Economics for the real world
Deep historical roots.
The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison was the first such specialized department in the world. Growing from its original focus on issues of land, forests and farm management, the department is continually evolving to address the needs of students, the state of Wisconsin, the nation, and the world.
Ready for the future.
With research, teaching, and outreach focused on environmental and resource economics, agricultural economics, international development, and community economic development, our faculty’s work addresses some of the world’s most pressing current problems. As one of the top departments in the country, the future of AAE is brighter than ever.
Hands-on training key to AAE degree programs
At AAE we’re training the next generation of economists and business leaders. Anchoring that commitment is our experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
Tara Mittelberg, PhD student, receives 2024 AAEA Outstanding Master’s Thesis
Tara Mittelberg, PhD x'26 was recognized at the AAEA Annual Awards ceremony in July for her thesis, “The Relationship between the ‘Forced Labor Dirty List’ and agricultural transactions in Brazil”.
Professional Master’s Program (MSPO) sees continued growth
Now in its seventh year, the Professional Master’s (MSPO) Program continues its annual growth trend. The 2024-2025 incoming class of 19 is an almost 60% enrollment increase over the past two years.
The value of water quality regulation in small-town America
Prof. Rhiannon Jerch examined how U.S. cities paid for, and benefited from, the wastewater treatment plant improvements required by the 1972 Clean Water Act.
2025 Agricultural Outlook Forum
Over 130 members of the ag community attended the 2025 Ag Outlook Forum, hosted by the Renk Agribusiness Institute, to consider, discuss, share and prepare for potential changes ahead under the new administration.
The economic value of monitoring nitrate in public drinking water
Prof. Jeff Hadachek studied the health benefits of switching to bottled drinking water after reports of excess nitrate levels in tap water.
