Agricultural Business Management

Division: Agriculture

This Agricultural Business Management degree prepares students for entry-level employment and/or potential further study in the field of Agricultural Business Management through the study of economics, sales and service, marketing, accounting, and computer applications. The Agricultural Business Management Department emphasizes practical business application of material, hands-on experience with technology, and promotes connection with industry.

Contact Information

Agricultural Business Management Faculty Contact

Shannan Cooper | (559) 688-3118 | shannanc@cos.edu 
Tulare Center Building B: 106 | Tulare Campus  

Agriculture Division Chair

Shannan Cooper | (559) 688-3118 | shannanc@cos.edu 
B106 | Tulare Campus

Provost - Tulare College Center, Dean of Agriculture  

C. Louann Waldner, Ph.D. | (559) 688-3050 | louannw@cos.edu 
Tulare Center Building A: 109 | Tulare Campus 

For a complete list of courses and descriptions visit: COURSES


AGMT 001 Agriculture Economics 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Introductory course focusing on microeconomic principles of resource allocation, production, cost and market price equilibrium with primary application to farms and agribusinesses. Examination of different market structures and their economic effect on agricultural products and resources. Methods of selecting optimal levels of agricultural production. (C-ID AG-AB124)
AGMT 005 Agriculture Managerial Accounting 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
1 Lab
Equivalent Course: AGMT 105
Application and analysis of accounting information for farm and agribusiness management; integration of economic, and financial principles in preparing business plans; equipment cost control and crop enterprise accounting methods; capital investment and profit performance; introduction to computerized farm accounting systems.
Prerequisites: AGMT 104 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
AGMT 006 Agriculture Sector Analysis 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Equivalent Course: AGMT 101
Aggregate analysis of agricultural economics. Topics include domestic and international forces affecting all parts of the agricultural supply chain, fiscal and monetary policy, trade, agricultural credit, price support, food programs, debt accumulation, agribusiness asset values and income levels.
AGMT 102 Ag Sales and Marketing 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
This course involves the study of principles and practices of the selling process including selling strategies, approaches, why and how people buy, prospecting, territory management, and customer service. Students will also learn self-management, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary in developing managerial abilities, leadership qualities, and facilitating teamwork within the agribusiness sector. (C-ID AG-AB112)
AGMT 103 Introduction to Agriculture Business 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
This course provides a basic understanding of the business and economics of the agricultural industry. Students will get an introduction to the economic aspects of agriculture and their implications to the agricultural producer, consumer and the food system. Students will also learn management principles and the decision-making process utilized in the day to day operation of an agricultural enterprise. (C-ID AG-AB104)
AGMT 104 Agriculture Accounting 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
1 Lab
The study of the principles of financial accounting for the agriculture industry. Introduction to recording financial business activities, financial statement preparation and analysis of financial information applied to agricultural business. Application of these concepts and methods through hands-on projects developing computer-based solutions for an agriculture business. (C-ID AG-AB128)
AGMT 108 Ag Business Computer Applications 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
1 Lab
This course will cover computer use in the workplace with emphasis on agribusiness applications. Computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation managers will be covered. Students will also learn to access information through the Internet, telecommunications, an introduction to web page design and other software appropriate to agribusiness. Students will apply these concepts and methods through hands-on projects, developing computer-based solutions for agriculture business. (C-ID AG-AB108)
AGMT 201 Introduction to Food Safety Management 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Introduction to management principles of food safety, including the importance of Good Agricultural Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices. Identification of potential food safety hazards, sources of contamination, and the U.S. regulatory agencies that enforce the food safety standards. Introduction to the HACCP approach to food safety.

Agricultural Business Management

Cooper, Shannan
B.S., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
M.B.A., California State University, Fresno