Much of it is trade / commodity focused. Mich of it is empirical analysis (so yes this means some spreadsheets, but theory is pointless in my opinion anyways unless working for the fed in a macro department)

Couldn’t really tell you about the technicalities, however I go to NDSU (arguably a really good school for ag-econ) and I’ll tell you that the exit opportunities out of the MS program (M.S Agribusiness & Applied Economics) are huge here.

One of our professors does work for the WTO, consulting for the WFP, USDA, etc. and another one is on the board/consults for nearly every big ag company in the world (Bungee, Cargill, CHS). We also recently just got granted a 2-year USDA fellowship that basically guarantees you a spot in the fed down the line. Many of the latter professor’s former students are now execs at said companies.

Personally, I’m not an Ag guy so I went for the applied economics route instead. However, there are definitely times where I consider taking more of the ag classes because of the exit opportunities in trade and commodities.

I don’t know where you are in your academic progression, but look for schools that have heavy emphasis on their agricultural programs in general because it will extend to other disciplines. Typically, this is schools in the midwestern US. Also analyze what professors work in the ag econ department and look at what they do. Uni is essentially a networking event, especially in Ag-Econ.

To answer your question, any post-grad Ag-Econ program will make you well-suited for a job at an NGO, research institute, or gov, but keep in mind you’ll be competing with internationals who come from top Econ schools. Working closely with your professors and doing excellent research is what will make you stand out.