Agriculture as an Asset Class from Coursera

Modern agriculture has evolved into an accessible and lucrative asset class for a wide range of investors. Gain insights into the financial performance of this capital-intensive industry, anchored in valuable real estate assets and agricultural investments. Learners who enroll in this course will examine the scale, structure, and capital frameworks of the agricultural sector, explore the innovative channels emerging for investment, and explore the dynamics of agricultural financing.

This course is part of the College of ACES suite of online programs, including the 4-week graduate-level course that can be stacked toward the Agribusiness and Sustainable Food Production Economics graduate certificate and a graduate degree. To learn more about online programs from the College of ACES and explore ways to apply your Coursera work toward a degree program at the University of Illinois, visit ACES Online at acesonline.illinois.edu.

What's inside

Syllabus

ORIENTATION & MODULE 1 | Balance Sheet and Capital Structure of Agriculture

In the course orientation, you will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course. In the second part of this module, you will explore the distinctions and commonalities between balance sheets and income statements, understand the capital structure and density of agricultural production, and compare the viewpoints of producers and investors on farmland investments.

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Examines the scale, structure, and capital frameworks of the agricultural sector, which is useful for investors looking to diversify their portfolios

Explores the innovative channels emerging for investment and the dynamics of agricultural financing, which is relevant for finance professionals

Part of a suite of online programs that can be stacked toward a graduate certificate and degree, which is ideal for graduate students

Analyzes land transfer options and the tax considerations of land transfer, which is helpful for agribusiness professionals

Discusses risks and risk management strategies for farmland investments, which is crucial for investors to understand

Requires learners to become familiar with balance sheets and income statements, which may require additional study for some students

Reviews summary

Agriculture as an investment asset class

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to viewing agriculture through a financial lens. Students found the content on the balance sheet and capital structure of agriculture, farmland as an institutional investment, and financing institutions to be highly relevant and insightful. Many appreciated the focus on practical aspects of agricultural investing, though a few noted a desire for more depth in certain financial or valuation topics. The course is seen as a strong foundational overview for those new to the intersection of finance and agriculture.

Offers practical views on investment.

"Gave me practical insights into how agricultural investments work."

"I appreciated the focus on real-world financial dynamics."

"The examples and case studies were practical and helpful."

"Learned practical considerations for financing and risk management."

Provides a solid base for understanding.

"Provides a good foundation for understanding agriculture as an asset class."

"It's a great starting point if you're new to this area."

"I feel I have a much better fundamental grasp after completing the course."

"The course material builds a solid base layer of knowledge."

Course topics are timely and relevant.

"The content was very relevant to understanding agriculture as an investment."

"I found the discussions on capital structure and financing particularly relevant."

"The topics covered are current and important for anyone looking at agricultural investments."

"This course gave me insight into a very relevant and growing asset class."

Could benefit from more detail.

"I was hoping for more depth on valuation methodologies specific to agriculture."

"Some sections felt a bit superficial; I wanted to dive deeper."

"Could use more in-depth coverage on certain financial modeling aspects."

"More advanced topics could be added for those with a finance background."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Agriculture as an Asset Class with these activities:

Review Basic Financial Statements

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Reinforce your understanding of balance sheets and income statements, which are fundamental to understanding the financial performance of agricultural investments.

Browse courses on Balance Sheets

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Review definitions of assets, liabilities, and equity.
Practice calculating key financial ratios.
Study examples of financial statements from different agricultural businesses.

Review 'Agricultural Finance: From Theory to Practice'

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Enhance your understanding of agricultural finance principles and practices.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the book and highlight key concepts.
Summarize the main points of each chapter.
Discuss the book's content with other students.

Review 'Farmland Investing: How to Earn Above-Average Returns Through Farmland'

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Gain a deeper understanding of farmland investing strategies and best practices.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
Identify the book's main arguments and supporting evidence.
Relate the book's content to the course materials.

Three other activities

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Analyze the Capital Structure of a Local Farm

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Apply your knowledge of capital structure to a real-world agricultural business.

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Identify a local farm willing to share financial information.
Analyze the farm's balance sheet and capital structure.
Write a report summarizing your findings and recommendations.

Create a Presentation on Farmland Valuation Methods

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Solidify your understanding of farmland valuation by researching and presenting different methods used in the industry.

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Research different farmland valuation methods.
Prepare a presentation outlining the pros and cons of each method.
Present your findings to a group of peers or colleagues.

Create a Risk Management Plan for a Farmland Investment

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Develop a practical risk management plan to mitigate potential risks associated with farmland investments.

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Identify potential risks associated with farmland investments.
Develop strategies to mitigate each risk.
Document your risk management plan in a clear and concise manner.

