversible U(V)-U(VI) redox couple will form in the presence of an applied cyclical voltage. The redox reactions between U(IV) and U(VI) are also possible, but are kinetically slower. All uranium redox reactions were most strongly observed in a narrow pH range centered around pH 3.5. The rate of each redox reaction increased with increasing temperature, while the electrochemical potential decreased with increasing temperature. These results are the groundwork upon which to conduct additional testing to further assess the viability of uranium incorporation as a strategy for uranium waste sequestration

Determining the Feasibility of Yellow Corn Production in Mexico

Mexico produces large quantities of white corn for human consumption. Yellow corn production, mostly used for feed, has increased lately. Driving factors include higher domestic demand (growing livestock industry) and greater international demand (ethanol industry). This study uses enterprise budgeting to determine the feasibility of producing yellow corn in Mexico.Yellow corn, White corn, Mexico, Production Economics,

Determining the Variation in Certified Preconditioning Premiums for Heifers and Steer

This study applies separate hedonic models to Oklahoma Quality Beef Network data to determine differences in the value of preconditioning premiums for steers versus heifers. Results indicate that preconditioning values are generally lower for heifers but exceed steer premiums at higher weights. Separate treatment of steers and heifers is validated.Preconditioning, Steers, Heifers, Marketing,

Economic Impacts of Restricted Animal Movements in Mexico Due to Increased Mexican Regional Bovine Health Criteria

Tuberculosis restrictions on animal movement have important implications for Mexican producers and consumers as well as the U.S. beef cattle industry. The restrictions cause decreased Mexican cattle exports, increased domestic fed beef production, and decreased fed beef imports. The Mexican beef industry incurs greater costs due to increased interregional cattle and meat shipments and changes in regional beef cattle production in Mexico.Livestock Production/Industries,

The adult student decline: a study of the longterm impact of the Rowan University strategic plan

Adult students are considerably different as compared to the more traditional college-aged student. Along with school work adult students must grapple with work and family responsibilities presenting many challenges and time demands. Rowan University has evolved from more of a commuter institution to a traditional school with increased numbers of full-time enrollments and fewer part-time students. With this change, the needs of today\u27s adult students may not be met and could potentially create an enrollment and student services problem for Rowan University. The purpose of this study was to investigate the adult student population of Rowan University to see if there was a decline in enrollment and to look at their satisfaction with university services. An ex post facto study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the enrollment trends at Rowan University from 1997 through 2007. The data were analyzed and it was determined that the population of adult students and part time students has seen a dramatic decline over the 10 years studied. The undergraduate adult student population at Rowan was surveyed in late February 2008 and it was concluded that while the adult students are mostly satisfied with the services provided, there are areas needing improvement. The demographic factors compared to adult students\u27 levels of satisfaction showed only a few instances of statistical significance. While the data supports the decline in adult students it appears the university is taking action to increase and better serve the adult population

The Mexican Animal Identification System: Current Situation, Problems, and Potential

Mexico initiated a federal animal identification (ID) system (SINIIGA) in 2003. The program is administered by an agency of the federal Department of Agriculture (SAGARPA) and has been used primarily to support a federal subsidy program for livestock producers. The program is conceptually well designed, but implementation thus far falls short of the potential and needs, most importantly in animal disease management. Although substantial numbers of animals have been tagged, relatively little progress has been made in developing a usable animal ID information system. Animal health officials currently are not actively involved in the development and use of the system.Mexican animal ID system, livestock, Mexico, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, International Development, Livestock Production/Industries, Political Economy, Q13, Q18,