AgriBusiness Degree

Corporate business careers are available in pretty much every sector you can think of; all industries need strong leaders, managers, financial advisors and market-savvy decision-makers. For many business graduates, however, the traditional pathways still hold a strong appeal—including careers in the banking and financial sectors, consultancy, human resources and marketing roles.

For those looking outside of a straightforward corporate career, a business program also gives students the skills to create their own business, or to take on business and management roles within more creative industries, be that fashion, media, or even the charity sector.

For the major in Business Administration, students select one of four emphases:  General Business, AgriBusiness, Management, and Marketing.

AgriBusiness Emphasis

The AgriBusiness Emphasis combines core technical agriculture classes and contemporary agricultural economics classes with business courses that provide a solid foundation for successful careers in agriculture and business management.

With a focus on the business of food and agricultural production, marketing and sales, the undergraduate agribusiness program coursework is relevant and responsive to changing needs in the agricultural industry. Students learn real-world job skills, such as how to enhance profitability of an agribusiness and techniques for success in personal and corporate sales.

Agribusinesses process and market food and fiber products, supply inputs to agricultural production, and manage agricultural production. Agribusiness majors learn economic principles and strategies for agribusiness marketing and management, and take courses in agribusiness management, marketing, accounting, economic theory, communications, mathematics, computers, and agriculture. Students learn decision-making skills for agribusiness management, finance, marketing, sales, processing, manufacturing, transportation, and international trade. The agribusiness degree provides career flexibility for students planning to work in private industry, government, or their own businesses. Agribusiness accounts for 15 percent of the nation's total economic activity.

AgriBusiness Careers

Careers in Agribusiness Systems typically focus on utilizing innovative technology in order to increase profitability and efficiency. Agribusiness is the coordination of all activities that contribute to the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing and development of agricultural commodities and resources. This includes food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products and services. Agribusiness is a high-tech industry that uses satellite systems, computer databases and spreadsheets, biotechnology, and many other innovations to increase efficiency and profitability.

Individuals choosing this pathway may serve as coordinators who oversee and contribute to the production, processing, distribution, marketing, financing, and development of agricultural merchandise and resources. These resources might include food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, and other plant and animal products and services. Other business people may be involved with the manufacturing of farm equipment, machinery and supplies. This career pathway is usually best suited for people who like working in large groups and may end up being hired with a corporate agricultural company or business.

Careers include:

• Agribusiness manager
• Grain buyer
• Equipment sales
• Farm labor contractor
• Ag finance specialist
• Loan officer
• Farm business manager
• Agricultural journalist

Courses Include:

• AGR1304  Principles of Soil Science
• ANS1303  Principles of Animal Science
• NRC2300  Environmental Systems
• AEC3304  Farm and Ranch Management
• FIN4311  International Trade
• 3 hours from:
  • AEC3315 Agricultural Policy
  • NRC3322 Natural Resources Policy, Regulation, and Compliance

LCU in Washington

Students are strongly encouraged to apply for a semester in Washington, D.C. as part of the LCU in Washington program.