Career center

Learners who complete Agriculture as an Asset Class will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Agricultural Investment Analyst

An agricultural investment analyst evaluates the financial performance of agricultural assets and advises clients on investment strategies. This role requires a deep understanding of agricultural finance, capital structures, and market trends, all of which are components of this course. This course's exploration of farmland as an institutional investment and the economic drivers influencing its performance can help someone in this role make informed investment decisions. The course also covers financing institutions, risk management, and modern issues in agriculture investing, all of which help build a foundation of knowledge necessary for success as an agricultural investment analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Investment Analyst

Farm Credit Analyst

A farm credit analyst assesses financial risk and approves loans for agricultural operations. This role involves evaluating the financial health of farms and understanding the nuances of agricultural finance. This course's modules, which cover balance sheets, capital structures, and financing institutions help build a foundation for a farm credit analyst. The analysis of risk management strategies in the course is especially pertinent to this role, as the farm credit analyst is directly responsible for anticipating and managing financial risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Farm Credit Analyst

Agricultural Portfolio Manager

An agricultural portfolio manager is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of agricultural investments, aiming to maximize returns while managing risk. This role requires a strong grasp of agricultural finance, investment strategies, and market dynamics. This course can be useful for an agricultural portfolio manager because it explores institutional investments in agriculture, economic drivers affecting performance, and the motivations of different investors. The course may help to inform a portfolio manager's approach to balancing risk and return in their portfolio decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Portfolio Manager

Agricultural Consultant

An agricultural consultant advises farmers and agribusinesses on financial management, investment strategies, and operational efficiency. This role requires a broad understanding of agricultural economics and business practices. This course may be useful as it covers the financial performance of agriculture, the structure of agricultural capital, and investment channels. The consultant may leverage insights gained from the course to provide more informed and financially sound advice to their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Consultant

Real Estate Investment Analyst

A real estate investment analyst researches and analyzes real estate markets to identify potential investment opportunities, including farmland. This role demands an understanding of market trends, financial analysis, and investment valuation. This course can be helpful for a real estate investment analyst, as it provides exposure to the dynamics of farmland values, the motivations of land investors, and the financial structures of agricultural operations. This knowledge can help someone in this role make more informed decisions when evaluating farmland as an investment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Investment Analyst

Financial Planner

A financial planner creates financial plans for clients, helping them reach their financial goals through various investment and budget strategies. Some clients may have specific interests in agricultural investment, and a financial planner with such expertise may be preferred. This course on agricultural investment can be useful for this professional, as the course will allow them to understand some of the nuances of this asset class. The course material on land transfer options and tax considerations can help the planner to provide more tailored advice.

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Agricultural Lender

An agricultural lender works for a bank or financial institution, specializing in providing loans to farmers and agricultural businesses. This job requires a keen understanding of the unique financial challenges facing this sector. This course, which goes into detail about agricultural capital structures, balance sheets, and risk management, may be useful. Specifically, the sections on financing institutions, risk management, and modern issues in agricultural investing will be most relevant to someone who holds this position.

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Land Acquisitions Specialist

A land acquisitions specialist focuses on identifying, evaluating, and purchasing land for various purposes, including agricultural investment. This requires skills in real estate analysis, negotiation, and understanding of land values. This course may be useful for a land acquisitions specialist because it covers factors influencing land values, the motivations of land investors, and the financial implications of land transfer. This information may be helpful when negotiating land deals and assessing investment potential.

See salaries and explore the career path for Land Acquisitions Specialist

Commodities Broker

A commodities broker facilitates the buying and selling of agricultural commodities, requiring knowledge of market trends, supply chains, and pricing factors. This role involves constant monitoring of the market and providing recommendations to clients. While this course does not directly cover the daily transactions of commodities, it may be useful since it goes into detail on the financial aspects of agriculture, various drivers affecting market performance, and investment practices. This course knowledge may help them to better serve their clients.

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Agricultural Economist

An agricultural economist studies the economic aspects of agriculture, including production, distribution, and consumption of agricultural goods. This role often involves research, analysis, and policy recommendations. While this course does not focus on the broad scope of agricultural economics, it may be useful as it introduces some of the financial and investment aspects of the field. The course material on farmland valuation and financial structures may be useful for an agricultural economist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Economist

Business Development Manager

A business development manager identifies and pursues new business opportunities, often within a specific sector, such as agriculture. This role requires an understanding of market trends and the ability to build strategic partnerships. This course can be helpful for a business development manager focused on the agricultural sector. The course provides information about the finance, investment, and market drivers impacting performance that may be useful when developing new business opportunities.

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Sustainability Analyst

A sustainability analyst assesses the environmental impact of business practices and recommends more sustainable solutions. This job requires awareness of the complexities between environmental practice and economic viability. While not directly focused on sustainability, this course may be helpful because it offers perspectives on the financial dimensions of agricultural operations and introduces some of the modern issues impacting the field. This may help a sustainability analyst when they balance sustainability objectives with financial realities.

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Market Research Analyst

A market research analyst studies market trends and consumer behavior, providing data to support business strategy. In the context of agriculture, this role may involve researching various agricultural markets and opportunities. This course may be helpful for someone in this role because it provides insight into specific areas within the agricultural market, such as farmland investment. The knowledge of market drivers affecting farmland values and the motivations of various investors can be helpful when conducting market research.

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Farm Manager

A farm manager oversees the daily operations of a farm, including managing staff, production, and financials. The farm manager needs to have broad knowledge base about many areas of agriculture. While this course does not cover the day-to-day aspects of agricultural production, this course may be useful, as it offers insight into the financial performance of the agricultural sector, as well as information about capital structures and investment. This can provide a farm manager with the financial and investment knowledge that is necessary to have a successful farm business.

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Data Analyst

A data analyst uses data to draw meaningful conclusions and solve business problems. While this course is not directly about data analysis, someone in this field may find it helpful as it introduces them to the financial data and capital structures that underlie aspects of the agricultural industry. This may provide exposure to unique challenges that they would not otherwise see. This course may also help build their domain knowledge.

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Agriculture as an Asset Class

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Agriculture as an investment asset class

Activities

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