Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences
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The Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences (OMALS), http://www.cals.vt.edu/online/, is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving and dynamic needs of today’s agricultural professionals. The program offers concentrations in the areas of agribusiness, applied animal behavior and welfare, applied nutrition and physical activity, education, environmental science, food safety and biosecurity, and leadership studies, as well as plant science and pest management. In addition to engaging classes, students benefit from the opportunity to work on-on-one with well-respected faculty in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to complete a rigorous final project, using what they've learned and developing real-world research and communication skills. This collection showcases final projects completed by current and former OMALS students.
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Browsing Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences by Author "Agricultural and Applied Economics"
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- Alternative Control Methods for Verticillium wilt: A Literature ReviewWashburn, Morgan (Virginia Tech, 2018-11-30)Verticillium wilt (V.albo-atrum and V.dahiae) is a soil-borne fungus that is causing economic losses and lower yields for farmers across the country. The disease has a wide host range and can live in the soil without a host for a decade or more. Finding effective and reasonable control methods has been difficult for some industries. Some methods such as sanitation, chemical application and crop rotation have not been completely effective at suppressing or eliminating the disease. Alternative control methods have been researched and tested, with some completely eliminating the disease, but these methods have to be continuously implemented and monitored in order for them to be effective. This literature review investigated the availability of scientific research on effective alternative control methods for Verticillium wilt. Potential effective alternative control methods were identified, including anaerobic soil disinfection, soil solarization, broccoli incorporation, mustard incorporation, compost and green manure. Further research is needed to fill knowledge gaps related to successful implementation of these controls in suppressing or eliminating Verticillium wilt.
- The economic and environmental impact of Biofuel on US farmers and the food marketIshida, Yuki (Virginia Tech, 2024-08-19)This project investigates the economic and environmental impacts of biofuel production on US farmers and the food market. With the rising importance of renewable energy, biofuels derived from corn and soybeans have gained prominence due to policies like the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). This study aims to (1) assess the economic effects on US farmers, including changes in income, crop prices, and land use, (2) evaluate the environmental impacts, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions, soil health, and water use, (3) identify the implications for the US food market, including food prices and availability, and (4) explore the policy implications for supporting sustainable biofuel production while ensuring food security. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing academic articles, policy reports, and empirical studies. The findings reveal that biofuel production has led to higher crop prices and increased farm revenues, particularly benefiting corn and soybean producers. However, these economic benefits are unevenly distributed, with smaller farms facing challenges. Environmentally, while biofuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the associated land-use changes can negate these benefits. Sustainable agricultural practices are essential to mitigate negative environmental impacts. The food market analysis indicates that biofuel production has contributed to higher food prices, raising concerns about food security. The study recommends policies supporting diverse farms, promoting sustainable practices, and balancing biofuel production with food security needs. Additionally, fostering industry-university partnerships and utilizing cooperative extension programs can enhance information dissemination and support sustainable biofuel production practices. This research underscores the need for a balanced approach to biofuel production that considers both economic and environmental sustainability.
- The Impacts of COVID-19 on Poultry Producers and ConsumersMalinowski, Eduardo J. (Virginia Tech, 2022-08-18)Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many laws and regulations were put in place to limit the spread of the disease. As a result, many industries were majorly affected by these regulations, including the poultry industry. This project studies the effects of the pandemic on both producers and consumers within the poultry industry to provide an understanding of the impacts to help prepare firms and individuals in case of future shocks. Based on producer case studies of Tyson Foods, Pilgrim’s Pride, and Sanderson Farms, and consumer surveys, common themes were established to understand the impact throughout the poultry production process. Financial statements of Tyson Foods, Pilgrim’s Pride, and Sanderson Farms were examined and the information gathered from the financial analysis matched what consumers shared via the consumer survey. Increased retail poultry prices, decreased quality, and limited availability of poultry products were the common themes noted. Based on the results of this analysis, it is recommended that data from additional producers be analyzed, including poultry farmers who raise the birds for the poultry firms. Since the supply chain starts with the poultry producer, a better understanding of the pandemic’s impact on this level will help prepare responses throughout the supply chain in the event of future shocks. Many consumers stated that they still notice impacts from COVID-19 within the poultry industry over two years later. This project provides insights specific to the poultry industry for those studying COVID-19’s impact on food industries, and recommends best practices to consider in case of another major shock within the industry.
