Ag Econ-O-Gram

December 9, 2005

FACULTY MEETINGS
Please note that there will be TWO more faculty meetings in Fall Semester

Dec. 14 -Wed., 10 am - 12 noon, Room 75 Ag Hall. Dean Armstrong, Tom Coon, Doug Buhler and Eunice Foster will meet with Ag Econ Faculty regarding the External Review recommendations.

Dec. 16 – Fri., 10:30 am - 12 noon, Room 75 Ag Hall, Regular faculty meeting.
 
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
Please be reminded that the University will be closed for business Friday & Monday, Dec. 23 & 26, 2005 to celebrate Christmas, a national holiday.  The University will re-open for business on Dec. 27.  The University will also be closed Fri., Dec. 30, 2005 and Mon., Jan. 2, 2006 and will re-open for business Jan. 3, 2006.
 
HOLIDAY GREETINGS
I'm departing tonight for New York and then continue next week to Senegal. I will be back next year (first week of Jan. 2006). I would appreciate very much if you could inform the colleagues of the Department. I wish all of you a very good holiday season and a Happy New Year 2006.  May God bless all of you and give you Wisdom, Happiness and Satisfaction in your Family.  Best regards, Cheick Oumar Diarrah.
 
(Cheick is currently on leave from the United Nations Office of West Africa; from 1995 through 2002, he served as Mali's ambassador to the U.S. He is spending the year at MSU as a visiting scholar and has a workstation in Room 219 Ag Hall. )

CONDOLENCES
We were just notified that Richard Hartwig passed away Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005 at his home.  Age 89 years. he was employed by MSU extension service as an Agricultural Economist for Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Funeral service will take place on Friday, Dec. 9, 2005, 10:15 a.m. at the Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. and 11 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church.  In lieu of flowers, consider memorials to St. Lorenz Student Aid Fund.  Published in the Lansing State Journal – Dec. 6, 2005--Steve Hanson, Chair
 
GOVERNOR'S TASK FORCE
Congratulations to Dept. of Ag. Economics’ member Dr. Eric Scorsone, who has been appointed to the Governors Task Force on Local Government Services and Fiscal Stability.  This task force will provide recommendations on modernizing Michigan government revenue systems and Eric's service on this committee is bringing important visibility to our program.  Joe Martin, Lena Stevens and Leslie Barner are also providing support to the effort.--Steve Hanson, Chair

MSU CHILDREN’S CHOIR
MSU Children’s Choir has been nominated for best classical album and classical performance of the year. The Grammys will be announced on Feb. 8, 2006.
 
NEW WEB-BASE SURVEY
A new Web-based survey gives Michigan residents an opportunity to indicate the issues of greatest concern in their communities. As part of the 2005-06 issues identification process, Strengthening Michigan's Economy: Roles for MAES and MSUE, the survey can be accessed at http://www.msue.msu.edu/portal/.  The link is available in the Extension director's message on the state and county MSUE portals sites. It will also
be linked to the MAES campus and field station websites.

This survey is one of the ways that people throughout the state can help identify the issues and opportunities for MAES research and MSUE educational programming during the years ahead. Survey results will be collected by county and will be available to MSUE and MAES staff on a continuing basis.  This will provide useful data for the county focus group discussions.
 
DRAFT-CARLTON DAVIS
The Department has again received recognition through another PhD graduate. Carlton Davis (MSU, Ag Econ, PhD, 1970) will be inducted into the George Washington Carver Hall of Fame at the upcoming PAWC (Professional Agricultural Workers Conference), Tuskegee University, Dec. 4-7, 2005. The award is given in recognition of individuals whose work mirrors the philosophy of the world recognized scholar, George Washington Carver.  Public service is viewed as significant accomplishments and in the areas of teaching and outreach designed to improve the quality of life for the rural clientele served by the 1890 Land-Grant Universities.

