Specialties
Developing expertise in a focused area is critical for scholarly success. Specialization is necessary for gaining insight into and solving complex economic problems. University, government, and agribusiness employers scrutinize applicant specialization when making hiring decisions.

Developing a credible specialty requires completing an excellent core curriculum in the specialty area, working with professors renowned in the field, and producing creative scholarly products that contribute to the body of knowledge in the area of specialization.

The Department of Agricultural Economics faculty has particular expertise in several key areas that are in demand. The faculty works with graduate students, scientists from other disciplines, industry, and government to conduct research, publish, and provide expert consultation to solve important focused problems. Faculty members also teach courses and conduct outreach programs in several specialized areas.

Particular fields of specialization of the Department include numerous faculty members working together with graduate students in:

Agribusiness:
Solving industry problems related to financial analysis, market development, risk management, consumer demand, food product quality, food safety, personnel management, production management, environmental issues, policy and others.

Community and Regional Economics:
Addressing particular issues of concern for rural communities including public finance, economic development, health and education, resource utilization, local governance, and public services.

Natural Resources:
Addressing critical resource issues including water quality and utilization, land use, waste management, and public policy.

International Development:
Working with developing countries to enhance agricultural productivity, develop markets, build transportation infrastructure, increase efficiency, adopt technology, and assist in education and training.

Price Analysis and Marketing:
Analyzing agricultural price determinants, price forecasts, market demand, risk management, marketing contracts and alliances, vertical coordination and integration, market structure and competitiveness, marketing strategies, and policy.

Production, Farm Management, and Finance:
Developing management techniques to increase profitability including financial leverage, capital investment, technology adoption, land valuation, information utilization, efficiency, and agricultural policy.

Trade:
Investigating international markets, market opportunities and developments, food product regulations, and impacts of trade policy on domestic and international consumers, producers, and industry.