Person

Chris Boyer

Professor & Head | Agricultural and Resource Economics
Overview

My teaching and research programs focuses on farm business management decisions that help producers maximize profits and/or manage risk. The goal of these programs is to enhance the long-term economic sustainability of farm businesses in Tennessee and across the United States. I work with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and Extensions Specialists to identify relevant and important real-world questions and to develop practical solutions. This research enhances my teaching program of farm financial management, investment analysis of technology adoption, data analysis, and land valuation. I have co-developed an AREC study aboard course to Argentina focused on the their global agricultural supply chain.

Research Focus

Farm Business Management & Risk Management for crop and beef cattle producers

Teaching Focus

AREC 312: Rural Real Estate Appraisal; AREC 324: Applications of Quantitative Method; AREC 444: Agricultural Production Technology Management; AGNR 491: Agricultural Business of Argentina

Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
AGNR 220 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis in Agriculture and Natural Resources
3 credit hour(s)

This course will provide students with an overview of statistical methods used in agriculture, animal sciences, plant sciences, and natural resource management and research. Students will familiarize themselves with data collection techniques and experimental design, probability distribution, statistical tests, measures of central tendency and dispersion. Simple linear regression, correlation and linear models. (Same as SNR 220) Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (QR)

AGNR 491 - International Experience in Agriculture and Natural Resources
1 - 12 credit hours

Credit for formalized international experiences related to agricultural sciences and natural resources. Determination of credit based on nature of the proposed experience. Students should discuss the opportunity with their faculty advisors prior to the trip to determine if it is appropriate for credit. Credit hours will be determined by the department and college depending on the extent of activity and types of projects and/or presentations to be completed by the student upon return.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Willcox, Adam Sage | Pulte, Andy

ANSC 571 - Design and Analysis of Biological Research
3 credit hour(s)

Experimental design and procedures; selection of experimental units; analysis and interpretation of data; statistical models and contrasts, analyses of variance: covariates, treatment arrangements, mean separation and regression. Cross-listed: (Same as Plant Sciences 571.)
Recommended Background: 3 hours of statistics.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate or permission of instructor.

Other Instructors: Mueller, Thomas C

BIOL 260 - Ecology
2 credit hour(s)

Relations between organisms and their environment, including human environmental problems. Topics include populations, communities, and ecosystems.

(RE) Prerequisite(s) : BIOL 150-BIOL 160-BIOL 159 or equivalent; or BIOL 113-BIOL 114-BIOL 115.

EEB 411 - Biostatistics
3 credit hour(s)

Experimental design and hypothesis testing for ecology and evolutionary biology research. Parameter estimation, general linear models, generalized linear models, maximum likelihood, and permutation approaches, and their application to problems in ecology and evolutionary biology. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (QR) Satisfies General Education Requirement through the 2021-2022 academic catalog: (QR)
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : MATH 141 or MATH 151.

EEB 560 - Biometry
3 credit hour(s)

Statistical applications in biological research.

Recommended Background: Statistics course or consent of instructor.

FWF 690 - Advanced Topics in Natural Resources
1 - 3 credit hours

Exposure and in-depth training in contemporary topics and approaches important to advanced research in natural resources.

Repeatability: May be repeated with consent of department. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

Other Instructors: Hodges, Donald G | Wilber, Mark Quentin

PLSC 571 - Design and Analysis of Biological Research
3 credit hour(s)

Experimental design and procedures; selection of experimental units; analysis and interpretation of data; statistical models and contrasts, analyses of variance: covariates, treatment arrangements, mean separation and regression. Cross-listed: (See Animal Science 571.)
Recommended Background: 3 hours of statistics.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate or permission of instructor.

