Agricultural Business, or “Agribusiness” for short, is the study of farm operations and the financial aspects of overseeing a farming business. An agribusiness, in practice, consists of farms, food production facilities, and farming equipment suppliers.
The agribusiness industry is made up of both large agricultural corporations and smaller companies specializing in niche subjects such as organic food production. It also produces farm commodities and sells them on the marketplace.
The Agricultural Business Degree
Students who major in agricultural business usually find work in one of the aforementioned areas, but there are plenty of jobs revolving around agribusiness that aren’t the expected paths, too. Agribusiness degrees are available at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels and agribusiness majors look to enter the industry through either a large or small company. Certain institutions also offer an agricultural business degree on the PhD level.
Would I Do Well in the Agribusiness Industry?
Good candidates for an agriculture business degree should possess a number of academic interests in subjects like the outdoors, earth science, and mathematics. Agribusiness jobs are found in varied places of work, from laboratories to farms, so it’s up to each student to determine the career direction they’d like to take with their degree. For example, Agricultural business majors can get involved in the agribusiness marketplace by specializing in subjects such as agricultural law, policy, entrepreneurship, or marketing. Whereas students who wish to work on a farm would choose agribusiness food and economics courses.
But agricultural business is about more than studying food planting and business techniques. Workers in the agribusiness industry utilize the scientific method to approach tasks such as developing emerging crop or pest control technology. If math is one of your strengths, agribusiness also incorporates techniques like statistical analysis to determine optimal crop yield. Because of this, the agribusiness major can also be a good choice for students who specialize in mathematics or science and wish to apply their knowledge to the study of food production.
In any case, students interested in an agribusiness degree should have an interest in working with the land and addressing 21st century problems such as food shortages.
Associate Level
An associate degree in agribusiness can usually be completed in two years and often involves a combination of classroom lessons and an internship in the industry. Most associate degree-level classes focus on farm management, with course topics including animal science, agronomy, livestock production, and agricultural law. Internships can usually be found with local agricultural-related businesses. Graduates with an associate degree in agribusiness also have the option to pursue a 4-year agricultural business management degree.
Examples of jobs you can get with an agribusiness degree at the associate level include: Agricultural Supply Store Technician, Farm Machinery Salesperson, Livestock Buyer, and Purchasing Agent.
The salary for these jobs typically falls in the $30,000 to $70,000 range.
Baccalaureate Level
A 4-year bachelor’s degree in agribusiness often concentrates on the study of food production and the process of bringing food from farm to table. Bachelor’s degree programs emphasize courses in agribusiness marketing, production, and management. In addition, many programs offer study abroad opportunities to learn about farming industries in foreign countries along internships with agricultural companies at home.
Baccalaureate-level courses include: Animal Science, Economics of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing, and Agricultural Law, but will also feature Business Writing, Macroeconomics, Statistics, Accounting, and Finance. It’s also possible to earn a 4-year online agribusiness degree from many colleges. Students can further specialize their agribusiness degree by choosing concentrations such as agricultural economics or farm and ranch management. Such concentrations will further prepare students to enter graduate school or a career in industry. In addition, students can pair their agribusiness degree with minors such as international agriculture or management and sales in agribusiness.
Agribusiness careers at the bachelor’s degree-level include: Farmer, Farm Appraiser, Claims Processor, Marketer, Grain Manager, Financial Analyst, Market Analyst, Compliance Analyst, Agronomy Salesperson, Agriculture Writer, Plantation Manager, and Agriculture Operations Specialist.
The average salary for these agribusiness jobs covers a wide range. At the lower end of the scale, claims processors earn $14 an hour, an agronomy salesperson makes $51,000 per year and a compliance analyst earns $58,000. On the higher end of the spectrum, an agricultural marketer can make upwards of $101,000.
