Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is produced primarily in the Northern Great Plains and the Pacific Southwest of the United States. Current germplasm is predominantly of the spring growth habit. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of winter durum production in Virginia based upon both yield and quality parameters. Adaptation and yield potential of available winter durum lines were assessed from 1993-1998, in three physiographic regions in Virginia. The highest average durum yields were produced in the northern piedmont plateau at the Orange County location. Winter durum yields generally averaged 1600-2800 kg/ha less than soft red winter wheat, traditionally grown in the state. The price premium for high quality durum can compensate for this difference in yield. Based on average durum yields, and assuming the grain meets U.S. No. 2 Hard Amber Durum standards, durum production in Virginia would have been more profitable than soft red winter wheat production in 1994 and 1997. Physical and chemical quality analyses of the top 19 performing durum lines were performed to determine grain marketability, suitability for pasta, and potential consumer acceptance of the end product. Protein content and gluten strength of the Virginia grown durum were acceptable. Color, firmness, and cooking loss of pasta produced from Virginia grown durum were comparable to pasta produced from commercial semolina. Requirements for U.S. No. 2 Amber Durum were met by 21% of the lines in both 1996 and 1997. Overall, the wet, humid Virginia climate was the greatest hindrance to durum production and quality. The field trials and quality analyses showed that high quality durum production in Virginia is possible, but not consistent over all years. / Master of Science

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Vincent R. Amanor-Boadu / The purpose of this thesis is to identify which alternative crops could be enhance the income of Quandahl Farms the most by moving the smallest acreage from the farm’s traditional corn and soybean enterprises into its production. The considered crops are grapes, raspberries, and black currants. The objectives of this study included assessing the technical feasibility of producing the selected crops in Northeast Iowa given the agronomic conditions in the region and the agronomic requirements of the crops. The other was the assessment of the economic feasibility of the selected crops and determining the minimum acres required for each to enhance the farm’s financial situation and still allow for corn and soybeans to be the main crops. The analyses were conducted using secondary data on the selected crops from published budgets and government and extension reports as well as the historical financials of Quandahl Farms. The analyses were conducted over a 10-year horizon to ensure a significant duration of cash flow and allow the establishment of the alternative crops. In that 10-year period, the net present value of Quandahl Farms income is $214 per acre per year. Additionally, the analyses were evaluated under four alternative scenarios of prices and yield for each of the crops in addition to the base scenario. The results shows that grapes and black currants were not economically feasible in Northeast Iowa even though they were agronomically feasible. On the contrary, raspberries were found to be both technically and economically feasible in Northeast Iowa. The net present value under that base scenario for raspberries was $23,267 at a discount rate of 4.5%. Based on the net present value of corn and soybean revenue of the same period, it is estimated that taking 22 acres from the current production and putting it into raspberries would increase average farm income by $60,000. The study shows there is an opportunity to allocate a relatively small proportion of current corn and soybean acreage to raspberries to significantly increase farm incomes. As a result, it is recommended to the principals of Quandahl Farms to consider making this small investment in raspberries to protect the farm from the frequent vicissitudes of farm incomes. The next step after their agreement is to develop the business plan to implement such an investment.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Vincent R. Amanor-Boadu / Nationwide, the craft brew industry has enjoyed massive growth. Hops are an important ingredient in craft brew beer and rapid growth of this industry has created many opportunities to grow hops. Currently, hops production is concentrated in the Pacific Northwest. That is beginning to change with new hops acres being planted every year across the country. The study looks at how economically feasible it is to plant hops in Nebraska. Is there enough local demand? Finally, given that Nebraska’s weather is dramatically different than the Pacific Northwest, can hops flourish there? The research begins by assessing all costs associated with a starting a three acre hops operation. Estimated yield and income is projected for ten years to establish cash flow. Instances of hail, wind and tornados for Clay County Nebraska for the years 2006-2016 were calculated to determine a probability of those weather events occurring. The probability was then used to determine the effect it could have on yield of hops per year. In addition to cost of production, the study also documented the growth of Nebraska’s craft brew industry to establish demand for locally grown hops. The researched concluded that if production stayed constant and our discount rate at 5%, assuming prices remain where they are or higher, then it is economically feasible to grow hops in Nebraska. Wind, hail and tornadoes do pose a threat in the Midwest but their effect on yield is not enough to deter someone from planting hops there. Access to reliable capital to begin and sustain a hops operation appears to have a greater impact. In addition, Nebraska’s craft brew industry continues to expand rapidly suggesting a strong market for locally grown hops. This information is important for anyone who is considering planting a commercial hops yard. Given how expensive the start-up costs are and how labor intensive the crop is, this research can provide guidance to those seeking to add hops production to their new or existing farming operation.