Agriculture - Agricultural Economics University of Melbourne

Overview

Overview

Economic analysis is vital to the profitability and success of agricultural businesses. The industry relies on economic modelling, business planning and other skills developed in this major.

Select from a broad range of subjects including plant and animal science, economics, sustainability and resource and farm management. After studying the Agriculture - Agricultural Economics program at University of Melbourne you’ll be well equipped to analyse agricultural systems from an economic perspective and to provide management advice in this context.

Gain a strong understanding of the principles of agricultural economics and enterprise management. You'll also develop knowledge on 'systems-thinking' approaches to agricultural production chains and learn how to analyse and interpret agricultural financial data for appropriate decision making.

In second year, you'll become familiar with the field of agriculture. You’ll begin working towards this major by selecting electives that align with your interests and serve as prerequisites for agricultural economics.

You can choose to spend Semester 2 of your second year at Dookie campus, where you can observe a wide variety of farming industries first-hand, including cropping, livestock and dairy management, horticulture and viticulture enterprises, as well as support industries such as irrigation management, logistics and food processing operations.

In the third year, you'll complete your major subjects, Farm Management Economics, Applied Farm Economics and Resource Management Economics. With specialised electives and a project-based core subject, you’ll prepare for professional practice and develop your skills.

Careers

Help individual producers and businesses maintain profits and adapt to changing environmental and business climates by combining agricultural science and economic knowledge to deliver tailored solutions to challenging issues.

Roles include

• Farm management consultant: advise farmers on business decision-making based on your analysis of costs, margins and commodity prices
• Commodity trader: analyse market conditions and commodity sales and buying strategies
• Rural finance officer: determine the viability of businesses applying for loans and advise on financial planning
• Sales and marketing manager: analyse the viability of new markets or products, build relationships and develop marketing strategies

• International development officer: improve outcomes by devising targeted approaches to development.