Agricultural economics students are concerned with a wide range of issues
-- anything from the effect of foot and mouth disease on livestock, to the
price of green chilies in Ghana.
"They will be able to discuss a wide set of questions and issues -- everything
from free trade to greenhouse gases to the politics of genetically modified
foods," says Murray Fulton. He is a professor of agricultural economics.
Students learn about microeconomics. That includes things like consumer
choices, the supply of merchandise and foods and the use of natural resources.
They also investigate macroeconomic issues. These are things like
economic development, income distribution, international trade and government
policy.
Students also learn about statistics, marketing, finance, public policy,
natural resources and international development.
A relatively new specialty within agricultural economics is called agribusiness.
Agribusiness is concerned with the commercial side of agriculture and how
to manage it.
Agribusiness students are interested in things like the latest wholesale
prices from international markets and import regulations on agricultural products.
High school classes in math, English and science will help you prepare
for an agricultural economics program, says Don Ethridge. He chairs a department
of agriculture and applied economics.
Program costs may include:
- Tuition
- Books
- Photocopying fees
Agricultural economics graduates have a broad range of career possibilities.
Some graduates become agriculture salespeople, loan officers, commodity merchandisers,
professional farm managers, public relations specialists, marketing advisors
or farmers, says Ron Deiter. He is a professor of economics in the agriculture
college at Iowa State University.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Agricultural
Workers
Agricultural & Applied Economics Association: Outreach Publications
Get the latest news on economics and food, farm or rural issues
National institute of Food and Agriculture
Provides leadership and funding to advance agriculture-related
sciences