Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-jkksz Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-19T02:51:40.197Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Agribusiness And Extension: Characteristics Of Successful Programs To Serve A Rapidly Changing Clientele

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 September 2016

Jay T. Akridge*
Affiliation:
Center for Agricultural Business in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Abstract

The market for agribusiness extension activities and programming is diverse, intensely competitive, and national or international in scope. It is a market that agricultural economists cannot serve alone. Despite these complexities, a strong agribusiness extension effort is critical to the success of agribusiness research and teaching programs. Agribusiness extension opportunities include extending traditional agricultural economics research, small business management programs, economic/technical education programs, and management education. Keys for conducting successful agribusiness extension programs include understanding client needs, locating and employing the best instructional talent available, and flawless execution of the activity. Stimulating faculty interest in agribusiness extension is a major challenge. Most schools will have the opportunity to focus their traditional extension education efforts on the non-traditional agribusiness audience. A few schools will be successful in developing a new extension program emphasis in agribusiness management education. Both types of contributions are important for the long-run viability of the profession.

Type
Invited Papers and Discussions
Copyright
Copyright © Southern Agricultural Economics Association 1992

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Armbruster, W.J. and Grace, T., eds. Agribusiness Education in Transition: Setting Directions for Global Competitiveness. Oakbrook, EL: Farm Foundation. October 1991.Google Scholar
Brie, A.W.Involvement of Agricultural Economics in Graduate Agribusiness Programs: An Uncomfortable Linkage.West. J. Agr. Econ. 13.1 (1988):128133.Google Scholar
Coulter, K.J., Goecker, A.D., and Stanton, M.. Employment Opportunities for College Graduates in the Food and Agricultural Sciences: Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Veterinary Medicine. Washington, DC: U. S. Dept. of Agr. Higher Education Programs, Cooperative State Research Service, December 1990.Google Scholar
Crowder, R.T. and Hoffman, G.H., “Ideal Academic Products for Industry: Research and Graduates.Am. J. of Agr. Econ. 71.5 (1989): 11911194.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dobson, W.D. and Akridge, J.T.. “Establishing Agribusiness Research Priorities and Coordinating Agribusiness Research.Agribusiness: An InternationalJournal. 5.4 (1989):315333.3.0.CO;2-Y>CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Downey, W.D., exec ed. Agribusiness Education in Transition: Strategies for Change. Report of the National Agribusiness Education Commission. Cambridge, MA: Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. June 1989.Google Scholar
The Economist. “Leaner Times for Business Schools.” 8 Feb. 1992, pp 6566.Google Scholar
French, C.E.Innovative Programs for Improving Continuing Education and Executive Development Programs.” Paper presented at the Farm Foundation Conference on Agribusiness Education in Transition: Setting Directions for Global Competitiveness. Chicago, EL, May 13-14, 1991.Google Scholar
Hambley, D.I. Masters Degree Education in Agribusiness at U.S. Colleges and Universities: A Comprehensive Survey of the Curriculum Structure of Existing Programs. Cambridge, MA: Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. June 1989.Google Scholar
Peters, T. Thriving on Chaos: Handbook for A Management Revolution. New York: Perennial Library, 1988.Google Scholar
Robbins, L.W.A Positive Role for Graduate Agribusiness Programs in Agricultural Economics.West J. Agr. Econ., 13.1 (1988):121127 Google Scholar
Sonka, S.T. and Hudson, M.A.. “Why Agribusiness Anyway?” Agribusiness: An International Journal, 5.4 (1989): 305314.Google Scholar