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Ever wonder what it takes to turn a passion for agriculture into a thriving career? A degree in agricultural business does exactly that, connecting your farming interest with the business knowledge today’s agriculture industry demands.
Agriculture isn’t just about growing crops or raising livestock. Modern agriculture needs professionals who can understand markets, manage resources and make smart business decisions. By majoring in agricultural business, students can bridge business, agriculture and economics to prepare for careers in agriculture.
During their studies, students analyze agricultural markets, develop risk management strategies and navigate the economic challenges today’s producers face. The program curriculum typically balances agricultural science with business fundamentals, so students learn to make data-driven decisions for sustainability and profitability.
A major in agricultural business like the one offered at Northwest Missouri State University prepares graduates to launch careers in agriculture with experience that’s valued across the industry. From mastering sustainable technology to working on our campus farm, students learn by doing. Career paths include farm credit services, agribusiness management, commodity trading, policy development, and more.
As an agricultural business major at Northwest, you’ll be immersed in a program that blends business savvy with agricultural expertise. You’ll develop the practical skills employers like Bayer CropScience and Cargill are seeking.
Northwest’s career-oriented program covers agricultural economics, finance, marketing and management. You’ll gain insights into crop science, livestock production and sustainable practices. The program offers a unique perspective on agriculture as both a science and a business.
By graduation, you’ll be able to interpret data to make profitable, environmentally sound decisions. You’ll know how to communicate with a variety of stakeholders and navigate relationships within food and agricultural systems. Whether you’re interested in agricultural lending, farm management or agribusiness entrepreneurship, you’ll be ready to jump right into your career with your Northwest degree.
Northwest offers flexible pathways in agricultural business. Our primary option is the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in agricultural business. The program provides training in agricultural economics, farm management, commodity marketing and business fundamentals.
Northwest also offers a minor in agricultural business. This option is ideal for students majoring in other agricultural disciplines, business or related fields who want to enhance their career opportunities with specialized agricultural business expertise.
Both programs feature on-campus instruction with the added flexibility of online coursework options. The hybrid approach offers hands-on learning and personal interactions with faculty while accommodating busy schedules. On-campus components provide networking opportunities with industry professionals, students and alumni.
The agricultural business program nurtures practical skills alongside industry expertise. You’ll sharpen your communication abilities – learning how to craft compelling presentations, write persuasive reports and tailor your message to different audiences, including farmers and financial institutions.
As you hone your analytical skills, you’ll make sense of market data, production costs and financial projections, learning to spot patterns and use statistics to confidently back up your business decisions.
Today’s agriculture is high tech, so to pursue careers in agriculture, you have to be comfortable using the digital tools transforming the industry. From farm management software to GPS-guided equipment, you’ll see how these innovations can give businesses a competitive edge.
At Northwest, our program covers economics with a practical twist. You’ll see how supply and demand principles directly impact farm gate prices and consumer behavior. Throughout the ag business program, you’ll gain an appreciation for the interconnected nature of agricultural systems. You’ll also learn how to manage, lead teams, optimize operations and implement effective strategies.
Specific areas of study include:
Northwest provides the ideal mix of business skills and agricultural knowledge to prepare you for success in this essential industry.
Do you find yourself drawn to business strategy and agriculture? Careers in agriculture offer a mix of tradition and innovation for those who appreciate the science of growing things and the business of bringing them to market.
You might excel in an agricultural business if you enjoy solving practical problems and adapting to changing conditions. Whether it’s climate patterns, market fluctuations or technological developments, this field rewards flexible thinkers who can pivot when circumstances change. If you’re the type who gets excited about finding efficient solutions or spotting opportunities where others see challenges, you’ll find many outlets for your talents.
Ag business professionals wear many hats – from analyzing commodity markets and managing farm operations to developing sustainability initiatives and negotiating contracts. You might find yourself working as a farm business consultant or supply chain coordinator. Some graduates even return to family operations, bringing fresh perspectives that combine legacy knowledge with today’s innovative business approaches.
At Northwest, our graduates have gone on to roles in:
Ready to combine your business mindset with your passion for agriculture?
Explore Northwest's Agricultural Business Major
What makes Northwest’s degree unique? First, you’ll be choosing a program that was voted one of the top five “Best Value” agricultural programs in the nation. You’ll go beyond textbooks to gain real-world experience through internships and field opportunities at Northwest's 448-acre, on-campus farm. State-of-the-art facilities and extensive industry connections ensure students are prepared for the future.
You’ll build meaningful relationships with representatives from the agriculture and food industries who can help jumpstart your career. Whether you grew up on a farm or are new to agriculture, you’ll develop the skills to analyze agricultural markets, manage farm operations effectively and implement strategies that drive profitability.
With a 97% job placement rate, our program also delivers results. Our graduates manage farms, work with agricultural lenders, develop marketing strategies for agricultural products and even start their own agribusinesses. Northwest also offers:
Benefit from Northwest’s strong reputation in agricultural business education at an affordable price. We prepare graduates who understand business fundamentals and agricultural contexts for success in complex markets.
Our state-of-the-art facilities, including the R.T. Wright Farm and Agricultural Learning Center (ALC), provide ideal environments for applying classroom concepts to real agricultural scenarios.
Build relationships with representatives from across the agriculture and food industries. These connections provide insights into industry trends, create mentorship opportunities and can lead to internships and jobs.
Northwest’s agricultural business degree gives you the foundation for your career, whether you grew up on a farm or want to learn the business of food production. Careers in agriculture start at Northwest.
