Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5084-1965

Date Available

5-1-2023

Year of Publication

2023

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College

Agriculture, Food and Environment

Department/School/Program

Agricultural Economics

Advisor

Dr. Tyler Mark

Co-Director of Graduate Studies

Dr. Shuoli Zhao

Abstract

This dissertation comprises three distinct but interrelated projects that explore the intersection of agriculture, nutrition, and economics. The first project investigates the impact of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) food programs on the health outcomes of its participants. Using fixed effects models and a matching algorithm, the study finds that while conventional fixed effects models indicate a significant effect of CSA participation on diet-related medical expenditures, our modified time-heterogenous fixed effects model did not find a meaningful effect. The results of the matching method are consistent with those of our modified model.

The second project examines racial disparities in the prevalence and management of diabetes among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. The study shows that minority groups, including American Indian or Alaska Native adults, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic Blacks, have higher rates of diabetes than non-Hispanic whites in the US. Additionally, the study reveals that SNAP participants follow a cyclical pattern in food consumption and dietary habits, which may complicate diabetes control. The findings underscore the need to address the ethnic-specific behavior of SNAP participants in diabetes management to address the racial disparity in diabetes prevalence and management.

The third project explores the differences between auction venue channels on sale prices. Using a Two-Stages Least Squares method and a switching regression model, the study finds that different auction venues directly cause selling price differentiation. Equipment-specific attributes significantly influenced planters' sale prices within sale venues, and equipment-specific characteristics, financial attributes of state farming, and geographical features affect planters' auction selection. The study's findings are useful for sellers and buyers seeking the most profitable sales venues for their planter sales. Understanding the dispersion of prices specific to each auction venue can lead to better venue decision-making, especially with the growing trend of web-based auctions.

Overall, this dissertation highlights the importance of examining the intersection of agriculture, nutrition, and economics to better understand the impact of various policies and programs on public health and economic outcomes.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2023.136

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