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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).
PLSC 233 - History and Impact of Turfgrasses
3 credit hour(s)

Investigation of the history and impact of the development and management of turfgrasses on society. Historical development of golf courses, suburban lawns, athletic fields, parks, and other turf areas and future trends in turfgrass management.

Semesters Offered: Fall | Syllabus: Example 2020 Syllabus
PLSC 241 - Turfgrass Management Lab
1 credit hour(s)

Laboratory addressing topics presented in PLSC 240.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2-hour lab.
(RE) Corequisite(s): PLSC 240.

Semesters Offered: Fall | Syllabus: Example 2020 Syllabus
PLSC 331 - Calling BS: Interpretation and Reasoning Using Data in the Modern World
1 credit hour(s)

Interactive course where students learn to detect the BS that surrounds them often cloaked in official sounding phrases like, "following the science". Students will use real-world examples where data and information are used to skew perspectives and outcomes. Students will learn how to detect such schemes and explain why they are BS, with a focus on using technical/ statistical/ logical reasoning to debunk or show claims to be misleading.

Recommended Background: 2 mathematics courses.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – junior.

Semesters Offered: Spring | Syllabus: Example 2021 Syllabus
PLSC 438 - Turfgrass Pathogens and Management
2 credit hour(s)

Identification, classification, and management of turfgrass pathogens. Recommendations and development of management plans for golf course, athletic field, and home lawn turfgrasses. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both PLSC 438 and PLSC 538. Recommended background: EPP 313.
Comment(s): Offered first session Spring.

Semesters Offered: Spring | Syllabus: Example 2021 Syllabus
PLSC 462 - Perspectives on Internship and Career Preparation in the Turfgrass Industry
1 - 2 credit hours

Interactive discussion course where students learn about important cutting-edge topics from those engaged in practicing in the field. A focus on available internship opportunities and techniques to improve potential job placement after graduation. Students will understand what skills and abilities are required to achieve success in the turfgrass science and management field.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 5 hours.

Semesters Offered: Fall | Syllabus: Example 2020 Syllabus
PLSC 466 - Turfgrass Strategies
3 credit hour(s)

Case studies of turfgrass management issues and discussion of their resolution with a focus on large scale environmental impacts. Development of problem solving skills in areas related to turfgrass management.

Comment(s): Offered first session Spring.

Semesters Offered: Spring | Syllabus: Example 2021 Syllabus
PLSC 469 - Teaching Practicum
1 - 2 credit hours

Supervised experience in teaching. May involve preparation of lectures and teaching aids, preparation and supervision of laboratory exercises, evaluation of student performance.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 2 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – junior.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Sorochan, John Charles | Pulte, Andy | Walters, Kellie Jean | Spangler, Amanda Diane | Bates, Gary Edward

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
PLSC 538 - Turfgrass Pathogens and Management
3 credit hour(s)

Identification, classification, and management of turfgrass pathogens. Recommendations and development of management plans for golf course, athletic field, and home lawn turfgrasses. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both 438 and 538.
Recommended Background: Introductory course in plant pathology or consent of instructor.

Semesters Offered: Spring | Syllabus: Example 2021 Syllabus
Picture of Chris Boyer

865-974-5005

cboyer3@tennessee.edu

Google Scholar
ORCID: 0000-0002-1393-8589
Curriculum Vitae
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
LinkedIn

Chris Boyer

Professor & Head | Agricultural and Resource Economics
Picture of Chris Boyer image

865-974-5005

cboyer3@tennessee.edu

Google Scholar
ORCID: 0000-0002-1393-8589
Curriculum Vitae
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).
PLSC 233 - History and Impact of Turfgrasses
3 credit hour(s)

Investigation of the history and impact of the development and management of turfgrasses on society. Historical development of golf courses, suburban lawns, athletic fields, parks, and other turf areas and future trends in turfgrass management.

Semesters Offered: Fall | Syllabus: Example 2020 Syllabus
PLSC 241 - Turfgrass Management Lab
1 credit hour(s)

Laboratory addressing topics presented in PLSC 240.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2-hour lab.
(RE) Corequisite(s): PLSC 240.

Semesters Offered: Fall | Syllabus: Example 2020 Syllabus
PLSC 331 - Calling BS: Interpretation and Reasoning Using Data in the Modern World
1 credit hour(s)

Interactive course where students learn to detect the BS that surrounds them often cloaked in official sounding phrases like, "following the science". Students will use real-world examples where data and information are used to skew perspectives and outcomes. Students will learn how to detect such schemes and explain why they are BS, with a focus on using technical/ statistical/ logical reasoning to debunk or show claims to be misleading.

Recommended Background: 2 mathematics courses.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – junior.

Semesters Offered: Spring | Syllabus: Example 2021 Syllabus
PLSC 438 - Turfgrass Pathogens and Management
2 credit hour(s)

Identification, classification, and management of turfgrass pathogens. Recommendations and development of management plans for golf course, athletic field, and home lawn turfgrasses. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both PLSC 438 and PLSC 538. Recommended background: EPP 313.
Comment(s): Offered first session Spring.

Semesters Offered: Spring | Syllabus: Example 2021 Syllabus
PLSC 462 - Perspectives on Internship and Career Preparation in the Turfgrass Industry
1 - 2 credit hours

Interactive discussion course where students learn about important cutting-edge topics from those engaged in practicing in the field. A focus on available internship opportunities and techniques to improve potential job placement after graduation. Students will understand what skills and abilities are required to achieve success in the turfgrass science and management field.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 5 hours.

Semesters Offered: Fall | Syllabus: Example 2020 Syllabus
PLSC 466 - Turfgrass Strategies
3 credit hour(s)

Case studies of turfgrass management issues and discussion of their resolution with a focus on large scale environmental impacts. Development of problem solving skills in areas related to turfgrass management.

Comment(s): Offered first session Spring.

Semesters Offered: Spring | Syllabus: Example 2021 Syllabus
PLSC 469 - Teaching Practicum
1 - 2 credit hours

Supervised experience in teaching. May involve preparation of lectures and teaching aids, preparation and supervision of laboratory exercises, evaluation of student performance.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 2 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – junior.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Sorochan, John Charles | Pulte, Andy | Walters, Kellie Jean | Spangler, Amanda Diane | Bates, Gary Edward

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
PLSC 538 - Turfgrass Pathogens and Management
3 credit hour(s)

Identification, classification, and management of turfgrass pathogens. Recommendations and development of management plans for golf course, athletic field, and home lawn turfgrasses. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both 438 and 538.
Recommended Background: Introductory course in plant pathology or consent of instructor.

Semesters Offered: Spring | Syllabus: Example 2021 Syllabus
Web Presence
LinkedIn