- Increasing Virginia Youth's Exposure to AgricultureFeaster, Natalie (Virginia Tech, 2023-12-15)This study delves into the alarming decrease in youth involvement in agriculture, with a specific focus on the state of Virginia. The diminishing connection between the younger demographic and agriculture poses a potential threat to the future of farming. Through extensive research and data collection, the project aims to uncover the obstacles impeding youth engagement and advocates for increased exposure to agricultural practices. The survey highlights a growing necessity for educational enhancements surrounding agriculture. Key observations include a substantial portion of farmers operating within generational family structures, indicating a disruption in the traditional path to agriculture due to the decline in family-owned farms. Recommendations involve support for first-generation farmers, the development of comprehensive agricultural curricula, and initiatives to amplify the influence of professionals in promoting agricultural awareness. The project aspires to nurture a more inclusive, knowledgeable, and dynamic agricultural community for the benefit of present and future generations.
- A Review and Prospects on the Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in Precision Agriculture for the Mid-Atlantic United StatesThompson, Aaron Scott (Virginia Tech, 2024-11-14)This case study is a comprehensive evaluation of the level of adoption for precision agriculture Unmanned Aerial Systems, (UAS) in farming activities in the Mid-Atlantic United States. For context, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) as an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. The term UAS encompasses the unmanned aircraft (UA) (commonly referred to as drones), the controller on the ground, and the communication link between them. This system allows for the operation and navigation of unmanned aircraft. Since the turn of the 19th Century, industrialized agriculture has advanced globally at a rate that is hard to imagine. This advancement has been highly accelerated since the dawn of the digital era. Part of that digital technology advancement has come in the form of UAS. UAS provide a scalable technology platform to accomplish improved efficiency for individual agricultural work functions such as crop/herd monitoring and precision spraying solutions. This case study assesses the integration levels of agricultural UAS operations, specifically within smaller farms, orchards, and vineyards, across the Mid-Atlantic compared to the rest of the United States. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the extent to which UAS integration in the Mid-Atlantic United States has been effective, as well as to identify barriers that have caused Mid-Atlantic UAS implementation rates to be lower than those of the Western United States. Using qualitative in-field interviews and quantitative data analysis, the study examines the effect of UAS technology on crop/herd management, pest management, irrigation management, and overall farm productivity. Finally, this case study examines the financial impact of incorporating agricultural UAS into the average-sized Mid-Atlantic farm versus maintaining standard practices. The analysis compares outcomes when hiring a drone service versus purchasing and implementing a drone program internally. Economic implications of drones on net-profit and expenses for a representative 200-acre soybean farm are projected utilizing a University of Tennessee enterprise budget (Appendix A) and RStudio visualizations (Appendix B). The study also examines legal and regulatory components around drones utilized in agriculture, such as airspace restrictions, data/general privacy, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policy compliance. This case study revealed practical contributions of drone technology for Mid-Atlantic agriculture allowing farmers, policy makers and other stakeholders to make informed decisions about the uses and expansion of UAS in agricultural operations.
- Teaching Pesticide Safety Techniques to farmers and their families in Cahuasqui: A rural farming community in the Ecuadorian AndesZetts, Nicholas (Virginia Tech, 2012-12)Cahuasqui is the community where a volunteer service of two years was conducted from 2006 to 2008 as an agricultural extension agent with the US Peace Corps. The primary points of interests the community was seeking were organic agriculture, small business skills, and crop diversification. As the two years unfolded, a deeper understanding of traditional farming meshed with industrialized farming was seen. Projects initiated were in the areas of organic agriculture and small business as the community wanted. Large amounts of pesticides are applied with zero to minimal protective clothing and apparent disregard to the dangers of these chemicals. Many reasons might support this such as a lack of Integrated Pest Management concepts or full understanding of the agrochemicals they are applying. This study is to look at a group of 41 farm owners and 12 farmworkers to evaluate their understanding of pesticides at a basic level and if their knowledge can be increased to help protect their health along with their family by giving them basic pesticide safety awareness classes modeled after the Environmental Protection Agencies curriculum for farmworkers in the US.