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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- Sprouting Agricultural Literacy: The Creation, Implementation, and Evaluation of the Cloverbud Farm-to-Table ProgramWalker, Cayla (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-09)Agricultural literacy in early elementary age students is essential for fostering the next generation of society with an understanding of how agriculture impacts the economy, environment, and food accessibility. However, agriculture education for youth ages 5-8 is often done by non-formal organizations such as 4-H and Agriculture in the Classroom. This project works to equip 4-H educators and volunteers with an example of a program that is easily replicated to teach youth ages 5-8 about agriculture through a short term, day camp structure. The study preformed in this project includes the creation, implementation, and evaluation of the Cloverbud Farm-To-Table (FTT) day camp facilitation guide. The objectives of this study included identifying the key factors that make a facilitation guide a valuable resource for 4-H educators, as well as the overall value of the pilot facilitation guide regarding teaching agricultural literacy to the sample group. Evaluations were performed by five extension faculties to answer these questions. Results indicated the impactful concepts of the guide were intentional introduction questions that sparked youth interest, experiential learning activities, clear instructions, and adaptability of materials. However, revisions are needed to have the facilitation guide suitable for publication including evaluating activities for age suitability, increasing camper engagement, the and lesson refinement.
- Farm Sustainability through Diversification: A Case Study of Cattle Producers in the United StatesBrown, Samantha (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-05)The agricultural industry can face a variety of challenges such as market fluctuations. In turn, this threatens farm sustainability and profitability. This case study aims to explore how the implementation of diversification strategies among cattle producers can enhance their economic stability, resilience, and adaptability. These strategies have the ability to reduce risks associated with economic and environmental uncertainties, ultimately making farms more resilient. Through a case study of three cattle producers, a few key benefits were discovered. These benefits were increased profitability, improved market access, and a stronger community engagement. Along with the benefits, it also identified challenges such as high initial investment costs, increased labor demands, and a lack of knowledge which hinders the widespread adoption of these strategies. While the findings align with existing literature on sustainable agriculture, they highlight the need for financial support and educational programs to help farmers transition to diversifying their operations successfully. This research aims to provide assistance to farmers and agricultural stakeholders, by addressing the lack of knowledge that prevents the implementation of diversification strategies. Policy incentives, extension services, and market development are essential to increasing adoption and maximizing benefits.
- The Use & Perceptions of Ergogenic Aids in Collegiate SwimmersHenry, Allison (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-22)Objectives: To explore the use and perceptions of ergogenic aids among collegiate swimmers and to identify their knowledge and primary sources of information regarding ergogenic aids. Methods: A mixed-methods survey was used to investigate ergogenic aid use, types of ergogenic aids that are used, reasons for their use, and perceived performance effects of the ergogenic aids in swim athletes at two NCAA Division I schools. Results: 38 Division I swimmers completed the survey. Males reported higher current use than females (p < 0.05). Most believed ergogenic aids enhance performance but lacked confidence identifying NCAA-banned substances. Scientific research and registered dietitians were top influences for information on ergogenic aids; social media had little impact. 92% of participants were open to modifying ergogenic aid use with better education. Conclusion: This study contributes to the growing body of research on ergogenic aid use in collegiate swimming by uncovering usage patterns, influential information sources, and critical knowledge gaps. Findings emphasize the need for athletic departments and sports dietitians to implement accessible, evidence-based education and empowers swimmers to make informed, ethical, and effective decisions regarding ergogenic aid use.
