Agribusiness

Excel in Agricultural Sales and Management

Are you passionate about agriculture and ready to launch a career in sales, service, supply chain operations, or farm business management? Riverland Community College’s Agribusiness Certificate provides the foundational skills you need to work confidently in today’s agriculture and food industries.

Program Overview

This one year certificate introduces you to the core concepts of agribusiness, including farm operations, marketing, finance, agronomy, animal science, and sales. You will gain an understanding of how modern agricultural businesses operate and how to support producers, cooperatives, suppliers, and ag service companies across southern Minnesota.

What You’ll Study

• Introduction to Agribusiness Management
• Introduction to Agronomy
• Introduction to Soil Science
• Principles of Animal Science I
• Introduction to International Business

These courses build a broad base of knowledge needed for entry level roles in agriculture, food systems, business operations, and customer service within the industry.

What You’ll Do

Graduates of the program are prepared to support and manage agribusiness operations. You might:

• Buy and sell livestock, seeds, crop inputs, or other agricultural goods
• Communicate with producers, buyers, and creditors
• Plan budgets and coordinate equipment purchases
• Maintain records and track production or sales
• Assist with hiring, scheduling, and workforce coordination
• Oversee activities across multiple farm or business locations

Where You Might Work

The Agribusiness Certificate prepares you for roles at regional and national companies such as:

• Ecolab
• Cargill
• General Mills
• CHS
• Land O’ Lakes
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Equipment dealerships
• Grain trading companies
• Food and feed production companies

Southern Minnesota has one of the strongest food and agriculture economies in the nation, offering steady demand for employees who understand production, supply chains, and customer service in the ag industry.

Career Outlook

• Minnesota’s food and agriculture sector supports over 320,000 jobs, representing about 8 percent of all employment in the state.
• The industry contributes more than 88.8 billion dollars in total economic output.
• Growth is expected in areas such as agribusiness sales, logistics, technology, service, and supply chain support as Minnesota continues to expand its agriculture and value added food processing markets.

This means graduates with foundational agribusiness training are well positioned for entry level roles and long term career growth.

Stackable Pathways

After completing the certificate, you can continue your education in related Riverland degrees, including:

• Agricultural Sciences AS - transfer to a bachelor’s program
• Biotechnology AS - laboratory, research, and ag bioscience pathways
• Agricultural Sciences Concentration AA - broad transfer option with flexible electives

These pathways allow you to build on your certificate and advance into careers such as agronomist, crop advisor, agricultural technician, research assistant, or agricultural sales manager.

Scholarships

Riverland offers numerous scholarships to help cover program costs. Be sure to explore options including:

• The Hormel Foundation Agriculture and Food Science Scholarship
• The Freeborn Mower Cooperative Services Workforce Development Scholarship (Albert Lea)

Visit the Riverland Foundation Scholarships page for eligibility and deadlines.