Abstract: In this paper, we present perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from leaders in the Agricultural and Applied Economics profession. The leaders address how to enhance DEI by identifying goals, barriers, and strategies. DEI programs are already underway, and with the changing student demographics to an increasing proportion of minority students, leaders in Agricultural and Applied Economics departments and employing organizations may want to further position themselves to continue to have an impact. Moreover, creating a successful DEI environment for students may also require improvements in the hiring and retention of diverse talent in academic departments and government institutions. Professional associations like the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) may assist in helping students transition from their academic programs to successful careers, particularly if in collaboration with hiring institutions."

Abstract: AgEcon Search (AES), the digital library for agricultural and applied economics, promotes diversity and equity in scholarly communication by bringing socioeconomically and geographically diverse perspectives into classrooms around the world. Freely available materials in AES can be used in place of textbooks or expensive journals from commercial publishers that are inaccessible in many classrooms due to cost barriers. AES promotes diversity in scholarly communications (bibliodiversity) as demonstrated by content such as theses from Africa providing diverse geographic perspectives, and journal articles reflecting gender perspectives or discussing rural issues in lower-income countries. AES also promotes equity in publishing, hosting papers from 88 organizations and publishers (including 33 journals) in the Global South, elevating and disseminating their content via indexes like Google Scholar and RePEc. These publications expose research by authors who may find it difficult to publish in commercial journals, but whose ideas can enrich the experience for students by introducing perspectives from and about regions outside the Global North. AES content promotes diversity and equity by offering agricultural and applied economics instructors and students free, open access (OA) to over 170,000 current and historical working papers, conference papers, journal articles, theses, and government documents from 71 countries on six continents."

Abstract: Obtaining a PhD in agricultural economics can be stressful, and few studies offer holistic directions and advice to help students navigate PhD studies, particularly those seeking to transition into a research-intensive academic position. We surveyed and interviewed 21 agricultural economists who won the Emerging Scholar Award from the Southern Agricultural Economics Association between 2014 and 2021. We analyze their experiences to provide PhD students in agricultural economics with insights and tips for a career in academia. This article identifies patterns among these award winners’ approaches to coursework, assistantships, working with mentors, teaching, research, technical writing, conferences, networking and job search, time management and work-life balance, and the transition to new positions. Drawing from our participants, the study also points out a few aspects where graduate programs can improve to enhance students’ professional growth. Even though our target audience is current and prospective PhD students, we believe that this article is useful for postdoctoral researchers who are interested in faculty positions, junior faculty members who seek a smoother transition, and senior faculty members who are advising PhD students."

Abstract: This paper builds on an ever-growing literature relating economics to movies, books, and TV shows. Survivor is a highly acclaimed reality TV show with 42 aired seasons (so far). We use Survivor as a tool that helps with identifying and understanding economic principles and for an application of these principles. This show bridges the generational gap between students and teachers, as its premise, rules, and objectives are either common knowledge or easily accessible to anyone. We present scenes from the show, vocabulary, in-depth discussions, lesson plans, and sample questions that instructors can use in the classroom. This Survivor edition offers a fun twist to the classic exposition of principles of economics, hoping to make students more passionate about our field."

Abstract: The motivations for this case study are developments in the U.S. dairy industry involving implementation of a herd retirement (HR) program by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) in the period from 2003 to 2010. This program was part of a broader private supply management initiative, which aimed to balance milk supply and milk demand and to stabilize and strengthen milk prices received by dairy farmers. The HR program, which intended to decrease milk supply, raised legal issues leading to antitrust lawsuits filed by buyers of manufactured dairy products against dairy cooperatives. These buyers argued that the HR program was a form of illegal conspiracy aiming to increase prices for raw milk and manufactured dairy products. The lawsuits resulted in large settlements. This case study introduces economic, business, and legal issues related to implementation of the HR program. The case study presents a theoretical framework that may explain market and price effects of the HR program using the perspectives of dairy farmers and buyers of raw milk and manufactured dairy products. In addition, the case study presents a basic market and price analysis based on publicly available data reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The case study is suitable for a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses taught in agricultural economics and agribusiness programs, as well as extension and outreach audiences. A teaching note includes teaching guidance, as well as answers to discussion and multiple-choice questions."