- Hydration Exploration of Right Stuff via the MX3 Sweat Sodium Test in D1 Football PlayersCamie Martin (2025-05-08)Division 1 football players put a lot of strain on their bodies daily and it is imperative that they focus on maximizing their performance. Hydration is a key factor that can help them perform at their best. This study explores football athlete’s hydration status, the sodium content of their sweat, and their feelings of thirst, fatigue, and mood after a weightlifting session. Participants were first administered a sweat patch to collect sweat produced during a morning lift. In subsequent lifts, participants were randomized to receive one of three conditions: water at the beginning and water halfway through, water at the beginning and Right Stuff (electrolyte packet) halfway through, or Right Stuff at the beginning and halfway through. Athletes completed the Abbreviated Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire, the Rate of Fatigue scale, and Thirst Distress Scale and Visual Analogue Scale questions. While there were not any significant findings in hydration status between the three intervention groups in regard to fatigue, thirst distress, or total mood disturbance, the results did show that when the athletes were more hydrated after the lift, their esteem-related affect (ERA) score improved. When grouping the athletes based on their sweat rates, there were significant differences in several mood components of the POMS. No correlations between urine specific gravity and the MX3 hydration testing were seen. Continued research needs to be completed on this population of Division 1 football players regarding hydration to help maximize their performance.
- Fear Avoidance and Readiness to Return to Sport after Injury in Division I Collegiate Soccer PlayersLowndes, Charlotte (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-20)This study examined fear avoidance and psychological readiness to play, in Division I collegiate men and women soccer players at Virginia Tech, to uncover how injury affects mental readiness. Contributing factors that play a role in a successful and speedy rehabilitation process need to be identified to help student-athletes receive the tools that they need to return to their peak performance. Although there is a plethora of research both in the United States and internationally investigating fear avoidance and psychological readiness to return to sport, there is limited research studying both phenomena simultaneously in collegiate athletes. A total of 13 men and 24 women soccer players completed the Athlete Fear Avoidance Questionnaire (AFAQ) and the Injury Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport Scale (IPRRS). Results from the study indicated that there is a significant negative correlation between fear avoidance and readiness to play, that female soccer players scored significantly higher than the male soccer players on the AFAQ, that male soccer players scored significantly lower on the AFAQ than the female players for those players that had sustained an injury for greater than six weeks, and that those players that sustained injuries greater than six weeks scored significantly lower on the IPRRS, with male soccer players scoring significantly higher than female soccer players if injured less than six weeks. Therefore, sports medicine professionals involved in athletes’ rehabilitation process should incorporate interventions to help diminish fear avoidance and increase psychological readiness to play, while also considering mental differences between male and female soccer players.
- The Practice and Science of Weight CuttingDavis, Cameron (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-20)Overview: Combat sports often require athletes to achieve specific weight classes through a variety of weight cutting practices. Some of these practices cause rapid weight loss through dehydration, caloric restriction, intense training, and other methods, followed by rapid weight gain post-weigh-in to gain competitive advantages. While such practices aim to provide a perceived edge, they can have physiological, psychological, and performance risks. Content Summary: The review explores the practice, methods, science, and safety of weight cutting. Athletes use various techniques such as diet manipulation, dehydration, and increased training, each presenting challenges and risks. Physiological impacts include reduced skeletal muscle performance, cardiovascular strain, endocrine disruptions, and acute risks to organ health and hydration status. Psychological effects, such as disordered eating and mental stress, are prevalent. While the thought of rapid weight gain post-weigh-in can suggest to athletes a perceived advantage, at elite levels of competition, the advantage is inconclusive. Conclusion: The risks of weight cutting frequently outweigh its benefits. Physiological damage (e.g., muscle atrophy, cardiovascular strain), psychological stress, and the absence of clear performance advantages at elite levels suggest the need for safer weight management practices. Further research is required to evaluate the long-term consequences of repetitive weight cutting. Governing bodies, coaches, and athletes should prioritize the control of weight with approaches that emphasize health and performance sustainability.
- Cognitive Diversity in Enrollment ManagementHipp III, Exree (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-13)The Enrollment Management division of Denison University, a small liberal arts college just outside of Columbus, Ohio, has gone through significant change as it promotes diversity and inclusion initiatives through the "Denison Forward" program. This project examines the division's efforts to adjust to new leadership, bridge generational gaps, and increase operational effectiveness while aligning with Denison Forward's goals. Through examining theories of problem-solving and utilizing Kirton's Adaption-Innovation Inventory (KAI), the project aimed to enhance the division's understanding of various approaches to problem-solving within their office division. A KAI workshop also provided participants with their personal scores, and promoted teamwork and effectiveness in tackling the complex problems typical of modern higher education and highlighted the importance of diversity in problem-solving. After the workshop was completed, participants were able to better understand their own cognitive problem solving style as well as how it fits into a larger group setting.