SNR 220 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis in Agriculture and Natural Resources
3 credit hour(s)

This course will provide students with an overview of statistical methods used in agriculture, animal sciences, plant sciences, and natural resource management and research. Students will familiarize themselves with data collection techniques and experimental design, probability distribution, statistical tests, measures of central tendency and dispersion. Simple linear regression, correlation and linear models. (See AGNR 220) Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (QR)

SNR 610 - Data Modeling and Visualization Using R
3 credit hour(s)

Provides graduate students with a theoretical framework for data modeling (linear models, additive models and multivariate models), data visualization, data management, and data interpretation. Will also aim to teach a practical use of program R for data management, analysis and visualization. Topics include an overview of data management principles, followed by methods in R for data wrangling, linear models, polynomial regression, generalized linear models, generalized additive models, and multivariate models, particularly ordination methods. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both SNR 610 and FWF 690 taken during Fall 2024.
Recommended Background: A 500-level or higher statistics course is recommended prior to taking this course.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - graduate.
Registration Permission: Instructor permission.

SNR 690 - Advanced Topics in Natural Resources
1 - 3 credit hours

Exposure and in-depth training in contemporary topics and approaches important to advanced research in natural resources.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - graduate.

WFS 352 - R Programming for Natural Resources
1 credit hour(s)

Use of R, which is an open-source programming language useful for all aspects of data analysis, statistical analysis, and visualization.  This course will cover the basics of the programming language, functions, and packages used in natural resource research and management.  The course will use examples of data collected on wildlife studies and animal movements.

(RE) Prerequisite(s) : MATH 125, MATH 115 or STAT 201; WFS 100, FWF 250, and FWF 315

WFS 452 - Analysis and Interpretation of Fisheries Data
3 credit hour(s)

This course will cover the theory and application of sample design, analysis, and interpretation of freshwater fisheries data. The course will provide students with the skills and knowledge to understand, evaluate, analyze, and interpret contemporary fisheries data. Topics will include fisheries management study design, recruitment, mortality, age and growth, abundance, biomass and production, size structure, bioenergetics, and development of management plans.

(RE) Prerequisite(s) : WFS 100, FWF 315, WFS 442

Picture of Chris Boyer
308G Morgan Hall
2621 Morgan Circle Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Agricultural Business and Management, General, Oklahoma State University, 2011
  • MS, Agricultural Business and Management, General, Texas A&M Univ College Station, 2008
  • BS, Agricultural Business and Management, General, Texas A&M Univ College Station, 2006
Web Presence

Chris Boyer

Professor & Head | Agricultural and Resource Economics
Picture of Chris Boyer image
308G Morgan Hall
2621 Morgan Circle Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Agricultural Business and Management, General, Oklahoma State University, 2011
  • MS, Agricultural Business and Management, General, Texas A&M Univ College Station, 2008
  • BS, Agricultural Business and Management, General, Texas A&M Univ College Station, 2006
Overview

My teaching and research programs focuses on farm business management decisions that help producers maximize profits and/or manage risk. The goal of these programs is to enhance the long-term economic sustainability of farm businesses in Tennessee and across the United States. I work with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and Extensions Specialists to identify relevant and important real-world questions and to develop practical solutions. This research enhances my teaching program of farm financial management, investment analysis of technology adoption, data analysis, and land valuation. I have co-developed an AREC study aboard course to Argentina focused on the their global agricultural supply chain.

Research Focus

Farm Business Management & Risk Management for crop and beef cattle producers

Teaching Focus

AREC 312: Rural Real Estate Appraisal; AREC 324: Applications of Quantitative Method; AREC 444: Agricultural Production Technology Management; AGNR 491: Agricultural Business of Argentina

Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
AGNR 220 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis in Agriculture and Natural Resources
3 credit hour(s)

This course will provide students with an overview of statistical methods used in agriculture, animal sciences, plant sciences, and natural resource management and research. Students will familiarize themselves with data collection techniques and experimental design, probability distribution, statistical tests, measures of central tendency and dispersion. Simple linear regression, correlation and linear models. (Same as SNR 220) Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (QR)

AGNR 491 - International Experience in Agriculture and Natural Resources
1 - 12 credit hours

Credit for formalized international experiences related to agricultural sciences and natural resources. Determination of credit based on nature of the proposed experience. Students should discuss the opportunity with their faculty advisors prior to the trip to determine if it is appropriate for credit. Credit hours will be determined by the department and college depending on the extent of activity and types of projects and/or presentations to be completed by the student upon return.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Willcox, Adam Sage | Pulte, Andy

ANSC 571 - Design and Analysis of Biological Research
3 credit hour(s)

Experimental design and procedures; selection of experimental units; analysis and interpretation of data; statistical models and contrasts, analyses of variance: covariates, treatment arrangements, mean separation and regression. Cross-listed: (Same as Plant Sciences 571.)
Recommended Background: 3 hours of statistics.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate or permission of instructor.

