Ruby Ward

APEC Dept

Agricultural Entrepreneurship Specialist


Ruby Ward

Contact Information

Office Location: AGRS 224
Phone: 435-797-2323
Email: ruby.ward@usu.edu

Educational Background

PhD, Agricultural EconomicsTexas A & M University, 1998
An Analysis of Potential Agricultural Reforms in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
MBATexas A & M University, 1994
BS, Accounting and Agricultural EconomicsUtah State University, 1992
Other, Crop and Soil ScienceRicks College, 1990

Awards

Extension Specialist Award for Innovative Program, 2013

Extension Specialists Association

Outstanding Extension Group Project, 2011

Western Agricultural Economics Association

Outstanding Extension Group Project, 2006

Western Agriculture Association

Overall Specialist Award, 2006

Extension Specialists Association, Utah State University

Innovative Program Award, 2005

Extension Specialists Association, Utah State University

Outstanding Extension Group Project, 2005

Western Agricultural Association

Outstanding Program, 2005

Iota Chapter, Epsilon Sigma Phi

Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year, 2005

College of Business, Utah State University

Tom Slick Fellowship, 1994

Texas A&M University

Lechner Fellowship, 1992

Texas A&M University

Utah Certified Nurseryman, 1991

Agriculture Division Woman of the Year, 1990

Ricks College

Top Graduate, 1990

Crop and Soil Science Department


    Publications | Book Chapters

  • Bailey, D., Ward, R.A, (2016). Economics: Feeding the Forgotten: Agricultural Development for the World's Small-Holder Farmer. The Institute of Self-Reliant Agriculture A Division of Choice Humanitarian

