Agricultural and Resource Economics
We are a multifaceted group of dedicated scholars solving the world’s most wicked challenges like managing the world’s food supply and enhancing societal well-being. Our graduates find themselves in the capitol, classroom, board room, on farms, in the forest, and in processing plants where they are changing, influencing, and implementing practical solutions for our food supply and economy. Join us and become part of the educational revolution happening in the Department of Agricultural and Resources Economics.
What is Agricultural and Resource Economics?
How DARE Students Make A Difference
Eat | Play | Know
Take what you learn in the classroom, during internships, as research assistants, from study abroad programs, organization engagements, and other experiences to make an impact.
How You Can Make an Impact
Impact what and how food is produced, how we use water, land, energy, and other elements of the environment. Make a difference on how people learn about agriculture and natural resources. You will shape what we eat, the state of the natural landscape, and what we know about agriculture and natural resources.
Research
We investigate complex questions related to the tradeoffs of sustainable food production, natural resource management, and rural economic development. Additionally, we consider how people learn about agriculture and natural resources. Our work leads to access to healthy food, profitable businesses, healthy ecosystems and communities, and increased knowledge of agriculture from Fort Collins across the world.
Engagement and Extension
DARE is committed to developing practical solutions to real-world sustainability problems. We are in the business of better decision-making. We conduct applied research and education efforts throughout Colorado, the U.S., and Internationally to help farmers and ranchers, educations, food producers and consumers, natural resource managers, policymakers, and other stakeholders thrive.
Story of Impact
Sarah Madsen
“I loved growing up on our farm, and as I grew older I kind of knew that I wanted to come back here and teach at the same high school I attended,” said Madsen, who graduated from Colorado State University in 2017 with a degree in agricultural education. “I had such an amazing experience at CSU, and that really helped me decide I wanted to go back to Weld Central, where I went to school, and teach. I’ve always had a passion for educating others, and it just seemed natural to go back to my roots.”
Upcoming Department Events and News
CSU Alumna Julie McCaleb named Colorado Livestock Association’s 2025 Top Choice Award honoree
CSU-led regional food business center awards $2 million in grant funding to food, farm and ranch business projects
Undergraduate Degrees
Livestock Business Management Major
Use an interdisciplinary, systems approach to effectively manage livestock businesses for the benefit of humans and animals.
Agricultural Business Online Major
Our Online Agricultural Business Major mirrors the on-campus Agricultural Business Major in every sense of the program, except that is delivered completely online.
Agricultural Business Major
Apply theoretical and analytic tools of applied economics within the context of food systems. Explores the broadest context of food systems ranging from small-scale localized markets to traditional market-mediated commodity-based products to highly specialized, vertically coordinated supply chains.
Agricultural Education Major
Learn and educate around the science, business, and technology of agriculture, food and environmental/natural resource systems. Develop skills as an agricultural educator in a three-part model: classroom, experiential learning, and leadership development.
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics Major
Discover economic tools to evaluate the allocation and utilization of natural resources and the management of the natural environment.
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics Online Major
Discover economic tools to evaluate the allocation and utilization of natural resources and the management of the natural environment.
Minors
Food Industry Management Interdisciplinary Minor
Provides a platform for students to integrate business principles with applied food management courses.
Agricultural Business Minor – On Campus or Online
Focus studies on agricultural production management, financial management, marketing management, international development and trade.
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics Minor – On Campus or Online
Discover a valuable way to help understand how humans can use and conserve our natural resources.
Agricultural Literacy Minor
Offers students an integrated set of courses in agricultural education. Pursue content in animal sciences, plant sciences, food products and processing, or natural resources.
Graduate Degrees
Master of Agribusiness and Food Innovation Management
Program not accepting new applications.
Master of Extension Education M.Ext.Ed. – Online
Study to develop impactful programs and deliver educational resources as a community educator.
Master’s of Agriculture in Agricultural Education Teacher Development M.Ag. – On Campus
Explore and develop projects which directly impact effective educational practices, including relevance, hands-on training, high levels of student cognition, and student confidence.
M.S. in Agricultural and Resource Economics
Master fundamental microeconomic theory and econometrics in order to perform applied economic research in the public and private sectors as analysts, consultants, researchers, and other occupations.
Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics
The Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics is a STEM-OPT certified program that prepares students in microeconomic theory, quantitative methods, and coursework in agricultural and environmental and natural resource economics.
Certificate
Teaching in Extension Certificate – Online
Explore the ages and stages of learning, covering the full lifespan, youth through adult, to deliver effective instruction in a variety of settings across multiple age groups.
Get Started Today
Contact the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics
Nutrien Agricultural Sciences Building 267
301 University Avenue
Campus Delivery 1172
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1172
(970) 491-6325
cas_dare@colostate.edu