Agribusiness

The Minor in Agribusiness requires 21 credit hours. The core courses cover agricultural marketing, economics, management, and farm operations. These courses are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how business practices apply to the agricultural industry, equipping students with the skills they need for a successful career in agribusiness.

AGRI 320: Fund of Agricultural Commodity Marketing

A study of agricultural commodity marketing, transportation and storage, using the agricultural futures and options markets.

AGRI 340: Computer Applications for Agriculture

An advanced course primarily focused on the applied use of Microsoft Excel in the agricultural business environment.

AGRI 410: Agricultural Finance

Introduction to farm financial management, including financial intermediaries and information flows in agriculture, investment analysis, and financial alternatives for farm resource control.

Discover the full Minor in Agribusiness course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

The Minor in Agribusiness prepares students for a variety of careers in the agricultural industry, including:

Agribusiness Manager

Agribusiness managers oversee the day-to-day operations of agricultural businesses, such as farms, food processing companies, and agricultural equipment suppliers. They are responsible for making strategic decisions, managing staff, maintaining budgets, and ensuring that operations are running efficiently. This role requires a strong understanding of both business and agricultural practices, enabling managers to adapt to changes in the market and implement effective growth strategies.

Agricultural Sales Representative

Agricultural sales representatives work directly with farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses to sell agricultural products, equipment, and services. They need a solid understanding of the products they sell, as well as knowledge of the agricultural industry to identify customer needs, provide tailored solutions, and maintain strong customer relationships. Strong sales, communication, and negotiation skills are essential for success in this role.

Agricultural Economist

Agricultural economists analyze the economic factors affecting agriculture, including market trends, commodity prices, trade policies, and government regulations. They provide insights and forecasts that help businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations make informed decisions. Agricultural economists often work in research, policy-making, or advisory roles, using their expertise to shape decisions that impact the agricultural sector.

Farm Manager

Farm managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of farm operations, including crop production, livestock care, financial planning, and labor management. They ensure that the farm runs smoothly by making decisions about resource allocation, market strategy, and operational efficiency. Effective farm managers are skilled in both agricultural practices and business management, balancing the financial needs of the farm with environmental sustainability and productivity goals.

Marketing Specialist

Marketing specialists in agribusiness focus on promoting agricultural products and services to consumers and businesses. They develop marketing strategies, conduct market research, and manage advertising campaigns to increase awareness and sales. In the agribusiness sector, marketing specialists must understand the unique needs of agricultural products and adapt strategies to seasonal trends and consumer behavior, often working closely with product development teams.

Supply Chain Analyst

Supply chain analysts focus on optimizing the flow of goods and services within the agricultural industry. They work to improve the efficiency of supply chains, from sourcing raw materials to delivering finished products to consumers. In agribusiness, this may involve managing logistics for food products, ensuring the timely delivery of equipment and supplies, or streamlining transportation and warehousing systems to reduce costs and enhance delivery speed.