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Fact Sheets

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Curriculum

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Journal Articles

Academic Journal

  • Lewis , M., Stock, M., Black, B.L, Drost, D.T, Dai, X., Ward, R.A, (2023). Field production methods for season extension of peony ‘Coral Charm’. HortScience, 58:4, 389-394. doi: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI16942-22
  • Rauter, S., Stock, M., Black, B.L, Drost, D.T, Dai, X., Ward, R.A, (2022). Anemone Cut Flower Timing, Yield, and Quality in a High-Elevation Field and High Tunnel. Horticulturae, 9:1, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9010002
  • Rauter, S., Stock, M., Black, B.L, Drost, D.T, Dai, X., Ward, R.A, (2022). Anemone Cut Flower Timing, Yield, and Quality in a High-Elevation Field and High Tunnel. Horticulturae, 9:1, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9010002
  • Rauter, S., Black, B.L, Drost, D.T, Dai, X., Ward, R.A, (2022). Overwintering Improves Ranunculus Cut Flower Production in the US Intermountain West. Horticulturae, 8:12, 1128. doi: doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8121128
  • Drugova, T., Curtis, K., Ward, R.A, (2022). Producer Preferences for Drought Management Strategies in the Arid West. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 37, 14-23.
  • Curtis, K., Drugova, T., Knudsen, T., Reeve, J., Ward, R.A, (2020). Is Organic Certification Important to Farmers’ Market Shoppers or Is Eco-friendly Enough?. HortScience, 55:11, 1822-1831.
  • Forrest, B.W, Coppock, D.D, Bailey, D., Ward, R.A, (2016). Economic Analysis of Land and Livestock Management Interventions to Improve Resilience of a Pastoral Community in Southern Ethiopia. Journal of African Economies, 25:2, 233-266.
  • Curtis, K., Allen, K., Ward, R.A, (2015). Food Consumption, Attitude, and Behavioral Change among CSA Members: A Northern Utah Case Study. Journal of Food Distribution Research, 42:2, 3-16.
  • Curtis, K., Yeager, I., Black, B.L, Drost, D.T, Ward, R.A, (2014). Market and Pricing Potential for Extended Season Produce Sales. Journal of Food Distribution Research, 45:2
  • Ward, R.A, Teegerstrom, T., Hiller, J., (2013). IRS Tax Rules and Native American Producers: One Size Does Not Fit All. Choices the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association's Outlets for Policy and Management, 28:2, 1-6.
  • Curtis, K., Ward, R.A, Allen, K., Slocum, S., (2013). Impacts of Community Supported Agriculture Program Participation on Consumer Food Purchases and Dietary Choice. Journal of Food Distribution Research, 44:1, 42-51.
  • Hunter, B., Drost, D.T, Black, B.L, Ward, R.A, (2012). Improving growth and productivity of early-season high tunnel tomatoes with targeted temperture additions. HortScience, 47:5, 733-740.
  • Ward, R.A, Wysocki, A., Woods, T., (2011). Agribusiness Extension: The Past, Present, and Future?. International Food and Agribusiness Managment Review, 14:5, 125-140.
  • Ward, R.A, Drost, D.T, Whyte, A., (2011). Assessing Profitability of Selected Specialty Crops Grown in High Tunnels. The Journal of Agribusiness, 29:spring 2011, 41-58.
  • Ward, R.A, Whyte, A., James, R., (2010). A Tale of Two Bees: Looking at Pollination Fees for Almonds and Sweet Cherries. American Entomologist, 56, 170-177.
  • Ward, R., Bailey, D., Jensen, R., (2005). An American BSE Crisis: Has it Affected the Value of Traceability and Country-of-Origin Certifications for US and Canadian Beef?. International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, 8:2
  • Ward, R.A, (2005). An American BSE Crisis: Has it Affected the Value of Traceability and Country-of-origin Certifications for US and Canadian Beef?. International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, Issue 2, 82
  • Ward, R.A, (2005). The Potential Impacts of a Proposed Ban on the Sale of US Horses for Slaughter and Human Consumption. Journal of Agribusiness, Spring, 23
  • North, M., Bailey, D., Ward, R.A, (2005). The Potential Impact of a Proposed Ban on the Sale of U.S. Horses for Slaughter and Human Consumption. Journal of Agribusiness
  • Heflebower, R., Cerny-Koenig, T., Waters, M., Ward, R.A, (2005). Water-Wise Plant Recognition Program. Journal of Extension
  • Ward, R.A, (2004). If You Can't Trust the Farmer, Who Can You Trust? The Effect of Certification Types on Purchases of Organic Produce. International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, 1 2004, 7
  • Ward, R.A, (2003). Consumer Preferences for Public and Private Sector Certifications for Beef Products in the United States and the United Kingdom. International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, 3 2003, 6
  • Ward, R.A, (2000). Strategic Realignment in the Texas Prison System. Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, April 2000, 32, 145-58.

Professional Journal

  • Erickson, J., Bailey, D., Ward, R.A, Allen, K., (2013). Analysis of the Sustainability of Selected Targeted NGO Interventions for a Representative Small-Scale Farm Family in Ecuador. Journal of Reviews on Global Economics, 2:2013, 291-306.
  • Kratsch, H., Ward, R.A, Shao, M., Rupp, L.A, (2010). Educational Needs and Perspectives on the Future of the Green Industry in Utah. HortTechnology20, 740-750.

