First and foremost, I would like to thank my advisor and committee chair Dr. Maria Boerngen. Without the help and support of Dr. Boerngen, this project would not have been possible. Dr. Boerngen has always pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself, which has helped me become a better person, and for that, I am extremely grateful. I would also like to thank the other members of my committee, Dr. Michael Barrowclough and Dr. Justin Rickard, for all the help and support they provided me with my thesis. I would like to thank Dr. Barrowclough for all the assistance he gave with SPSS and statistics. Without your help, I would not have been able to run my fixed effects model. I would also like to thank the faculty and staff of the Department of Agriculture at Illinois State University for nurturing an exceptional learning environment and allowing students to pursue their passions. After spending the last 6 years at Illinois State University, I could not imagine going anywhere else. To my officemates, George Hoselton, Samuel Johnson, Josh McWilliams, and Brianna Messman, thank you for all the help, support, and good times we shared together. Additionally, to Aidan Walton and Frederick Adomako, thanks for all the guidance and advice you provided me with. Thanks to all of you for the friendships that we have formed over my time here. Finally, I would like to thank my family for all the support they have given me throughout my life. I am forever grateful to them for all they have done for me. J.S.