Photo of Thomas Harris, Extension

Thomas Harris

Professor, State Specialist

Education

Arlington High School in Texas, 1966
University of Texas at Arlington, BBA, Economics & Finance, 1970
Texas Tech University, MS, Agricultural Economics, 1972
Oklahoma State University, PhD, Agricultural Economics, 1981

Programs

cattle feeding at UNR's Main Station Ranch

Agricultural Outlook (Nevada)

Provide agricultural stakeholders with a concise evaluation of current market conditions, expected trends in crop and livestock income potential and management implications.

Thomas Harris speaking to group of Nevada Economic Assessment Project Stakeholders at an update meeting

Nevada Economic Assessment Project (NEAP)

The Nevada Economic Assessment Project focuses on providing Nevada’s counties, state and federal agencies, and their partners with quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analyses to better understand the counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal and environmental characteristics, trends and impacts. The data can be used for land use and project planning, grant writing and overall policy assessment.

UNR campus

University Center for Economic Development

UCED conduct applied and basic research studies, provide technical and management assistance services, offer counseling and referral services and sponsor workshops and seminars. We serve clients in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas in Nevada. Clients may include state government, community, organization or trade associations and, in some cases, business and industry and individuals.

Courses

  • APEC 310 - Economics of Resource Allocation
  • APEC 322 - Commodity and Futures Market
  • APEC 463/663 - Discrete Systems Simulation
  • APEC 468/668 - Economic and Fiscal Impact Modeling
  • APEC 472/672 - Regional Economic Analysis
  • APEC 750 - Quantitative Methods in Resource and Applied Economics

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Book Chapter(s)
Linkages of the Agricultural Sector Models and Precautions. Harris, T. R., Deller, S., Goetz, S. 2014, In Neal van Alfen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Agriculture and Food Systems, Vol. 4. (pp. 148-155). Elsevier Inc..
Bulletins
The Impact of the College of Engineering at the University of Nevada, reno on the Economy of the State of Nevada.

Estimated the economic, employemnt, and household income impacts of expenditures by the UNR College of Engineering on the state of Nevada economy.


Landis, M., Harris, T. R. 2010, University of Nevada, Reno
Nevada Horse Park: Analysis of the Economic Impacts to Douglas County.

Estimated to potential economic and fiscal impacts to Douglas County from the building and operation of the proposed Nevada Horse Park.


