Introduction to Agriculture Business

Agriculture business, often referred to as agribusiness, is the engine behind the global food, fiber, and fuel supply chains. It encompasses the entire lifecycle of agricultural products: from farm to table, seed to shelf, and pasture to plate. In an era where food security, sustainability, and economic growth intersect, understanding agribusiness is essential for navigating one of the world’s most dynamic and impactful industries.

This textbook is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the field of agriculture business. Whether you’re a first-year college student, a returning adult learner, or a professional seeking to upskill, this resource will guide you through the fundamental concepts, practices, and challenges that define the agri-food sector.

Purpose of This Textbook

The goal of this Open Educational Resource (OER) is to offer an accessible, affordable, and adaptable curriculum aligned with the AGBUS-010: Introduction to Agriculture Business course at Lemoore College. Structured according to the course’s official learning outcomes, this book supports both in-person and online learners through weekly chapters that integrate core content, real-world applications, multimedia, and assessments.

What You Will Learn

Over the course of eight chapters, you will explore the following topics:

1. Foundations of Agribusiness – Learn what makes agribusiness unique and how it’s integrated into the global economy.
2. Economic Principles in Agriculture – Understand supply and demand, opportunity cost, and the economic systems that influence ag markets.
3. Business Structures in Agriculture – Examine different forms of business ownership, including cooperatives and franchises.
4. Functions of Management – Explore planning, organizing, leading, and controlling within an agricultural context.
5. Marketing and Sales in Ag – Learn about branding, distribution, and communication strategies used in agriculture.
6. Finance and Record Keeping – Gain insight into budgets, cash flow, and basic financial tools.
7. Regulations and Ethics – Review key laws, regulatory agencies, and ethical issues in agribusiness.
8. Careers and Business Planning – Develop your own agribusiness plan and explore diverse career paths in the industry.

Features

• Weekly Module Structure: Each chapter aligns with a week of instruction and includes learning objectives, key terms, summary reviews, and assignments.
• UDL and Accessibility: Designed with Universal Design for Learning in mind, the book includes alt text, screen reader compatibility, and readable formatting.
• Real-World Examples: Case studies and current industry examples link theory to practice.
• Media Integration: Embedded videos, diagrams, and interactive tools support different learning styles.
• Canvas Integration: Directly aligned with Lemoore College’s Canvas LMS structure for seamless use.

Intended Audience

This textbook is written for:

• Community college students enrolled in ag business courses
• Secondary students in dual enrollment programs
• Adult learners or career changers entering the ag sector
• Faculty seeking a flexible, standards-aligned OER resource

Licensing

This textbook is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. You are free to share, adapt, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, with proper attribution.