Business and Finance

An agricultural financier or economist specialises in understanding the commercial activity within agricultural markets. They research statistics and data pertaining to the agricultural industry and project possible patterns and trends within the economy.

At a local scale they undertake examine factors that affect farm costs and market returns, and the potential cash return from crop sales across farming regions. At a state and national scale, they review and report on rural conditions and domestic and overseas agricultural, economic and political developments that affect the efficiency of the agricultural sector.

These professionals often choose an area of expertise, such as crop and livestock sciences, environmental economics, policy analysis, agribusiness, food safety, international trade, rural development, or marketing systems.  Agricultural economists typically work in office settings, but they may travel as part of a research group to collect information.

Farmer inspecting grains crop

Aptitudes for this career

Have good quantitative skills in data manipulation, interpretation and synthesis. Have good problem solving and organisational and communication skills.  Information technology competency is an advantage.

Some industries that employ Agricultural Financiers
  • Business consultants
  • Commodity Traders
  • Agribusiness role in Banks
  • Corporate farming enterprises
  • Pastoral houses or primary producer organisations
  • Agribusiness roles in international agencies and the public sector
Tasks common for Agricultural and Resource Financiers
  • Undertake research into factors that affect farm costs and market returns, such as the availability of farm credit, the way farms are established and operated, the potential cash return from crop sales and the distribution of farms in a particular region
  • Explore ways of raising the incomes and efficiency of primary producers
  • Conduct economic studies into areas such as livestock production, forestry, field crops, wool, cotton, fruit and winemaking
  • Examine and report on existing or alternative methods of grading, processing, storage, sale, marketing and transport of agricultural products
  • Monitor, review and report on rural conditions and domestic and overseas agricultural, economic and political developments that affect the efficiency of the agricultural sector
  • Assess the past and/or potential future impacts of policy changes (proposed or actual) on the farm sector and the wider economy

Course Choices for Business and Finance

Accountancy

International Business

Agribusiness