Agribusiness Courses overview
Agribusiness, also known as agricultural business, is a global discipline that involves the study of business, management and organisation of agriculture and farming. Agribusiness includes the production, processing, distribution and marketing of agricultural products. It involves the management of agricultural equipment and technologies, raw materials, suppliers, processors and other resources involved in agriculture.
The study of agribusiness encompasses major agricultural disciplines like crop science, animal science, and agricultural economics extending to business courses like management, accounting, finance, marketing, and law that provide students a strong foundation in the study of agribusiness.
Postgraduate study for agribusiness will help students gain insights on how agribusiness works; from production processes to reaching consumers, and all the stages in between: trade, management and consultancy, and other activities involved in agriculture and food chains.
According to Australian Trade and Investment Commission, agribusiness in Australia plays a significant role in the Australian economy and is continuously attracting international investment. Australia’s diverse climate is one of many advantages in pursuing agricultural business (read more).
Is agribusiness for me?
When weighing career choices, many people tend to choose popular courses like medicine, law or IT over agriculture or agribusiness. This contributes to agribusiness’ growing problems, being the world’s largest industry, the demand for food and fibre continues to increase yet there are not enough graduates to fill industry vacancies to meet future challenges. In fact, there is a low percentage of students entering universities to study agribusiness.
So, is agribusiness for you? Studying agribusiness means you are patient and passionate about solving some of the world’s toughest challenges like overpopulation and food shortage.
Study pathway
Agribusiness study pathways typically start with a bachelor’s degree, which is a common academic requirement for employment. If you wish to add further qualifications and skills, you may choose to pursue a graduate certificate or diploma, master’s degree or PhD. The length of study may vary depending on the course, institution, and how you choose to structure your degrees.
Employment options
Employment opportunities in agribusiness are offered in a diverse field of industries and positions – from accounting, insurance and finance, to managing crop production, livestock and farm management, marketing or retail sales. Professionals can practice in product development firms, retail marketing businesses, food processing companies, consultancy agencies, public and private, governmental or financial institutions.
Specialisations
Some of the most common specialisations available for agribusiness graduates are:
Farm manager
Manages small or large-scale farms, including farm operations, crops and livestock, and harvesting and distribution processes.
Crop producer
Deals with the growing of crops for food consumption.
Agricultural appraiser
Estimates the value of a farm, its employees and equipment.
Agricultural analyst
Provides expert advice on testing and analysis of animal feeds and fertilisers. Knowledge of animal and plant nutritional requirements are essential to this position.
Market analyst
Gathers information to aid in developing marketing policies and strategies for producers.
Quality controller
Focuses on the improvement of output and quality of farm’s production.