Carlton joins Ralph Christy (PhD 1980) and Refugio Rochin (PhD 1971), both MSU Agricultural Economics, PhD graduates, into the George Washington Carver Hall of Fame.  Carlton can be contacted through the following--Carlton Davis, G091 McCarty Hall B, P.O. Box 110240 IFAS, Gainesville, FL  32611-0240; Phone:  (352)392-1881 x 313; E-mail:  cgdavis@ifas.ufl.edu;  Webpage-- http://www.fred.ifas.ufl.edu/bios/biospage.php3?ID=cgdavis

FOOD SECURITY III & RELATED PROJECTS: Recent Outreach and Academic Contributions:
Updates for November 2005 --39 new items have been added to our web site, according to the major headings and subheadings of the site.
 
ARD CONFERENCE PAPERS
Papers presented at the SEARCA International Conference on "Agricultural and Rural Development in Asia: Ideas, Paradigms, and Policies Three Decades After" can now be downloaded. Please visit http://web.searca.org/ard/sked.htm>.
These papers are preliminary, unedited, and still subject to further revisions.  They are being circulated only for purposes of soliciting comments and suggestions for further refinements.  Any opinions and interpretations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent SEARCA, SEAMEO, or any of its member governments.  Not for quotation without permission from the author(s) and SEARCA.  Please send your comments to <ard_conference@agri.searca.org>.
Thank you very much!
 
MSU INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
For more info, go to: www.isp.msu.edu/calendar/upcoming.php
 
MSU EVENTS INFO
BRESLIN CENTER
 
PAVILION EVENTS
 
WHARTON CENTER
 
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
 
THE AMERICAN DAIRY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION seeks a highly organized, dynamic leader to manage the day-to-day functions of the organization including membership service, budgeting, publications, journal management, meeting management, fund-raising, marketing, and new product development. The Executive Director reports to the ADSA President and Board of Directors, and works closely with the staff leadership of the Federation of Animal Science Societies, as well as the trustees of the ADSA Foundation. Experience in managing a non-profit group, supervisory skills, business skills, and knowledge of electronic publishing and issues in animal agriculture and food science is preferred. Strong academic background is a plus, but experience in managing the affairs of a scientific society or similar non-profit organization will be considered in lieu of advanced degrees.  Resume with 3 references must be postmarked by Dec. 15, 2005 and sent to ADSA Search Committee, 1111 N. Dunlap Avenue, Savoy, IL 61874.  See www.adsa.org for more information.
 
Clemson University is seeking for Associate Professor, Water Policy Economics, Dept of Applied Econ. and Statistics.; a tenure-track faculty position in water policy economics; 9-month appt with 75% research & 25% teaching; will provide technical support to the policy decision-making process related to water allocation, covering a broad spectrum of economic, social, and technical/engineering issues; having interests in water use, to apply economic principles to quantify competing supplies and user needs for water; and to provide objective analysis of policy issues dealing with water supply and use.  Teaching responsibilities will support curricula in Environment and Natural Resources, Ag. Econ., Policy Studies, and others.  Required:  Ph.D. in economics, agricultural or applied economics with emphasis in natural resource economics and specific expertise in water resource management.  Submit a letter of application including a resume, transcripts, and three letters of reference under separate cover to Dr. Michael Hammig, Search Committee Chair, Department of Applied Economics & Statistics, 228 Barre Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634.  email: mhammig@clemson.edu.  DEADLINE:  Jan. 13, 2006 or until a suitable applicant is found.  Applications will be reviewed beginning Jan. 16, 2006.
 
CORNELL UNIVERSITY, Dept of Applied Economics and Management, College of Agri. and Life Sciences, Ithaca, NY, is seeking for Assistant Professor (Agribusiness); tenure track, academic year appointment; expected to establish a distinguished pro-gram that integrates problem-solving research and outreach.  The purpose of the position is to contribute to & create academic programs that lead to improved decision-making by managers  & leaders of agricultural and food businesses.  Teaching will not be a defined responsibility, but this does not exclude serving as a major or minor member of graduate committees.  Required:  A Ph.D. in agri. Econ./ agribusiness, business, managerial/business economics, or a related discipline.  A letter of application, vita (including a list of publications and evidence of teaching experience), transcript, and names of three references may be sent to:  Dr. William Lesser, Chair, Department of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University, 154 Warren Hall, Ithaca, NY  14853-7801. Deadline:  Dec. 15, 2005  or until an acceptable candidate is identified.
 