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Technical Reports

Research Reports

  • Ward, R.A, Salisbury, K., (2016). The Economic Contribution of Agriculture to the Economy of Utah in 2014. Economic Research Institute Report *
  • Ward, R.A, Salisbury, K., (2016). The Economic Impact of Utah State University Sponsored Research Programs on the Utah Economy in Fiscal Year 2015. Economic Research Institute Report *
  • Ward, R.A, Salisbury, K., (2015). Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Utah: 2014 Economic Impact Report. Economic Research Institute Report *
  • Perry, L., Quinonez, J., Salisbury, K., Ward, R.A, (2015). Potential Economic Impacts for Wayne County ASAP Development Priorities. Economic Research Institute Report *
  • Ward, R.A, Grullon, A., Walker, L., (2014). The Economic Impact of Utah State University Sponsored Research Programs on the Utah Economy in Fiscal Year 2013. Economic Research Institute Report *
  • Ward, R.A, Slocum, S., (2013). An Exploration of the Economic Contribution of Direct Farm Marketing to the Economy of Utah: 2012. Economic Research Institute Report *
  • Ward, R.A, Jakus, P.M, Couliably, L., (2013). The Economic Contribution of Agriculture to the Economy of Utah in 2011. Center for Society, Economy and the Environment Research Report
  • Ward, R.A, Jakus, P.M, Slocum, S., Coulibaly, L., Walker, L., (2013). The Economic Impact of Utah State University Sponsored Research Programs on the Utah Economy in Fiscal Year 2012. Economic Research Institute Report *
  • Ward, R.A, Kim, M., Jakus, P.M, Feuz, D., (2011). An Economic Analysis of Time Control Grazing in Three Creeks, Rich County, Utah. *
  • Ward, R.A, Jakus, P.M, Whyte, A., Walker, L., (2011). The Economic Impact of Utah State University Sponsored Research Programs on the Utah Economy. Economic Research Institute *
  • Ward, R.A, Jakus, P.M, Feuz, D., (2010). The Economic Impact of Agriculture on the State of Utah. Economic Research Institute *
  • Ward, R.A, (2004). How an American BSE Crisis Has Affected the Value of Traceability and Country of Origin Certifications in the US Beef Industry. ERI Study Paper, April *
  • Ward, R.A, (2003). Importance of Various Roles and Evaluation Methods of Extension Economists as Viewed by Extension Administrators, Department Heads, and Specialists. ERI Study Paper, September 2003 *
  • Ward, R.A, (2003). Enterprise Budget: Costs & Returns per Acre From Growing Tomatoes--2003, 2002. Utah Agricultural Statistics *
  • Ward, R.A, (2002). If you can't trust the farmer, who can you trust? The effect of certification types on purchases of organic produce. Utah State University, Logan, UT *
  • Ward, R.A, (2001). The effects of certification on willingness to pay for organic produce. Utah State University *

Other Reports

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Other

Bulletins

  • Bailey, D., Ward, R.A, Forrest, B.W, Coppock, D.D, (2014). Can Bush-Clearing, Deferred Grazing, or Camels Help Mitigate Climate-Change Effects for Borana Pastoralists? An Economic Analysis of Potential Interventions.
  • Bailey, D., Ward, R.A, (2008). Niche Market Pricing and Strategies for Maintaining Price Premiums: Niche Markets: Assessment and Strategy Development for Agriculture. Western Extension Marketing Committee

Magazine/Trade Publications

  • Ward, R.A, (2013). Looking Ahead At Federal Taxes. Idaho Growers and Shippers Associations Annual 2013 Yearbook *
  • Ward, R.A, (2013). How Taxes Affect You. Sugar Producer *

