On Friday, March 7, 2025, sixteen finance students visited Perdue AgriBusiness (PAB), a division of Perdue Farms Inc. that sources, purchases, and processes various agricultural commodities, to learn more about commodity trading. This facilities tour was organized as part of the FINA 442 Financial Derivatives class taught by Dr. Asli Eksi in coordination with Ms. Caroline Phillips, Manager, Talent Acquisition of Perdue Farms.
During the trip, students learnt about the Perdue AgriBusiness’ nine business units from the senior leadership. Real life examples of derivatives applied to PAB business situations. Students talked to various Perdue representatives including their senior leadership, Salisbury University alumni to learn about their professional experiences working as PAB associates. Students got a world class education on global food production operation, effective use of derivative contracts for risk management purposes, and how they hedge their exposure to financial risks.
Additionally, students had the opportunity to tour Perdue AgriBusiness facilities that contained a grain elevator, an oilseed crush plant, and an edible oil refinery. Besides getting a deeper understanding of commodity markets and learning how financial derivatives are used in real life, students also networked with different finance professionals in the Salisbury area. They met with Perdue AgriBusiness associates including SU alumni and talked to them about their career paths.