Tor N. Tolhurst

Tor N. Tolhurst is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at Michigan State University (MSU), affiliated with the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. He holds a PhD from the University of California, Davis (2020). His research focuses on applied microeconomics, particularly tail events—rare but impactful occurrences affecting agricultural systems. Key areas include risk analysis, resilience strategies, and policy implications of extreme weather and market disruptions. His work bridges theoretical econometrics with practical applications in agriculture and environmental policy.

Education:

• PhD in Agricultural Economics, University of California, Davis (2020)

Research Interests:

• Quantitative analysis of rare events (e.g., extreme weather, market shocks)
• Risk management strategies in agricultural systems
• Economic impacts of technological adoption (e.g., genetically engineered seeds)
• Pesticide regulation and environmental justice
• Market bubbles and speculative behavior in commodities/wine

Recent Work Trends: Recent publications (2020–2025) emphasize econometric methods applied to agricultural policy, pesticide regulation, and climate resilience. His 2025 studies on Canadian crop yields and NFL pass rates highlight interdisciplinary approaches. California-focused analyses (pesticide regulations, commodity markets) reflect regional policy relevance.

Advising & Grants: No formal advisee list is provided, but his role as faculty implies graduate student mentorship. No grant details are explicitly listed in the text.

Affiliations: Active in MSU’s Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, contributing to academic and extension programs.