Agriculture Business Management

Agriculture Business Management (ABM) Certificate Program

This program is designed for beginning and/or experienced agriculture operators who wish to develop or improve upon their financial management skills and gain knowledge of how to improve business operations.

The uniqueness of this program comes from the one-on-one instruction that takes place at a convenient location for the student. In today's agriculture climate, management means being a decision-maker who is attuned to all dimensions of the working environment.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Improve awareness of personal and business finances through computerized record-keeping.
Use financial statements to assess the financial health of the business
Utilize appropriate industry language to communicate with bankers, accountants, and other professionals in the industry.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline 3 percent from 2021 to 2031.

Despite declining employment, about 85,600 openings for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers was $73,060 in May 2021.

Program Requirements / Classes

Records and Business Planning	CERT
Financial Analysis	CERT
Commodity Marketing	CERT
Market Plan Development	CERT
Advanced Ag Business Management	CERT
Profit Maximization	CERT
Rural Business Entrepreneurship	CERT
Horticulture Business Management	AS

Degree Descriptions

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) and Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

The AA and the AS degrees are traditional 2-year degrees specifically designed to transfer to 4-year institutions for the purpose of completing a BA or a BS. They are often referred to as university parallel degrees. The general education requirements are what actually permit the degrees to be called Associates or Arts or Science. The difference between the AS and AA is minimal, with the AA permitting math courses and a science course that are not recognized under the AS degree. Read Colorado's Guaranteed Transfer Policy here.

Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.)

The AGS degree is, at times, articulated to transfer to certain 4-year institutions and programs. There is more room for flexibility in this degree. Generally, if a student decides to transfer to a 4-year school to pursue a BA or BS after earning the AGS, they may be short some of the general education requirements.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

The Associate of Applied Science degree is rarely pursued by a student who intends to transfer to a 4-year school. It is primarily a degree that prepares a student to go directly into the workforce. It is typically a specific technical career that the student who seeks the AAS is seeking. Again, the general education requirements are less rigid with the AAS degree.

Certificate Programs

Certificates are 1-year technical programs that require no general education courses. Auto Tech, Agri-business, and Cosmetology are Certificate programs. English, math, science, etc. are not required to complete a certificate, although some students choose to take preparatory classes that might help them succeed in the program.