Agricultural Economics

Agricultural economics is the study of the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Agricultural Economics from the University of Idaho provides the practical problem-solving skills based in mathematics that allow you to analyze many aspects of the agricultural industry. You’ll graduate prepared to work in a variety of institutions applying your knowledge of economics and business to food production, rural development and natural resources.

As a student in the program, you’ll learn from experienced professors involved in today’s most pressing issues for agribusiness. You will practice commodities trading, immerse yourself in policymaking during a field trip to the state capital, or role-play adversaries in natural resource disputes. 

Senior year, you will draw on everything you’ve learned to assess an issue and present the findings to a real-world client. A recent group of seniors found ways for HomeGrown Poultry to minimize waste by marketing poultry byproducts. Our seniors have also worked for the J. R. Simplot Company and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

You may also complete an internship for a legislative office, a research organization or a business.

Prepare for Success

The agricultural economics major is a good fit if you can see yourself:

• Solving complex problems, often in partnership with other experts.
• Integrating information from many fields including business, plant science, animal science, environmental science, geography, engineering, and politics.
• Learning methods of analysis that require a strong foundation in math and economics.

• Participate in 4-H activities, volunteer at a county fair, help raise livestock, or work for a farm or ranch.
• Take as many courses as possible in math and science.
• Pay attention to current economic issues in the news.

Your First Year

Your first year, you will learn communication skills with course work in writing, rhetoric and public speaking. You will also familiarize yourself with your major with introductory courses in economics and agriculture.

More advanced courses include agriculture and rural policy, agricultural markets and prices, and agribusiness management.

See the four-year plan.

What You Can Do

With a degree in agricultural economics, you may become a:

• Marketing director: Do market analyses for agricultural companies or financial institutions.
• Policy analyst: Analyze policies for a government agency, legislator or environmental group.
• Farm manager: Run a large farming or ranching operation.
• Researcher: Collect and analyze data for a leading food-processing company.
• Community planning consultant: Help rural areas create jobs and expand their economies.
• Real estate appraiser: Determine the market values of farms and ranches.

Opportunities

Nearly all of our graduates receive job offers upon graduation with starting salaries of up to $45,000. Agricultural economists work in government, for nonprofit organizations and for large and small businesses. You may also choose to continue your education with graduate study in business, finance, law or agricultural economics.

Idaho Graduates at Work

Current Research

University of Idaho faculty members are widely recognized for their teaching and research efforts in agricultural economics. Some of their recent research topics include:

• The impact of government policies on farms and communities
• The potato trade between the U.S. and Canada
• The economics of biofuels
• The social and economic impacts of endangered species designations

Activities

• Agribusiness Club: Meet business leaders and potential employers, learn about internships, and get help developing your resume and improving your interviewing skills. Help organize the club’s annual golf tournament, test your economics IQ in the national Quiz Bowl competition, and take field trips to regional agribusiness firms.
• Agricultural Student Affairs Council: Become a student leader.
• American Agricultural Economics Association: Join the student chapter, and attend national meetings and recruitment fairs. Participate in the National Food Marketing Challenge.

Hands-On Experience

Intern. Most of our students complete an internship the summer between their junior and senior years, earning 1 to 6 credits. They work for businesses in the food industry or in legislative offices. Below are examples of internship opportunities: 

• U.S. Congress: Conduct policy research as a legislative intern in Washington, D.C.
• National Agricultural Statistics Service: Collect data on the nation’s crop and livestock production.
• Livestock Marketing Information Center: Apply new decision-making tools to determine the most efficient way to get products to buyers.

Study Abroad. You will have opportunities to deepen your understanding of your major—and the world—in countries like these:

• Peru: Shadow a pepper production and marketing company.
• Taiwan: Understand international trade from a new perspective.
• New Zealand: Observe different types of agriculture.