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.
Graduate student Pedro Magana Saenz' research receives J-PAL Funding (Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab)
Pedro Magana Saenz a PhD candidate from Mexico is currently a co-researcher on a pilot study of Ugandan dairy farmers that could help improve returns on their milk production with the aid of fintech.

Undergraduate Spotlight: Emily Strauss, Junior, Agricultural Business Management, 2023 Renk Scholar
Emily Strauss hails from Lake Mills, Wisconsin. A transfer student from UW-Platteville where she was a member of the Women's Soccer team, Strauss was selected as one of this year's Renk Scholars.

AAE Professional Master's Program (MSPO) enrollment continues to grow
Now in its fifth year, AAE's Professional Master’s (MSPO) program continues to grow. This fall 15 new MSPO students enrolled in the program.

AAE Welcomes Three New Faculty Members
Rhiannon Jerch, one of three assistant professors joining AAE in fall 2023, is an urban and environmental economist who has studied how a policy to reduce traffic congestion changed Beijing’s housing market.

AAE celebrates at annual Scholars and Sponsors Lunch
AAE hosted its annual Scholars and Sponsors Luncheon October 4, recognizing 39 undergraduate and 13 graduate recipients. Approximately $160,000 was awarded thanks to the generosity of our donors. Congratulations, students! Thank you, Donors!

New Faculty Profile: Jeff Hadachek
Jeff Hadachek's research broadly focuses on the impacts of agricultural production on environmental resources and on strategies to make food production and food markets more resilient to shocks in the long run.