- The Impact of Physical Activity on Burnout in Female Division I Athletic TrainersSemon, Kailee (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-09)This study examined physical activity habits and level of burnout in female Division I athletic trainers. Female athletic trainers are over half the population of certified athletic trainers and retention is important. Literature indicates that burnout is a pressing issue in athletic trainers and finding strategies to reduce burnout is important. A total of 50 female Division I athletic trainers completed the questionnaire that included demographic questions, the Copenhagen Burnout inventory, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Higher physical activity, particularly among those using group fitness classes, was associated with significantly lower burnout scores. Despite low participation in group fitness classes, its strong link to increased MET-mins/week suggests it may be an underutilized yet effective strategy for improving well-being. Additionally, athletic trainers managing more sport assignments reported lower work-related burnout and personal burnout scores. While no clear correlation between years of experience or age and burnout were found, the AT population in this study was younger and less experienced, potentially due to fewer personal and family responsibilities. These findings emphasize the need for institutions to promote physical activity opportunities, including group-based formats, and to consider workload structures that support long-term wellness and retention of female athletic trainers
- The Decision to Transfer and the Impacts of Transferring on Leadership for Division 1 Collegiate Football PlayersWheatley, Terius (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-15)The NCAA Transfer Portal is a portal that is used among D1 and D2 athletes to help foster a smooth recruiting process for athletes looking to go to different schools. The NCAA Transfer Portal was created in 2018. The portal is a recruitment mechanism that consists of a database that includes an athlete’s name, school name, and weight, among various other metrics used by coaches to evaluate the transfer athlete. Since the Transfer Portal was created, many individuals have had mixed feelings about its potential use. This research will focus primarily on the use of the Transfer Portal by former college football athletes. Anecdotally, mixed feelings have been garnered by both football players and coaches on the use of the Transfer Portal. Coaches seem to have more of a consensus of disliking the portal, although some coaches like it because it gives a recruitment mechanism. In contrast, athletes favor the portal as it allows them to leave. Athletes appreciate the ability to have a smoother process when transferring and enjoy the ability to have the opportunity to transfer if their skillsets/talents are not being utilized, are trying to pursue the NFL and have a higher chance going to another school, or they are having trouble adjusting to the team or school (Feldman, 2023). Due to the increased use of the Transfer Portal, coaches describe not having to go into the portal to recruit players yearly as a “miracle” (Feldman, 2023). Specifically, a coach has stated, “If I get through this cycle and I don’t lose any of these kids, it’s gonna be a miracle” (Feldman, 2023, para 8). This qualitative research study will showcase the various leadership dynamics that come into play because of the use of the Transfer Portal. The study will focus on how team dynamics change when new players come to the school via the Transfer Portal (i.e., teammates recruited from the Transfer Portal taking spots, becoming leaders on the team, changing the team/leadership dynamics, etc.).
- Cyberbiosecurity Within the Seafood SectorSeyfang, Katie (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-12)Due to the rapid advancements of technology in industrial processes and research around the globe, cybersecurity is becoming a necessity for many sectors. Considering as well, the means of biosecurity which is the protection of food grown or imported into the United States, there is a need for a convergence of the two fields. Many agriculture-based sectors have been recent targets for cyber-attacks which poses the importance for expanding the use and acceptance of cyberbiosecurity. The seafood sector as a whole has not been the primary target for attacks, which opened the door to study their practices and if notable conclusions could be drawn as to why. This exploratory study was used to gather preliminary data that can be further expanded in the future. Through the study, the goal was to gather information about employee knowledge of cyberbiosecurity within the seafood sector and how their organizations are implementing practices and training to help secure functions within differing branches of the sector. A survey was distributed via email to various organizations within the United States. The results showed that while there seems to be consistent knowledge of cyberbiosecurity within the seafood sector, there are also gaps in training and implementation of practices. Further research could be done to find potential solutions that could be implemented to further fortify the seafood sector.
