Agribusiness (this option is currently not being offer) Description

The Agribusiness option prepares students for managerial and leadership positions in the agricultural sector and in those non-agricultural industries providing goods and services to agriculture – the dominant economic activity of central California. The agricultural sector of the economy consists of five major segments: firms supplying inputs to agricultural producers; farmers/ranchers producing food and fiber; companies processing commodities and manufacturing food products; enterprises transporting and distributing agricultural goods; and businesses wholesaling/retailing fresh and prepared foods to customers (i.e., intermediary buyers such as hospitality firms, restaurant chains, public institutions, etc.) and consumers (i.e., grocery store shoppers, etc.).

Graduates will know how to define and analyze business problems and to identify and evaluate business opportunities in agricultural and food businesses. A unique feature of the MBA in Agribusiness option is the emphasis placed on the inter-relationship of economic analysis and business applications in solving problems and exploiting opportunities. An MBA in Agribusiness can develop abilities in industry analysis, business management, product marketing, international trade and government policy formulation – as they relate to the unique features and practices of agricultural industries. Analytical reasoning, creative thinking and the integration of knowledge, skills, tools and experience are stressed in MBA coursework and culminating research project, thereby enabling students to respond quickly and appropriately to the ever-changing environment facing agribusiness – everything from domestic regulation to international competition.

The MBA in Agribusiness will also help prepare MBA students to successfully operate in the domestic market and global arena. Industry analysts, marketing managers, management/finance officers, legislative staffers, international trade specialists, and the like are highly marketable professions to employers in the agricultural sector. Graduates can choose from more that 150 professional occupations in California’s agricultural sector and related industries. Ask your faculty adviser for the “Agricultural Business Career Opportunities” list.

Twenty-eight percent of agricultural employment over the next 5 years is projected to be in marketing (USDA/CREES). Agricultural marketing is a dynamic area where the internet is playing an increasing role. Forecasting demand is a critical part of agricultural marketing; marketing managers must understand the dynamics that regional, national and international competition play in consumer demand. Craig MBA graduates in Agribusiness will have the tools to respond to the new supply chain organization and to the increasingly diverse consumer tastes. In marketing students learn strategy options given pricing relationships, supply channel management, and distribution logistics.

Thirteen percent of agricultural employment over the next 5 years is projected to be in management and finance (USDA/CREES). In management/finance students learn risk management and commodity trading techniques, analysis of marketing margins and food price determination, and formulation of distribution and merchandising strategies. Specialists in agricultural business need to understand not only agricultural systems, but also the tools and strategies required to effectively compete with new market entrants, competitors of various sizes, and non-traditional agricultural participants. Managers must anticipate and respond to the changing market structure resulting from consolidation and strategic alliances.

Students will have the opportunity to work with experienced instructors who have extensive teaching, research and experience in agricultural marketing, management, finance, and policy. The faculty members in the Department of Agricultural Economics bring a unique combination of academic training and practical experience to the classroom. All full-time faculty members hold Ph.D. degrees from major universities and are active in conducting applied research and/or outreach activities. They also consult with the agricultural industries and government agencies.

The department maintains an open door policy that welcomes interaction with students. You will find your mentor easily accessible and interested in providing accurate academic advising and up-to-date career counseling. The faculty look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your educational goals and professional objectives.

It should be noted that the undergraduate Agricultural Business major at California State Univserity, Fresno is an award-winning program. The Agribusiness Education Project, comprised of agricultural industry leaders and higher education scholars, has recognized it as one of four national models (along with Cornell, Nebraska and Iowa State Universities). In sum, the faculty are committed to delivering an equally outstanding graduate program.

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Agribusiness: Elective Courses

AG BUS 210. Farm Management Analysis (3). (Required). Prerequisite: MBA 200 or equivalent. Integration of production economics theory with management science techniques to develop farm management plans; analysis of farm management decisions under uncertainty using programming models, statistical analysis, and other operations research methods. Fall semester.

AG BUS 220. Food Processing and Distribution Management (3). Prerequisite: MBA 205 or equivalent. Analysis of strategic management decisions involving pricing relationships, processing and packaging systems, supply channel management, transportation modes and distribution logistics for agricultural products in domestic and global markets; application of modern management tools to food industry case problems including operations of international food marketing firms. Spring semester.

AG BUS 240. International Trade and Agriculture (3). Analysis of global markets and national trade policies; economic principles underlying free trade and WTO; regional integration and growth/development; protectionism/preferences impact on capital investment flows, firm productivity, industry competitiveness; domestic farm programs, international commodity agreements, agricultural trade distortions.

AG BUS 250. Agricultural Policy Analysis (3). (Required). Prerequisite: MBA 204 or equivalent. Exploration of policy-making processes; evaluation of government farm and food programs; determination of industry responses and firm adjustments to changing market structures and public policy; investigation of agricultural sector problems, issues, and linkages with the national and international economies. Fall semester.

AG BUS 260. Agricultural Marketing Analysis (3). Prerequisite: MBA 200 or equivalent. Examination of demand and supply functions underlying market price determination; review of farm-retail marketing margins; analysis of spatial and intertemporal price equilibrium models; application of econometric techniques to empirical cases; preparation of marketing studies; development of distribution/merchandising strategies. Irregular offering.

MBA 289T. Seminar in Business Topics (3) Prerequisite: completion of 9 units of 200-level courses and permission of Graduate Director. Theory and developments in business. Irregular offerings.

MBA 290. Independent Study (3-6) Prerequisite: Advancement to candidacy; permission of Graduate Director and Faculty Advisor. Approved for SP grading. Fall or Spring semester.

MBA 292. Readings in Business (3) Prerequisite: Advancement to candidacy; permission of Graduate Director and Faculty Advisor. Approved for SP grading. Fall or Spring semester.

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Agribusiness: Contact

Dr. Herbert Mason (Ph.D. University of California, Davis)
Dept. of Agricultural Economics
Email: bertm@csufresno.edu
Phone: 559-278-2949
Fax: 559-278-6536

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