Job Description for an Agricultural Economist

Agricultural economists employ principles and concepts of economics to learn more about the supply
and demand of goods and services in the agricultural sector. This includes analysis of production,
consumption, and distribution. 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 with agricultural data and statistics in office settings, but they
may travel as part of a research group to collect information. Additionally, they may teach and conduct
research at colleges and universities with undergraduate or graduate programs in agricultural
economics.

Duties of an Agricultural Economist

Agricultural economists examine data to determine patterns and trends in economic activity. They also
conduct research to collect data and market samples. They use the predictions obtained from their
research to inform, influence, and improve the business decisions of clients and agricultural
organizations. As agricultural economists better determine market indicators like farm income and food
prices, they study many areas, such as:

Natural resource management

Agricultural policy

Food science

Farm credit

Agricultural marketing systems

Commodity exchanges

Whether they want to offer a short-term forecast or long-term prediction for some part of the agricultural
market, these professionals must have an excellent understanding of agricultural production and
relevant economic forces. This involves devising data collection methods and using appropriate
statistical methods to obtain useful information. Agricultural economists may also communicate their
findings at seminars and conferences to encourage further research or investment in a particular area.