Agricultural Business

AAS Degree - Code #0511

Dr. Dorothea Fitzsimmons, Program Coordinator

Email address: fitzsidd@alfredstate.edu

It is an exciting time to be an agricultural business student. One out of every six jobs in the American economy is related to the agriculture and food businesses. The curriculum in agricultural business is designed to provide students with the technical and business skills necessary to be successful in our nation’s largest industry. Career opportunities in agribusiness range from managing a farm (dairy, beef, equine, vegetable, fruit, crops) to working in the nurserie, timber, banking, or publishing industries. Ample opportunities are available in the management of farm supply stores or cooperatives, agricultural input sales, insurance, real estate, agricultural processing, and manufacturing industries.

Agricultural business managers also must have enough technical knowledge of crops, growing conditions, and plant diseases to make decisions ensuring the successful operation of their farms. A rudimentary knowledge of veterinary science, as well as animal husbandry, is important for livestock and dairy farmers. The agricultural business curriculum will provide the student with the basic business, crop, and animal skills to make informed business decisions.

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate essential technical knowledge of animal husbandry methods to make informed agribusiness decisions
2. Demonstrate essential technical knowledge of crops, soils, and growing conditions to make informed agribusiness decisions
3. Demonstrate the ability to analyze information, and compare and contrast agricultural management systems
4. Info Management (computer & research skills appropriate to degree level and type)
5. Written & Oral Communication (appropriate to degree level and type)
6. Critical Thinking (problem solving, reasoning skills appropriate to degree level and type)

DIRECT ENTRY INTO BACCALAUREATE DEGREE PROGRAM

Alfred State agricultural business graduates may enter directly into the technology management BBA degree program.

SHOWMANSHIP DAY

All students enrolled in agriculture classes truly enjoy participating in the annual showmanship activities each spring. Students can select a species of animal (cattle, horses, swine, alpacas, or sheep) to train, groom, and show in this annual competition. Family, friends, and alumni are invited to enjoy the competition and the awards BBQ following the showmanship contest.

RELATED CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

Students have the opportunity to participate in the Collegiate Agricultural Leaders (CAL) Club, Collegiate FFA, Equestrian Club, Dairy Judging Team, Agricultural Skills Day, Livestock Club, Spring Fling Consignment Sale, Community-Supported Agriculture projects, local foods projects, showmanship contests, and Sustainability Club.

TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES

Many schools, including Cornell University, grant full credit to students wishing to transfer to four-year programs, usually in agricultural economics or agricultural education.

A formal articulation agreement exists between Alfred State and Cornell University for transfer options.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The department offers various scholarships to students.

OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Management or Ownership of Commercial Farms
• Agricultural Credit Officers for Banks, Government, Loan Agencies, and Farm Cooperative Loan Agencies
• Feed, Seed, and Fertilizer Sales Technicians
• Writers of Technical Publications, Radio & TV Scripts, News Items for Magazines & Newspapers, Education & Public Relations Material
• Manager/Assistant Managers of Farm Supply Stores
• Warehouse Managers for Farm Chemicals, Feed, Seed, and Fertilizers
• Chain Store and Retail Food Management
• Agricultural Consulting Services

EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

Employment and transfer rate of 100 percent – 60 percent are employed; 40 percent transferred to continue their education.

RELATED PROGRAMS

Accounting

Agricultural Technology

Entrepreneurship

Marketing

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommended: Algebra