Master of Science / Curriculum and Instruction Programs / Shannon Washburn / Each year higher education institutions seek to recruit and attract high school graduates to their institutions. Millions of high school seniors each year are in the midst of the college choice process, attempting to determine which institution is “right” for them. This study explored college choice factors important to high school seniors in the search phase of the college choice process. To carry out this study purposeful sampling was used to select 11 high school seniors participating in individually scheduled campus visits. An interview process was used to investigate what college choice factors were important to them when choosing a university/college. Student responses were ultimately categorized into six areas: interest in a specific major/program area, reputation, ideal distance from home, family interaction with institution, factors related to paying for college, and campus environment.

Master of Science / Communications and Agricultural Education / Shannon G. Washburn / This qualitative study investigated four rural Kansas high school agriculture teachers’ comprehension and implementation of self-regulation strategies in their own professional growth and in their instructional practice. Each participant was interviewed three times, using symbolic interactionism as the methodological framework and the Seidman technique of interviewing. The participants included two males and two females, each one having between five and 20 years of teaching experience. Three questions guided this study: (1) how do rural Kansas high school agriculture teachers make meaning of self-regulation and the processes needed to facilitate self-regulation, (2) in what ways do teachers self-regulate for their own professional growth purposes, and (3) what strategies do teachers use to foster self-regulation in their students? Findings suggest while participants described utilizing strategies that are associated with self-regulated learning, they have an incomplete understanding of self-regulated learning and they most closely associated it with effort and motivation. The perceived incomplete understanding may be attributable in part to a lack of formal training in metacognitive processes. Nevertheless, when participants perceived value in professional development, they described consciously using self-regulated learning strategies such as seeking assistance, self-evaluation, and self-monitoring, which all indicate participants utilize components of self-regulation to grow professionally. However, even though participants described utilizing all three phases of self-regulation processes to affect growth in their own careers, there was a disconnect when participants described how they try to facilitate these processes within their students. Participants often described attempting to foster growth in self-regulation among students by targeting motivation-oriented behaviors, instead of targeting the underlying cognitive ability to utilize self-regulation processes. Implications for practice are presented, including the possible need for further education concerning self-regulated learning in order to produce pedagogical content knowledge in self-regulation processes. Instruction connecting the three phases of the self-regulation model could assist agricultural educators with forming a more complete understanding of self-regulated learning. Recommendations for future research are discussed including investigating effective teaching strategies for delivering self-regulation instruction to teachers, as well as investigating the possible impact self-regulation instruction has on various attributes of teachers and students, such as self-efficacy and career orientation.

Master of Science / Department of Agricultural Economics / Michael A. Boland / The 2002 Farm Bill Rural Development Title created new programs to encourage the development of businesses designed to convert commodities to value-added products. This thesis identifies determinants of business development success for Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) recipients. Success is categorized in nine different stages of development:(1) creation of an idea, (2) formation of the idea into a written plan as a feasibility study, business plan, or marketing plan, (3) formation of an organizational structure for the idea, (4) the hiring of a manager or employees for the idea, (5) raise capital for the idea through equity drives, (7) creation of the idea into a product in a facility, (8) distribute and sell the product, (9) and whether the product was being sold in March of 2006. The data involves information on 621 grant recipients. Two econometric models are used to evaluate the data. The number of USDA Rural Business and Cooperative Employees, the value-added producer grant amount divided by the number of producers in the organization, the 2006 organizational sales divided by the number of producers in the respective organization, and the total production of the organization divided by the national production of the respective crop were significant variables. These four size variables had a negative impact on an organization being in steps one though eight, but a positive impact on being in step nine, which was the successful stage of business development. (such as dairy, flowers, fruit, nuts, specialty meats, wheat, and wine were positively associated with successful VAPG grant recipients. Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin had significantly greater odds of success in business development also.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Andrew P. Barkley / For more than 10 years Agriculture Future of America (AFA) has been helping college students from around the country prepare for careers in the food and agriculture industry. Over time the organization has received a lot of positive feedback from both participating students and employers. The feedback has led the organization to believe there is an “AFA Advantage,” where participants have an advantage over their peers when entering the workforce due to their AFA involvement. The purpose of the thesis was to determine if there is an “AFA Advantage,” by measuring former participants’ workplace skill sets, as determined by agribusiness employers in a previous study. To accomplish this purpose, two sub-objectives were evaluated, measuring the skill competencies of former AFA participants participating in a (1) self assessment and (2) comparison with peers, who were not involved in AFA. The analysis is based on survey results from former AFA participants. The conceptual model established examined if there was a relationship between AFA, college and the skills desired by agribusiness employers. The skills measured include interpersonal communication skills, critical thinking skills, knowledge of general business practices, quantitative analysis skills, cultural/gender awareness, and oral presentation skills. Through this research, it was determined that there is an “AFA Advantage.” Data shows evidence that former participants do attribute AFA to helping them develop skills for the workplace. In fact, as the years of AFA participation increased, individuals tended to agree more that AFA contributed to their workplace skill competencies.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Curriculum and Instruction / Steven Harbstriet / Colleges of agriculture across the country are challenged to produce more graduates in order to meet the increase in employment opportunities in the areas of agriculture, food, and renewable natural resources. To attract students from areas with the most growth, urban communities, this study identified factors such as exposures to agriculture, college factors, and career aspirations that influenced urban students to major in agriculture and enroll in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University (KSU). The accessible sample consisted of 125 students currently majoring in the College of Agriculture (agriculture students) and 18 students no longer majoring in the College of Agriculture (non-agriculture students) who completed the online questionnaire. Students from both groups were predominately female, non-minority students from the state of Kansas who entered KSU as incoming freshmen. The majors most represented were animal sciences and industry, pre-veterinary medicine, and food science and industry. The mean ACT score for agriculture students was 26.23 and 24.81 for non-agriculture students. For both groups of students, having a relative who worked in a field related to agriculture (grandparents, parent/guardian, aunt and uncle) was influential when they chose their academic major. A higher percentage of agriculture students had a relative who worked in a field related to agriculture or in production agriculture, compared to non-agriculture students. Career opportunities for graduates, hands-on-learning opportunities, friendly atmosphere in the College of Agriculture, visit to campus, quality and reputation of college faculty, availability of academic programs, and affordability of KSU were college factors most influential among the sample of students. Least influential factors were interaction with alumni, agriculture related camps and competitive events on campus, and ability to take online courses. Agriculture students were more influenced by career aspirations specific to career interests, such as working with people and animals, being able to use their creativity, or work with their hands. Non-agriculture students were influenced by broader career aspirations, such as having a job they enjoyed or being able to advance in their career.

Doctor of Philosophy / Curriculum and Instruction / Lotta C. Larson / The transition to college offers students the chance to explore, experiment with, and eventually begin to solidify their identities (Boyd, Hunt, Kandell, & Lucas, 2003), but for students from agricultural backgrounds, leaving home to head to a more urban area for college constitutes a threat to identity (Breakwell, 1986; Cicognani, Menezes, & Nata, 2011; Proshanksy, 1978). Although education research concerning rural students is plentiful (e.g., Antos, 1999; Donehower, Hogg, & Schell, 2012; Durham & Smith, 2006; Lester, 2012), research specific to agrarian students is sparse (e.g., Dees, 2006). The purpose of this qualitative instrumental case study was to explore and describe the experiences of students from agricultural backgrounds as they transitioned to college and how the transition impacted self-perceived identity. In particular, this study inquired into the difficulties and successes faced by study participants, as well as strategies used for coping with the transition from their agrarian homes