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) is seeking to fill the position of CSREES Associate Administrator; shares responsibilities in working with partners & customers to advance research, extension, and education in the food & agricultural sciences and related environmental & human sciences to benefit people, communities, and the Nation. Programs are financed by approx. $1 billion in Federal funds.
 
This is a Senior Executive Service position.  Applicants must meet mandatory qualifications, as specified in vacancy announcement CSREES-SES:05-09, and address specific executive core & technical qualifications. For more information on the position, call Betty Lou Gilliland on 202-720-5506. For information on the application process, call Deborah Crump on 301-504-1448. A copy of the vacancy announcement may be located on the Office of Personnel Management Web page at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/. Applications must be received by January 31, 2006.  U.S. Citizenship required.
 
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY (Greenville, NC) is seeking for an assistant professor, one tenure-track position in one of these fields:  with research and teaching interests in the theory of risk and its applications, especially relating to natural hazards; and with teaching & research interests in dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models.  Required:  Ph.D. in economics, although candidates whose completion is imminent will be considered; must have an active research agenda, and a commitment to effective teaching and service to the university.  Available:  Aug. 21, 2006.  Deadline:  open until filled; screening begins on Feb. 15, 2006.  Additional information is available at our web site at http://www.ecu.edu/econ/.  Send curriculum vitae, one current research paper, and submission of three current letters of recommendation.  Electronic submissions are encouraged.  Contact: Tenure-Track Search Committee, Dept. of Economics, Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences, Brewster Building A-427, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC  27858-4353; (Fax: 252-328-6743; E-Mail: harringtonp@ecu.edu).
 
ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICES, USDA, is seeking for Agricultural Economist, one of two economists positions, at the Markets and Trade Economics Division, Economic Research Service on the Ag Econ Heads Listserv.  Link to full posting 
OPEN PERIOD: Wed., Nov. 30, 2005 to Mon., Feb. 6, 2006; Full-Time Permanent; one vacancy - Washington DC Metro Area, DC.  Must be a U.S. Citizens and Status Candidates. Applications will also be accepted from USDA surplus and Federal displaced employees in the commuting area.  The vacancy is located in the Market and Trade Economics Division (MTED). MTED conducts economic research and analysis on U.S. and global economic and policy factors affecting the structure and performance of agricultural markets and trade.
 
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (Gainesville) is seeking for an Assistant Professor (pos. no. 0001-3383) Environmental / Land Use Economics & Policy, Food & Resource Economics in Food & Resource Economics Dept., Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS); a 12-month tenure-accruing position that carries a 60 % extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service) and 40% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) appointment in the Food and Resource Economics Dept (www.fred.ifas.ufl.edu), UF/IFAS. Duties include carrying out an integrated program of research and extension related to land use and allocation, environmental policy, and growth management issues focused on the rural/urban interface.  Required: A Ph.D. in agricultural economics or a closely related field is required. Postdoctoral or professional experience in private or public sector dealing with environmental and/or growth related issues is desirable.  Deadline:  Formal review will begin Dec. 15, 2005 and continue until the position is filled.
 
