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Texas A&M University Agricultural Economics
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Celebrating 100 years banner

Department of Agricultural Economics 100 year celebration

Celebrating 100 years of Excellence

Early research efforts of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station (TAES) were largely production oriented. This emphasis on product-increasing technology was further augmented by efforts to extend information to farmers, an effort that was finally culminated with the formation of the Texas Agricultural Extension Services (TAEX) in 1914. Agricultural production vastly increased in the United States due to expanded acreage from western expansion, mechanization and the completion of the transcontinental railroad. However, with this, came market flooding and serious economic problems.

Higher farm prices during most of the 1910-1919 decade, growing out of World War I added further emphasis on increased production. Farm prices collapsed soon after the close of the war, declining 40 percent from mid-1919 to the close of 1920. As these depressed farm prices continued into and through the 20s, it was apparent that the time for addressing economic issues of agriculture and for improving economic literacy of both graduates from the agricultural college and farmers and ranchers had arrived. In 1922, out of discussions and immense need across the state, the Department of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M University was born with its inaugural degree program in Agricultural Administration. Over the next 100 years, the department would become a leading source of information for Texas farmers, ranchers and policy makers and would train the next generation of informed, skilled graduates.

History excerpt taken from Agricultural Economics: Its History and Development at Texas A&M University Through 1983 by John A. Hopkins and Katherine Sue Durden (1985).

historical shot of a group of men gathered in a room
old newspaper with a headline that reads, "Ag. Eco. course teaches techniques"
two people speaking while one holds a portfolio
historical shot of four people sitting on a bench outside
group of students in a classroom

The Future of Department of Agricultural Economics

In Fall 2022, the Department of Agricultural Economics will hold its Centennial Celebration to commemorate 100 years of service in teaching, research and Extension to Texas and the nation. Since its establishment those many years ago, the department has awarded over 10,000 degrees. Currently the department is undergoing strategic planning and vision casting to help plan for the next 100 years of growth, innovation and excellence in agricultural economics at Texas A&M University.

Strategic Plan
Old black and white picture of a professor demonstrating how a cotton mill works to students

Giving Back

Check out all of the ways you can give back to the department to be a part of the success of our students for the next 100 years.

Giving to the Department of Agricultural Economics
Speaker talking to students in classroom

Giving News

Developing sales professionals

To this day, hundreds of students in the Weston AgriFood Sales Program have been given high-impact learning experiences to enhance their sales skills, thanks to a generous gift that helped elevate the program.

Read More about this Generous Gift to the Weston AgriFood Sales Program
Fran and Bill Carter ’69

Giving News

A mind for business and a heart for people

Fran and Bill Carter ’69 donate $5M planned gift to support the growth of business leaders and the Financial Planning program.

Read More about this $5M Planned Gift
Chase ’10 and Kalyn Georg Carroll ’12 ’14

Giving News

Never too young to leave a legacy.

Former students Kalyn and Chase Carroll ’10 ’14 made a long-term commitment to support Rister ’74 Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program with a planned gift.

Read More about this Planned Gift to Support the Rister ’74 Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program
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