to their more urban university setting. Four male and four female participants attended a university situated in the Midwest and majored in agricultural education. These university participants were invited to complete two qualitative interviews, submit photographs they felt represented their home and school lives, invite the researcher to observe any facet of their university experience, and submit the most meaningful assignment completed in college. Additionally, three male and two female high school students anticipating the transition to college were interviewed about their perceptions of the upcoming transition. Analysis of research data revealed that participant identities were impacted by the transition to college, their agrarian backgrounds, and their university experiences. Twenty-three distinct codes emerged from the data and were further categorized into six patterns: merging worlds, differences and tensions, “it’s in my blood,” continuing educational legacy/impact, finding self-identity, and can I go home? This study’s results highlighted, first and foremost, the need for universities to keep statistics on rural student enrollment. Additionally, this study emphasized the need for teachers, advisors, and counselors to be mindful of students’ backgrounds and future plans. Finally, this study demonstrated the importance of exposure to more urban areas and educational opportunities for easing the transition to college in students from agricultural backgrounds.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Ted Schroeder / Selection of a herd sire has always been of paramount importance given the initial financial investment and their contribution and effect on the genetic make-up of a beef herd. Data was collected from the nation’s longest consecutively run bull test conducted at the University Farm of Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU). The Bull Test and Bull Sale data utilized were collected from 2008-2013. Performance data was collected over a 112 day test period with data collection occurring at 28 day intervals. The top seventy bulls from each year’s test were selected based upon a performance index of ½ ADG and ½ weight per day of age (WDA), and a semen quality and motility score of excellent and sold at auction. Angus bulls were the focus of the study as they represented the vast majority of individuals sold. Three hedonic pricing models were created to try to determine what attributes buyers at the OPSU bull test sale were placing emphasis on. The initial hedonic model contained production data that included BW, ADG, WDA, Julian age, final test weight ultrasound data, and a dummy variable for sale year. The second model utilized all production data and added genetic variables in the form of production EPDs (Calving Ease Direct (CED), BW, Weaning Weight and Yearling Weight) and maternal EPDs (Calving Ease Maternal, Maternal Milk). The third model included the variables from the first and second models with the inclusion of carcass EPDs (Marbling, Ribeye Area (REA) and FAT). Year was significant in all three models however there was less of an effect on price as more variables were included. In model one, the production facts that were of significance were: ADG (P<0.01), BW (P<0.01) and final test weight (P<0.01). In the second model, ADG, BW and final test weight retained their significance at the P<0.01 level. The only production EPD that was significant (P<0.05) was CED. In the third model, years, ADG and BW were still significant (P<0.01). Final test weight (P=0.70) and CED (P = 0.132) had substantial changes. The carcass EPD ribeye area had a P value of 0.057. Producers who are placing bulls on test can utilize the given information to assist with their selection. It cannot go unsaid that while single trait selection can be very detrimental; ADG was significant across all models. The study indicates that performance and growth are of utmost importance to buyers, followed by birth weight consideration.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Secondary Education / Steven R. Harbstreit / John Deere Corporation sponsors 16 schools within the United States that are designed to educate students to become future agricultural equipment technicians. At the time of this study, the schools’ enrollments were at a less-than desirable level, 80% capacity. However, the company was receiving feedback that dealerships needed technicians. The need to determine the disparity between the need for technicians and the level of enrollment led to the pursuit of this study. The researcher sampled 306 John Deere agricultural service managers across the continental United States to determine: (a) if the dealerships truly needed technicians, (b) the methods dealerships were using for locating technicians, and (c) the service managers’ perceptions of the John Deere (JD) Ag Tech program. The study also analyzed the relationships between the service managers’ perceptions of the JD Ag Tech program and five independent variables: (a) number of technicians employed at John Deere dealerships, (b) number of stores dealer-organizations own, (c) distance between John Deere dealerships and the closest JD Ag Tech school, (d) number of JD Ag Tech students John Deere dealerships have sponsored, and (e) service managers’ age. The results of the study indicated that John Deere service managers did plan to hire technicians over the next 12 months as well as over the next three years. However, it was also determined that 60% of the service managers were only somewhat knowledgeable or unfamiliar with the JD Ag Tech Program. For the service managers that had experienced sponsoring JD Ag Tech students, those service managers were satisfied with the JD Ag Tech graduates. The researcher’s recommendations focused upon two areas. The first was to improve the marketing of the JD Ag Tech program to insure that all John Deere service managers become familiar with the program. The second recommendation was to focus on improving the “student” component of the partnership, by recruiting the students earlier in their high school careers, and having the partners work together to target high caliber students.