HOUSTON ADVANCED RESEARCH CENTER (HARC) seeks to hire a senior ecological economist to direct the Center's "Valuing Nature in Texas" (VNT) program.  (For more information visit www.harc.edu/harc/Projects/Nature.) This program uses economic and other social science approaches to estimate non-market values of the natural environment and introduce these values into planning and decision-making processes.  In addition to directing this established program, the individual will be expected to develop and conduct innovative and policy-relevant ecological economics research and interact with other scholars, the policy community and other stakeholders.  Required: an ecological economist with a Ph.D. in economics; at least five years post-doctoral research or policy-related experience; have a record of grant funding as well as publishing in peer-reviewed periodicals; familiarity with water and coastal resources is ideal; knowledge of Spanish and Geographic Information Systems is a plus.  Deadline:  Dec. 23, 2005.  Send a full CV, a writing sample, and a one page description of research interests related to ecological economics, non-market valuation of natural resources, and policymaking.  These materials should be submitted through the HARC website:  http://www.harc.edu/jobs
Click on the job title. Follow directions for file submission.  No phone calls, please.  HARC is a private, not-for-profit applied scientific research facility dedicated to moving knowledge to action to promote technologies and policies that improve human well-being and protect the environment. HARC is located in The Woodlands, Texas, 30 miles north of Houston. More HARC info. can be found http://www.harc.edu/.  Additional information about The Woodlands is available a http://www.thewoodlandstx.com/. 

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY – Extension seeks:
POS ID # 1475 - Eaton County Extension Educator, 4H Youth Development in Charlotte, MI.  Available Dec. 1, 2005.  Deadline:  Dec. 15, 2005.

POS ID #1476 - Ingham County Extension Educator, 4H Youth Development, located in Mason, MI.  This position is funded by a grant and will be renewed annually based upon available funding.  Available:  Dec. 1, 2005.  Deadline:  Dec. 15, 2005. 

POS ID #1477 - Extension Associate Program Leader; 4-H Health & Well-Being Programs located at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.  Available:  Jan. 10, 2006.  Deadline:  Dec. 20, 2005. 

For more information, go to:  http://web2.canr.msu.edu/personnel/vacancies.cfm
 
University of Wyoming, (Laramie) Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, is seeking for an Assistant Professor in Wildlife Resources and Livestock Systems Economics; nine-month, tenure-track position, 50% teaching, 50% research; specifically addresses the economic opportunities to research design, management, and risks of the interface of wildlife and livestock production systems; emphasis is put upon food and fiber production with risk/biosecurity management, relating to animal diseases and wildlife recreation trade-offs, that impact or enhance production systems.  Teaching will include three to four courses per year with emphasis on quantitative methods, wildlife resource economics, recreation resource economics, and rangeland resource economics.  Additional responsibilities include academic advising of undergraduates and graduate students as well as direction of MS thesis projects.  Research responsibilities require developing a nationally recognized program for biological production systems related to economic profitability and sustainability constrained by production and policy oriented-regulatory risks.  The program could include work in the areas of livestock and wildlife systems, predation mitigation, animal disease control as well as system design and decision models. Ability to use and analyze spatial data is important. The incumbent will be expected to pursue external grant funding, supervise research assistants and/or associates, publish in regionally/nationally recognized refereed journals and develop a nationally recognized program of research. Required:  Ph.D. in Economics or Agricultural & Applied Economics with specialization in natural resource and environmental economics, livestock/wildlife production economics and quantitative methods; knowledge of appropriate theory and risk analysis applications; willingness to work in a multidisciplinary context on issues related to the structure and management of biological production systems; work with spatial data and develop spatially distributed models using Geographic Information Systems tools would be a valued assets.  To apply, send letter of interest describing skills (as they are relevant to the position), vita, official transcripts, 4 letters of recommendation, teaching evaluations and sample publication.  Deadline:  begins Feb. 10, 2006 with an anticipated start date of mid August 2006.  Send to:  Dr. Donald M. McLeod, Search Chair,  Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Wyoming, DEPT 3354, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY  82071; Phone: 307-766-3116; Fax:  307-766-5544; e-mail:  dmcleod@uwyo.edu.
 
Further details available for 30 days only by contacting Pat Neumann 517-432-0848.

All announcements should be sent to Pat Neumann, Editor, in room 219 Ag. Hall or e-mail: neumannp@msu.edu  NO LATER than 12 noon on Thursday; after 12, they will be in the next BI-WEEKLY edition.