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Agriculture Business
The Agriculture Business program at Lake Area Tech prepares you for the real decisions behind today’s ag operations. You’ll build a working knowledge of both the field and the business, combining agricultural science with finance, management, and precision technology.
Coursework covers ag accounting, agronomy, livestock production, farm financials, commodity marketing, and ag law, giving you the tools to analyze, adapt, and lead. Through supervised occupational training, you’ll apply what you learn in real-world settings, gaining experience that translates directly to the job.
Graduates are prepared for roles in farm and ranch management, ag finance, sales, marketing, precision ag, and agronomy services, or to continue into a four-year program. Students can also prepare for Commercial Applicator Certification, with instructor support to help guide the process.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Agriculture Business Program Highlights:
- Comprehensive study of ag business management and production agriculture
- Hands-on learning through internships and supervised field experience
- Instructors with real-world ag industry experience
- Transferable coursework to four-year university programs
Agriculture Business Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate business decision-making skills using data from agricultural production systems.
- Analyze farm financial records and statements.
- Apply commodity risk management strategies to support marketing decisions.
- Utilize precision agriculture and data management tools to improve operational efficiency.
- Implement agricultural laws, compliance regulations, and safety protocols.
- Communicate effectively using agricultural terminology and business concepts.
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E-Degree Option
Lake Area Tech offers hybrid E-degree programs for students who need flexibility without sacrificing quality. These programs combine online coursework with required on-campus experiences, giving you the ability to learn on your schedule while still completing hands-on training when it matters.
Is online learning right for you? Learn what it means to be a hybrid learner, how it works and what you can expect.
Agriculture Business Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Agriculture Business degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Agriculture Business sector.
Agribusiness Manager
Graduates of the Agriculture Business program can pursue careers as Agribusiness Managers, overseeing the daily operations of agricultural businesses and organizations. In this role, you'll coordinate staff, manage budgets, analyze business performance, and help organizations achieve their operational and financial goals. This career is ideal for individuals who enjoy leadership, business strategy, and the agricultural industry.
Where you might work:
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Grain companies
• Agronomy businesses
• Livestock operations
• Agricultural service providers
Agricultural Marketing Specialist
As an Agricultural Marketing Specialist, you'll help agricultural businesses promote products, build customer relationships, and develop marketing strategies. Graduates can expect to analyze market trends, create marketing campaigns, support sales initiatives, and communicate with producers and industry partners. This role combines agriculture, business, and communication skills.
Where you might work:
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Seed companies
• Livestock organizations
• Commodity groups
• Agricultural marketing agencies
Commodity Buyer
As a Commodity Buyer, you'll help source agricultural products and manage purchasing relationships with producers and suppliers. Graduates can expect to evaluate market conditions, negotiate contracts, monitor commodity prices, and support supply chain operations. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy business, market analysis, and agriculture.
Where you might work:
• Grain companies
• Agricultural processors
• Commodity trading firms
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Food production companies
Farm Operations Manager
Farm Operations Managers oversee the business and operational activities that keep agricultural enterprises productive and profitable. In this role, you'll coordinate resources, manage budgets, supervise employees, and support strategic decision-making. This career provides opportunities to combine agricultural knowledge with leadership and business management skills.
Where you might work:
• Family farming operations
• Corporate farms
• Livestock enterprises
• Agricultural production companies
• Agricultural management firms
Agricultural Procurement Specialist
Agricultural Procurement Specialists help organizations secure the products, materials, and services needed to support agricultural operations. Graduates can expect to evaluate suppliers, negotiate purchases, manage vendor relationships, and support supply chain efficiency. This role combines business management with agricultural industry expertise.
Where you might work:
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Food processing companies
• Livestock production organizations
• Agricultural manufacturers
• Commodity organizations
Agricultural Business Consultant
As an Agricultural Business Consultant, you'll help producers and agribusinesses improve performance, profitability, and operational efficiency. Graduates can expect to analyze business operations, identify opportunities for improvement, provide strategic recommendations, and support long-term planning efforts. This role is well suited for individuals who enjoy problem-solving and working closely with agricultural businesses.
