Raper, Kellie Curry

May, 2021

A Market Basket Analysis of Beef Calf Management Practice Adoption

By: Mulenga, Brian P. ; Raper, Kellie Curry ; Peel, Derrell S.
Existing studies on calf management practice adoption tend to treat practices individually and, by implication, ignore the possibility that some practices are more likely than others to be jointly adopted. This study applies market basket analysis to examine bundling of calf management practices based on the likelihood of joint adoption using producer survey data. Results indicate that the base practices of horn management, deworming, and castration are the three most widely adopted practices and are more likely to be jointly adopted in varying combinations with other practices. We discuss implications for extension programming and future studies concerned with understanding practice adoption decisions.
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January, 2020

Impact of Hormone Use Perceptions on Consumer Meat Preferences

By: Yang, Ruoye; Raper, Kellie Curry; Lusk, Jayson L.
U.S. consumers see retail beef products with “no added hormones” (NAH) labels. However, similar labels appear on pork and chicken products, even though hormone use in their production is prohibited. This study assesses consumer perceptions of hormone use in different livestock species. Using choice experiment data, we then examine the impact of these perceptions on preferences for unlabeled meat products and willingness to pay for NAH-labeled meat products. Results suggest that consumer perceptions of hormone use in production are incorrect. Further, perceptions influence consumer preferences and willingness to pay for unlabeled products versus those with NAH labels.
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April, 2014

Reducing Self-Selection Bias in Feeder Cattle Premium Estimates Using Matched Sampling

By: Williams, Brian R.; DeVuyst, Eric A.; Peel, Derrell S.; Raper, Kellie Curry
Past value-added research employs hedonic pricing models to estimate premiums associated with value-added feeder cattle characteristics. However, hedonic pricing models require restrictive assumptions and impose a functional form. Producers also self-select into a treatment group, potentially biasing estimates. Using propensity score matching, we reduce potential bias from producer self-selection and from imposing a functional form. Results suggest that hedonic pricing models may be negatively biased in estimates of premiums received by value-added calf producers. Current adopters receive a premium of $5.38/cwt from participation in a certified preconditioning program, while nonadopters would realize $5.17/cwt by adopting certification. Hedonic model values range from $0.52/cwt to $4.32/cwt, for similar or identical preconditioning programs.
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April, 2012

Determinants of Price Differentials in Oklahoma Value-Added Feeder Cattle Auctions

By: Williams, Galen S.; Raper, Kellie Curry; DeVuyst, Eric A.; Peel, Derrell S.; McKinney, Doug
Many value-added practices cannot be observed by feeder cattle buyers. Third-party verification can decrease market inefficiency associated with this asymmetric information. We evaluate the effectiveness of a verification program, the Oklahoma Quality Beef Network, in increasing received prices. We estimate the value of verification, weaning, vaccinating, certification and phenotypic traits of feeder cattle at Oklahoma auctions. Results indicate that the OQBN program adds $2.39 to $5.74/cwt. Vaccinating calves adds $1.44/cwt, and weaning calves adds $2.05/cwt. Differential values for lot size, average weight, hide color, frame size, conditioning, Brahman influence, gender and other characteristics are also reported.
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