- Coach/Athlete Leadership Relationship and Its Role on Athlete's Self-WorthLeandra Mangual Duran (Virginia Tech, 2025-05-05)This qualitative case study explores the relationship between coaches and athletes and how these dynamics impact collegiate volleyball players’ self-worth. Through interviews with members of the Virginia Tech volleyball team, the research examines the influence of word choice, leadership approaches and trust within the coach-athlete relationship. The study is grounded in Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory, which highlights the different experiences athletes have based on if they are in the in-group or the out-group, and how that impacts motivation, performance and emotional well-being. The findings reveal that athletes with supportive and respectful coaching relationships report higher self-worth and better performance, while those exposed to negative or dismissive communication experience diminished motivation, confidence and self-worth. Recommendations for improving the coach-athlete relationship include enhanced emotional intelligence training for coaches, open communication opportunities, and spaces and mental health resources that support the athlete’s development beyond performance metrics.
- Investigating the Effect that Training Classes Have on Reactive Behaviors in DogsLoughridge, Bryanna (Virginia Tech, 2025-04-28)Canine reactivity, including vocalizing and pulling towards other conspecifics, is a common behavioral issue experienced by owners of companion dogs. Due to its prevalence, a variety of training options are necessary to alleviate this concern for dog owners. Training classes are often an accessible and valuable method of increasing desirable behaviors in dogs but has not been previously researched in terms of reducing behaviors linked to canine reactivity. This study’s aim was to highlight any additional side benefits that group training might have on the reduction of behaviors related to reactivity and does not impact the benefits of group training classes that prior research supports. Using a pretest posttest design this study compared a period of no owner interaction and one of owner interaction before and after the completion of a 5-week group training class for adolescent dogs. We found no significant differences in any of the target behaviors during the No Interaction period and the Owner Interaction period saw an increase in owner attention and a decrease in attention towards the target dog. Both vocalization and leash pulling showed decreasing trends between the pre- and posttest during the Owner Interaction period as well, but it did not rise to the level of statistical significance. When comparing testing states, the Owner Interaction period saw a significant increase in owner attention and significant decreases in vocalization, leash pulling, and attention towards the target dog when compared to the No Interaction period. These results suggest that without owner intervention there is neither a positive nor a negative change in the target behaviors. It appears that owner intervention may play a significant role in seeing possible changes in behaviors linked to reactivity.
- How to Deliver Value-Added Profit Shares to Fine and Flavor Cacao Farmers: A Case Study of Bean to Bar Chocolate MakersJepson, Robert (Virginia Tech, 2024-12-17)Smallholder cacao farmers face poor earnings and production challenges despite supporting global cacao production. Improving farmer livelihoods is critical for the future of sustainable cacao cultivation (Gayi & Tsowou, 2016). Farmers need more opportunity to access alternative markets to increase their earnings, support their communities, and promote sustainable practices. Farmers can access alternative markets through participation in farmer organizations and trade engagements with chocolate makers who value their cacao for specialty characteristics (Rueda et al., 2023). Two interviews with specialty, value-added chocolate makers were conducted to determine their impacts on smallholder farmers. Findings support the effectiveness of direct trade relationships in increasing smallholder farmer market shares. Chocolate makers stress the importance of incorporating a sense of place in their products, supporting and trusting farmers and their production efforts, and maintaining non-monetary motivations. Replication of findings has the potential to improve smallholder farmer livelihoods and institute fundamental changes in the global cacao industry. Benefits include sustainable cultivation, preservation of natural ecosystems, and improved economic standing for smallholder farmers.
