Master of Science / Agricultural Economics / John A. Fox / Hard Red Winter Wheat is an extremely important part of the Kansas agricultural industry. In Kansas, this type of wheat is planted in the fall and harvested in mid-June. After harvest, producers have the option to either store or sell their wheat. If they decide to store, the wheat can be stored on-farm or in a commercial facility. Another storage decision is whether to store the wheat hedged or unhedged (speculative) storage. Hedging is a technique to limit the price risk associated with selling or buying commodities. This study compared hedged and speculative decisions for both on-farm and commercial storage scenarios for 108 locations geographically dispersed across Kansas. Wednesday prices were gathered for each location during the 10-year time period from 2004 to 2013. All monthly storage period possibilities from July to May were examined to determine the storage returns potential. All results are displayed as the profit or loss achieved compared to selling in June at harvest. Averages for Kansas were negative or slightly positive for all storage scenarios, but hedged returns showed much less variability in results compared to speculative returns. Regional differences showed that North Central Kansas displayed the highest level of basis improvement over the 10-year period followed by South Central Kansas. A regression analysis using nearby basis in June, harvest price, and futures contract spreads as independent variables and storage returns as a dependent variable showed emphasis on the futures spread having the biggest influence on storage profits.

Master of Science / Agronomy / Mithila Jugulam / Common waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis) is a problematic weed species of cropping systems throughout the Midwestern states, including Kansas. Recently, waterhemp populations from Kansas were found to have evolved resistance to the widely used herbicide glyphosate as a result of amplification of the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), the enzyme target of glyphosate. The objectives of this research were to 1) perform glyphosate dose-response study and determine the relationship between relative EPSPS genomic copies and EPSPS gene expression in glyphosate-resistant waterhemp, and 2) characterize the genomic configuration and distribution of EPSPS copies using florescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in three glyphosate-resistant waterhemp populations. Waterhemp populations from eastern Kansas were screened with 868 g ae haˉ¹ (field used rate) of glyphosate, and genomic DNA and total RNA was isolated from the survivors to determine the EPSPS genomic copies and EPSPS gene expression relative to the acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene using qPCR. Furthermore, waterhemp specific EPSPS probes were synthesized to perform florescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on these glyphosate-resistant plants. Results of these experiments indicate a positive correlation between level of glyphosate resistance, EPSPS copies, and their expression. As expected, a negative correlation was found between shikimate accumulation and EPSPS copies. Sequencing of the EPSPS gene showed no presence of the proline 106 mutation, which is known to be associated with glyphosate resistance suggesting that an insensitive EPSPS enzyme was not involved in the mechanism of glyphosate resistance. FISH analysis of resistant plants illustrated presence of amplified EPSPS copies on two homologous chromosomes, likely near the centromeric region. . This is the first report demonstrating a positive relationship between EPSPS copies and expressions, as well as chromosome configuration of EPSPS copies in glyphosate- resistant waterhemp from Kansas.

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Jeffrey S. Stevenson / Lactating dairy cows from 2 Kansas farms were used to determine the effectiveness of exogenous progesterone in the form of an intravaginal insert (controlled internal drug release; CIDR) in conjunction with an ovulation-synchronization protocol. Cows were enrolled in a Presynch + Ovsynch protocol after parturition, where they received 2 injections of PGF[subscript]2[alpha], 14 d apart (Presynch) beginning between 30 and 36 DIM. Cows (n = 155) detected in estrus after the second PGF[subscript]2[alpha] injection of Presynch were inseminated (early AI). Remaining cows were assigned randomly to be treated with the Cosynch-72 protocol (GnRH 12 d after last Presynch PGF[subscript]2[alpha] injection, PGF[subscript]2[alpha] 7 d after GnRH, and timed AI + GnRH injection 72 h later) and served as controls (n = 159), or to be treated with the Cosynch-72 protocol and receive a progesterone insert (Ovsynch + CIDR; n = 175) for 7 d between GnRH and PGF[subscript]2[alpha]. Blood was collected at d −22 and −10 (relative to TAI at d 0) to determine cycling status based on progesterone concentrations and again at d 11 post AI to determine luteal competency. Treated cows were assigned body condition scores (BCS) on d −22 and −10. Pregnancy status was confirmed by palpation of the uterus per rectum and its contents on d 38 post-timed AI and verified again 4 wk later. Treatment with the progesterone insert increased timed AI pregnancies per AI in Cosynch- 72 + CIDR-treated cows when compared with controls (38 vs. 24%), but did not differ from early AI cows (38%). Pregnancy loss was numerically less in progesterone-treated cows than in controls (4.4 vs. 11.8%). Our study shows that increased pregnancies per AI can be achieved by the use of a progesterone insert in a reduced population of cows not yet inseminated, but treated with a progesterone insert.

