A new course is being offered at the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources. Beginning in Spring 2026 “Special Problems in Applied Economics Analysis: Agricultural Policy Advocacy” (AAEC 4301-025, CRN 73101) will introduce students to practical strategies for influencing agricultural policy. The course will focus on teaching students how to effectively advocate for agriculture and engage in the policymaking process.
Lowell Randel, the Agricultural Policy Advocacy Program’s Executive Director and a professor in the Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics, brings extensive experience in policy development, government affairs and advocacy.
He has developed strong working relationships with congressional offices, federal agencies and the agriculture industry within Texas and the United States. He has served in leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and founded his own government relations firm focused on serving agriculture and food industry clients.
With Randel’s academic insight and real-world policy experience, students who have already signed up for the class are excited about the opportunity to learn more about agricultural policy.
“'I’m looking forward to understanding the legislative system on a deeper level” said Madison Glass, a dual Agricultural & Applied Economics and General Business major from Alamogordo, New Mexico. “In school we all get the basic overview of how our governmental system runs, but I feel that this class is a really special opportunity to have a space to discuss the system on a deeper level as well as how we can fit into it as young adults.”
“As I move forward in my career, I think it is essential to learn how to engage in effective conversations surrounding policy and industry transitions, and I feel this class will give me a solid foundation to do so,” she said.
There is still time to register for this course. Classes for the Spring 2026 semester begin on Jan. 14 and the last day to enroll in classes is Tuesday, Jan. 20. The Agricultural Policy Advocacy class will meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
This course is an important part of the broader Agricultural Policy Advocacy Program and will be a required class to receive the new Certificate in Agricultural Policy Advocacy, which is slated to begin in Fall 2026.
The program will also feature increased opportunities for students to experience agricultural policy firsthand in Washington, D.C. with the expansion of the Davis College internship program and the creation of a new post-graduate fellowship.
CONTACT: Lowell Randel, Executive Director, Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at Lowell.Randel@ttu.edu
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