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Rodney D. Jones / This thesis is the vehicle that I have used to outline a thorough small business plan for our personal business Big Sky Shires & Equine Services. While working toward my MAB Degree, I realized there were a lot of things that I could implement from the program into our business that would help us succeed in the equine industry. I was able to research the industry that we were in to gain a better understanding of how to market and plan for the future. In the back of my mind I started to ask a lot of questions and soon found that we needed a business plan that would answer many questions about the future of our business. The first part of the thesis is the history of the equine industry with a look at US history, outlook for the future and strategic issues affecting the industry. The second part of the thesis is a history of Big Sky Shires & Equine Services. This history tells where the business has come. The third portion, of the thesis is the small business plan that is the most thorough we could put together. A lot of thought and time went into the document that we plan to implement and update quarterly as needed. The final portion of the thesis is our conclusion followed by a detailed appendix of the corresponding documents for operating our business.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Allen Featherstone / The thesis assesses the viability of investing in a new grain discharge terminal at the port of Santos, located in the Brazilian southern region, used mostly for wheat but also for malt and malting barley operations. ABC Intl suffered losses of more than USD 1.0 million in 2006 due to demurrage costs at berth 39, used by ABC Intl to export and import grains, sugar and soybean. Congestion tends to increase with the growth of Brazilian soybean and sugar cane production and exports (average 5.0% per year) and 2.0% growth of wheat imports. Demurrage losses are expected to amount to USD 3.0 million by the year 2011 if no investments are made. A brief summary of Brazilian wheat supply and demand for the last five years is presented. Brazil is a net importer between 6.0 and 8.0 million metric tons of wheat per year, to supply the 10.0 million metric ton internal demand. Brazilian wheat imports through the port of Santos average 1.6 million metric tons per year from 2000 to 2006. Sao Paulo is the most populated Brazilian city with more than 18.0 million inhabitants. Its wheat consumption amounts to a third of the total Brazilian consumption and represents around 3.0 million metric tons per year. The thesis analyzes data related to berth 39 activities in the past seven years. A 56-day lineup in 2006 represented more than USD 1.0 million demurrage costs. The thesis forecasts the activity of berth 39 for next five years with and without investment at the new terminal. The new terminal will result in an average of USD 1.8 million savings on demurrage costs over five years. Codesp, Companhia Docas de Sao Paulo, the governmental authority in the port of Santos, is offering a unique opportunity for ABC Intl to invest in a new terminal for grain imports granting the land at no cost. The new terminal would be located at the middle of the port (berth 13/14) close to the railroad and the main avenue in the port of Santos, allowing discharging, storing and loading grain to trucks and wagons. ABC Intl needs to invest USD 5.0 million in the new terminal. It comprises the dismantling and rebuilding of all the grain discharge equipment that will be moved from shed 39 to the new terminal, including two suckers and conveyor belts. The thesis analyzes four different wheat import scenarios for the next five years. In addition, the same scenarios are analyzed for a 10-year period for comparison purposes. The weighted average of the Net Present Value of the four different investment scenarios, considering the probability of each occurring, is a positive USD 78,908 with 13.1% Internal Rate of Return, compared to 9.0 % ABC Intl opportunity cost of capital. It must be considered that the Net Present Value is a conservative figure since it does not take into account the savings on demurrage at berth 39, forecasted to be more than USD 3.0 million in the year 2011 if the company does not invest in the new terminal construction. It is recommended the ABC Intl invest in the new terminal to improve the overall logistics of the port and the quality of the service. This will avoid unnecessary demurrage costs and improving shareholders wealth by investing in a project with positive Net Present Value.