Major in Livestock Business Management

The Livestock Business Management degree program develops active decision-making, communication, and practical management skills to prepare graduates to be effective leaders and agents within the livestock industry. Coursework within the program is selected to provide solid foundational understanding of biological processes and management opportunities within livestock systems as well as analytical and managerial principles in agricultural businesses across a range of scales and resource bases. On top of this fundamental foundation, students will be provided training in economic decision making and analysis that will explicitly integrate the biophysical dimensions with the financial dimensions to drive overall business decisions. In a series of experiential learning courses, students will work with an industry partner to identify a real-world challenge and will codevelop potential solutions with the organization. Another important element of the program is the development of leadership skills to prepare graduates to not only work internally within the industry, but to also be effective in representing the industry and bringing broader social issues to the forefront within the industry. The integration of efficient livestock systems and business practices prepares students to be successful in a wide range of higher-level positions needed within contemporary animal agriculture.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion, students will be able to demonstrate:

1. Professional Development: Embody a general awareness of issues relevant to the livestock industry and their implications in a larger societal context. Develop a network of personal and professional connections which will foster an understanding of the culture surrounding professional expectations and conduct. 
2. Technical Competence: Demonstrate technical competency including the ability to appropriately use biophysical sciences, business management techniques, and economic theory in formulating analytical problems, identifying and gathering appropriate data, and employing appropriate methods to analyze those problems, utilizing appropriate resources and technologies available. 
3. Problem-solving Skills: Demonstrate the ability to solve real-world livestock business management problems beyond the context of the classroom. Identify a problem and its scope, evaluate resources available to address the problem, formulate alternative solutions, and select the solution(s) most consistent with a stated objective. 
4. Communication Skills: Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication in terms of substance, organization, mechanics, documentation, and synthesis. Proficient students will have the ability to clearly communicate findings, critically and analytically, at a professional level within their chosen profession. 
5. Leadership: Develop leadership qualities that they will use in their professional, personal and community interactions leveraging the other competencies acquired in the program. These leadership qualities include vision, initiative, personal responsibility, team building, and motivating collective action.

Potential Occupations 

• Risk and financial analyst
• Supply chain manager
• Livestock operator
• Marketing associate
• Sales representative
• Accounts manager
• Extension agent
• Operations supervisor
• Ranch manager
• Customer service specialist
• Procurement officer
• Commodity analyst and merchandiser

Advising

To learn more about the Major Livestock Business Management, or to contact an Academic Success Coordinator, please visit the department website. 

Effective Spring 2025

¹

Select from upper division courses in AREC, ECON, BUS, MKT, FIN, ACT, MGT, or REL.

²

Select from upper division courses in ANEQ, SOCR, AB, RS, BMS, MIP, LIFE.

³

Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).