Agribusiness

What you'll learn studying Agribusiness at UW-Platteville

The agribusiness program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville provides a curriculum that combines the study of business, marketing, and management practices, specifically related to agriculture. When you choose to pursue an agribusiness degree, you will learn about the farming, farm supply, marketing and processing, and service sectors of agriculture, while preparing for employment with leading businesses in the agricultural industry.

In our innovative agricultural business degree program, you will learn business, economic, and agricultural science theories; agribusiness management principles; mathematical and quantitative tools of agriculture business management and analysis; and commodity and marketing practices.

You will gain an understanding of day-to-day farm operations, as well as the operations of farm-related businesses that supply feed, seed, machinery, and many other necessities to small- and large-scale farms. You will learn the practices used by businesses to take a product from the fields to the grocery store, and how businesses create marketing messages and campaigns that reach diverse audiences, ranging from business customers to consumers. You will also learn how businesses use information, research, and education to drive agriculture forward.

You can also tie the theories of agribusiness with hands-on concepts in agricultural engineering technology either as an emphasis or a minor. Through agribusiness courses that promote hands-on experiences, you will learn about agricultural structures and systems; agricultural machinery and electricity; design and manufacturing processes; and application and design of different conservation practices.   

Thanks to the flexibility of our agribusiness program, you can also easily add a minor or second major to create a more unique student experience. Review the checklist of the agribusiness major or minor, then explore some of our most popular options like a double major with animal science  or dairy science, or the agricultural and industrial engineering technology minor or emphasis, to find the path that's right for you.

To learn more about the Agribusiness program, review the fact sheet.

To learn more about the Agricultural Engineering Technology emphasis in Agribusiness, click here.

Careers in Agribusiness

Agriculture is a major industry in the United States. The business relies on people who can help farmers and ranchers not only grow their operations, but also thrive. People who pursue careers in the agribusiness field often manage certain components of farm and ranch operations, such as business finances or sales and marketing. Others manage the entire business, ensuring the production of crops, livestock, and dairy.

You will be well-prepared for a variety of careers in agribusiness, including:

• Farm manager
• Ranch manager
• Agribusiness manager
• Agricultural marketer
• Agronomy sales professional
• Grain manager
• Agricultural finance manager
• Agriculture operations specialist
• Agricultural compliance officer
• Agricultural loan officer
• Business manager
• Horticultural specialist
• Soil and crop science manager
• Sustainable agriculture consultant

Agribusiness professionals work for independent and corporate farms, corporations in the food and beverage industry, as well as for government departments or agencies such as the U.S.D.A. While many of these are physically demanding outdoor roles, agribusiness professionals may also spend time in indoor office settings.