Other

  • Ward, R.A, Teegerstrom, T., (2015). My Fi Assist. *
  • Hunter, B., Ward, R.A, Drost, D.T, (2011). High Tunnel Early Tomato Budget. Utah State University Extension
  • Ward, R.A, (2008). Survey of the Green Industry in Utah: A Tool for Focusing Cooperative Extension Programs. Economic Research Institute *
  • Ward, R.A, (2005). Agricultural Industry Profile for Cache County Utah. Cache County Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting. Logan, Utah *
  • Ward, R.A, (2005). Tax Issues Affecting Farmers and Ranchers 2005. Utah State University in Touch (published as a special insert to the Farm Bureau News) *
  • Ward, R.A, (2005). Water-wise Plant Recognition Program. Journal of Extension, February 2005 *
  • Ward, R.A, (2004). Costs of installing a Pot-in-Pot Production System for Native Plants-2003. Utah Agricultural Statistics *
  • Ward, R.A, (2004). Gallon Native Perennials using a Pot-in-Pot Production System-2003. Utah Agricultural Statistics *
  • Ward, R.A, (2004). Growing 3 Gallon Native Plants Using a Pot-in-Pot Production System-2003. Utah Agricultural Statistics *
  • Ward, R.A, (2004). Tax Laws and Implications for Cashflows and Financing. Farm Bureau Newsletter *
  • Ward, R.A, (2004). BSE Information for Consumers. USU Extension Committee on BSE *
  • Ward, R.A, (2003). Uncle Sam Says Purchase a New Tractor. Farm Bureau Newsletter *
  • Ward, R.A, (2003). Evaluating Beverage Choices. Consumer Decision Making Contest, Utah 4-H Contests. Utah State University Extension, Logan, Utah *
  • Ward, R.A, (2003). Harwood Farm's Sweet Corn. Western Profiles of Innovative Agricultural Marketing, Cooperative Extension Publication AZ1325 *
  • Ward, R.A, (2003). Moose Droppings for Sale at Southridge's Farm. Western Extension Marketing Committee Fact Sheet. WEMC FS#8-04 *
  • Ward, R.A, (2003). Price insurance program for feeder cattle soon to be available in Utah. Utah Beef Quarterly *
  • Ward, R.A, (2003). Why should I choose your garden center? Or, why stop at your shop?. Trunkline. Utah Nursery and Landscape Association *
  • Ward, R.A, (2003). Price Insurance Program for Feeder Cattle Soon to be Available in Utah. Utah Beef Quarterly and Utah State University Extension *
  • Ward, R.A, (2003). Lighting Costs: Incandescent vs. Fluorescent Lighting in Brooder. Research Project. Utah State University Extension. AG/Poultry/Economics *
  • Ward, R.A, (2003). The 2003 Outlook for Vegetables, Fruit, and the Green Industry. Farm Bureau Newsletter *
  • Ward, R.A, (2003). New Depreciation Rules for 2003. Utah State University Extension Econ/tax *
  • Ward, R.A, (2003). Why Should I Choose Your Garden Center? Or, Why Stop at Your Shop?. Trunkline. Utah Nursery and Landscape Association *
  • Ward, R.A, (2002). 'Enterprise Budget: Costs & Returns Per Acre From Growing Tomatoes-2003.'. Utah Agricultural Statistics *
  • Ward, R.A, (2002). 'Outlook for Forages and Feed Grains.'. Utah Farm Bureau Magazine *
  • Ward, R.A, (2000). 'Harward Farms: A Case Study in Direct Marketing.'. Department of Economics, Utah State University, Logan, Utah *
  • Ward, R.A, (2000). 'Southridge Farms: A Case Study in Direct Marketing.'. Department of Economics, Utah State Univeristy, Logan, Utah *
  • Ward, R.A, (2000). 'Enterprise Budgets: Hen Turkeys, 7500 Poults.'. Utah Ag. Statistics. *
  • Ward, R.A, (1998). 'An Analysis of the N.C. Department of Corrections' Farming Operations (Phase II).'. The Center for Urban Affairs and Community Services *
  • Ward, R.A, (1998). 'An Analysis of the N. C. Department of Corrections' Farming Operations (Phase I).'. The Center for Urban Affairs and Community Services. Pub # R-247; Series #98-097-01 *
  • Ward, R.A, (1998). 'The 1997 IrrigationSuspension Program for the Edwards Aquifer: Evaluation and Alternative.'. Texas Water Resource Institute, Technical Report No. 178, Texas A&M University *
  • Ward, R.A, (1996). 'Progress Report-Texas Department of Criminal Justice Linear Programming Project.'. Unpublished confidential report, Texas A&M University, Department of Economics, College Station *
  • Ward, R.A, (1996). 'Progress Report-Texas Department of Criminal Justice Linear Programming Project.'. Unpublished confidential report, Texas A&M University, Department of Economics, College Station *
  • Ward, R.A, (1996). 'Progress Report- Texas Department of Criminal Justice Linear Programming Project.'. Unpublished confidential report, Texas A&M University, Department of Economics, College Station *
  • Ward, R.A, (1992). 'Feasibilty of a Sheep Dairy in Utah.'. Utah Department of Agriculture *
  • Ward, R.A, (1992). 'Feasibilty of a Sheep Dairy in Utah.'. North American Sheep Dairy Association Conference Symposium. *
  • Ward, R.A, (1992). 'Farm Flock Sheep Budget.'. Utah Ag. Statistics, Utah Department of Agriculture *

