Course Units – Agribusiness

This unit introduces foundational accounting principles relevant to agribusinesses. Students will develop essential skills in financial data collection, record-keeping, and basic financial reporting. The unit establishes a fundamental understanding of accounting concepts, budgeting, and financial documentation, providing a solid base for further study in agribusiness finance.

• Introduction to agribusiness accounting
• Introduction to budgeting for production activities

This unit introduces the foundational principles of business planning and economic theory within the context of the agribusiness industry. Students will develop an understanding of key concepts that underpin agribusiness decision-making, including supply and demand, market structures, and the business environment. The unit provides a solid platform for further study in agribusiness marketing, economics, and strategic business development.

• Principles of economics
• Marcus Oldham business planning process

This unit introduces essential concepts, skills, and business tools required for effective agribusiness management. Students will explore behaviours that support individual effectiveness in both professional and personal settings, with a strong emphasis on the importance of clear and purposeful communication in agribusiness contexts. These foundational skills underpin our systems-based approach and will later be applied in developing production-based cash flow budgets, making informed decisions, and contributing to strategic planning.

• Business communications
• Farm business profile and resource analysis
• Fundamentals of the Australian agricultural industry
• Introduction to business software (spreadsheets and word processing)
• Self-leadership

This interdisciplinary unit introduces students to the concept of systems thinking. Through real-world examples, students will explore how decisions in one area of a business can influence other parts of the operation. Learning activities include a farm planning simulation and participation in both domestic and international study tours.

• “The Farm Game”
• Professional writing and reporting for business
• Domestic study tour
• International study tour

This unit builds on foundational accounting knowledge, introducing students to the analysis of financial and non-financial data in an agribusiness context. Students will develop skills in evaluating business performance, identifying key financial indicators, and determining the value of available information. The unit enhances students’ ability to assess financial data critically and recognise additional information needed to support informed management decisions.

• Agribusiness analysis and financial management
• Budgeting to support management decisions

This unit builds on foundational knowledge to develop students’ understanding of marketing and economic principles within the agribusiness context. Drawing on students’ prior industry experience, the unit encourages reflection on real-world examples to explore how these principles apply to the marketing of agricultural products and services. Emphasis is placed on understanding the relationship between market dynamics, consumer behaviour, and business decision-making in both domestic and global agribusiness settings.

• Agribusiness marketing 1
• External analysis

This unit builds on foundational agribusiness management knowledge by deepening students’ understanding of the roles and interactions of agronomic, animal, and human resource systems within an agribusiness enterprise. Students will begin to explore how these systems function collectively to support operational performance, laying the groundwork for more advanced study in enterprise management.

• Advanced Excel
• Fundamentals of crop production systems
• Fundamentals of extensive animal production systems
• Managing teams

Students will deepen their understanding of systems thinking by synthesising knowledge from all first-year units with insights gained from visits to a range of agricultural enterprises. Through a case study approach, they evaluate real-world agricultural businesses to demonstrate the integration and application of their learning. A four-week practical placement at an approved agribusiness provides the opportunity to apply classroom theories in context, with critical reflection forming a key component of assessment.

• Enterprise profitability case study
• Four weeks practical placement

This unit focuses on the practical application of accounting and financial management principles in an agribusiness context. Building on previous knowledge, students will develop the ability to apply budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting skills to real-world scenarios. Emphasis is placed on using financial information to support business decision-making and evaluate financial performance in corporate agribusinesses and agricultural enterprises.

• Accounting software, cash accounting and GST
• Financing for agribusinesses
• Production economics

This unit focuses on the practical application of marketing and economic principles in agribusiness. Building on prior learning, students will extend their marketing knowledge and apply macroeconomic concepts to assess how broader economic trends influence the Australian economy and the agribusiness sector. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical skills to interpret market conditions and inform business decision-making.

• Agribusiness marketing 2
• Macro economics

This unit focuses on the practical application of enterprise management systems within an agribusiness context. Building on prior knowledge, students will apply their understanding to real-world scenarios and explore how enterprise systems contribute to business performance. Emphasis is placed on using these skills to inform and support effective decision-making across a range of operational settings.

• Advanced spreadsheet modelling & websites
• Fundamentals of intensive agriculture
• Young leaders in agribusiness

This unit uses a case study approach to support students in applying their cross-disciplinary learning from first-year study. Drawing on theoretical and technical knowledge, students will demonstrate autonomy and sound judgement in analysing the capabilities of a real-world agricultural business and formulating a recommendation for performance improvement.

