Abstract: Despite clear science-based evidence of the benefits of bioengineering, consumers hold a negative attitude toward genetic modification that has been increasing over time. As a consequence, the market for food labeled as not genetically modified continues to grow, with price premiums ranging from 10 percent to 62 percent. The mixed messaging consumers receive can cause them to doubt their own food choices and harm them economically. Extension educators are increasingly focused on developing participative activities and game-based learning that can improve Extension programming methods. We created a learning game that simulates a shopping experience. In an online survey, compared to those who viewed an Extension website providing information on genetic modification, consumers who played the game were more likely to believe they learned something and correctly answered a question regarding deceptive labeling. While those who viewed the website were more likely to accurately characterize foods as having a genetically modified version, they were also more likely to select a carrot labeled as not genetically modified, even though no genetically modified alternative exists. Our results suggest a role for game-based learning in Extension programming, though there are cost tradeoffs."

Abstract: This study evaluates the impact of implementing a Healthy Eating Challenge within the classroom setting. The activity integrated nutrition education, self-discovery/reflection, and community support. The findings underscore the potential of this approach to effectively educate college students about healthy eating and behavioral change models. This personalized active learning classroom project utilized a diverse array of effective educational strategies, including personalized goal setting, self-discovery and assessment, and creative expression of the Challenge experience. These strategies were employed to align behavioral change goals with an individual’s readiness to embrace change. They served to foster a more comprehensive understanding of behavioral modification concepts and strengthen their reinforcement among college students. Throughout the Challenge, participants identified modifications that they would like to incorporate, such as enhancing meal balance, adding food variety, preparing food in advance, and eating breakfast earlier. This Challenge not only reshaped participants’ perception of influential factors guiding behavioral transformations but also notably reduced the perceived barrier of inadequate cooking skills. "

Abstract: The objective of the decision case study is to make a recommendation on whether to introduce a new product into the planogram of an independent retail grocery chain that does not have a formal sustainability strategy. The decision maker is the chief operating officer of the retail grocery chain. The product is a fair trade-certified coffee produced by Equal Exchange, a worker cooperative. Information is presented about the retail grocery chain, an overview of fair trade, a description of Equal Exchange, and background reading on the coffee supply chain."

Abstract: This case study explores the marketing decisions facing an agricultural technology company in Utah. Renaissance Ag recently developed a technology that converts shipping containers to hydroponic feed production systems. One shipping container produces 1.5 tons of livestock feed per day and requires less water compared to conventional agriculture. This technology has promise in a world food system being constantly forced to produce more with less. However, promoting adoption of new technologies in agriculture is always challenging. Renaissance Ag’s long-term viability is dependent upon efficiently channeling its limited marketing budget toward regions and agricultural sectors likely to receive the largest benefit from their technology. This case study challenges students to conceptualize and quantify the trade-offs associated with selling in different markets. It also has them consider impacts of different payment structures on equipment sales. The intended audience for this case is freshman and sophomore students in agribusiness and agricultural economic programs."

Abstract: The U.S. grocery sector is one of the few sectors that benefited economically from the coronavirus pandemic. This was due to a combination of supply and demand shocks, including increasing food-at-home related purchases when restaurants were in lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus, supply disruptions across diverse food supply chains, and customer panic-buying behavior and hoarding products. As a result, more innovations have occurred recently compared to changes in the past. This case study discusses the changing landscape in the grocery sector, including mergers, new kinds of competitors, and how firms react to those changes. This discussion allows for conducting a systematic analysis of the U.S. grocery sector. Motivated by the potential acquisition of Albertsons by Kroger, announced on October 14, 2022, the case study focuses on these companies. The article models a financial analysis of Kroger. Students using this case study are expected to replicate the financial analysis for Albertsons. The case study’s learning objectives are to (1) calculate and interpret financial ratios by category for a traditional grocer, (2) compare and contrast the financial ratios of two companies in the same industry, and (3) perform an industry analysis of U.S. grocery firms using Porter’s Five Forces."

Abstract: The Extension program discussed in this commentary was developed using a logic model to provide the missing economic analysis of patch-burn grazing in comparison to traditional rangeland management practices. It was submitted to the Graduate Student Extension Competition through the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) to take advantage of the opportunity to present patch-burn grazing as a potential cost-reducing and beneficial management practice to Oklahoma cow-calf producers. Delivery plans and communication methods for the program include fact sheets and budget tools, research articles, conference presentations, and workshops. The development of this Extension program centered around the economics of patch-burn grazing is supplemental to ongoing research by the Prairie Project. The Prairie Project utilizes outputs such as fact sheets, workshops, and social media to convey the benefits of patch-burn grazing, which has been shown to be effective. The opportunity to build an Extension program around research using a logic model allows young professionals to learn how to build a successful program."