Agricultural Marketing
To earn higher salary opportunities, you can opt to add a minor to your curriculum. For instance, to become an Agricultural Marketer, you can minor in Marketing, or even opt for an Agriculture Marketing degree. Ag Marketing is, essentially, the pipeline between the farm sector and the non-farm sectors. Ag Marketers need to be in-the-know on all activities, agencies, and policies involved in the movement of agricultural products from start to finish — farm to consumer.
There are plenty of other ways you can utilize a degree in Agribusiness, especially in tandem with other minors, whether they be technology, soil science, or animal science.
Graduate Level
For students who complete a 4-year agricultural business degree and wish to continue studying the field, several schools offer agribusiness master’s degrees. These programs feature research in advanced agricultural business topics such as international trade and development, entrepreneurial studies, agribusiness strategic management, and commodity market analysis. It’s also possible to earn an agribusiness degree online at the master’s level.
In addition, some graduate schools grant a PhD in agricultural business providing extensive opportunities to interact with research experts and specialists in the field. These professional interactions help to make connections that could lead to future agricultural business degree jobs.
Agribusiness degree jobs for master’s and PhD graduates include: Agribusiness Economist, Extension Agent, Agricultural Construction Engineer, Agribusiness Insurance Underwriter, Account Manager, and Plant Pathologist.
The average salary for Plant Pathologists, Extension Agents, and Account Managers is roughly around $60,000 a year. Agribusiness economists make a bit more at $71,000 while agricultural construction engineers take home approximately $77,000.
Founded in 1909, Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public institution situated on a rural prairie in Goodwell, OK. OPSU confers bachelor and associate degrees as well as provides community enrichment classes and online courses. OPSU is...
The instructors are really helpful. The campus is very nice. Classes are very informative.
” – Danielle from Ulysses, KS
Rowan College at Burlington County is a 2-year community college serving the largest county in New Jersey. RCBC features degree and certificate programs in 10 meta majors and its Alternative Energy Technologies Department provides training for work...
This is the most advanced in curriculum to only be a community college! Its one of the most flexible and convenient schools with advisors that are always available to answer any of my questions! The library has an excellent amount of books to choose...
” – Ranita from Willingboro, NJ
Vermont Technical College is a public institution with two campuses and nine distance learning facilities throughout the state. US News and World Report repeatedly lauds VTC, ranking the school number 19 for Best North Regional Colleges and number 17...
Focused on getting you educated and getting you into the real world to start your career with all the skills and knowledge you need!
” – Cierra from Littleton, NHNortheastern Junior College is a public, 2-year institution established in Sterling, Colorado. NJC offers over 80 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as a variety of advanced degree programs through seven of the college’s partnered...
I am definitely learning a lot about horses and learning better training techniques. I am also learning a lot about all the aspects of the horse industry and about animal science in general.
” – Michelle from Avondale, CORandolph Community College is a 2-year institution with three locations in central North Carolina. RCC is home to over 30 academic majors and its Welding Technology program is one of the only such departments in the state to be designated an...
Arkansas State University Beebe is a public, 2-year institution located in northeast Arkansas, with locations in Beebe, Heber Springs, Searcy, and the Little Rock Air Force Base. The college offers suite-style living accommodations for residential...
Arkansas State University Beebe is the best community college.Students have been able to achieve more than they expected that is because we have the best professors who work very hard .Most of all the environment at ASU Beebe are the best for a...
” – Happiness from Beebe, ARCollege of The Albemarle is a public, 2-year institution established in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, with satellite locations in Manteo, Edenton, and Barco. COA offers over 40 associate’s degree and certificate programs, which are designed either...
The classes that you will take at College of the Albemarle will benefit you for the rest of your life. You will not have to take stupid classes that there is no point in taking. I attended COA to get my basic general education before transferring...
” – Judy from Manteo, NCStanly Community College is a public, 2-year institution with campuses located in Albemarle and Locust, North Carolina. SCC offers 50 seated and online programs, awarding diplomas, certificates, and associate’s degrees for college transfer and career...
