Agriculture Business

About the Program

Program Goal: Career

GE Pattern(s): Butte Local, Cal-GETC

Program Code: 01301.01AS

The Agriculture Business program provides the student with employable skills and provides a framework for further study if desired. Course work is practical and broad-based. Emphasis is placed on the development of skills in business management, marketing, finance, computers, human relations, and agricultural accounting. The computer labs, campus farm, and greenhouses provide an ideal setting for hands on learning. To gain practical experience on and off campus internships are available. Numerous area agriculture businesses provide opportunities for field trips, internships, and employment. Student clubs such as the Agriculture Ambassadors provide opportunities for leadership development and community service.

A career in Agriculture Business is both financially rewarding and personally challenging. For job seekers, it is probably the most readily available entry-level position in the agriculture industry. Numerous specialized companies throughout northern California require qualified persons for marketing, sales, finance, policy, government, farm ranch management, and international trade and development. For job entry and advancement, however, certain basic skills remain fundamental. These include proficiency in computers, record keeping, finance, management and marketing. The following is a list of possible agriculture business career opportunities: Bookkeeper, Business Manager, Business Owner, Commodity Broker, Community Development, Consultant, Equipment Dealer, Farm and Ranch Manager, International Development Specialist, Insurance Agent, Land Appraiser, Livestock buyer, Loan Officer, Management Specialist, Produce Buyer, Public Relations, Retail Sales and Sales Representative.

Program Learning Outcome(s): Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to:

1. Accumulate, record, and analyze agricultural financial data.
2. Analyze specific agricultural markets to explain and predict changes in price and economic behavior.
3. Make effective business decisions using a systematic, information-based approach.