Why Happy Cows Make Farmers Sad

Combine thriving world markets and more productive cows and you get farmers who unintentionally create a milk glut when they increase supply.

The Problem With Sand

If we have a sand shortage, Olympic beach volleyball, new homes and roads, fracking, water filtration, and so much more will be affected.

Why Shoot-out Kicks and Bread Machines Can Be Similar

In the 2008 European Championship quarter finals, the Italian team let Spain go first for the end-of-game shoot-out. That was a big mistake. Where are we going? To the influence of a reference point. Penalty Shoot-Outs When a soccer game has no winner, a penalty…

When the Price is Always Right

At two gas stations near Rotterdam, price is constantly changing. Using software that recognizes buying behavior, the retailers try to match the price to the customer. Those who are willing to pay more and those who cannot will each get appropriate price points. Done right, sales rise.…

The Mystery of the Disappearing Avocado

If your favorite veggie wrap no longer has avocado in it, you can ask your economist to explain avocado prices with supply and demand.

A Happy (and sad) Razor and Blade Story

Producers of police body cameras can use a razor and blade strategy to spike their revenue for data storage and management.

Japan’s Potato Chip Crunch

Creating a run on potato chips, Japan’s potato crisis is a classic supply and demand story that starts in the field and ends in the store.

Why the LettuceBots Are Coming

Perhaps looking like LettuceBots, the population of farm robotics will increase as the supply of migrant farm labor decreases.

Econlife Quiz: The Economics of U.S. Presidential Inaugurations

One week ago, America witnessed the Inauguration of Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States. From million dollar donors to glitzy ball gowns, no doubt a U.S. Presidential Inauguration has become both a historic and spectacular occasion. The…

The Upside of Uber’s Surge Pricing

An Uber economist tells us that people are more likely to schedule a ride during a surge when their cell phone battery is low. Where are we going? To the supply side of Uber. Uber Driver Behavior A typical taxi…