FARM AND INDUSTRY SHORT COURSE FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR

FISC 54

Introduction to interpersonal communication skills for use in a variety of agribusiness settings. Topics include verbal, non-verbal, and written communication methods; negotiation skills; promotion techniques; and the application of these in agribusiness.

FISC 50

Examines the five areas of risk management of an agricultural business: production risk, human risk, financial risk, market risk, and institutional risk. Discusses the internal and external contexts affecting the management of an agricultural business. Investigates the changing structures of agriculture, creating a unique landscape for today's agricultural businesses. Students are encouraged throughout the course to reflect on and discuss examples from their own experiences, and think critically about how these factors may impact their strategy for managing a business.

FISC 121

This course focuses on the farm and its marketing environment and provides an overview of the economics of grain and milk markets. The course concentrates on developing skills for effective grain and dairy marketing analysis and strategies. It examines forward contracting, hedging on futures markets, delayed pricing and options trading. It will also examine farm policies and the impact on farms. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the commodity and futures markets, major trends and causes of trends in dairy and grain industries, market factors that influence farm commodities, risk tools and cooperatives.

FISC 51

An introduction to the working of a market economy and decision-making concepts; the role of prices and preferences in making production and consumption decisions; U.S. agricultural system and various economic policies that may be employed by government; Taxation, regulation, trade, and employment policies.

FISC 21

Students will learn the basic steps to the sales process in order to prepare for a career in agricultural sales and related sales applications found in daily life; develop sales-related skills, such as negotiation skills, body language, and time management skills; and reflect on and develop personal strengths and abilities that will enhance agricultural sales presentations and customer relationships.