Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)
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Item Determinants of participation and coverage level choices in the pasture, rangeland and forage insurance program(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2020) DelCurto, Molly Jo; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Eric BelascoDrought risk has become a primary concern for ranchers as a drought can cause substantial financial losses and have been occurring with more regularity and severity than in years past. The Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) insurance program allows ranchers to insure their livestock grazing land against potential losses from low rainfall conditions. This program has undergone substantial changes in its availability and premium prices. We implement a linear fixed effect regression model to estimate changes in participation and coverage level choices in response to changes in factors affecting premium payments. Additionally, we analyze the impacts of future prices, previous year's earnings, and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) on participation and coverage level choices. Our results show that increasing county base values (CBVs) has a significant negative impact on participation, suggesting the more costly the premium payment, the lower the participation. Additionally, we find evidence of memory anchoring and rational decision making in the purchasing decisions of participants. Overall, we find preliminary evidence that ranchers display demand sensitivity to changes in CBVs as well as evidence that producers follow expected utility theory in choosing the highest coverage levels, especially when coverage levels have the same subsidy rate.Item Understanding rancher's beliefs and behaviors regarding drought and natural water storage in southwest Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2018) Moore, Megan Alison; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Jamie McEvoyDrought has the potential to impact both natural environments and human communities, with specific repercussions for agricultural communities. In the face of changes to the quality, quantity, and timing of water runoff, water storage for drought mitigation is one of the top concerns for many water managers and water users. Due to a growing recognition of negative social and environmental impacts of traditional infrastructure, such as dams, there is a need for alternative forms of water storage. The concept of nature-based solutions, specifically natural water storage systems, has gained traction as a potential strategy to slow spring runoff, store water, and raise water tables, often resulting in an increase in late season streamflows. This research examines the adoption of these new strategies, specifically flood irrigation and beaver mimicry projects in the context of a changing climate in Montana. This thesis uses the theory of planned behavior to better understand findings from twenty-two amenity and traditional ranchers in the Red Rock Watershed/Upper Beaverhead Watershed in southwestern Montana. Results show that ranchers' beliefs toward drought can impact their drought planning responses. In this watershed, it is impractical for ranchers to convert to flood irrigation due its high labor needs and low production outputs. There is potential for beaver mimicry projects to be adopted, but economic and regulatory hurdles must first be addressed. Results suggest that natural water storage practices will be more successful if organizations involved form better relationships with ranchers, remain flexible, and integrate local knowledge into decisions and policies.Item Adult agricultural education for the Crow Indian farmers and ranchers in Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, 1970) Larsen, Knud C. B.; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Max L. AmbersonItem Womens's farm/ranch task participation : time, importance, and factors influencing time spent(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 1987) Gallagher, Cecilia DawnItem Communication channels : educational providers engaging beginning farmers and ranchers with the information they need, the way they want it(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2013) Hebel, Katie Jorine; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Carl IgoBeginning farmers and ranchers are a critical demographic in the agricultural industry as more and more farmers and ranchers are reaching the age of retirement. As they emerge into this field, they have critical production-oriented educational needs in order to be successful. It is critical for educational providers to consider beginning farmers and ranchers preferred communication channels when transferring this educational information. Programs need to deliver the desired content through the desired communication channel in order to be most effective. This review sought to identify communication channels, beginning farmers and ranchers, and their self-perceived preferences for educational information over the last twenty-five years. This exhaustive literature review examined research on communication channels, beginning farmers and ranchers and their self-perceived educational needs. The problem identified was what preferred communication channels were most effective in engaging beginning farmers and ranchers with production-oriented educational information. Beginning farmers and ranchers have a need for educational information, particularly relating to agriculture business management. Even though their need for educational information has not changed in the last twenty-five years, the content of educational information has progressed with the changes in agricultural technology, regulations, practices and services. Educational providers need to consider and continually re-assess the educational content and communication channel when engaging beginning farmers and ranchers. Educational providers need to provide educational information through a variety of communication channels in multiple ways to reach their target demographic.Item Educating the future of agriculture : a focus group analysis of the programming needs and preferences of Montana young and beginning farmers and ranchers(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2013) Bailey, Nikki Eileen; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Shannon ArnoldThe average age of farmers and ranchers is steadily rising and each year there are fewer young and beginning farmers and ranchers (YBFR) to take the place of those on the cusp of retirement. Therefore, it is critical that YBFR have the skills and competencies needed to be successful. To develop these skills and competencies, educators and program planners must provide information and programs that address the needs of YBFR. This study sought to explain the interaction between the educational drivers, needs, and preferences YBFR in Montana, in order to develop educational programing recommendations. A purposeful sample was taken from the attendees of the Montana Young Ag Leadership Conference. Focus groups discussions were utilized to gather data on the educational needs, programing preferences, and preferred delivery formats of these YBFR. Constant comparison analysis was used to analyze the data; open, axial, and selective codes were generated and a grounded theory was formed. YBFR identified four major educational needs; agriculture business management skills, legal knowledge, communication skills, and skills associated with production technologies. The participants attended educational programs to improve themselves and their agricultural businesses, be different than past generations, and have the opportunity to network. Barriers such as distance and lack of awareness prevented them from attending educational events. The YBFR considered educational programs successful if they provided networking opportunities, a variety of relevant content, and a positive, interactive learning environment. YBFR utilized several different delivery formats ranging from email to conferences. Social media was viewed as important for the promotion of educational programs. Longer duration educational events featuring a large amount and variety of information were preferred by YBFR. Agriculture educators and programmers need to take into account the educational needs and preferences of YBFR when planning educational events. An effort needs to be made to decrease the barriers and increase the positive elements associated with educational programs. The educational needs described by the YBFR must to be addressed in environments that foster interaction and networking. Agriculture organizations and agencies need to collaborate to create comprehensive, impactful educational programs that focus on developing the skills and knowledge of YBFR.