Stewart, D., Harris, T. R. 2010, Douglas County
Beaverhead, Madison, Granite, and Powell Counties, Montana: Economic description. Yolyan, R., Fadali, E., Harris, T. R. 2010, The University Center Technical Bulletin is part of a Community Business Matching Model analysis in the State of Montana.
Fact Sheets
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Carson City
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T. R Harris, R Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno FS-23-16
Fallon Welcome sign
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Churchill County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T. R Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-14
Hoover Dam
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Clark County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T.R. Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-15
JT Basque Restaurant in Gardnerville, NV
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Douglas County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T.R. Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-02
Elko County Fair Boots
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Elko County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T.R. Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-14
Esmeralda Saloon
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Esmeralda County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T.R. Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-03
Eureka Opera House
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Eureka County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T.R. Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-04
Humboldt County Courthouse
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Humboldt County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T.R. Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-06
Battle Mountain Mustangs
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Lander County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T.R. Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-05
Pioche-Thompson Opera House
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Lincoln County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T.R. Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-07
Walker River State Park
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Lyon County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T.R. Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-08
Sportsman's Beach
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Mineral County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T.R. Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-10
Central Pacific Railroad Depot
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Pershing County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T.R. Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-11
St Mary's in the Mountains Catholic Church and Museum
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Storey County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T.R. Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-12
Reno Skyline
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Washoe County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T.R. Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-01
Great Basin
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: White Pine County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
T.R. Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-13
Pahrump Welcome sign
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Nye County
This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.
Thomas R Harris, Randall Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-09
Snowy Diamond Peak mountain in Eureka County, NV
State Comparison of Payment in Lieu of Taxes for 2024
This publication was produced in partnership with the Nevada Economic Assessment Project (NEAP), which aims to provide county, state and federal agencies, and their partners, with quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analyses to better understand trends in each county.
T. Harris 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-211-107
High-Speed Telecommunications Infrastructure Growth and Market Penetration throughout Nevada and the Nation. Colton, B., Harris, T. R., Whitacre, B. 2010, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Estimating Supply and Demand in Your Local Housing Market: A Housing Gap Analysis. Harris, T. R., Davis, R. L. 2010, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Demographic Indicators for Nevada Elders
This factsheet examines some basic demographic indicators for Nevada seniors such as projected population growth, the population from 2005-2007, populations of seniors living alone, and many more. Learn about these demographics through detailed tables that give percentage and age groups of the senior population.
Fadali, E. and Harris, T. 2009, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-19
Economic Indicators for Nevada Elders
This fact sheet examines some basic economic indicators for current Nevada seniors and the upcoming baby boom generation by looking at median annual household income, personal income for Nevadans, net assets by age groups, and many more. Learn through detailed tables and graphs of these basic economic indicators.
Fadali, E., Yolyan, R., and Harris, T. 2009, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-10
Nevada’s Gasoline Consumption and Its Future Impacts
This fact sheet contains important information on Nevada's gasoline consumption by exploring several detailed maps that show the different gas consumptions in Nevada. Learn more about measuring gasoline use in Nevada, commuting gas consumption, county-level gas consumption, and many more.
Sendall, B., Harris, T., and Kilkenny, M. 2009, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-01
Consumer Preferences for Meat Attributes
Recent food industry trends have presented consumers with the opportunity to demand more from the products they purchase. In the market for food products, this means that consumers are able to purchase products that do more than serve their basic need for nutrition.
