Agriculture Operations/ Courses

This course is an introduction to agribusiness systems. An overview of the agribusiness industry is provided. Economic and financial principles, retail salesmanship, and record keeping methods are covered.

This course focuses on the implementation of safety protocols in Agricultural enterprises. The students will learn OSHA compliance, proper handling and transportation of hazardous materials such as pesticides and fertilizer, and safe procedures to avoid injuries associated with livestock, farm equipment, tools and buildings. Students will develop prevention practices and conduct basic training exercises to promote awareness.

This course provides students with an opportunity to experience a working environment in the agricultural industry. The purpose of this course is to identify professional employment skills such as: work ethics, timeliness, management, teamwork, problem solving and communication.

This course instructs students how to safely operate equipment used in the agricultural industry. Equipment will include trucks, tractors, loaders, skid steers, sprayers, wagons, trailers, etc. Students will learn the proper techniques of loading, unloading, securing and transporting agricultural equipment and implements as well as the proper mixing, storage and application of chemicals and fertilizer products.

This course will discuss the basic principles of nutrition as it applies to small and large animals and how their needs vary throughout the various stages of their life cycle. Topics included feed classifications, the function of nutrients, nutrient requirements, digestion and metabolism, deficiency symptoms, feed regulations and the formulation of animal diets. Students will also develop an understanding of animal health needs and disease symptoms in order to prevent sickness and to promote health, growth, and performance.

This course introduces students to the food supply chain from farm to consumer. Students will identify procedures necessary to ensure sanitation, food quality, and government compliance. Students will develop innovative approaches to promote products by evaluating key product characteristics.

This course focuses on the general understanding of all aspects of livestock production. It enables the students to understand selection, nutrition, management, growth and development of the specific types of livestock in agriculture. Students will develop and foster the understanding of the practices and policies of the animal industry.

This course provides the definition of natural resources and identifies different management practices that may be used to conserve water and minimize soil disturbance by evaluating methods such as crop rotation, tillage practices, and integrated weed management. Students will research how government agencies offer various programs and financial assistance to promote effective conservation techniques.

This course introduces students to the repair and maintenance of equipment and facilities used in an agricultural production enterprise. The students will obtain knowledge through both classroom instruction and hands-on experience, allowing them to select the proper hand tools, power tools, materials, and equipment necessary for the effective operation of a production farm.

Students will learn the reproductive processes in domestic animals. Topics will include the characteristics necessary for breeding by recognizing soundness, age and readiness; reproduction management to ensure effective breeding efficiency; and the role of hormones in reproduction and the estrus cycle. Students will use heat detection techniques to determine proper breeding time, and will practice artificial insemination, and will use ultrasound on multiple species of domestic animals to determine pregnancy status.

This course provides an overview of topics such as plant classification, physiology, and the fundamentals of growth. It will also introduce the definition of soil and its characteristics. Emphasis will also be on the importance of the quality and quantity of soil as it relates to the management of soil and water conservation.

This course will provide an overview of precision agriculture and the tools necessary to process field data, create reports and build prescription maps. This course will use software such as GPS receivers, soil collection equipment, auto steer technology, variable rate technology, and digital platforms. Students will use software and technology to gain information necessary to optimize inputs, crop performance, fertilizer and crop protection analysis.

This course examines record keeping and accounting procedures as they apply to the production and marketing of agricultural products.

This course is an introduction to agricultural economics. It examines the economics of organizing and managing a large farming or ranching operation. This course will analyze the structure and operation of the agriculture marketing system, explain the functional and institutional aspects of agricultural finance, and evaluate government agriculture-related programs.

This course will impart knowledge and expertise in the field of agricultural finance. It enables students to understand the business planning and financial management of an agricultural business. Students are made aware of the international models for gauging agricultural debt and the role of the regulator in agricultural financing.

This agronomy course will provide an overview of crop, forage, and soil management. It will include soil preparation, fertility options, and planting practices. Students will be able to identify invasive weed species and use integrated pest management skills to control resistance. This class will enable the students to specialize in fertilizer formulation associated to a specific crop or forage. In addition, this course will examine production strategies such as no-till and conventional farming as it relates to geographical areas in the United States.

This course is a survey of management practices using a variety of case studies. Specific issues and situations in agribusiness are evaluated using the four functions of management including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.

This course teaches the essentials of marketing agricultural products. It evaluates the movement of agricultural commodities and products from producer to consumer.

This course helps students develop effective leadership skills in order to manage individuals and teams in an agricultural business. Topics include human resources, effective communication, decision making, problem solving, and conflict management.