Where you might work:
• Agricultural consulting firms
• Farm management companies
• Financial service organizations
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Independent consulting practices
Degree Pairings
Explore relevant classes and certificates below to see how they can increase hirability post-graduation.
Agriculture Business+ Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Pairing an Agribusiness degree with a CDL increases employability by adding hands-on logistics skills. Graduates can manage operations and legally transport grain, livestock, and equipment, making them more versatile hires for ag operations and ag lenders.
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
Getting all of this straight can be tough – but you're not alone. Our representatives are here to help.
"I learned that education is not always a four-year degree at a big four-year school. You can succeed and have a good career at a two-year institute and be able to get out into the workforce quicker."
Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $9,380 |
| State Fees | $3,150 |
| Departmental Fee | $2,516 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,170 |
| Uniform Fee | $100 |
| Books | $1,100 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $19,606 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
| Tuition | $9,100 |
| State Fees | $3,150 |
| Departmental Fee | $2,516 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,170 |
| Uniform Fee | $100 |
| Books | $1,100 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,010 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $19,146 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Agriculture Business FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
What skills will I learn in an agribusiness degree program?
Students in an agribusiness degree program develop:
- Financial analysis and farm accounting skills
- Business planning and enterprise management
- Marketing and sales strategies
- Commodity market awareness and risk management
- Supply chain and logistics coordination
- Leadership and communication skills
- Data-driven decision-making for agriculture
These skills prepare graduates for long-term success in modern agricultural business careers and help them stand out to employers in the ag industry.
What can you do with an agribusiness degree?
An Agribusiness degree prepares students for leadership, management, and business roles across agriculture and food production industries. Graduates often work in farm and ranch operations, agricultural sales, grain and commodity markets, ag finance, food production management, supply chain logistics, and rural business leadership. This degree combines hands-on agriculture knowledge with business, finance, and marketing skills, preparing students to support modern agricultural enterprises and succeed in high-demand careers.
How long does an agribusiness associate program take?
Most Agribusiness associate degree programs take two years (four semesters) to complete when attending full time. Many programs also offer flexible schedules, including part-time or blended learning options, allowing students to work in agriculture while earning their degree
What jobs are available after a degree in agricultural business?
Graduates with an agricultural business degree can pursue careers such as:
- Farm or ranch manager
- Agribusiness operations manager
- Grain elevator or commodity merchandiser
- Agricultural sales representative
- Ag supply chain or logistics coordinator
- Farm finance or loan officer assistant
- Food production or processing supervisor
- Rural business manager
These roles support both production agriculture and agriculture-focused business enterprises, giving graduates versatile career options.
Is an agricultural business degree worth it?
Yes. An agricultural business degree is valuable for students who want leadership, management, or business roles in agriculture. Employers seek graduates who understand both agricultural production and business operations, making this degree especially useful in farm management, ag finance, and supply chain careers.
Which schools offer agribusiness programs near South Dakota?
Several technical colleges and universities in South Dakota and the Upper Midwest offer agribusiness and agricultural business programs. These programs often emphasize hands-on learning, farm enterprise management, and regional agriculture industries such as grain, livestock, and food production.
What are the class topics in an agribusiness program?
Typical agribusiness program courses include:
- Farm enterprise management
- Agricultural marketing and sales
- Commodity markets and price risk management
- Farm finance and accounting
- Agricultural economics
- Food production and operations management
- Supply chain and logistics in agriculture
- Rural business management
- Agribusiness law and policy
These courses focus on practical business decision-making for modern agriculture.
How does a farm business management degree differ from agribusiness?
A farm business management degree focuses primarily on managing a farm or ranch operations, including budgeting, production planning, and financial analysis. An agribusiness degree has a broader scope, preparing students for careers in agricultural supply, marketing, finance, food production, and rural business—both on and off the farm.
Agriculture Business Staff
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