Browsing by Author "Dalton, Dixie W."

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
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    Beef Quality Assurance - Adding Value with E. coli Food Safety Focus
    Flowers, Charles Webb (Virginia Tech, 2011-12)
    “Doing the right thing” as recommended by cumulative results of successive National Beef Quality Audits 1990–2010 is demonstrating positive end product quality, wholesomeness and food safety progress. As producers continued to utilize BQA practices over a 10-20 year period during the 1990s and 2000s, and included additional value added practices, they began to realize premiums for BQA practices. The focus of this publication is the importance of minimizing opportunities for foodborne illness pathogen to occur throughout the life of beef cattle for young calves through harvest.
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    The economic and environmental impact of Biofuel on US farmers and the food market
    Ishida, 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.
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    The Impacts of COVID-19 on Poultry Producers and Consumers
    Malinowski, 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.
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    Increasing Virginia Youth's Exposure to Agriculture
    Feaster, 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.
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    Life Skills Develop through Participation in Youth Entrepreneurship Program
    Howland, Catherine (Virginia Tech, 2013-12)
    Entrepreneur and vocational programs are important in building workforce readiness skills in youth (Fields, Brown, Piechocinski, & Wells, 2012). Recent surveys have found that certain skills, including communications, critical thinking, as well as leadership development are lacking among young people (Pace, 2012). Ninety percent of respondents in a survey by the Center for Creative Leadership indicated that education in leadership should begin before age 18, while 50% noted a need to start in elementary school or before (Pace, 2012). Through already existing program settings that involve youth development professionals, youth have the potential to improve upon certain life skills that will aid them in achieving employment or starting a business of their own. Dedicated professionals in support of these endeavors can positively affect young people in their attempts to simultaneously balance jobs and maintain grades at school. In this report, the role of entrepreneurship within a 4-H youth development program was examined. Several young entrepreneurial workshops took place in an after school setting to provide youth with tools needed to run their own booth at a local farmers market. Participation in 4-H programs was positively related to youth life skill development. Building communication skills, teamwork skills, and a sense of responsibility in youth are just a few of the ways that Virginia Cooperative Extension programs influence young people on their way to adulthood. Findings in this report support the claim that youth gained important life skills as a result of their participation in the educational workshops combined with the hands-on experiences during the farmers market. Through entrepreneur activities in positive youth development programs such as 4-H, FFA and Boys and Girls Clubs, young people will be better equipped for life, in general, after high school.
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    A Review and Prospects on the Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in Precision Agriculture for the Mid-Atlantic United States
    Thompson, 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.
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    Survival of Listeria monocytogenes on Lettuce With and Without Injury
    Grocholl, John; Stewart, Ryan D.; Kardos, Josh; Hong, Chuanxue; Dalton, Dixie W. (Virginia Tech, 2023-11-29)
    Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a bacterium that causes listeriosis and outbreaks have been linked to the consumption of fresh produce. The purpose of this project was to establish if there is potential for Lm to persist on lettuce leaves. It also evaluated whether there is a difference in survival of this pathogen on injured and uninjured lettuce leaves. This study used Lm strain LS1061; a spontaneous mutation resulting in a rifampicin resistant strain. LS1016 is a serotype 4b isolate from the caramel-covered apple outbreak. Three conditions were evaluated: tear injury and 10μL Lm culture, no injury and 10μL Lm culture on the back of the leaf, no injured plus Lm on the midvein of the leaf. Three independent trials for Romaine lettuce and two independent trials for Iceberg lettuce were conducted. When plants were about half grown, lettuce leaves were injured by tearing a portion of the leaf, about an inch (2.5cm) from the tip to expose the inner tissues. Romaine trials showed that by day 4, positivity on all samples did not have major decline. Decline to ~50% or under was seen at Day 14. Injured Romaine had a high percentage (≥40%) of positive samples through Day 21. Like Romaine, Iceberg trials did not fall to 50% or lower positives until Day 14. Injured Iceberg and “cup” had positive samples through Day 21.