SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill · Courses
AGBU
52 courses with the subject AGBU, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
AGBU 100| Beginning Agricultural Bus (C)
This course is designed to introduce students to various aspects of Agricultural Business. Students are given the opportunity to learn about the many skills that are necessary to be successful in the broad range of careers stemming from an education in agricultural business. In order to be eligible to receive three credits, the student must have completed a sequence in a high school agricultural program, defined as the completion of five courses at least one-half year in length or three courses one year in length. Additionally, the student must have attained a combined average of at least 85.0 in all high school agriculture courses and must be enrolled for studies within a curricular area of Agriculture Business and be in good standing as defined by the college at the completion of the first semester of matriculation at SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech. [Spring] [3 credits] [3 contact hours]
A study of the nature and functions of the agricultural business industry. The component parts of the industry will be identified and studied in terms of size, purpose, functions performed, and interrelationships with other components. [Fall] [3 credits] [4 contact hours] Page | 172 2026-2027
AGBU 103 centers on Agricultural Macroeconomics, focusing on the broader aspects of economic growth within the agricultural sector. It explores the U.S. food production, marketing, and consumption dynamics from a macroeconomic perspective. Applying foundational economic principles to agriculture, the course examines the production function, input- output analysis, supply-demand dynamics, price determination, and provides an overview of the global agricultural situation. The course critically analyzes farm policy problems while emphasizing the intricate connections between agricultural and non-agricultural industries. [Spring] Liberal Arts/Sciences Elective [3 credits] [3 contact hours]
This course is an introduction to the dairy processing industry. Students will study the makeup and handling of raw milk, the process of drug-testing of raw milk and pasteurization, bottling, and labeling in the campus Dairy Processing Center. Students will be introduced to the common terminology and equipment used in the process of producing safe and high- quality dairy products in accordance with the NYS Safe Milk Ordinance. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to value-added dairy products such as butter, yogurt, kefir, and soft and hard cheeses, and will learn to conduct a consumer sensory analysis of these products. This course is cross-listed with ANSC 126 and CAHT 116. [Spring] Applied Learning-Other [3 credits] [5 contact hours]
The primary methods of marketing fruits and vegetables will be analyzed, such as contract sales, terminal markets, and roadside markets. Emphasis will be placed on roadside markets of commercial scale. Analysis of consumer characteristics, site selection, layout of facilities, sales techniques, and record keeping included. A five-week modular course designed primarily for students interested in fruit and vegetables. [Spring] [1 credit] [3 contact hours]
Designed to prepare the student for eventual agribusiness employment, this course emphasizes the operational function of management unique to the agribusiness industry. Management theory and microeconomic analyses are applied to practical settings in agribusiness. The role of the cooperative business structure is examined as one aspect of the uniqueness of agricultural business in the United States. Prerequisite: AGBU 104, ABGU 121, or AGBU 141 [Spring] [3 credits] [4 contact hours]
AGBU 219X is the required lab component to AGBU 219, Ag Retail Practicum. In the lab, students will learn best management practices for ag/food retail operations and will be responsible for management and staffing of the SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech agricultural retail facility, Carriage House Cafe & General Store. Through hands-on experience, students will put theory to practice in inventory management, merchandising, market research, and facility management. For successful completion of AGBU 219X, students will be assigned four weekly work hours in the retail facility via the co- requisite AGBU 219X and will rotate through work/management roles throughout the semester. Co-requisite: AGBU 219 [Fall, Spring] Applied Learning-Practicum [2 credits] [4 contact hours]
This course explores the multifaceted connections between food, social equity, race, class, and sustainability. Through engaging discussions, readings, and real-world case studies, students will examine the disparities in food access and production systems. This course investigates how historical, cultural, and economic factors influence these inequalities and Page | 174 2026-2027
As a co-requisite to AGBU 245, this laboratory course will facilitate a working understanding of the management concepts presented in AGBU 245 through group- and instructor-led activities. Co-requisite: AGBU 245. [Fall, Spring] Gen Ed Comp- Critical Thinking & Reasoning, Applied Learning-Entrepreneurship [1 credit] [2 contact hours]
