Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Allen M. Featherstone / Land is a fundamental input in agricultural production and the factors affecting land prices are an important topic in agricultural economics research. The farmland market has several unique characteristics. Land price volatility can be a source of problems for farmers and investors, especially in periods of falling prices in locations far from markets where the impact of land price reductions is higher than in other locations. This study analyzes land price volatility in different geographical regions of Brazil. The hypothesis is that variation in land price increases with the distance to the market, indicating that land price changes will be more pronounced in areas far from markets and the effects of price cycles in land markets will increase as distance from the market increases. The results obtained in this research support the hypothesis that areas far from end markets are exposed to greater changes in land prices and those same areas are more susceptible to price cycles. The effect on price volatility was also stronger in periods of land price declines. These regions have greater incentives for expansion and investment in periods of land price increase and greater risks of disinvestment and failure in periods of land price contraction. It is difficult to predict when a cycle of expansion or crisis will start or finish, but the present study helps to understand the effects of increases or decreases in land prices when such an event occurs.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Arlo Biere / The investors I am representing would like to know if they can be successful in the seed industry. They have certain skills and abilities along with industry experience that provides them with certain advantages that would allow them to succeed in the industry. The thesis or study will provide them with a detailed study of the possibilities and the challenges that are before them. To gain insight into positioning a firm in the industry, one must find a tool to help us to discover the answers to the question. I will use "Strategic Visioning in Cascade", this model outlines area of interest such as; a strategic overview, a value proposition, a market analysis, a functional analysis, financial projection and exit strategy in its total. The focus of the study will provide insight into the value proposition and market analysis. The value proposition will follow Michael Porter's Competitive Strategy analogy of cost leadership, differentiation and focus strategies. The market analysis will follow Thompson and Strickland's seven questions that lead to understanding of the selected industry.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Vincent R. Amanor-Boadu / For more than a decade, the consumption of peanuts as food has been stagnant. This situation has been attributed to several factors. This study seeks to identify and understand some of the factors that have hindered growth in this industry and attempts to present recommendations that will be useful in transforming the peanut industry from stability to growth. We determined that in addition to peanut prices, consumers' income and young children's share of the total population, substitute snack foods such as potatoes chips and popcorn influenced peanut consumption. We also discovered that consumer perception about peanut's fat content and the increasing concern about peanut allergies affected their consumption behavior. The research used data drawn from US Census Bureau, Department of Labor Statistics, National Agricultural Statistics Services, and various industry publications. We suggest that changing the consumption trend lines in the peanut industry can be achieved through effective innovation and focused marketing of the product's health and convenience benefits.