Since humans learned to plant and harvest crops tens of thousands of years ago, agriculture has served as a livelihood for millions of people. In the modern globalized world, technology drives agriculture forward in countless ways, advancing the business of farming. Agribusiness is what this sector of business is known as, and it encompasses all the entities and processes involved in ensuring produce finds its way to grocers’ shelves, and farmed food supplies reach those who need them.  

Earning an advanced degree in agribusiness is an excellent way for those interested in starting or advancing in their professional career in the business of farm-raised products to gain the expertise and skills they need.  

Agribusiness Definition

What is agribusiness? It can be defined as the business of producing, processing and distributing farmed products, such as meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts and oils.  

Agribusiness can be broken down into three primary categories: 

• Agriculture: Planting, fertilizing and harvesting crops 

• Livestock: Raising animals for meat, milk or eggs 

• Forestry: Growing and harvesting trees for paper, construction, and manufacturing 

Components of Agribusiness

To better understand what agribusiness is, consider all the types of enterprises that play a role in moving products from farms and forests to tables and factories. Examples include the following:  

• Farms: Farms are at the center of agribusiness. Without them, no other agribusiness organization would exist. They grow food and other products that the people of the world rely on.  

• Farm Equipment Manufacturing: Modern farm equipment, such as tractors and harvesters, are a vital part of agribusiness — including the software these machines now use to make farming simpler, faster and more efficient.  

• Seed and Agrochemical Manufacturing: The companies that produce seeds and the chemicals that help plants grow play a key role in agribusiness. Seeds need to be able to survive harsh conditions, and fertilizers and pesticides must be safe.  

• Biofuel Production: Biofuels are made from corn or soybeans, and they can be better for the environment than traditional fossil fuels.  

• Food Processing: Food processing includes facilities that flash freeze vegetables for grocery freezers, can and jar products for grocery shelves or turn raw farm products into cheese, flour, bread and more.  

• Agritourism Organizations: Agritourism organizations promote and plan visits to farms that are open to the public for apple or berry picking or guided tours. Artisan food producers and small niche farms may also fall into this category.  

What Can You Learn in an Agribusiness Degree Program?

An agribusiness degree program teaches much more than what agribusiness is — it provides valuable insight into the moving parts of the businesses that feed the world. Bachelor’s degree programs in agribusiness can be quite specific, focusing on areas such as agribusiness communication, the agriculture industry, systems management, animal science, horticulture, and plant and soil science.  

A Master of Science in Agribusiness is a graduate degree that builds on baccalaureate-level knowledge by providing a blend of classroom and hands-on learning. In addition to expanding students’ agricultural knowledge, the program teaches key business concepts and skills such as innovation, decision-making, international affairs, and emerging trends in agribusiness. Courses in a master’s in agribusiness program include the following:  

• Agribusiness Communication: Students learn to create publications, write emails and grant applications, and handle media relations.  

• Agribusiness Analysis: Students learn how to use data to improve farming methods, manage supply chains and solve problems that may arise in the agribusiness industry.  

• Research Methods in Agriculture: Like other technical fields, the scientific method can be applied to agricultural practices. Students learn how experimentation and observation lead to innovation in agriculture.  

• Liability and Ag Business Risk: Agriculture-related businesses assume risks like any other type of business. Students learn how to evaluate those risks and proactively take measures to minimize them.  

• Agribusiness Policy: Students learn about the foundations of policymaking as it applies to agribusiness, and the correlation between political, economic, and social systems and agriculture.  

• Advanced Agribusiness Marketing: Students learn the intricacies of marketing an agriculture-related business. This course covers commodity prices, futures and options markets, and strategic planning.  

• Personnel and Operations Management in Agribusiness: Students learn how to conduct organizational evaluations to increase efficiency.  

What Does an Agribusiness Professional Do?

What is an agribusiness professional, and what do they do to keep food and products flowing smoothly? Though their specific duties and responsibilities vary based on their employer and area of focus, agribusiness professionals often carry out tasks such as the following: 

• Develop plans and strategies for production, including securing seeds, farm equipment, land, chemicals and livestock 

• Monitor and manage crop and soil health 

• Monitor and manage livestock health  

• Conduct agriculture-related research in an effort to innovate processes, making them more effective and efficient 

• Advise farmers working toward sustainable farming practices 

• Oversee and maintain farm equipment and machinery  

• Analyze vast volumes of data to help improve their organization’s farming methodology  

• Ensure their organization is compliant with environmental and safety regulations 

Protect the Future of Farming as an Agribusiness Professional

Many people in developed countries take the food they eat, the paper they write on and the timber they use in construction for granted. Those interested in learning more about what agribusiness is recognize its importance, however, and know that agribusiness professionals ultimately are responsible for getting those products from farm or forest to table or merchant. As the world grows increasingly reliant on technology, the demand for agribusiness professionals is expected to continue to rise.  

In the MS in Agribusiness program offered by SEMO Online, you’ll learn from faculty who have agribusiness operations or farms of their own while studying the topics that drive modern agriculture on a global scale. Southeast Missouri State University also offers several on-campus agribusiness degree programs. 

Find out how a graduate degree from SEMO Online can help you succeed in an agribusiness career.