Brian E. Mills

Brian E. Mills serves as Associate Professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Mississippi State University, where his work bridges agricultural economics and precision farming systems. His research focuses on optimizing crop production economics through site-specific management of irrigation, nutrients, and conservation practices across Mid-Southern U.S. row crops.

His educational foundation includes a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Oklahoma State University, complemented by M.S. and B.S. degrees in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Dr. Mills' research program centers on agricultural economics with emphases in precision agriculture implementation, farm financial risk management, and irrigation economics. He investigates economic optimization of variable-rate technologies, conservation tillage transitions, and water management strategies. His work consistently addresses profitability thresholds for adopting precision tools and sustainable practices in cotton, soybean, rice, and wheat systems, with particular attention to regional challenges like aquifer depletion and clay soil management.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong interdisciplinary integration of agronomy and economics, demonstrating consistent focus on practical field applications. His work shows increasing emphasis on water conservation economics (particularly alternate wetting and drying in rice), spatial nutrient management, and economic viability of cover crop systems, with methodological strengths in on-farm trials and economic modeling of production risks.

As graduate advisor to Shelby Sledge and William Rose, he guides research connecting economic analysis with production agriculture. His extension program delivers critical financial management resources through the Mississippi State University Extension Service, including farm budget templates, crop insurance guides, and custom rate analyses.

Professional engagement includes active membership in the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, International Society of Precision Agriculture, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, and Delta State's Farm Management and Policy Group.