Agriculture

An introductory course for first year agriculture education students. This course introduces students to the foundational principles of agriculture, food and natural resources. Students will gain knowledge in career development, leadership, personal development, communications, animal science, plant science, natural resources, food science, power/structure and agribusiness.

In this course student will be comparing and contrasting business models and identifying the advantages and disadvantages to owners and customers within the agribusiness chains. Students will show an understanding of basic recordkeeping skills and applications in an agribusiness. Components include the general journal, balance sheet, cash flow statements, and financial statements, reconciliation of accounts, net worth, income statements, and profit and loss statements. Students will understand how these records can allow for business decisions within an agribusinesses or Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) program.

Students will develop understanding and proficiency in the areas of Animal Production Systems, “Farm to Table” , Animal Reproduction and Genetics, Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Animal Behavior and Management, the business side of animal production, and research current Issues facing Animal Agriculture.

This course is designed to introduce students to the horticulture industry. Major units of instruction include horticulture research, horticultural careers, plant anatomy, seed germination, plant propagation, growing media, pest management, hydroponics, identifying horticultural plants, soil science, growing greenhouse crops. Improving industry standard workplace skills will be a focus. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

This course allows for individualized advanced or culminating work in any Program of Study. This advanced work can be individualized to the specific program of study to allow for specialized study for the student. It may include project based or problem-based learning or preparation for end of program industry certification. The instructor, in collaboration with the individual student, will determine the specific content and course design.