Master of Science / Department of Agricultural Economics / Ted C. Schroeder / Hedonic pricing models have long been used to evaluate prices in high-end segments of the equine industry. However, the lower end markets, including most of the recreational and pleasure horses, have yet to be studied in the economic literature. This study evaluates characteristics affecting the price of recreational horses advertised online, and provides a framework for future market studies on various segments of the equine industry. Data were collected in both the spring and fall of 2008, in addition to a survey being conducted in the fall to collect more accurate pricing information. Three different functional forms were used and their outcomes discussed to determine which one best fit the data. Results show that the semi-log functional form appeared to best fit the data. Characteristics that consistently showed statistical significance included the horse being advertised using a photo ad, the age of the horse, and whether or not the horse was registered. Gender variables and the state which the horse was sold from showed statistical significance in most of the models; although the variables denoting breed were statistically significant as a group, no model consistently found statistical significance in any of the variables individually. Color characteristics did not demonstrate statistical significance consistently in any model. Finally, suggestions for future research are discussed. Data issues could be avoided with larger or more specific data sets; various data sources could be examined or created such as live equine auctions; regions could be examined by show or rodeo circuit instead of by state. There are political issues in the industry that need to be addressed, but a lack of available data needs to be examined and corrected before many issues can be thoroughly examined. The equine industry is often overlooked in economic literature and is a multi-billion dollar agricultural industry which deals with legislative and taxation issues just like the rest of the agricultural world and is deserving of attention.

Master of Science / Department of Agricultural Economics / Ted C. Schroeder / Very rapid growth in the ethanol industry has led to a void of information regarding price dynamics and utilization of distiller's grains. Understanding market conditions is essential for livestock producers to make informed decisions in the procurement of feedstuffs, especially as grain price levels have recently increased substantially. In this study, distiller's grain price discovery dynamics are evaluated to develop an understanding of spatial price relationships. The knowledge of price relationships reveals that users of distiller's grain should shop around when procuring the feedstuff. Additionally, because animal performance may be altered with increased inclusion of distiller's grains, regional competitive advantages could shift fed cattle production to geographic regions characterized by high of ethanol production plants. Therefore, the cost of current grain processing methods are evaluated to enhance the awareness of regional competitiveness and long term sustainability. The combination of these two objectives allows producers to better realize the implications of the ethanol industry on their ability to maintain their operations into the near future.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Michael D. Tokach / Four experiments were conducted to determine the interactive effects of dietary L-carnitine and ractopamine HCl (ractopamine) on finishing pig growth performance. In analysis of treatments common to all experiments, ractopamine increased (P < 0.01) ADG and G:F compared to pigs not fed ractopamine. Added L-carnitine tended to increase (P < 0.07) ADG and improved (P < 0.01) G:F compared to pigs not fed L-carnitine. Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of L-carnitine and ractopamine on carcass characteristics and meat quality. In Exp. 1, drip loss decreased (linear, P < 0.04) in pigs fed increasing L-carnitine. In Exp. 2, drip loss decreased (P < 0.04) with increasing L-carnitine when fed with ractopamine. Percentage lean was higher (P < 0.01) for pigs fed ractopamine. In Exp. 3, lean percentage increased (P < 0.03) in pigs fed L-carnitine or ractopamine. Pigs fed L-carnitine tended (P < 0.06) to have decreased drip loss. These results suggest that ractopamine increases carcass leanness and L-carnitine reduces drip loss when fed in combination with ractopamine. Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of L-carnitine and ractopamine on the metabolic response to handling. Non-gentle handling increased (P < 0.01) lactate and rectal temperature, and decreased pH. In Exp. 1, non-gentle handled pigs fed ractopamine had decreased (P < 0.01) pH and increased temperature and tended (P < 0.09) to have higher lactate than other pigs. In Exp. 2, lactate and temperature changes from immediately post-handling to 1 h post-handling were not different for pigs fed L-carnitine or ractopamine suggesting that L-carnitine did not decrease recovery time of pigs subjected to non-gentle handling or fed ractopamine. These results suggest that pigs fed ractopamine are more susceptible to stress when handled aggressively. Because carnitine did not alleviate the negative effects of handling for pigs fed ractopamine, the improvement in drip loss from feeding carnitine must be due to a different mode of action.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Vincent R. Amanor-Boadu / The purpose of the thesis is to assess the level of strategic planning that farm managers utilize within their business and determine if it is a factor of performance. Through the use of an interview questionnaire, combined with current financial data, the study was conducted on an established client base from a banking institution. All of the participants are actively involved in primary production agriculture in Ontario, Canada. Significant variation identified through the development of a planning index, confirmed that manager’s use planning in their farm businesses. The primary goal of determining the relationship between planning and farm profits, measured through Net Income, is positive. Further to this, farmers seek profit maximization and efficiency through planning. Factors affecting planning most notably include the manager’s age—indicating the role of experience in influencing planning—and the number of people involved in the operation. The results of this research provide input into increasing bankers’ understanding of how farmers plan and how to help them make stronger connections between their production planning effort and their financial planning efforts.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Jeffery R. Williams / The objective of this thesis is to conduct a net present value analysis of installing a solar power generation system on company owned turkey grow out ranches. This research project provides information regarding the systems power production capacity, investment cost, maintenance requirements, amount of energy saved, useful life of the equipment, marginal state and federal tax brackets for the company. The investment cost of the system includes the price of the equipment and installation service. Many of the system costs may be offset by rebates, tax credits and grants from various government agencies. These must also be included in the financial analysis as they can greatly affect the financial viability of the project. The system is projected to have a useful life of 30 years with an inverter replacement planned for year 15. Four scenarios were evaluated using two levels of rebates and two electrical rate inflation levels. The evaluations conducted showed positive after tax NPV evaluations on three of four scenarios reviewed with the most financially attractive options available when the rebates, tax credits and grants were maximized. This was the case at both electrical rate inflation scenarios. These same scenarios produced favorable results when looking at reduction of live production ranch costs. The system effectively locked in electrical rates below current rates for the 30 year life of the system. This reduced ranch live production cost by as much as 11.73 percent. It also gives the company an advantage over the competition when used as a marketing tool due to the use of green technology in company production practices.