Blackhawk Technical College maintains four campuses in southern Wisconsin offering degrees and certificates in 47 programs. Blackhawk recognizes the diverse scheduling needs of its students by offering numerous courses online, via interactive TV, and...
My classes so far have been very informative. The instructors are top-notch so far, and have a genuine interest in student success.
” – Chad from Beloit, WI
The University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez is a state institution also known as Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez. Classes at UPRM are primarily taught in Spanish, and students are required to have a moderate understanding of English as well in order...
This university has great professors, beautiful agricultural research stations and amazing architecture. It is in the west side of the island where the best beaches are. People are friendly and helpful, this campus is the best.
” – Laura from Puerto Rico
SUNY College of Technology at Canton is located in northern New York State and part of the State University of New York System. Originally founded as the first 2-year college in New York, SUNY Canton now confers bachelor’s degrees in 29 career...
SUNY Canton's main campus facilities are incorporated into the side of a hill making almost all window a pleasant view. The staff and the students here are intuitive and pleasant. Ethnic diversity at SUNY Canton is also a big factor when...
” – Scott from Heuvetlton, NY
Mayville State University is a 4-year public school and a member of the North Dakota State University system. MSU prepares future educators through its 11 teaching majors in subjects such as History, Psychology, and English Education. Outside of the...
Mayville State University is a small university where everyone is a family and can produce the same outcomes as a larger university.
” – DAVID from National City, CAWith campus a short distance from the Minnesota River, South Central College is a 2-year community college and part of the Minnesota State system. SCC is home to 10 academic departments featuring over 40 degree and certificate programs. To prepare...
The school was awesome.Always helpful!They understood me so well and me me feel like I was at home!
”Sampson Community College is a 2-year college in eastern North Carolina. SCC is home to six academic pathways hosting 27 associate degree majors as well as over 30 certificate-granting programs. In addition, Sampson is part of the NC Virtual Learning...
SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill combines theory with practice and all students must complete an applied learning experience to graduate. Educational facilities on campus include a contiguous farm, student-run restaurant, art...
I am planing on learning as much as I can and pass my knowledge on to others.
” – Alicia from Winsted, CTNorthwest State Community College is a 2-year college with a main campus and two satellite locations in northwestern Ohio. NSCC is home to 70 degree and certificate programs as well as over 300 non-credit classes. As a rural institution, Northwest...
Northwest State has been the best move I have ever made in my life so far. The classes are small so personal time with teachers is outstanding. Northwest welcomes students with open arms and i am greatful to be here.
” – Steve from Napoleon, OHMarion Technical College is a 2-year technical school in north-central Ohio sharing a campus with The Ohio State University at Marion. MTC is home to over 60 majors designed for working adults and has an average student age of 27. Five of the...
Eastern Wyoming College is a 2-year community college with two campuses covering a six county area. EWC is home to seven academic departments as well as the only programs in Veterinary Technology and Cosmetology in Wyoming. EWC also features a...
I really enjoyed visiting campus. But I'm curious how good is there welding program?
” – Ashlee from Chadron, NE
Ogeechee Technical College is a 2-year technical school in eastern Georgia with academic programs in 36 departments. OTC offers several degrees and certificates in unique fields such as Funeral Service Education and Fish & Wildlife Management. All...
Montcalm Community College is a 2-year college with four locations in central Michigan. MCC confers degrees and certificates in 54 academic programs. For students who wish to enter the farming industry, MCC partners with the Michigan State University...
College is so far helpful and informitive. I have attended orientation and the teachers were nice and helpful. I can't wait to get started!
” – Amy from Belding, MIBeaufort County Community College is a 2-year institution serving four counties in eastern North Carolina. Beaufort County is home to four academic departments granting degrees and certificates. For students 18 and older who wish to broaden their...
I am learning a lot here diagrams of ohms law starting systems and my trade instructor is a master mechcanic being here is helping me and others in my trade grow in the working enviroment.
