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Our Team > Associates
James J. Ahern, PhD, Associate Consultant, Agricultural Economic Analysis & Market Research
Dr. Ahern has over thirty years experience in the analysis of complex agricultural economic and marketing issues. Jim uses cutting-edge econometric techniques and analytical tools to provide our clients with useable Meat & Potatoes® market intelligence and agribusiness economic forecasts. His work covers a broad range of agricultural sectors including the fresh produce, livestock and grain industries. Jim has taught in both the undergraduate and graduate programs of Agribusiness at Cal Poly University, San Luis Obispo.
Jim’s expertise in the design and implementation of quantitative market research tools provides our clients with valuable answers to key questions that can be relied on for sound marketing decisions. Additionally, his skills and background in economic analysis provide our projects in rural development, market feasibility, and economic forecasting essential insights for decision making and policy formulation. Jim earned his PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of Maryland.
Forrest L. Becht, Associate Consultant, Rail Logistics
Forrest Becht has over thirty years of successful railroad management and operation experience. He has been the general manager of two short line railroads in the U.S. that served the needs of agricultural shippers. His railroad expertise has taken him all over the world, including start-up projects for the Saudi Railways Organization in Saudi Arabia.
He has completed due diligence for several rail line acquisitions and developed operating plans for regional railroads looking to build their revenues with agricultural and natural resource shippers. Forrest understands what it takes to move agricultural commodities as well as value-added inter-modal shipments.
He brings to our logistics projects a practical, no-nonsense approach to solving transportation problems that can enhance our clients’ market reach and profitability. Forrest holds a BAS degree in Mechanical Technology & Business from the University of Houston.
Kyle Birchard, Senior Research Associate
Mr. Birchard’s background in applied economics and business planning has included extensive work in work in market research, policy analysis, and data management.
Since 2000, Kyle has worked in various capacities in the food manufacturing industry, conducting research and analysis for clients in the food, beverage, transportation, and financial sectors. He has co-authored and contributed to reports focusing on global food and energy markets, transportation, and trade policy.
He has over ten years of experience designing databases and managing large datasets, with a primary focus on the food and agriculture sectors. Over that period of time, he has also helped develop information products, from trade publications to statistical reporting tools.
Kyle also has experience using geographic information systems and spatial statistics in land use, marketing, and environmental contexts. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Economics and Policy from the University of California, Berkeley, with a minor in City and Regional Planning.
Dresden Skees-Gregory, Associate Consultant, Energy and Sustainability
Dresden has over 12 years of experience in sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental protection. She has worked in the areas of environmental regulatory compliance and green product development, and was the Sustainability Coordinator at Portland State University for two-and-a-half years. Most recently, she has been working on energy efficiency and management issues.
Dresden holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from Texas Christian University, a Master's in Environmental Science and Engineering from the Oregon Graduate Institute, and is a PhD student in Environmental Science and Management at Portland State University.
