Careers in Agricultural Economics

"Agricultural economics opened doors for me that would not have existed in other professions. I could not have made a wiser choice."
- Gary Seevers, Partner, Goldman Sachs

American agriculture is a major force in the global economy. Nearly one in five jobs in the United States is in food and fiber production and distribution. Fewer than three percent of the people involved in the agricultural industries actually work on the farm. Graduates in agricultural and applied economics or agribusiness work in a variety of institutions applying their knowledge of economics and business skills related to food production, rural development and natural resources.

What does an agricultural economist do?
An agricultural economist can...

• affect government policy
• assist in environmental conservation
• manage a farm or ranch
• help rural communities develop and grow
• assist corporations in marketing farm products

What can I do with a degree in agricultural economics?
You can become a...

• state conservation economist
• commodities trader
• farmland portfolio analyst
• accountant
• professor
• loan officer
• economist
• agricultural statistician
• marketing manager
• extension specialist
• research analyst

This is just a small sampling of the hundreds of possible careers you can choose with a degree in agricultural economics. Some potential employers include...

• media companies
• legal firms
• agribusinesses
• local, state and federal government
• education institutions
• banks and credit institutions
• consulting firms
• extension services
• research institutions
• international agencies & non-governmental organizations
• advocacy groups
• non-profit organizations

"The combination of quantitative training and applied work makes agricultural economics graduates an extremely well-prepared source of employees for private industry. That's why American Express has hired over 80 agricultural economists since 1990."
- David Edwards, Vice President-International Risk Management, American Express

How do I prepare for a career in agricultural economics?
In high school: writing, math, computers, communications skills
Make the most of your high school years by building your basic skills, Experience with other languages is especially beneficial as food, agriculture and resource management become increasingly globalized.

In college: business, economics, accounting, analytic tools
In college, build on this foundation and develop your skills in decision making, policy analysis and technical analysis. You will be able to choose from resource and environmental economics, business or agricultural law, international trade, policy analysis and consumer economics.

"Agribusiness management gave me the computer skills, decision-making skills and confidence I needed to assist farmers and ranchers in making the best business decisions. Choosing the major was my best decision."
- Tiffany Gardner, livestock industry specialist

How do I learn more about agricultural economics?
If you would like to know more about educational programs in agricultural and applied economics or agribusiness, examine the catalogs of the college and universities that interest you. Each state has at least one major college or university offering specialization in these fields. Contact your career advisor of AAEA, 555 E. Wells St., Suite 1100, Milwaukee WI 53202. Phone: (414)918-3190 or employment@aaea.org.

For help in deciding whether a career in agricultural and applied economics or agribusiness is for you, talk to agricultural professionals in your community.