” – Joshua from Pine Knot, KYSouthern Arkansas University is a 4-year institution with a main campus in Magnolia. SAU offers a variety of majors, including the only computer game and animation design program in the state, and also features an Honors College for enhanced academic...
This is the most helpful place I have ever been. Wether I am getting good news, or bad news SAU is always there to answer any question I may have. There are no waiting lists and no phone wait tone. I love being a student at Southern Arkansas...
” – No name womanPennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is a public institution and commonwealth campus. It is located in Logan Township, PA. Popular areas of study include electrical and electronics engineering, nursing, and business. Study abroad options...
Its all about your professors!! So when you schedule your first classes, make sure you go to www.ratemyprofessors.com and look the professor up! Trust me, you'll thank me in the end.
” – Kristen from Altoona, PA
Grace College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Winona Lake, Indiana. Students enrolled at Grace College are required to attend chapel three days each week. The college features a unique core curriculum, which is built upon...
grace college is a great place for a student to grow with god and in academic excellence. whatever your major is there are classes that you will take to strengthen and grow you relationship with god. the faculty are very diligent in helping students...
” – Ty from Cedar Rapids, IAMontana State University-Northern is a public, 4-year institution established in Havre, with a satellite facility located in Great Falls. MSU Northern offers over 70 major and minor fields of study, awarding certificates and degrees from an associate...
Eastern New Mexico University is a public, four-year liberal arts college located in Portales, NM, with satellite campuses in Roswell and Ruidoso, NM. ENMU offers more than 60 associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in a hands-on learning...
The teachers are approachable and are willing to spend as much time to assure each individual student success. The class size my freshman year was under 30 students, so each student gets a personalized learning experience!
” – Nicole from Pueblo, COBladen Community College is a 2-year college in southeast North Carolina. BCC offers degree and diploma programs in 33 fields of study and is home to 47 certificate-granting programs. Additionally, BCC is the first community college in North Carolina...
Isothermal Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Spindale, North Carolina, with satellite facilities located in Columbus and Rutherford. ICC offers over 100 career-oriented and academic associate’s degree and certificate...
With a main campus a short drive from Lake Michigan, Lakeshore Technical College is a technical and vocational school in northeast Wisconsin. LTC confers degrees and certificates in over 100 career and technical programs. For students wanting hands...
West Hills College in Coalinga is a 2-year community college in central California. WHCC is home to over 70 degree and certificate programs in 12 academic departments. The college’s Agriculture program features an emphasis on sustainable farming...
Established in 1965, Glen Oaks Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in Centreville Michigan. Glen Oaks offers 15 associate’s degree programs and 19 certificate programs, including agricultural programs in collaboration with MSU...
The teachers here for the most part really take time to get to know you and how well you learn in order for you to advance. They seem to show they really are for your education, though a lot of people think community colleges don't care as much...
” – Brandye from Sturgis, MINorthcentral Technical College is a 2-year technical institution with a main campus and five regional centers in central Wisconsin. NTC offers over 190 academic programs and houses three centers of excellence in Agriculture, Wood Technology, and...
Great, affordable, encouraging
” – Marilyn from VenezuelaSouth Piedmont Community College is a 2-year institution with two campuses and two extension centers in south-central North Carolina. South Piedmont is home to nine academic departments of degree and certificate-granting programs, as well as an...
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus is the internet hub for all Penn State online classes. Penn State World confers degrees and certificates in over 150 academic programs entirely online. In addition, Penn State World does not require students...
Lassen Community College is a 2-year institution in northeast California with 24 associate degree programs. Students in LCC’s Child Development program help operate the campus Child Development Laboratory serving students and the community. For...
Edison State Community College is a 2-year institution and the first technical college established in Ohio. Edison State offers two degrees for university transfer in Humanities and Science as well as five career pathway academic divisions. For...
Ozarka College is a 2-year community college with a main campus and three extension sites in northern Arkansas. Ozarka confers associate degrees in 17 fields of study in addition to 20 certificate programs. The college’s Aviation Department holds...
