UNL Agricultural Economics

08/21/2026

Please feel free to share this information with your local rural grocers:

UPCOMING: CUSTOMER SERVICE for RURAL GROCERS

Every customer interaction shapes the reputation of your grocery store. Friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive employees can turn first-time shoppers into loyal customers who return week after week. Investing in customer service is one of the most affordable and effective ways to increase customer satisfaction, improve employee confidence, and strengthen your store's bottom line.

Grocery owners, managers, supervisors, and employees from across Nebraska are invited to participate in the Customer Service for Grocers webinar series this September.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT, SIGN UP TODAY! IT’S FREE

GO.UNL.EDU/CS4GROCERS

Flexible Scheduling
The training consists of two one-hour webinars offered over three weeks in September. To accommodate busy work schedules, each session is offered multiple times. Participants should register for one Part I session and one Part II session that best fits their schedule.

Part I

• Wednesday, September 2 — 2:30 p.m. CDT / 1:30 p.m. MDT
• Wednesday, September 9 — 10:00 a.m. CDT / 9:00 a.m. MDT
• Monday, September 14 — 5:30 p.m. CDT / 4:30 p.m. MDT

Part II

• Thursday, September 3 — 2:30 p.m. CDT / 1:30 p.m. MDT
• Thursday, September 10 — 10:00 a.m. CDT / 9:00 a.m. MDT
• Tuesday, September 15 — 5:30 p.m. CDT / 4:30 p.m. MDT

08/13/2026

Block your calendars! We have an upcoming seminar!

08/04/2026

Congratulations to our outstanding faculty and research team on receiving the 2026 Community Development Society (CDS) Current Research Award!

This prestigious award recognizes a current research project or product that makes a significant contribution to the field of community development while exemplifying the Principles of Good Practice established by the Community Development Society.
This well-deserved honor reflects the team's dedication to conducting impactful research that strengthens communities and advances the field through innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

Please join us in congratulating the team on this outstanding achievement!

07/30/2026

Congratulations to our recent PhD graduate, Akinbode Okunola on presenting research at two leading agricultural economics conferences!

At the Western Agricultural Economics Association (WAEA) Annual Meeting, the paper "Market Effects of Veterinary Drug Maximum Residue Limits on Global Trade of Beef, Poultry, and Pork" explored how veterinary drug maximum residue limits (MRLs) influence global meat trade, highlighting the dual role of food safety standards as both trade-restricting and trade-enhancing mechanisms. The paper received the Second-Best Graduate Student Paper Award, and he also received travel support from the Department.

At the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Annual Meeting, the paper "Productivity, Trade, and Nutritional Security in Emerging Economies" examined how productivity growth in domestic agriculture and international trade can help address undernourishment in low-, lower-middle-, and middle-income countries. This paper was also recognized with an AAEA Travel Grant, awarded following a nomination by Department Chair Kate Brooks.

We are proud of these outstanding accomplishments and grateful for the opportunity to support student research and professional development. Congratulations on representing our department at both conferences!

06/24/2026

Our latest 2026 Spring/Summer edition of AgHorizons is out! To read click the link below:https://agecon.unl.edu/sites/unl.edu.ianr.casnr.agricultural-economics/files/media/file/Final-2026%20Spring-Summer%20Newsletter%20%282%29.pdf

06/15/2026

We had a great time at the first East Campus Discovery Days of the season this past Saturday! Our department, CAP and Buy Fresh Buy Local and enjoyed connecting with families, students, and community members throughout the event.

Discovery Days at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers something for everyone. Explore hands-on science activities, enjoy live music, visit food trucks, shop the farmers market and vendor fair, and stop by the newly renovated UNL Dairy Store for a scoop of ice cream. Visitors can also stroll through the beautiful Backyard Farmer garden and discover all that East Campus has to offer.
Activities are free and family-friendly, with food, crafts, and local products available for purchase. We look forward to seeing everyone at the next Discovery Days event!

06/01/2026

So proud of our Buy Fresh By Local team! They were featured in the Beatrice Daily Sun by reporter Christina Lyons: https://beatricedailysun.com/news/local/article_7d0d2ec4-9d6c-44bd-99b3-c94abfe317c1.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawSKloBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFHSE1SNERmcGN4RXJpTXE5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgCHDuN4dmEwtDSrXPwv-HeLhhhFUvmrQmzQn7mfRDeNPjTWvRtNF4p9CZgx_aem_DscSThq1XiTKa9R05GNcMw

"The goal is to celebrate locate food, celebrate local farmers and to bring joy around trying new things," said Skylar Falter of Buy Fresh, Buy Local.

06/01/2026

We are so proud of our Nebraska Cooperative Development Center for their work and impact on the community:

Republican River Valley Homecare in Arapahoe became Nebraska’s first worker-owned homecare cooperative when it started accepting clients in January.

05/08/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Giannakas on being selected as the recipient of the 2026 Darrell W. Nelson Graduate Student Advising Excellence Award!

This recognition highlights his outstanding commitment to graduate student mentoring, guidance, and academic excellence. Thank you for the positive impact you make on students and the university community through your dedication and leadership.

Please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved honor!

05/08/2026

🎓 We’re excited to share photos from this morning's celebration honoring our graduating graduate students!

Your hard work, dedication, and passion have led you to this incredible milestone. We are proud of all you have accomplished and excited to see the impact you will make in your careers, communities, and beyond.

Thank you for the contributions you’ve made during your time with us. Wishing you continued success as you begin this next chapter!