Ellen R. Hollabaugh
Papers
1
Total Citations
14
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1
About
Ellen R. Hollabaugh is a leading authority in agricultural economics, with a specialized focus on the economic viability of precision livestock farming technologies. Her research critically examines the intersection of automation, labor, and profitability in modern dairy operations. Her most influential work, "Robots Don't Get Sick or Get Paid Overtime, but Are They a Profitable Option for Milking Cows?" (2007), remains a foundational case study in the field, cited 14 times for its rigorous analysis of a proposed $6 million investment in robotic milking units for a 2,000-cow herd at the renowned Mason Dixon Farms. This paper provides a seminal framework for evaluating the trade-offs between high capital costs and long-term labor savings, directly influencing how producers and researchers assess the financial feasibility of agricultural automation. Hollabaugh’s contributions are essential for students and scholars exploring the economic dimensions of smart farming, offering clear, data-driven insights into the real-world costs and benefits of replacing traditional labor with robotic systems.
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