Northeast Iowa Community College is a 2-year institution with two main campuses and 11 learning centers. NICC offers degrees and certificates in 67 areas of study within nine academic departments. The college’s Agriculture and Dairy Science programs...
I have a disease, epilepsy, and I feel better since the teachers work around my disability.
” – Katarina from Monona, IAHighland Community College is a 2-year community college in northeast Kansas and the first college in the state. HCC offers degrees and certificates in more than 60 subjects in 18 academic disciplines. Highland has articulation agreements with 10...
Established in 1967, James Sprunt Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in Kenansville, North Carolina. James Sprunt offers over 30 diploma, certificate, and associate’s degree programs, with a variety of courses available online...
Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a 2-year institution with five campuses and two extension sites in southwest Minnesota. Minnesota West offers degrees and certificates in over 60 academic subjects. Of those, 46 degrees and...
Established in 1966, Southwestern Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in Creston, Iowa, with satellite centers in Osceola and Red Oak. SWCC offers over 80 associate’s degree and college transfer programs, as well as diploma and...
Kent State University at Tuscarawas is a regional campus in the Kent State system located in eastern Ohio. The Tuscarawas campus offers 11 bachelor’s degree and 17 associate degree programs and its Veterinary Technology major is one of seven such...
Teachers and Staff are absolutely amazing!
” – Tuscarawas CountyAmerican Samoa Community College is a 2-year institution located on the American territory’s largest island of Tutuila. ASCC is home to 17 academic departments including a Samoan Studies program offering classes in the territory’s language and...
The school was the best. Things we learn here are way beyond the hardest. Kids are fun to hang out with.
” – Aska from American SamoaPenn State Brandywine is a campus in the Pennsylvania State University system located just outside of Philadelphia. Brandywine offers bachelor’s degrees in 12 fields of study as well as the opportunity to begin studying over 160 majors that can be...
Both the professors and the students really get intimate with the whole learning process.
” – Lakyra from Philadelphia, PAMesalands Community College is a 2-year college in eastern New Mexico. MCC offers 19 degree and eight certificate-granting programs, several of which are specific to the college’s western location such as Cowboy Arts and Farrier Science. The MCC Wind...
Beautiful school, cheap rent on properties/rooms, low tuition but a great program. Champion Rodeo Team, Wind Energy Research, Iron Pour, plus great support if you need help in your classes. Can't Wait!
” – Sonja from Tucumcari, NMSouthwest Wisconsin Technical College is a 2-year community college and trade school serving a nine county area. Southwest Tech is home to over 70 academic programs granting degrees and certificates and its Farm Operations & Management program...
Northwest College is a public, 2-year institution established in Powell, Wyoming, with four satellite facilities in Cody, Worland, and Shoshone National Forest. NWC offers over 30 CTE degree and certificate programs, as well as 48 transfer degree...
it is very easy to learn a lot here because of the tiny class sizes and good professors.
” – Adeline from Shell, WYSurrounded by the Plumas National Forest, Feather River Community College is a 2-year institution in northern California. Among FRCC’s 24 academic programs, several courses utilize the campus’s rural and heavily wooded location to offer degrees in...
Feather River College is a wonderful school and helps students transition from high school to the academic rigor of college. It is in a beautiful rural setting and professors are professional, knowledgeable, and there to help students succeed. FRC...
” – Brent from Quincy, CAUniversidad Ana G. Méndez is a private institution located in Carolina, Puerto Rico, with campus centers in Barceloneta, Cabo Rojo, Santa Isabel, and Yauco. The University offers over 70 academic programs throughout nine schools of study, awarding...
Mid-State Technical College is a 2-year technical school with four campuses in central Wisconsin. Mid-State is home to over 60 technical and career-training academic programs granting degrees and certificates. In addition, Mid-State provides the...
The University of Waikato is an international institution located in New Zealand and founded in 1964. The 160-acre main campus offers more than 136 subjects through 9 faculties, schools, and colleges, many of which can also be earned online or at...