Other Instructors: Mueller, Thomas C

BIOL 260 - Ecology
2 credit hour(s)

Relations between organisms and their environment, including human environmental problems. Topics include populations, communities, and ecosystems.

(RE) Prerequisite(s) : BIOL 150-BIOL 160-BIOL 159 or equivalent; or BIOL 113-BIOL 114-BIOL 115.

EEB 411 - Biostatistics
3 credit hour(s)

Experimental design and hypothesis testing for ecology and evolutionary biology research. Parameter estimation, general linear models, generalized linear models, maximum likelihood, and permutation approaches, and their application to problems in ecology and evolutionary biology. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (QR) Satisfies General Education Requirement through the 2021-2022 academic catalog: (QR)
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : MATH 141 or MATH 151.

EEB 560 - Biometry
3 credit hour(s)

Statistical applications in biological research.

Recommended Background: Statistics course or consent of instructor.

FWF 690 - Advanced Topics in Natural Resources
1 - 3 credit hours

Exposure and in-depth training in contemporary topics and approaches important to advanced research in natural resources.

Repeatability: May be repeated with consent of department. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

Other Instructors: Hodges, Donald G | Wilber, Mark Quentin

PLSC 571 - Design and Analysis of Biological Research
3 credit hour(s)

Experimental design and procedures; selection of experimental units; analysis and interpretation of data; statistical models and contrasts, analyses of variance: covariates, treatment arrangements, mean separation and regression. Cross-listed: (See Animal Science 571.)
Recommended Background: 3 hours of statistics.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate or permission of instructor.

SNR 220 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis in Agriculture and Natural Resources
3 credit hour(s)

This course will provide students with an overview of statistical methods used in agriculture, animal sciences, plant sciences, and natural resource management and research. Students will familiarize themselves with data collection techniques and experimental design, probability distribution, statistical tests, measures of central tendency and dispersion. Simple linear regression, correlation and linear models. (See AGNR 220) Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (QR)

SNR 610 - Data Modeling and Visualization Using R
3 credit hour(s)

Provides graduate students with a theoretical framework for data modeling (linear models, additive models and multivariate models), data visualization, data management, and data interpretation. Will also aim to teach a practical use of program R for data management, analysis and visualization. Topics include an overview of data management principles, followed by methods in R for data wrangling, linear models, polynomial regression, generalized linear models, generalized additive models, and multivariate models, particularly ordination methods. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both SNR 610 and FWF 690 taken during Fall 2024.
Recommended Background: A 500-level or higher statistics course is recommended prior to taking this course.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - graduate.
Registration Permission: Instructor permission.

SNR 690 - Advanced Topics in Natural Resources
1 - 3 credit hours

Exposure and in-depth training in contemporary topics and approaches important to advanced research in natural resources.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - graduate.

WFS 352 - R Programming for Natural Resources
1 credit hour(s)

Use of R, which is an open-source programming language useful for all aspects of data analysis, statistical analysis, and visualization.  This course will cover the basics of the programming language, functions, and packages used in natural resource research and management.  The course will use examples of data collected on wildlife studies and animal movements.

(RE) Prerequisite(s) : MATH 125, MATH 115 or STAT 201; WFS 100, FWF 250, and FWF 315

WFS 452 - Analysis and Interpretation of Fisheries Data
3 credit hour(s)

This course will cover the theory and application of sample design, analysis, and interpretation of freshwater fisheries data. The course will provide students with the skills and knowledge to understand, evaluate, analyze, and interpret contemporary fisheries data. Topics will include fisheries management study design, recruitment, mortality, age and growth, abundance, biomass and production, size structure, bioenergetics, and development of management plans.

(RE) Prerequisite(s) : WFS 100, FWF 315, WFS 442

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