Minor in Agribusiness

Hours: 21 On-Campus Online

About

The Minor in Agribusiness at Fort Hays State University is designed to give students a solid foundation in the business aspects of agriculture. This minor complements a variety of degree programs by adding an agribusiness focus that prepares students for careers in the growing agricultural sector. Students will gain knowledge in areas such as agricultural economics, farm management, marketing, and agribusiness operations, positioning them for success in a dynamic industry.

Why pursue a Minor in Agribusiness at Fort Hays State University?

Agriculture is one of the world’s largest and most diverse industries, impacting everything from global supply chains to local food production. A Minor in Agribusiness gives you the tools and knowledge to manage agricultural enterprises, make informed decisions, and contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural practices. Whether you're seeking a career in farm management, agricultural marketing, or agribusiness management, the Minor in Agribusiness adds value to your degree and enhances your career prospects.

Who is this program for?

The Minor in Agribusiness is designed for students interested in applying business principles to the agricultural industry. Whether you’re already involved in agriculture or simply want to understand how business and agriculture intersect, this program can complement a wide range of undergraduate programs. The Minor in Agribusiness is ideal for students pursuing majors in fields such as:

Business
Economics
Biology
Management
Marketing

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Minor in Agribusiness, students will be able to:

Apply Economic Principles to Agriculture

Students will learn to analyze agricultural markets using economic theory. This includes understanding supply and demand dynamics, pricing strategies, and the impact of government policies on agriculture. Graduates will be able to use these principles to predict market behavior, optimize resource allocation, and make informed decisions in agricultural businesses.

Develop Strategic Marketing Plans for Agricultural Products

Students will acquire the skills to create effective marketing strategies tailored specifically to agricultural products and services. This includes market research, identifying target demographics, and setting competitive pricing strategies. Graduates will also learn how to adapt marketing strategies to global trends, consumer preferences, and seasonal cycles in the agricultural industry.

Manage Agricultural Businesses Effectively

This outcome equips students with the practical skills to manage the financial and operational aspects of agriculture. Students will gain proficiency in budgeting, financial analysis, and resource management. They will also learn how to make strategic decisions that enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability within agribusinesses, whether they are small farms or large agricultural corporations.

Analyze and Solve Industry Challenges

Students will learn to approach scenarios in agriculture from a business-oriented perspective. They will analyze issues such as environmental sustainability, labor management, or market volatility and develop practical, data-driven solutions. Graduates will be prepared to tackle challenges facing the agricultural industry, from economic shifts to new technological advancements.

Real-World Applications

The Minor in Agribusiness provides students with practical skills that directly apply to the agricultural industry. By studying areas such as agricultural economics, farm management, and marketing, students will be prepared to manage agricultural operations or enter agribusiness sectors such as marketing, sales, logistics, and finance. Graduates are well-equipped to address the challenges and opportunities within both local and global agricultural markets.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

With the global agricultural industry continually evolving, staying ahead of industry trends and gaining relevant business expertise is essential. The Minor in Agribusiness provides students with the knowledge and skills to anticipate changes in the industry, such as sustainability initiatives, technological advancements, and market shifts. This minor ensures that graduates are equipped to meet the needs of the modern agribusiness world.

Hands-on Activities

Students in the Minor in Agribusiness will have the opportunity to engage in real-world, hands-on learning experiences. These include internships with local agricultural businesses, where students gain direct industry experience, and case studies that apply theoretical knowledge to analyze current challenges in the agricultural sector. Field trips to farms and agribusinesses allow students to see theory in action and develop a deeper understanding of the industry’s operations.

What You’ll Learn:

Agricultural marketing
Farm and ranch management
Agricultural economics
Agribusiness management

How You’ll Learn:

Lectures
Case-studies
Labs
Small class sizes
Collaborative projects

Courses

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.

Career Prospects

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.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,961.90* (on-campus) or $3,859.95* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($197.46/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (257.33/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

These programs provide additional opportunities for students to deepen their expertise in specific areas of agriculture and agribusiness. Fort Hays State University offers several related programs to complement the Minor in Agribusiness, including:

FAQ

How can the Minor in Agribusiness complement my major?

The Minor in Agribusiness is flexible and can be paired with a variety of majors. It enhances your agricultural industry knowledge, making you more marketable to employers in agribusiness management, marketing, finance, and beyond.

Are there any internships or field experiences associated with the minor?

Yes, students are encouraged to participate in internships and other hands-on learning experiences, which are crucial for gaining practical knowledge in agribusiness.

Can I pursue the Minor in Agribusiness online?

The Minor in Agribusiness can be completed both online and on-campus.

What career services are available for agribusiness students?

Fort Hays State University offers career counseling, resume workshops, job fairs, and internship placements to help agribusiness students find opportunities in their field.

How long will it take to complete the Minor in Agribusiness?

Typically, the minor can be completed in two years, depending on course availability and the student’s academic schedule.

Information about the Department of Agriculture

FHSU’s Department of Agriculture sustains the vitality of our country’s agricultural future by keeping America’s agricultural traditions and technologies thriving through career-centered, hands-on programs. Our applied, hands-on learning and foundational courses empower students to succeed in the growing agricultural industry, making them marketable and equipped to meet industry challenges, innovate, and conserve. Our students benefit from practical experiences on our 3,825-acre farm, leadership and presentation skill development, critical thinking and communication skills enhancement, and lifelong friendships and mentorships.

Our graduates succeed in various careers including running farms, managing feed yards, trading grain on the futures market, educating the next generation of agriculturalists, working as crop consultants, and leading in agribusiness corporations. With an excellent academic program and a network of alumni, you will be prepared for an exciting and rewarding career in the agricultural industry.

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