A new course is being offered at the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources for undergraduate and graduate students. Beginning in Fall 2026, ‘Contemporary Issues in Food and Agriculture Policy’ (undergraduate AAEC 4101-001, CRN 12142; graduate AAEC 7000-023, CRN 52775) will offer students a way to learn more about current policy issues impacting agriculture.
'I'm excited to teach 'Contemporary Issues in Food & Agriculture Policy.' This class will help students better understand current policy debates and engage them with experts directly involved in policy development.'
This course is designed to expose students to ongoing legislative and regulatory policy discussions happening at the state and federal levels. The inclusion of guest speakers throughout the course will allow students to hear directly from government and industry representatives shaping agricultural policy. Students can be prepared for diverse careers in the agricultural industry by gaining insight through the development and implementation of policy and advocacy.
Lowell Randel, the Agricultural Policy Advocacy Program’s Executive Director and a professor in the Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics, will be the primary instructor. Randel will be joined by guest speakers throughout the course to help students hear directly from different aspects of those involved in agricultural policy development.
“I'm excited to teach 'Contemporary Issues in Food & Agriculture Policy' in the Fall. This class will help students better understand current policy debates and engage them with experts directly involved in policy development,” said Randel.
Course topics will include identifying reliable sources of agricultural policy information, strategies for tracking Congress, and insights on federal and state legislation. In addition, the course will cover federal and state regulatory issues while discussing budget and appropriations. Students will also hear industry perspectives from animal, crop, and agribusiness organizations.
“I’m looking forward to gaining real-world exposure to policy work and strengthening my ability to communicate and advocate effectively on behalf of the agricultural industry,” said Brody Black, an agricultural and applied economics major from Vega, Texas.
Black said that the new agricultural policy advocacy certificate gives students a unique opportunity to understand how policy works and equips them with practical skills that are valuable in agriculture, business, and public service.
“I decided to pursue the certificate to better understand how policy impacts the agricultural industry and to build a strong foundation for a future career in agricultural law and advocacy,” he said.
Following his graduation next May, Black plans to attend law school and pursue a career in agricultural law and policy, with a focus on advocacy and industry representation.
Contemporary Issues in Food and Agriculture Policy will be a one-hour seminar class offered on Thursdays 2-3:20 p.m. The course is new this fall, with plans to be offered in the future fall and spring semesters. This class is a required class for the Certificate in Agricultural Policy Advocacy and is open to all Davis College students, regardless of major.
CONTACT: Lowell Randel, Executive Director of Agricultural Policy Advocacy Program, Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at Lowell.Randel@ttu.edu
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