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.
AAE Celebrates Class of 2023 Graduates
On Friday, May 12, more than two hundred people attended the department Graduation Celebration to honor AAE’s Class of 2023.

Alumnus Meg Cirii, B.S. '22, Agricultural & Applied Economics, working in Dominican Republic on economic development
Cirii, eager to apply economics to real-life situations to generate sustainable outcomes, is a member of a new wave of Peace Corps representatives to join since the organization resumed services.

Agricultural Business Management Club (ABMC) place 2nd at national conference
ABMC members competed against other four-year universities. Member Zachary Smith placed 5th on the written exam; the team placed second overall.

AAE Welcomes Three New Faculty Members
Jeff Hadachek, one of three assistant professors joining AAE in fall 2023, is an agricultural economist who has studied the effect of pandemics and extreme weather events on food supply chains.

Graduate student receives assistantship supporting research on organic agriculture
Guang Tian, AAE doctoral candidate, is one of five graduate students whose work and research is highlighted in a video series focused on future leaders in organic agriculture.

Two AAE faculty honored in CALS Investiture Ceremony
AAE faculty Guanming Shi and Dan Phaneuf were among eight of the CALS faculty recognized during the inaugural CALS investiture ceremony.
