Stephen Koontz, a professor in Colorado State University’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics[1], is known for his expertise on commercial commodity agricultural markets of significance in Colorado. At a recent meeting of the Western Agricultural Economics Association[2], Koontz was recognized for his work and outreach through Extension with the Outstanding Extension Program Award for Career.

Outstanding Extension Program Award for Career

According to the association, the award’s criteria include the importance of the problem or subject, the overall effectiveness of the program, appropriateness of economic analysis, the effectiveness of communication methods, and evidence of accomplishment of objectives and positive impact on the target audiences.

“This award recognizes the high quality and impact of Professor Koontz’s work in Extension,” said Hayley Chouinard, head of CSU’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. “Like his many other career recognitions, this award is very much deserved.”

Agricultural commodity market outlook

Koontz is well-traveled throughout the state of Colorado and the western United States. His most visible program is providing agricultural commodity market outlook to producers and other businesses with agricultural interests. He works extensively with the Agribusiness Management Economist Extension team and with agricultural lenders in the west. He also provides decision tools and educational material related to farm and ranch price risk management. His national research and education efforts are related to the impact of thinning cash trade in fed cattle and beef on those markets and on the impact of alternative marketing methods used by livestock industries.

Local, national, international impact

“The market forecast tools Professor Koontz has developed for the cattle industry and agribusiness in Colorado have been extremely valuable to both Extension livestock agents and programs, as well as producers and other decision makers,” said Lou Swanson, CSU vice president for Engagement and Director of Extension. “His research and analysis provide not only local but national and international perspectives.”

Among its many goals, the Western Agricultural Economics Association works to foster the study and understanding of agricultural economics and its application to problems in the western United States and Canada. For more information, visit their website[3].