Master of Science / Department of Grain Science and Industry / X. Susan Sun / Soybean protein modified with sodium bisulfite behaves like latex adhesives, with adhesive strength comparable to formaldehyde-based adhesives. β-conglycinin and glycinin are two major protein components of the adhesive system. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of sodium bisulfite on the physicochemical, morphological, and adhesion properties of glycinin and β-conglycinin in order to better understand the function of glycinin and β-conglycinin in the formation of the soy latex adhesive. Sodium bisulfite broke the disulfide bonds that linked acidic and basic polypeptides of glycinin, and the reducing effect was enhanced with increasing sodium bisulfite concentration. Although cleavage of disulfide bonds was expected to destabilize proteins, the thermal stability of glycinin increased as the sodium bisulfite concentration increased. Sodium bisulfite modified glycinin had higher surface hydrophobicity, which facilitated hydrophobic interations between molecules and aggregation of glycinin. The balance between hydrophobic interactions and electrostatic forces makes glycinin form unique chain-like structures. Adhesive performance of glycinin dropped significantly at lower sodium bisulfite concentration and then increased as sodium bisulfite concentration increased up to 24 g/L. Excess sodium bisulfite was detrimental to adhesive strength and water resistance. High-molecular-weight aggregates were observed in unmodified β-conglycinin, but these aggregates were dissociated by sodium bisulfite treatment. Similar to glycinin, the thermal stability of β-conglycinin was improved by the modification. However, the denaturation enthalpy of β-conglycinin decreased significantly at high level of sodium bisulfite (36 g/L). The turbidity at pH 4.8 also dropped extensively at the concentration of 36 g/L. The contact angle of β-conglycinin reached its minimum at 6 g/L sodium bisulfite on cherry wood and 24 g/L on glass. Morphology study proved that sodium bisulfite modification made the β-conglycinin solution more dispersed. At pH 9.5, water resistance of β-conglycinin was improved to a small extent by 6 g/L sodium bisulfite. At pH 4.8, adhesive performance was enhanced by 3 g/L and 6 g/L sodium bisulfite. High level of sodium bisulfite at 36 g/L reduced the adhesive performance of β-conglycinin drastically.

Master of Science / Department of Agricultural Economics / Kevin C. Dhuyvetter / When purchasing feeder calves, bulls are typically discounted relative to steers. Most would agree that a discount is warranted but determining the appropriate discount to apply is considerably more difficult. Being able to calculate this discount under varying conditions would help stock operators maintain a certain level of profitability or recognize opportunities to make more profit when excessive discounts are being applied. The goals of this study were to determine how castration timing affects performance (as measured by average daily gain), morbidity, and carcass quality and how morbidity affects performance and carcass quality. Ordinary Least Squares regression and logit models were estimated to quantify the effects of various management and environmental factors on performance, morbidity, and carcass quality. These model estimates of production variables along with price and cost assumptions were used to calculate breakeven purchase prices and price discounts for bulls relative to steers, accounting for the possibility of contracting bovine respiratory disease, if owned for a short background period or if ownership is retained through slaughter. Model results confirm that late-castrated steers do indeed exhibit diminished performance and increased morbidity probabilities relative to early-castrated steers. Increased morbidity also decreases average daily gain. However, this study found that castration timing and morbidity during the backgrounding period have minimal effects on carcass quality, with morbidity only impacting hot carcass weight and castration timing significantly affecting days to market and only tending to impact hot carcass weight. Ultimately, based on 2009 market conditions, bulls should be discounted at feeder calf sales compared to steers. The average calf arrived at 459 pounds, and at this weight bulls should be discounted $4.69/cwt relative to the same weight steers. The discount increases to $5.37/cwt for 400 pound calves and drops to $4.20/cwt for 500 pound calves. If ownership is retained through slaughter, required discounts will change to $6.77/cwt, $4.91/cwt, and $7.55/cwt, respectively.