Biographical Information

Donald J. Ricks

Current position: Professor and Extension Economist

Address: Department of Agricultural Economics

Room 308 Agriculture Hall

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan 48824

Background and education:

Grew up on a fruit farm in western Michigan near Hart

Undergraduate studies and B.S. degree at Michigan State University, 1958

Graduate studies and M.S. degree at Michigan State University, 1960

Masters thesis topic on economics of Michigan fruit farms

Graduate studies and Ph.D. degree at Oregon State University, 1965

Ph.D. thesis topic on economics and competitive position of the U.S. pear industry

Professional experience:

Have worked in the current position at MSU for the past 37 years (since 1964). This involves working closely with the Michigan and U.S. fruit industries on various economic and marketing issues, subjects and problem areas.

Previous experience: Instructor, Economics Department and Research Assistant, Ag. Economics Department, Oregon State University, 1962-1964

Graduate Assistant, Ag. Economics Department, Oregon State University, 1960-1962

Assistant in Consumer Marketing Extension, Michigan State University, 1960

Graduate Assistant, Ag. Economics Department, Michigan State University, 1958-1960

Fruit farm manager and worker, 1951-1958

Work with the fruit industry:

Throughout the work with the fruit industry the goal is to help the industry with economic analyses and through close cooperation with the industry be of assistance on an array of economic and marketing issues and problem areas. Some of these include improving the industry’s competitive position, industry strategic planning, improved marketing arrangements, future projections and visioning, analysis of key economic trends, demand expansion, supply management, changing industry structure, use of cooperatives, export expansion, important economic factors impacting the industry and many other important industry issues. The work includes substantial involvement with various industry organizations and programs including industry promotional organizations, trade associations, cooperatives, industry councils, task forces and marketing orders. In all this work, a close working relationship with the industry is emphasized with an industry-university partnership approach for the goal of helping the industry to improve its competitive and economic position.

The professional work over the years has resulted in a total of 425 publications including reports, articles, papers, chapters in books, etc. Also many invited presentations and speeches have been given at conferences and industry meetings throughout the fruit producing regions of the U.S. and as part of a number of national and international conferences.

Positions related to work with the fruit industry

Currently serving:

Michigan Cherry Committee, MSU ex-officio board member

Michigan Apple Committee, MSU ex-officio board member

Cherry Industry Administrative Board, Meeting Chairman

U.S. Tart Cherry Industry Strategy Planning Alliance, Chairman

Michigan Apple Industry Strategic Planning Task Force, Co-facilitator

Until recently served as the Co-chair of the MSU extension-research Area of Expertise Fruit Team (including the various MSU extension agents and campus faculty who work with the fruit industry)

Previously served as the Chairman of the Cherry Administrative Board

Awards and honors;

National Cherry Industry’s Cherry Industry Man of Year Award, from the National Cherry Festival, 1989

Michigan Fruit Industry Man of the Year Award, from the Michigan State Pomesters Association, 1997

Award for Meritorious Service to the Michigan Fruit Industry, from Leelanau County Horticulture Society,1984

Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award, from Northwest Michigan Farm Bureau,1982

Outstanding Extension Specialist Award, from the MSU Extension Specialists Association, 1989

Outstanding Extension Specialist Award, from Michigan Association of County Agents,1982

Cherry Cluster Award, from the Michigan Cherry Committee,1989

Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the Midwest, Who’s Who in the World