Thèse (M.Ed.) -- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, en association avec Universidade do Estado da Bahia, 2004. / Bibliogr.: f. 137-140. Document électronique également accessible en format PDF. CaQCU

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.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin, 1959. / Extension Repository Collection. Typescript (carbon copy). eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [175]-177).