Competitive Factors Affecting the Expansion of Greenfield Elevator Sites
Michael Wisner, Alma, Neb., defended his thesis, “Competitive Factors Affecting the Expansion of Greenfield Elevator Sites,” on April 8, 2011. He is a Grain Merchandiser with CHS Agri Service Center in Holdredge, Neb. He will graduate from Kansas State University in May with a Master’s in Agribusiness (MAB).
With increased grain yields in Nebraska, many grain facilities may need to grow their operations by building new facilities or adding on to existing ones. CHS Agri Service Center has been exploring greenfield sites to build new grain facilities to meet increased production. Greenfield sites are defined as any land that is undeveloped within a city or rural area.
“CHS is interested in adding new locations, but the right location is key to economic feasibility,” Wisner said. “Other options include renovating and expanding current facilities.”
Wisner conducted a net present value analysis of possible locations for a new grain facility for his Master of Agribusiness thesis project. Through his research, his company was able to determine the best option for expansion.
“This was a difficult process that is extremely rewarding. The learning experience and knowledge gained throughout the thesis process was amazing. After finishing, I realize the importance of the thesis requirement,” Wisner said.
The thesis process is beneficial to more than just Wisner and his company. Faculty working with students on thesis projects also gain from the knowledge learned.
Michael Boland, Professor of Agricultural Economics from the University of Minnesota and Wisner’s thesis advisor, said, “I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work on thesis research with students from the industry. It makes me a better teacher and educator.”
The full thesis publication can be found online on K-State’s Research Exchange at http://hdl.handle.net/2097/16176.