Cowee, M., Curtis, K., Harris, T., and Lewis, S. 2008, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-08-11
Livestock Producer Interest in Local Processing
A mail survey of agricultural producers was conducted during autumn 2005 to assess producer interest in a potential livestock slaughter and/or processing facility in Northern Nevada. One hundred fifty-three surveys were returned, representing nearly 70 percent of total livestock producers in Northern Nevada.
Cowee, M., Curtis, K., Lewis, S., Harris, T. 2008, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-08-10
Future Demand for Education and Training in Nevada and the United States: 2004-2014
This fact sheet investigates current and projected growth in occupation by education and training from a national and state of Nevada perspective. Learn about Nevada/United states employment, job growth rate, job openings, annual entry level wages and median wages.
Harris, T. 2008, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno FS-2008
Trends in Nonemployer Statistics in Nevada (2005)
This factsheet explores the 2005 trends in nonemployer statistics in Nevada by analyzing the nonemployer establishment growth in the Western United States from 1997 to 2005. Learn about the establishment shares, employee shares, and Nevada unemployment statistics by NAICS through detailed tables.
Price, S. and Harris, T. 2008, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-08-13
Commuting Patterns in the State of Nevada
This extension fact sheet examines place of residence and place of work data from the U.S. Census of Population and Housing. Its purpose is to show inter-state and inter-county commuting patterns within the state of Nevada in an effort to understand local economies and the state’s overall economic structure.
Sendall, B., Harris, T., and Singletary, L. 2008, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-08-34
Potential for Agritourism in Nevada
Agritourism can be roughly defined as rural enterprises which both produce agricultural commodities and serve tourists. Agritourism may hold considerable economic potential for agricultural enterprises in Nevada, as well as for rural county economies in general.
Curtis, K., Fadali E., and Harris, T. 2007, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-07-31
Factors Affecting Agritourism Potential in Rural Nevada
Agritourism is a fast growing sector of the tourism industry. Agritourism may hold considerable economic potential for agricultural enterprises in Nevada as well as for rural county economies in general. Agritourism is a niche sector of the larger tourism industry in Nevada.
Curtis, K., Fadali, E., and Harris, T. 2007, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-07-30
2007 Trends in Nonemployer Statistics in Nevada
This factsheet contains information on nonemployers' establishment growth, firm size, total employees, and many more. Learn about these different topics through detailed tables that separate the percentage and size of nonemployers, establishments, and employees.
MontBlanc, E., Harris, T., and Price, S. 2007, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-34
Incubators as a Potential Local Economic Development Tool
A small business incubator is a facility that offers adaptable space and support services at a discounted rate. Incubator support services include office space, financial assistance, and management training.
Dick, R., Harris, T., and Wright, J. 2006, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Highest and Lowest Paying Occupations in Nevada
This fact sheet will discuss the highest and lowest paying occupations in the state of Nevada and compare the state to national trends. Learn about this information through detailed tables that list the Nevada rank, occupation, employment, annual average wage, and US rank.
Price, S. and Harris, T. 2006, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-07-51
Profile for Lincoln County, Nevada January 2004
This factsheet contains extensive information on Lincoln County, Nevada ranging from population to economic information. Learn more about Lincoln County's profile such as population trends, age distribution, education level, employment, income, and many more
Borden, B. and Harris, T. 2004, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-04-28
State Comparison of Payments in Lieu of Taxes for 1999
This fact sheet contains extensive information of payment and federal payments in Lieu of taxes by thirteen wester states and the rest of U.S. in 1999 to create a clear comparison between the states. Learn about this through detailed tables with the statem acres, total PILT, and many more.
Harris, T., Riggs, W., and Zimmerman, J. 2002, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-02-03
Informational Publications
Humboldt County Courthouse
Social, Economic and Fiscal Impact Assessment for New Lithium Operations in Humboldt County, Nevada
The purpose of this report is to estimate the economic, fiscal and community impacts from the construction and operation of a new lithium mine, lithium processing plant, and sulfuric acid manufacturing plant in Humboldt County, Nevada.
B. Borden, T. Harris, J. Lednicky, L. Thomas 2018, Center for Economic Development, University of Nevada, Reno
Journals
Incorporating Risk in Analysis of Tax Policies for Solar Power Investments. Harris, T. R. 2017, International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 7(6), 112-118.
An Application of Difference-in-Difference-Difference Model Effects of Prevailing Wage Legislation in Mountain States of the United States Harris, T. R., Mukhopadhyay, S., Wiseman, N. 2017, Public Works Management and Policy, Vol 22, Issue 2, 2017
An Application of Difference-in-Difference-in-Difference Model: Effects of Prevailing Wage Legislation in Mountain States of the U. S. Harris, T. R., Mukhopadhyay, S., Wiseman, N. 2017, Public Works Management and Policy, 22(2), 165-178.
Economic Analysis of Management Options Following a Range Fire in Elko County. Richardson, J., B. Herbst, T. Harris, and M. Helmar. 2014, Western Agricultural Economics Association Western Forum, 12(2): 12-19.
Evaluating Returns to Cool Seasin Quality Characteristics for Niche Equine Feed Markets.

