Agribusiness

Agribusiness management is central to my research, which examines the intersection of profitability, sustainability, and innovation. As an economist, I ask: How can we better understand management practices and decision-making in agriculture? How can farm owners be empowered to address challenges, enhance profitability, and sustain their operations while ensuring a safe and reliable food supply for the country?

My current work on labor scarcity—arguably one of the major challenges in agriculture—focuses on the adoption of labor-saving technologies, reforms to the H-2A guest worker program, and alternative solutions. This research aims to provide valuable insights through a series of cost-benefit analyses, policy feasibility studies, and policy impact assessments, guiding policy and practice toward a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. It has yielded numerous working papers under review and in progress and conference presentations.

Recognizing Non-Pecuniary Labor Benefits in Technology Adoption

-"Do farmers only buy technology for $$? No, they buy it for comfort—just like a robot vacuum!"

The adoption of Automatic Milking Systems is seen as a promising opportunity to ease farmers’ workload and enable a peaceful, fulfilling retirement. Despite often being perceived as offering "unchanged if not worse profitability with higher market risk exposure" by marketing and extension researchers doing the cost-benefit analysis, the technology has been adopted, particularly by farmers in wealthier countries.

What’s missing here? With an aging population of livestock farmers, could the notion of "comfort" play a pivotal role in their adoption decisions?

Farmers Perception and Preferences on H-2A Program Reforms

-"Hey, how much would you be willing to pay in wages to support reforms to program conditions?"

H-2A program penetration remains a significant challenge for farmers. Many are deterred by lengthy paperwork, unfamiliarity with foreign labor conditions, or simply a lack of awareness about the program. Despite this, those who have engaged with the program often become "sticky" users, continuing to benefit from it.

With a new administration and ongoing concerns surrounding undocumented labor, it’s crucial to ask: What flaws exist in the program’s design? How can it be reformed to better align with farmers' needs and, in turn, contribute to resolving broader immigration issues?

From Graduation to Employment: Analyzing Outcomes of U.S. Agribusiness Programs

-"Where are our students going?"

Who are we, and where are we going?

Is agribusiness simply replacing business degrees in agriculture?

With Dr. Grace Melo, the funder of this research

Under review at AJAE

USDA-SARE Grant, 2023 “Impact on Sustainable Agriculture in the North Central Region” (PI: Luis Peña Lévano)

With Dr. Grace Melo, the funder of this research

Working paper

USDA-SARE and USDA-SSARE Grant, 2023 “Labor Demands and Hiring Practices of Southern Cattle-Dairy Farmers Under H-2A Program’s Current Guidelines and Proposed Modifications” (PI: Cesar Escalante)

With Ms. Rui Liu

Working paper

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