My research, extension, and teaching programs have focused on economic issues relevant to the commercial agricultural sector. I generally conduct research in the areas of agricultural finance and management. A common goal within these two areas is to better understand how management decisions, policy, and factors in the firm’s external economic environment impact economic performance. As such, an ultimate goal of my research is to produce knowledge that is eventually applied by farm, agribusiness, and agricultural finance firms. In addition, the results of the research often have implications for public policy development.
Agribusiness Strategy, AEM 427
AEM 427 is designed to require students to integrate concepts learned in other AEM coursework while analyzing actual business situations. Students will be able to explain the economic forces shaping the competitive environment within which agribusiness firms operate. The course makes use of several case studies that require the students to analyze stylized business situations. Students are instructed in the basic fundamentals of business analysis and are required to apply several strategic management frameworks to analyze situations and make appropriate longer-term business decisions.
The primary audiences for my extension activities include agricultural lenders and credit professionals, agricultural producers, and agribusinesses. Activities are focused in the Northeast but also include development of materials relevant to national audiences. The primary activities include organization of the Northeast Agribusiness Seminar and the direction/administration of the Cornell Tax Schools. In addition, the program is focused on financial management education for small and agricultural businesses. Recent efforts also focus on understanding the economics of renewable energy for agricultural producers. The results and output of the program are disseminated through a variety of outlets including participation in conferences/workshops, print, and internet media.
