Program Coordinator/Contact
Nicole Klein, Associate Director
Ness School of Management and Economics
Harding Hall
605-688-4141
Program Information
The Commodity Risk Management minor focuses on the quantitative skills needed to analyze agricultural commodities – hedging techniques, fundamental analysis, technical analysis, price forecasting, risk analysis, etc. The minor will utilize the resources of the First Dakota National Bank e-Trading Lab to train students in all aspects of risk management of agricultural commodities, including but not limited to, the use of futures and options contracts to manage input and output price risks. It is important not only for agricultural producers to understand risk management, but it is also very important for the producers’ industry partners to understand prudent risk management – brokers, bankers, insurance agents, input suppliers, buyers, etc. In addition to agricultural producers, most stages of the food, fiber, and fuel supply chain can benefit – graduates going into any agribusiness that is interested in controlling costs and pricing byproducts will benefit from the minor.
Student Learning Outcomes
In the Commodity Risk Management minor, students will:
- Describe, illustrate, and evaluate fundamental factors impacting markets.
- Apply alternative risk management tools and strategies.
- Quantitatively evaluate risk in markets.
- Evaluate market signals, including the use of technical analysis.
Academic Requirements
A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for the courses in the minor.
Course Delivery Format
The program offers courses on campus, with limited online coursework, usually during the summer.
