High School

In high school, you should take social studies, laboratory science (biology, chemistry, and physics), mathematics, and, if possible, agriculture, marketing, and business classes. English and composition will be particularly helpful, since oral and written communications are central to the work of the agribusiness technician. Also, take computer science classes so that you are familiar with using this technology. Computers are often used in record keeping and production planning.

Postsecondary Training

After completing high school, it is necessary to train in a two-year agricultural or technical college. Many colleges offer associate's degrees in agribusiness or agricultural management. The programs concentrate on basic economic theory; training in management analysis and practical problem solving; and intensive communication training, such as public speaking and report writing.

Typical first-year courses in an agricultural or technical college include English, biology, health and physical education, introductory animal husbandry, principles of accounting, agricultural economics, microbiology, botany, introductory data processing, soil science, and principles of business.

Typical second-year courses include marketing agricultural commodities, farm management, social science, agricultural finance, agricultural marketing institutions, forage and seed crops, personnel management, and agricultural records and taxation.

Other Education or Training

The Agricultural and Applied Economics Association offers continuing education sessions at its annual meeting. Some recent topics included climate change, biofuels, land use and water resource issues, and business economics. Contact the association for more information.

Certification and Licensing

There are no certification or licensing requirements for agribusiness technicians.

Aspiring agribusiness technicians should obtain experience (internships, volunteering, employment) in agriculture and business to prepare for the field.

You must be able to work well with other people, including being able to delegate responsibility and establish friendly relations with farmers, laborers, and company managers. You must be able to analyze management problems and make sound decisions based on your analysis. And you must have excellent oral and written communication skills: Technicians are expected to present written and oral reports, offer comments and advice clearly, and, when necessary, train other workers for a particular job.