Alejandro Plastina

Alejandro Plastina is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at Iowa State University, with affiliations to the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) and Rural & Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF). He also served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Clemson University (2014-2016).

Education:

• Ph.D., Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2007)
• M.S., Statistics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2005)
• M.A., Health Economics and Management (ABD), Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina (2001)
• B.A., Economics, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina (2000)

Research Focus:
Agricultural economics, natural resource management, and farm financial planning. Key projects include monetizing soil health through cover crops, improving cereal rye adoption, and analyzing land tenure impacts on conservation practices. His work bridges economic theory with practical agricultural decision-making, particularly in carbon markets and soil health incentives.

Scientific Awards:

• 2023 Iowa State ANR Extension Team Award
• 2023 AAEA Outstanding Choices Article Award
• 2021 Farm Foundation Fellowship
• 2019 AAEA Distinguished Extension Program Award
• 2015 Iowa State Extension Impacting Iowans Award
• 2013 International Cotton Institute Presentation Award

Advisory & Publications:
Director of RaFF Center, author of 15+ AgDM newsletters on carbon markets, farm costs, and leasing. Developed decision tools for Farm Bill programs and carbon credit monetization. Collaborates with USDA, Iowa Department of Agriculture, and international institutions.

Labs & Teams:
Leads Iowa State's AgDM project, contributes to CARD research, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams including rural sociologists and agricultural engineers. Oversees the Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey and cash rental rate analyses.