This course is designed for students who desire a broader outlook in agriculture by examining actual agribusinesses and related agricultural practices and issues. Travel may be a required component of the field studies. At the culmination of the course, the student will be required to submit a journal, prepare a written report and/or make a presentation summarizing their findings. Instructor's permission is required for enrollment. Student expense ($100 to $600) will vary depending upon the length of study and/or travel destinations. Students may enroll more than one time up to a maximum of four credits. This course is repeatable up to 1 time. [Spring] Applied Learning-Field Study [2 credits] [2 contact hours]
Students in this course will explore the management and marketing principles utilized by a quickly growing segment of the agricultural complex - small, differentiated food, fiber and "farm experience" producers who market to local or regional consumers and operate with a fundamentally different "marketing mix" than their commodity-producing counterparts. Marketing and management concepts learned in lecture will be complemented by travel to actual firms of this type and instruction from and collaboration with firm owners/managers. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of coursework completed. [Summer] [2 credits] [2 contact hours]
The course emphasizes marketing decision-making at the farm commodity producer level. Aspects of timing of sale, effects of product characteristics, development of market strategies involving storage, contract sales, hedging and futures options are included. Evaluation of buyer practices, new product development and producer bargaining efforts will be conducted. Application of techniques to selected commodity groups will be made. [Spring] Applied Learning-Research [3 credits] [3 contact hours]
A study of the various methods of real and personal property appraisal. Course work is combined with practice in the everyday application of these appraisal methods in actual business situations. Emphasis is placed on a familiarity with the terminology and concepts used in a broad spectrum of agricultural enterprises. Prerequisites: AGBU 141, AGBU 208, or
Students in this course will learn the theory and practical techniques critical for success in agricultural selling and sales management. Further, the critical link between marketing and sales will be explored with focus on the behavioral framework within which all marketing and sales strategies are designed. Prerequisite: AGBU 121. [Fall] Applied Learning- Other [3 credits] [3 contact hours]
This course will involve analysis of micro- and macro-economic principles at the intermediate level that together determine the nature and dispersion of agricultural economic activity globally. Students will be exposed to mechanically rigorous content that builds naturally on the principles established in Introductory Agricultural Economics. Prerequisite: AGBU 104 or permission of the instructor. [Fall] [3 credits] [3 contact hours]
A study of real-life situations and their resolutions as confronted on a daily basis by the equine farm manager. Areas covered will include organizational types, animal syndication, legal ramifications of various actions and how equine organizations, both national and regional, affect the equine farm and its manager's decisions. Prerequisites: ANSC 161 and
This course explores the role of logistics as a critical link in the Global Supply Chain Management process. This course provides an in-depth analysis of the required skills, resources, and techniques needed to solve complex problems in the area of logistics management. Topics covered include transportation and the economy, costing and pricing, third party Page | 176 2026-2027
This course explores the role of purchasing as a critical link in the Global Supply Chain Management process. This course provides an in-depth analysis of the required skills, resources, and techniques needed to solve complex problems in the area of purchasing management. The course will examine transportation and distribution concerns including production scheduling, third party logistics, calculating costs of services, warehousing, material management, analyzing value of services, staffing and supervision, and technology. Topics covered include the purchasing process, supply management for corporate advantage, supplier selection and evaluation, global sourcing, contract negotiation, lean supply chain, and purchasing laws. Each student will prepare a formal purchasing plan. This course is cross-listed with BADM 365. credits] [3 contact hours]
The content of this course will focus on the unique managerial challenges faced in the retail section of the agricultural complex. The finance, operations and marketing functions of these firms, including greenhouse/nursery operations, grocery operations, restaurants, input suppliers, and auction houses will be discussed using real-world applications and case studies. [Spring] [3 credits] [3 contact hours]
