Overview

Do you have a head for business and an interest in agriculture? A major in Agricultural Business Management combines the best of both worlds. Agriculture in the 21st century is a complex, multifaceted, and cutting-edge industry, and in order to ensure that the farm products Americans need are grown, manufactured, and distributed effectively, all agricultural businesses need managers to take charge.


As an Agricultural Business Management major, you’ll be studying all the fundamentals of business—economics, management, marketing, finance, and others—while learning exactly how these fields apply to the world of agriculture. You’ll apply your business skills to areas like natural resources management, food systems, and biotechnology. You’ll investigate ways to maintain the delicate balance between environmental protection and profitable business. You’ll learn about the processing and distributing of agricultural commodities. You’ll also learn about the newest advances in technology and computer science that have advanced the field of agriculture and made agricultural practices more efficient and convenient. With this major, you’ll get the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this lively industry.

SAMPLE CURRICULUM

  • Agricultural Marketing

  • Agricultural Mathematics

  • Analyzing Alternative Enterprises

  • Applied Macroeconomics

  • Applied Microeconomics

  • Business Law

  • Crop Production Practices

  • Employment Communication

  • Farm Management

  • Food and Agricultural Sales

  • Land Measurement and Surveying

  • Livestock Management

  • Markets, Marketing, and Prices

  • Pesticide Use and Safety

  • Plant Propagation

  • Soils and Fertilizers


HIGH SCHOOl PREPARATION

If you’re considering a major in Agricultural Business Management, your best bets for building a good academic foundation are math, biology, chemistry, business, and computer courses. Business classes your high school offers would be perfect. You may also want to get involved in agricultural clubs to see what the agriculture world is all about.