Matthew Diersen

Matthew Diersen is the Griffith Chair in Agricultural Finance and a Professor at the Ness School of Management and Economics, South Dakota State University (SDSU). He also serves as an SDSU Extension Risk and Business Management Specialist. His work focuses on pricing mechanisms, financial risks, and commodity marketing strategies in agriculture. He co-directs Every Acre Counts, a program addressing management solutions for marginally profitable cropland. Diersen provides market analysis to producers and agribusinesses across the Northern Plains, emphasizing portfolio theory and economic principles in agricultural decision-making.

Education:

• B.A. in Economics, University of Minnesota, Morris (1993)
• M.S. in Agricultural Economics, North Dakota State University (1995)
• Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, University of Illinois (1999)

Research Interests: Price analysis, commodity marketing tools, crop insurance, rural economy dynamics, and agricultural risk management. His work integrates market trends, financial instruments, and policy implications to enhance producer profitability.

Extension Contributions: Leads commodity marketing and insurance education programs, advises on livestock marketing through the Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC), and participates in regional committees like NCCC-134. His analyses address challenges in crop and livestock sectors, including price transparency and market volatility.

Professional Affiliations: Member of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA). Serves on technical advisory committees for livestock marketing and agricultural policy initiatives.

Labs/Teams: Co-leads Every Acre Counts, focusing on sustainable land-use strategies in marginal croplands. Engages in collaborative research with SDSU Extension and regional agricultural stakeholders.