• Performance improvement case study

This unit advances students’ ability to apply accounting and financial management principles with increased independence and proficiency. Students will refine their analytical and problem-solving skills, working with more complex financial scenarios. Emphasis is placed on developing advanced knowledge and techniques to support decision-making in agribusinesses.

• Advanced agribusiness analysis
• Agribusiness land valuations
• Introduction to business law
• Interpreting financial statements

This unit advances students’ ability to evaluate the impact of external factors on the agribusiness supply chain, including government policy, trade agreements, cultural influences, economic conditions, and competitive pressures. With increasing independence, students will develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills by engaging with complex business scenarios. Emphasis is placed on applying advanced knowledge and techniques to support effective planning and decision-making in agribusiness enterprises.

• Contemporary agribusiness issues
• International trade
• Supply chain management
• Strategic Planning 1

This unit advances students’ ability to apply agribusiness management principles with greater independence and proficiency. Students will refine their management, planning and problem-solving skills through engagement with more complex business scenarios. The unit emphasises the development of advanced knowledge and techniques to support effective business planning and decision-making in agribusinesses.

• Databases
• Human resource management
• Negotiation

This unit consolidates student learning through exposure to a range of agribusinesses operating complex and interconnected enterprises. Students will enhance their ability to collect, assess, and analyse data to investigate performance measures, explore limiting factors in production, and consider broader influences on agribusiness outcomes. A five-day domestic study tour provides opportunities for applied learning and industry engagement.

• Case study: Review of strategic direction
• Domestic study tour
• Student inquiry project 1

This unit develops students’ ability to engage with financial management at a strategic level. With a strong foundation in accounting and finance, students will enhance their critical thinking and decision-making skills, applying financial principles to broader agribusiness contexts. Emphasis is placed on long-term financial planning, risk management, and strategic resource allocation to support the sustainability and growth of agribusinesses.

• Advanced budgeting (DCFs)
• Corporate finance
• The Australian tax system

This unit develops students’ capacity to approach agribusiness management from a strategic perspective. Building on a strong foundational knowledge, students will enhance their critical thinking and decision-making skills by applying agribusiness management principles to broader business contexts. The unit places particular emphasis on long-term planning, risk management, and strategic resource allocation with a focus on supporting the sustainability and growth of agribusinesses.

• Applied economics
• Strategic planning 2

This unit develops students’ capacity to approach agribusiness management from a strategic perspective. Building on a strong foundation in agribusiness management systems, students will enhance their critical thinking and decision-making skills by applying agribusiness management principles to broader business contexts. The unit places particular emphasis on long-term planning, people risk management, and strategic resource allocation to support the sustainability and growth of agribusinesses.

• Industrial relations and HR risk
• Information and research

This unit builds students’ capacity to address complex and unpredictable problems at a strategic level by integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines. Through an extended international study tour and a four-week practical placement aligned with personal learning and career goals, students apply their understanding of agricultural production and supply chain management to real-world agribusiness contexts. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, professional judgement, and strategic decision-making through exposure to diverse business environments and challenges.

• Four-week practical placement
• International study tour
• Student inquiry project 2

This unit focuses on financial management in agribusiness, concentrating on the integration and application of advanced accounting and finance skills. Students master strategic financial planning, decision-making, and innovation in agribusiness. The unit emphasises integrating complex financial strategies to foster leadership, manage performance, and ensure business sustainability.

• Decision making in an uncertain environment
• Investment decisions
• International financial management
• Risk management
• Tax planning and business structures

This unit focuses on the advanced application of agribusiness management, where students demonstrate autonomy, sound judgement, and strategic insight. Students will consolidate their skills in strategic planning and decision-making within agribusinesses, with an emphasis on integrating complex business strategies to foster leadership, enhance performance, and support long-term business sustainability. The unit prepares students for professional practice, ensuring they are equipped to lead and contribute effectively within the agribusiness industry.

• Applied Marketing
• Commodity markets
• Mergers and acquisitions

This unit focuses on the advanced application of agribusiness management, as students demonstrate autonomy, sound judgement, and strategic insight. Students will consolidate their skills in information management and decision-making applying them to complex agribusinesses scenarios. The unit highlights the integration of advanced business strategies to foster leadership, enhance performance, and support long-term business sustainability. It prepares students for professional practice by strengthening their readiness to lead and contribute effectively within the agribusiness sector.

• Business intelligence
• Land, leasing and other options

This capstone unit brings together all aspects of students’ learning and experience from across the course. Using a case study approach, students will apply their knowledge to assess strategic decisions in uncertain and dynamic environments. They will demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, and a high level of responsibility. This unit prepares students to transition into professional roles as capable, confident leaders in the agribusiness sector.

• Strategic decision-making case study
• Student inquiry project 3