Overview of Agricultural Business and Management:

Agricultural business and management combines business and scientific knowledge to manage and oversee the production operation of farms and ranches. Such leaders must have both a comprehensive understanding of production issues and agricultural business practices. Generally, students in such disciplines become experts in topics such as land use, pricing, quality assurance, supplies, finance, poverty, and environmental sustainability.

What are the Career Opportunities associated with Agricultural Business and Management?

With an understanding of agricultural business and management, there are many career opportunities that a graduate could pursue. Careers in the agricultural business and management field involve working for various organizations throughout the food industry and agricultural sector such as financial institutions, regulatory agencies, farming and ranching businesses, international agricultural organizations, and environmental services. Possible job roles could include agricultural field representatives, agricultural sales professionals, farm management specialists, livestock production professionals, farm machinery technicians, etc.

Are there Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Agricultural Business and Management?

Yes! Internship and Co-op opportunities in agricultural business and management are abundant, especially when considering the vast range of career options available. Many companies in the agricultural and food industry offer co-op and internship programs related to topics such as farm supplies, food quality assurance, land use, transportation, production operations, finance, environmental sustainability, and more. Additionally, many universities offer experiential coursework and on-campus support to connect students with internship and Co-op opportunities in local and regional companies.

Are there Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Agricultural Business and Management?

Yes, there are many specialized tracks and concentrations within agricultural business and management including farm business management, agribusiness economics, agricultural production and management, sustainable agriculture, rural development, and food systems. Students can also specialize deep within these tracks and concentrations with courses such as crop and soil science, animal health and production, and food marketing.

How Agricultural Business and Management Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education?

Agricultural business and management provides students with a solid understanding of the fundamentals of business and a thorough knowledge of the agricultural industry. This knowledge is applicable to both masters and PhD programs in business and agriculture. Certain programs may require a more specialized understanding of topics related to agricultural business; this can be attained through concentration courses or specialized electives taken within an agricultural business and management program. Additionally, programs with internships and cooperative learning opportunities further prepare students for graduate studies by developing the essential practice and self-reflection skills that are fundamental to successful completion of any advanced program.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Agricultural Business and Management?

The agricultural industry has experienced numerous positive changes as a result of advances in artificial intelligence (AI). For example, the use of AI in precision agriculture allows the use of drones and robots for data collection and crop monitoring. Also, AI is used to improve livestock nutrition, and in agricultural supply chain, AI is used for forecasting, procurement, inventory management and analytics. Furthermore, AI has enabled the development of automated systems for controlling and monitoring agricultural operations including irrigation, pest control and soil management.

The Career Outlook for Agricultural Business and Management?

The career outlook for agricultural business and management is positive. With the abundance of new technologies emerging in the agricultural industry, professionals in this field are in high demand as they are needed to use their knowledge and skills to bridge the gap between production operations and agricultural business. Additionally, industries such as finance, marketing, and public policy require professionals with knowledge in agricultural business and management. All of this bodes well for career potential for those considering a degree in agricultural business and management.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Agricultural Business and Management:

Cornell University, Salary: $78,005

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Salary: $55,329

North Dakota State University-Main Campus, Salary: $51,629

University of Delaware, Salary: $51,351

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Salary: $49,711

Dordt University, Salary: $49,218

Purdue University-Main Campus, Salary: $49,121

California State University-Fresno, Salary: $48,985

University of Missouri-Columbia, Salary: $48,867

Michigan State University, Salary: $48,126

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business and Management.