The study examines the impacts of cool season grass quality characteristics on pricing and net returns in niche equine feed markets.


Curtis, K. R., Cowee, M., Kim, M.-K., Harris, T. R. 2010, Journal of Agribusiness, 28(1), 1-18
Understanding Firm’s Relocation Decisions Using Self-Reported Factor Importance Rating. Hu, W., Cox, L., Harris, T. R., Wright, J. 2010, The Review of Regional Studies, 38, 67-88.
Efficiency Analysis of the United States Biotechnology Industry: Clustering Enhances Productivity

This paper attempts to identify the factors affecting location of biotechnology firms in the United States.  To achieve this goal, the regional efficiency in the biotech industry is measured using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA); and the causal structure of the regional biotech industry performance and a set of other locational variables is investigated using the Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG).  Clustering the biotech industry directly enhances the regional industry efficiency, and the high-tech infrastructure and regional income directly affect the clustering the biotech industry.


Kim, M.-K., Harris, T. R., Vusovic, S 2010, The Journal of Agrobiotechnology Management and Economics, 12(vol 3 and 4), 422-436
Development and Initial Application of an Integrated Linear Programming/Social Accounting Model: Rangeland Livestock Application Harris, T. R. 2008, Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics. 2nd ed., vol. 40, pp. 727-728)
Proceedings
Invasive Weeds, Wildfire, and Rancher Decision Making in the Great Basin Mimako Kobayashi, Thomas Harris, Kimberly Rollins 2010, Selected Paper 613121, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association>2009 Annual Meeting, July 26-28, 2009, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 23 pp.
Special Publications
antelope
Hunting-Related Economic Activity in Nevada
A County-Level Analysis of the Economic Activity Associated with Big Game and Upland Game Hunting in 2020.
A. Bowman, M. Taylor, T. Harris, B. Borden 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
moutain biking lincoln county
Mountain Biking and Other Outdoor Tourism Economic Assessment, Impact, and Opportunities for Caliente and Lincoln County, Nevada
BLM and Nevada State Parks approved the development of approximately 50 miles of new mountain bike trails that should significantly increase outdoor recreational visitors to Lincoln County. This report explores the impacts to Lincoln County.
B. Borden, H. Gatzke, B. Bonnenfant, T. Harris 2019, University Center for Economic Development at University of Nevada, Reno
Mobile Slaughter Potential for Nevada, 2011
In 2005, a group of livestock producers requested a feasibility study to assess the potential of a producer-owned entity to slaughter, process, and market local grass-fed meats in Nevada. Specifically, the study sought to assess the economic feasibility of a mobile slaughter unit to be operated in northern Nevada.
Cowee, M. and Harris, T. 2011, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, SP-12-01
Financial Potential for Livestock Slaughter and Processing in Nevada
This publication presents a brief overview of the financial information generated from the study. This section of the study addresses financial analyses and recommendations for an optimal solution to slaughtering and processing animals.
Cowee, M., Curtis, K., Harris, T., and Lewis, S. 2008, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Importance & Use of Enterprise Budgets in Agricultural Operations
Of the four types of budgets, whole-farm, partial, enterprise, and cash flow, the enterprise budget provides the best means to evaluate the potential profitability for a given enterprise or farm income source.
Curtis, K., Harris, T., and Riggs, W. 2005, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, SP-05-12
Economic Impacts from the Effects of Invasive Weeds on Outdoor Recreation: An Input-Output Model
This special publication contains information on the impacts of alien invasive weeds on the economics of outdoor recreation by using data of recreation of days per year in Nevada for several activities. Learn more about the invasive weeds through serval analyses and tables.
Eiswerth, M., Johnson, W., Agapoff, J., Darden, T., Harris, T. 2005, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, SP-05-06
Technical Publication
The Economic Impacts of Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital on the Nevada County, California Economy. Harris, T. 2016, University Center for Economic Development Technical Report 2015/16-14
Economic, Employment, and Labor Income Impacts of U.S. Ecology, Nevada Inc. on the Economy of the State of Nevada Harris, T. R., Borden, G. 2014, UCED 2013/14-08. University Center for Economic Development
Economic Analysis of Management Options Following a Closure of BLM Rangeland Options due to Sage Grouse Population in Elko County. Richardson, J., B. Herbst, and T. Harris. 2014, University Center for Economic Development, University of Nevada, Reno, University Center for Economic Development Technical Report, UCED 2013-14-15.
Nevada Trich Survey Results: Do you know where your cattle are tonight? M. Mahmoudi, M. Landis, E. Fadali, T. Harris 2013, University of Nevada, Center for Economic Development