Agriculture

Agricultural Science and Technology 

Certification: Hunters Safety

The Agricultural Science and Technology course is designed to teach essential concepts and understanding related to plant and animal life including biotechnology, the conservation of natural resources, and the impact of agriculture and natural resource utilization on the environment. Emphasis is placed on the role of agriculture in our society and the importance of agriculture to the welfare of the world. Basic personal and community leadership and safety, and agricultural mechanical technology are included as a part of the instructional program. Each student is expected to design and participate in a supervised agricultural experience. 

Typical learning activities include hands-on learning experiences including performing basic principles of plant, soil, and animal science; studying and modeling the significance of humankind’s interrelationship with soil, water, and air; participating in FFA activities. 

Agricultural Mechanics and Technology

Prerequisites:  Student must have successfully completed Agriculture Science and Introduction to Horticulture. 

Assessment: OSHA 10 General

 The Agricultural Mechanics Technology course is designed as an introductory course to the Agriculture Mechanics Career Pathway. In addition it provides development of general mechanical skills which are required in all areas of Agricultural Education. Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences in woodworking; metal working; welding; small engine repair; basic farm and homestead improvements; participating in personal and community leadership development activities; planning and implementing a relevant school-to-work transition experience; and participating in FFA activities. 

Farm Animal Production

Prerequisites: Students must have successfully passed Agricultural Science.

Certification: Elanco Principles of Animal Science 

The Farm Animal Production course is designed to teach technical knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in an animal production enterprise by developing competencies concerning the selection, breeding, physiology, nutrition, health, housing, feeding, and marketing of farm animals. Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with the principles and practices essential in the production and management of farm animals and farm animal products for economic, recreational, and therapeutic uses; participating in personal and community leadership development activities; planning and implementing a relevant school-to-work transition experience; and participating in FFA activities.

Introduction to Horticulture

Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed Agriculture Science.

Certification: BASF Plant Science Certification

The Introduction to Horticulture course is designed to be an introduction to the Horticulture pathway. It is recommended as a prerequisite for all other horticulture courses. This course includes organized subject matter and practical experiences related to the culture of plants used principally for ornamental or aesthetic purposes. Instruction emphasizes knowledge and understanding of the importance of establishing, maintaining, and managing ornamental horticulture enterprises.

Introduction to Veterinary Science

Prerequisites:  Students must have successfully completed Agriculture Science.

Certification: Elanco Veterinary Medical Applications Certification

Assessment: Plant and Animal System End of Program

Animal and veterinary sciences are not limited to the care of domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, or other exotic animals. Often, individuals who work with animals work with animals from business perspective. South Carolina has multiple animal production companies, which raise and prepare animals to provide South Carolinians with a local, reliable, nutritious meat source. Animals are used regularly in agricultural settings, which requires individuals with specific training to be employed to care for these animals.  

The state of South Carolina and many local governmental entities also employ individuals with animal or veterinary science knowledge and skills. Some of these individuals work as park rangers, field scientists, zoo keepers, police dog trainers, and the list continues.

Small Animal Care

Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed Agriculture Science.

Certification: OSHA 10 General

The Small Animal Care course is designed to teach technical knowledge and skills for occupations in the pet industry or the companion animal industry. Skills also relate to the veterinarian or the veterinarian technician career field.

Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with cats, dogs, rabbits, fish, etc. participating in personal and community leadership development activities; and planning a relevant school to work transition experience.

Turf and Lawn Management

Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed Agricultural Science

Certification: OSHA 10 General

Turf and Lawn Management course is designed to teach technical knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in the turf grass industry. The principles and practices involved in establishing, managing, and maintaining grassed areas for ornamental and/or recreational purposes are studied. Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with analyzing problems and developing site plans for golf courses and commercial, church, and home lawns; establishing, fertilizing, irrigating, and pest management control of grassed areas; operating and maintaining machinery and equipment; participating in personal and community leadership development activities; planning and implementing a relevant school-to-work transition experience; and participating in FFA activities.