Product and Exchange of Attributes in Defining Boundaries for Value-Added Corn and Soybean Markets

This dissertation examines three issues related to the determination of product and market boundaries in agricultural markets. In the first paper, we use an estimated processed valuation model and quality data obtained from international processors, to examine whether soybean quality attributes significantly differ both within and across major exporting countries. In the second paper, social construction theory is used to analyze the potential market boundaries for markets that incorporate or exclude genetically modified soybeans. The model identifies linkages among social groups involved in the discourse around the adoption of genetic modification and the problems resulting from the new technology. In the third paper, transaction costs necessary for maintaining separate market channels for identity preserved corn and soybean crops are measured at the producer and first-handler level. An analysis of transaction costs shows that both producers and handlers can be grouped according to their involvement with value-added crops, their use of contracting and specification of contract attributes, and the level and composition of transaction costs arising from different groupings.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Theoretical and Applied Mechanics

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Bender, Karen L.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Westgren, Randall E.

• Business Administration, Management
• Economics, Agricultural

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(UMI)AAI9996615

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/77484