Undergraduate Program - Agricultural Finance

Introduction

Requirements

8-Semester Plan

Studies in Agricultural Finance*

Students in the Agricultural Finance concentration in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics study finance as used in agribusiness, farming, financial institutions, and, more broadly, in the financial services industry. In addition to positions as loan officers in banks and other lending institutions, recent graduates are working in trust and other banking operations, investment and securities firms, rural appraisals, firm financial management, financial planning, insurance, real estate, and related fields. Knowledge of agriculture and finance and strong interpersonal skills are important.

Career Opportunities

Students interested in finance work with commercial banks, the Farm Credit System, insurance companies, the Federal Reserve System, Farmers Home Administration, or supply firms which finance purchases for producers, such as Growmark, John Deere, and others. Jobs in the financial services industry include stock broker, insurance agent, financial planner, and realtor.

One student in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics developed an interest in finance while working for a bank when he was in high school. His courses in agricultural finance had "real world value the theory was explained through real problems and examples, and we talked with people working in agricultural finance." He worked summer internships with Growmark, Inc., and FBS Ag Credit, Inc., and took a full time job with FBS upon graduation. He has worked across the country auditing grain elevators, chemical companies, and feedlots. "Next week, I'll be on horseback working through 27,000 head of cattle we'll be counting head and approximating weights to determine value. I've been on top of 120 foot grain bins dropping tapes to measure grain inventory. Those are my blue jeans days. On my white shirt and suit days, I'm in the office of the feedlot or elevator reviewing paperwork for the audit."

For more information please contact:
Dr. John B. Braden
304 Mumford Hall
1301 West Gregory Drive
Urbana, Illinois 61801
Phone (217)333-1811
Fax (217)333-5538
jbb@illinois.edu

More details are provided in the ACES Student Handbook.

The University of Illinois provides equal opportunity in programs and employment.

*This curriculum is available effective Fall 2006. The information provided herein is correct to the best of our knowledge as of May 2006. Specific requirements may change as programs and courses evolve. Students considering applying may contact the Department of Agricultureal and Consumer Economics for the most current information.