The content of this course will be focused on the processes that happen at the farm level and beyond to increase the value of primary agricultural commodities. Here, the concept of "value-added" will be presented as inclusive of minimal and complex processing activities, non-conventional production practices (e.g., "organic", "natural" or "grass-fed") and regional branding. Students will receive intensive instruction in both the economic and physical aspects of value-added production, best management practices and marketing strategies. Co-requisite AGBU 395X. Prerequisite: Must have completed 30 credit hrs (sophomore status). [Spring] Applied Learning-Entrepreneurship [2 credits] [2 contact hours]
Students will study and apply techniques essential for excelling in Agricultural Marketing. This comprehensive course comprises class lecture periods and practical experience hours. It covers a wide range of topics, including market analysis, business financial evaluation, business monitoring and measurement, written executive presentation, and live presentation skills. Successful completion of this course may lead to participation in the NAMA competition, demonstrating expertise in agricultural marketing. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisites: AGBU121 or permission of the instructor [Fall, Spring] Applied Learning-Other [2 credits] [4 contact hours]
The interdisciplinary course offers an innovative exploration of the dynamic relationship between art, design, and the agricultural industry, delving into the historical, visual, and cultural dimensions of agribusiness marketing, sustainability, Page | 177 2026-2027
A study of current environmental issues and concerns in agriculture. An appraisal of efficiency and equity issues in resolving rural environmental problems with agricultural origin. Analysis of general concepts and techniques for the evaluation of alternative pollution abatement policies in relation to changing social, economic and political structure. Seminar discussions. Prerequisites: AGBU 103 or permission of the instructor. [Spring] [3 credits] [4 contact hours]
The principles and practices used in financing a farm business will be the focus of this course. The perspective will be that of both the farm manager and the agricultural lender. This course will also include sources of capital, leasing, credit instruments, long- and short-term credit, and collection. Prerequisites: AGBU 242/242X [Fall] Applied Learning- Entrepreneurship [3 credits] [3 contact hours]
Students will work with Cobleskill faculty to explore global economic issues generated by readings and real-world case studies in global economic development and business responsibility. This course deals with advanced management philosophies in production agriculture and agri-business applicable in the face of changing population structure, political dynamics and resource availability and is designed to act in conjunction with existing Agricultural Business curriculum to prepare graduating BT and BS students for work or graduate study. Course includes lecture, case studies and intensive reading and discussion. Course materials will be provided. Prerequisite: AGBU 104 or permission of the instructor. [Spring] [3 credits] [3 contact hours]
This course is intended for third- and fourth-year students interested in application of advanced management practices intended to strategically position the agricultural business for long-term profitability and continuation. Case study analysis and real-life businesses will be used as students explore situational analysis for strengths and weaknesses to make consultative recommendations for the future direction of contemporary agricultural businesses. Prerequisites: AGBU 104, AGBU 207/207X, AGBU 141/141X and AGBU 242/242X. [Fall] [3 credits] [3 contact hours]
This course constitutes a rigorous extension of the quantitative methods covered in AGBU 107 and will serve as an introduction to other mathematical and statistical procedures utilized in managerial decision-making and market research. Algebraic, Calculus, and Statistical concepts will be presented as they relate to successful management of agricultural firms including primary production, manufacturing, retailing, and marketing. Students will utilize software applications common in business management and will achieve competency in the quantitative mechanics that comprise those applications.
AGBU 207/207X and 60 credit hours of coursework completed. [Spring] [3 credits] [3 contact hours]
AGBU 475| Farm Credit East Fellows
Learning the principles and practices used in providing key financial services to an agricultural business will be the focus of this course. The perspective will be from both the farm manager and the farm financial services providers. The course utilizes formal instruction, Farm Credit East guest speakers, case studies and assignments including a final presentation to Farm Credit East management at their headquarters in Enfield, Connecticut. Prerequisites: AGBU 141/141X, AGBU 242/242X, AGBU 442 and instructor permission. [Spring] Applied Learning-Other