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Teaching

APEC 2310 - Small Firm Management, Spring 2023
APEC 2310 - Small Firm Management, Spring 2022
, Fall 2021
APEC 6710 - Community Planning and Impact Analysis, Fall 2021
APEC 6710 - Community Planning and Impact Analysis, Fall 2020
APEC 5015 - Firm Management, Planning, and Optimization, Fall 2019
APEC 6710 - Community Planning and Impact Analysis, Fall 2018
APEC 5015 - Firm Management, Planning, and Optimization, Fall 2018
APEC 6710 - Community Planning and Impact Analysis, Fall 2017
APEC 5015 - Firm Management, Planning, and Optimization, Fall 2017
APEC 5015 - Firm Management, Planning, and Optimization, Fall 2016
APEC 5020 - Strategic Firm Management, Spring 2016
APEC 6710 - Community Planning and Impact Analysis, Fall 2015
APEC 5015 - Firm Management, Planning, and Optimization, Fall 2015
APEC 5015 - Firm Management, Planning, and Optimization, Fall 2014
APEC 6710 - Community Planning and Impact Analysis, Fall 2013
APEC 6710 - Community Planning and Impact Analysis, Fall 2013
APEC 5015 - Firm Management, Planning, and Optimization, Fall 2013
APEC 6710 - Community Planning and Impact Analysis, Fall 2012
APEC 5015 - Firm Management, Planning, and Optimization, Fall 2012
APEC 6710 - Community Planning and Impact Analysis, Fall 2011
APEC 5015 - Firm Management, Planning, and Optimization, Fall 2011
APEC 5015 - online Firm Management Planning and Optimiztion , Fall 2011
APEC 6710 - COMM PLAN ANALYSIS, Fall 2010
APEC 6710 - Community Planning and Impact Analysis, Fall 2010
APEC 5015 - Firm Management, Planning, and Optimization, Fall 2010
APEC 5015 - FIRM MGMT PLANNING AND OPT, Fall 2010
APEC 5020 - AGRIBUS/COOP/MGMT (CI), Spring 2010
APEC 6710 - COMM PLAN ANALYSIS, Fall 2009
APEC 5015 - FIRM MGMT PLANNING AND OPT, Fall 2009
ECON 5350 - AGRIBUS/COOP/MGMT (CI), Spring 2009
ECON 4030 - AGRIBUSINESS FINANCE (CI), Fall 2008
ECON 6710 - COMM PLAN ANALYSIS, Fall 2008
ECON 4030 - AGRIBUSINESS FINANCE (CI), Fall 2006
ECON 6710 - COMM PLAN ANALYSIS, Fall 2006
ECON 4030 - LABORATORY, Fall 2006
BA 3400 - , Spring 2006
ECON 4030 - , Fall 2005
ECON 6710 - , Fall 2005
ECON 6300 - , Spring 2005
ECON 4030 - , Fall 2004
ECON 6300 - , Spring 2004
ECON 4030 - , Fall 2003
ECON 6300 - , Spring 2003
ECON 4030 - , Fall 2002
ECON 6300 - , Spring 2002
ECON 4030 - , Fall 2001
ECON 6300 - , Spring 2001

Extension

Civil Rights-General Plan, 2011 - Ongoing
4. Central Southern Utah Area Assignment: Regional Agricultural Economic & Community Development, 1997 - 2025
5. Central South Area Assignment: Ag. Business Development and Expansion, 1989 - 2025
Rural Tax Education, 2010 - 2021
Entrepreneurship, 2007 - 2021
Drought and water issues, 2019 - 2020
Community or Economic Development, 2007 - 2020

Graduate Students Mentored

Karli Salisbury, Applied Economics, September 2016 - December 2018
Karli Salisbury, Applied Economics, August 2016 - December 2018
Robert Jensen, Economics and Finance - June 2006
Sean Bartschi, Economics and Finance - June 2005
Chad J. Pocock, Economics and Finance - June 2004