B.S. in Agricultural Business

The Agricultural Business major teaches students the operating techniques and business skills used in the modern food and fiber industry. This program builds student knowledge and skills needed to manage small and medium sized business in agriculture and allied industries. This is true whether the business is directly involved in production, value-adds to raw agricultural products, or provides support services including the distribution, processing, packaging, and marketing of agricultural products. Two things tend to distinguish the major in Agricultural Business from a typical business degree: first, our focus tends to be on small and medium sized businesses where the decision maker must be more attuned to all dimensions of their operating environment, whereas more traditional business degrees often focus on a larger business organization where functions are more specialized. Second, the major emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying technical processes that drive business decisions through formal course requirements in the agricultural sciences. The interface between technical training in agricultural sciences, economics, and management sets this degree apart. Learning Outcomes Successful students will demonstrate: Technical competency including appropriate use of economic theory in formulating analytical problems, identifying and gathering appropriate data, and employing appropriate economic methods to analyze those problems, utilizing appropriate available computer technology Ability to solve real-world problems beyond the pedagogical context. Students will be able to identify a problem and its scope, evaluate resources to address the problem, formulate alternative solutions, and select the solution(s) most consistent with a stated objective Proficiency in oral and written communication including the ability to communicate critically and analytically at a professional level Potential Occupations Although students from farms and ranches choose this major each year, business-oriented students with a wide variety of backgrounds have launched successful careers with this versatile degree. Graduates establish careers in management, marketing, sales, and finance to name a few areas. Participating in internships and experiential opportunities is strongly encouraged to enhance practical training and development. Graduates who seek further specialization are prepared to pursue advanced studies. Agricultural Economics Concentration The Agricultural Economics concentration focuses on the theoretical and analytic tools of applied economics and provides students with the skills necessary to apply these principles in applied settings such as water, recreation, environmental economics, in industry and business, marketing, production, or government. This program is more quantitative in nature and best prepares students interested in graduate study. Farm and Ranch Management Concentration The Farm and Ranch Management concentration builds skills in applied decision making required in production agriculture. The program of study allows students to apply a solid understanding of economics and the underlying physical and biological sciences that drive agricultural technology to problems facing modern farmers and ranchers.