Agriculture

The N.J.C. Agriculture Business Management program assists area farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness people by strengthening their management skills through improved record keeping systems, analysis, and marketing. The program consists of online classroom, individualized/on-site instruction, as well as work done individually with support from the instructor.

Classroom instruction occurs online with WEBCT classes.

There are two full-time Agriculture Business Management instructors with 40 years of combined experience. Their backgrounds and areas of expertise vary to provide you with unlimited resources and assistance.

Certificate One - Records and Business Planning

This course is designed to guide the student in the collection of necessary information to implement a computerized record keeping system.  Objectives will include computer terminology, application software, balance sheet concepts, Accounting principles, computerized accounting reports, business plan components and implementation of a computerized record keeping system. Emphasis will be placed on the application and maintenance of an accurate set of computerized financial records, use of a filing system and beginning to compile a business plan. This course consists of two classes of nine credits each.

Certificate Two - Financial Analysis

Actual enterprise cost analysis will be calculated to facilitate the development of whole business projected cash flow statements in this certificate.  All facets of record keeping and updating of data will be emphasized. This course includes the review and revision of business planning goals and objectives. Business analysis through the development of accurate cost and market value accrual balance sheets for the beginning and ending period will also be covered.  Emphasis will be on the measurement and analysis of changes between the two balance sheets. Analysis will include the preparation of an accrual income statement. Financial ratios will be generated to understand their importance. This course consists of two classes of nine credits each.

Certificate Three - Commodity Marketing

This course explores the terminology associated with commodity marketing and management of risks associated with agricultural production and marketing. Discussion will include cash marketing alternatives as well as the basics of utilizing futures and options contracts.  The class includes the initial steps towards the development of a marketing plan. Marketing alternatives are explored in greater depth. Price behavior will be analyzed using technical and fundamental analysis. The marketing plan will be completed through the application of local marketing alternatives, future contracts, future options contracts and price behavior information. This course consists of two classes of nine credits each.

Certificate Four - Marketing and Risk Management

The certificate of Marketing and Risk Management includes research and analysis for the development of a marketing plan. Focus will be on defining markets, analyzing competition, identification of products/services, pricing and customer wants and needs. Added value products and niche markets will be explored. Overall marketing strategies developed into a marketing plan derived from marketing research and analysis. Includes a look at advertising, promotion, e-commerce and risk management. This course consists of two classes of nine credits each.

Certificate Five - Advanced Business Management

This certificate offers further in depth financial analysis of the business.  Included are a review of existing financial trends and emphasis of pro forma activities for further analysis of the business.  The focus is on revision of the business plan on a periodic basis and on many management skills including the five main sources of risk.  The student will be exposed to various methods of finding resource materials needed to keep the business plan current and to manage for the future.

Special topics

This class is a one to three credit class designed for students who want to continue in Ag/Business Management with the option to specialize in a given area or utilize previous information to improve management with other software packages.

AGRICULTURE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTORS: Lisa Shinn and Kala Doane.