- Financial Literacy Program Development at Longwood UniversityHines, Emmily (2024-12-12)Financial literacy among college students is at concerningly low levels in much of the world. Despite the proven benefits that financial skills have on decision making and long-term planning, there are few faculty-led programs dedicated to improving financial literacy across college campuses. The purpose of this project was to design and pilot a financial literacy program on the campus of Longwood University that allows students free access to information regarding budgets, credit, student loans, and the importance of saving. Initial sessions of these workshops were held, and feedback was received using surveys and focus groups to determine student need for future and permanent session formats and topics. Focus groups also included collaboration with organizations that represent underserved populations to help ensure that students who have a higher likelihood of struggling with financial literacy skills find valuable and accessible information. Findings from survey responses and focus group data indicated that students learned the targeted material for their respective sessions. These findings also suggested that slight changes could be made to established workshops to include more examples for participants to see during the workshop. The Qualtrics surveys used to gather information could also be modified to be more user friendly. Overall, feedback suggests that there is sufficient need to grow the program and implement it as a permanent offering within the Office of Financial Aid.
- Determining Sex-specific Differences in Gait Symmetry during Walking and Running in Participants who Have Undergone Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction at the Time of Release to Sport using a Wearable In-Shoe SensorJohnstone, Serena (Virginia Tech, 2024-12-17)Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is something many athletes may experience during their career due to a torn ACL. This study included ACLR athletes after their rehabilitation process, before returning to their sport to assess gait symmetry during walking and running trials using wearable in-shoe sensors to specifically measure average loading rate (ALR), peak impact force (PIF), and impulse symmetry (IMP). This study utilized 40 athletes (20 males and 20 females) from various sports, ages ranging from 14 to 21 years of age with females having 7 right limb and 13 left limb ACLRs, and males having 9 right limb and 11 left limb ACLRs. Females showed higher levels of asymmetry in their limbs that underwent ACLR during both walking and running trials compared to males. Additionally, females showed a tendency to spend less time on their surgical leg when assessing PIF during walking. Conversely, during walking and running trials assessing left limb ACLRs only, females showed higher levels of asymmetry in offloading their weight from their non-surgical limb when assessing PIF and IMP. In addition, females showed higher levels of asymmetry during average loading rates (ALRs) in both walking and running compared to males when assessing right limb ACLRs only. More research into right ACLR to left ACLR differential outcomes between males and females should be conducted in order to validate these findings, since leg dominance can play a role in the initial injury. The use of wearable technology for gait assessment should be implemented in other laboratory settings as it is a valuable and accessible tool for measuring gait symmetry. This data is valuable for any clinician involved in the rehabilitation process for the athlete. In conclusion, females tend to show higher levels of asymmetry in comparison to males after ACLR.
- A Workshop: Problem-Solving Styles through Adaption-Innovation Theory and Air Force AthleticsCampbell, Hannah (Virginia Tech, 2024-12-20)The purpose of this project was to enhance team collaboration by addressing diversity in problem-solving within Air Force Athletics. To achieve this, I collaborated with a KAI-certified master practitioner to design a workshop based on Adaption-Innovation theory (Kirton, 1976; 2003). Before the workshop, each team member of a certain department within Air Force Athletics completed the KAI inventory to determine their position on the KAI continuum. During the workshop, participants explored the principles of the KAI framework and interpreted their scores. By doing this, they gained insights into their individual problem-solving styles. Using their KAI scores, we created scenarios illustrating how the team collectively approaches challenges. The workshop fostered awareness of team dynamics and encouraged members to leverage their diverse cognitive styles for improved collaboration. By applying KAI theory, the team can enhance creativity and productivity by aligning with the framework’s emphasis on effective problem-solving in diverse groups (Kirton, 2003).
- Evaluating Virginia Tech's Next-Level Leadership ProgramNew, Annabelle Grace (Virginia Tech, 2024-12-19)Virginia Tech Athletics developed a leadership Program, Next-Level Leadership (NLL)- to help aid student-athletes and grow their leadership skills. The vision of the program is for the participants to be able to lead themselves, lead their team, and to leave their legacy. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to understands the operations of program and make recommendations for further improvement. To do this I evaluated the program from the perspective of both the instructor and the participants to find more success in the program and for the betterment of the student-athletes participating. This study included a semi-structured interview of the administrator of the program and analyzed program evaluations from 2022-2024. Both the collection of data and analysis provided themes of positive comments about the community from both the participants in the questionnaires and the head facilitator when she stated it as one of the goals of the program. The student-athlete participants left suggestions in the questions from what they liked and wanted more of to what changes they would like made. The interview revealed the head facilitator’s take on the program, she explained what goes into the program, how she evaluates them, and how she perceived the effectiveness of both the inputs and her leadership into the program. Both the participants and the facilitator expressed their enjoyment of the program as well as some suggestions with the hope to improve the program for the participants and their leadership development.
