Economist
An economist specializing in agriculture, or industry analyst, provides high-level economic intelligence to manage risk and prepare a company or business for the future. Agriculture economists complete various tasks including developing, enhancing and expanding a business’s forecasts and analyses. Additionally, they will identify and evaluate economic trends and their impact on capital markets (the part of a financial system concerned with raising capital by dealing in long-term investments).
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Analyze agricultural, economic and financial trends
- Gather information regarding market variables like weather, industry competition, government policy, foreign competition, policies, cost of production, consumer trends, etc.
- Write and deliver timely, insightful and concise research reports related to industry trends, structural change and policy initiatives
- Identify and evaluate economic trends and their impact on capital markets
- Utilize computer-based modeling to project agricultural production
- Arrange field visits or tours to areas, companies or farms affected by loss
- Prepare and deliver presentations to internal and external audiences
- Remain up to date on trends, market conditions and economic conditions impacting the industry and specific companies
- Identify and implement key research projects
- Develop relationships with other industry experts to facilitate information sharing
- Respond to external or customer inquiries and data requests
- Identify and communicate actionable investment ideas to the sales team and institutional clients
- Keep clients informed on status, risks and issues for accounts and contracts
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education
- advanced mathematics
- statistics
- economics
- business
- computer skills
Education/Training Required:
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in agricultural economics, agricultural business or a related field is required. A degree or minor in a specific sector of agriculture, such as agronomy or animal science, may suffice or be helpful depending on the position you receive.
