B.S. in Agricultural Business, Farm and Ranch Management

The Agricultural Business – Farm and Ranch Management major at Colorado State University teaches students the operating techniques and business skills used in the modern food and fiber industry. This program builds student knowledge and skills needed to manage small- and medium-sized businesses in agriculture and allied industries.

The Agricultural Business – Farm and Ranch Management major at Colorado State University builds skills in applied decision making required in production agriculture.

The program of study allows students to apply a solid understanding of economics and the underlying physical and biological sciences that drive agricultural technology to problems facing modern farmers and ranchers.

Learning Outcomes

Successful students will demonstrate:

• Technical competency including appropriate use of economic theory in formulating analytical problems, identifying and gathering appropriate data, and employing appropriate economic methods to analyze those problems, utilizing appropriate available computer technology
• Ability to solve real-world problems beyond the pedagogical context. Students will be able to identify a problem and its scope, evaluate resources to address the problem, formulate alternative solutions, and select the solution(s) most consistent with a stated objective
• Proficiency in oral and written communication including the ability to communicate critically and analytically at a professional level

Potential Occupations

Although students from farms and ranches choose this major each year, business-oriented students with a wide variety of backgrounds have launched successful careers with this versatile degree. Graduates establish careers in management, marketing, sales, and finance to name a few areas. Participating in internships and experiential opportunities is strongly encouraged to enhance practical training and development. Graduates who seek further specialization are prepared to pursue advanced studies.

Examples of career paths of recent graduates include, but are not limited to: commodity broker, agricultural statistician, loan officer, farm manager, supply chain analyst, farm machinery sales representative, grain merchandiser, operations manager, landscape contractor, human resources specialist, ranch manager, credit analyst, crop insurance agent, precision ag technologist, feedlot manager, agricultural chemical sales representative, real estate appraiser, and elevator manager.