- Enhancing Awareness and Access to Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Resources in the WorkplaceJulich, Mary (Virginia Tech, 2024-12-12)The rate of type 2 diabetes amongst working-age adults is on the rise and addressing prevention in the workplace has become increasingly essential. Strategies such as promoting better nutrition, encouraging regular physical activity, and raising awareness of local resources can aid in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this project is to create a general nutrition education resource for Virginia Tech employees about type 2 diabetes through the university’s worksite wellness program, Hokie Wellness. This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the program in increasing employees' ability to make lifestyle changes and access local resources for diabetes prevention. A needs assessment identified employees’ interest in learning about type 2 diabetes, specifically around recommended dietary patterns, physical activity, and resources within the community. The program was delivered as a virtual workshop. It focused on practical lifestyle changes, such as reading nutrition labels, being mindful of food portions, and incorporating physical activity. It also connected participants to complimentary resources such as Virginia Tech’s Nutrition Counseling Services and the Virginia Cooperative Extension Diabetes Prevention Program. Evaluation surveys indicated that participants felt more informed about diabetes prevention, confident in applying learned strategies, and motivated to seek out the local resources discussed. These results indicate that workplace wellness programs can play an essential role in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes amongst employees. By promoting awareness and supporting lifestyle changes, these programs contribute to a healthier, more engaged workforce and community.
- On Farm Evaluation of Cover Crops for Nitrogen Management in CottonJoyner, Qudre (Virginia Tech, 2024-12-10)Within the agricultural industry, producers are always inquiring and exploring for ways to limit risk, decrease inputs and increase yield and outputs. These novel agronomic practices such as cover crop are being examined to an entirely new and different level. One aspect of cover crops which has gained popularity and is now a hot topic within the agricultural community is that of cover crops usage as a green manure and its subsequent effects on nutrient cycling, with significant regard towards legume cover crops. Legumes are known for fixing their own nitrogen when sufficiently inoculated with Rhizobacterium, thus with their senescence or termination much of this nitrogen and other nutrients are released into the soil profile and made available for the following crops. With this study, cover crops, specifically legume cover crops, were studied to see what effects they had on nutrient cycling within cotton production and supporting benefits that yielded from the usage of this agronomic practice in real world applications.
- Evaluating Two Grasses Native to Southwest VirginiaGolding, Dillon (Virginia Tech, 2024-12-10)Most agricultural grasslands in the southeastern United States are made up of cool-season nonnative species. This is due to a variety of factors such as familiarity of farmers with those species, their ease of proliferation, and an extended growing season. Some literature has indicated the presence of savannahs and meadows made up of native grass species in the southeast, including Piedmont and northern Virginia, but no research has been performed focusing on ecotypes from Southwest Virginia. A remnant native grassland in Carroll County, VA containing the native grasses little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and splitbeard bluestem (Andropogon ternarius) formed the basis for this project. Seed hay was collected from these species for the purpose of testing the viability of establishing these local ecotypes and comparing them to more distant ecotypes of the same species. A hay transfer experiment tested the effects of a low and high rate of seed-hay biomass transferred on establishment, as well as a pre-transfer glyphosate application. An establishment experiment tested the establishment of little bluestem and splitbeard bluestem under Southwest Virginia field conditions. Establishment was poor across experiments and across ecotypes, affected by drought and heavy weed pressure. Local ecotypes performed the best in the variety trial, but the impact of this performance is hindered by low establishment over the whole experiment. There was no significant evidence that a higher rate of hay transfer or a pre-hay transfer glyphosate spray had an effect reducing weed populations in the hay transfer experiment. This suggests that the weed control methods used in this experiment would be ineffective for producers under similar conditions.