Agriculture Program


Agriculture Careers

Agronomy Sales Manager, Agriculture Engineer, Biochemist, Environmental Engineer, Bioinformatics Scientist, Food Scientist, Animal Geneticist, Agriculture Operations Manager

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Suggested Course Sequence

⭕️ Industry Certification Opportunity ✅ College Credit Opportunity ✴️ Capstone Opportunity

Level 1 Course

4100/4101 - Introduction to Agriculture A & B - 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. (10 elective credits) This course is offered at the following schools: PHS for elective credit

Level 2 Courses

6756S1/S2 - Principles of Animal and Vet Science A/B - Students will develop knowledge, skills and understanding in the biological processes and physiological systems found in livestock and companion animal species including anatomy and physiology, growth and development, muscular and skeletal systems, integumentary system, respiratory and circulatory systems, nervous system, lymphatic and endocrine systems and excretory system. The scientific processes of observation, hypothesizing, data gathering, interpretation, analysis and application will be included. Career opportunities and educational preparation will be examined. Learning activities are varied with classroom, laboratory and field experiences will be included. (10 science credits) This course is offered at the following schools: PHS for Science Credit

Principles of Natural Resource Management A/B - An introductory course for agriculture education students pursuing careers in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. This course expands student learning to the foundational principles of ecology including the fields of geology, meteorology, biology and chemistry related to the conservation, natural resources, and fish and wildlife management. Students will gain knowledge in career development, leadership, personal development, communications, and environmental science. (10 science credits) This course is offered at the following schools: PHS for Science Credit

6752S1/S2 - Principles of Horticulture Science A/B - This course is designed to introduce students to the horticulture industr. 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. (10 science credits) This course is offered at the following schools: PHS for Science Credit

Level 3 Courses

6754S1/S2 - Animal Production A/B - Students will gain knowledge, skill and understanding in a variety of systems of production as well as the care, management and handling of livestock and companion animal species. Nutrients and nutrition, types of feeds, balancing rations, herd health management, common diseases, parasites, disease treatment and prevention, reproductive management, routine administration techniques and basic animal handling will be the topics covered in this course. Current animal agriculture issues will be researched and addressed. The scientific processes of observation, hypothesizing, data gathering, interpretation, analysis and application will be included. Career opportunities and educational preparation will be examined. Learning activities are varied with classroom, laboratory and field experiences will be included. (10 science credits) This course is offered at the following schools: PHS for elective credit

4104/4105 - Intermediate Veterinary Science A/B - Students will develop knowledge, skill and understanding in the biological processes and physiological systems found in livestock and companion animal species pertaining to Animals & Society, Animals in Research, Veterinary Laws & Ethics, Common Veterinary Medical Equipment, Veterinary Medical Terms & Terminology, Basic Canine & Feline Anatomy, External Anatomy of Livestock: Terms & Terminology, Circulatory & Respiratory Systems , Digestive System, Endocrine, Immune & Integumentary Systems, Nervous, Skeletal & Muscular Systems. Current animal agriculture issues will be researched and addressed. The scientific processes of observation, hypothesizing, data gathering, interpretation, analysis and application will be included. Career opportunities and educational preparation will be examined. Learning activities are varied with classroom, laboratory and field experiences will be included. (10 science credits) This course is offered at the following schools: PHS for science credit

4106 - Greenhouse Production - This advanced course offers instruction in greenhouse production. Units of study include plant identification, greenhouse management, integrated pest management, propagation, growing media, growing greenhouse crops, horticulture mechanics, Agribusiness units will cover operating a horticultural business, pricing work, advertising, and sales. 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. (5 elective credits) This course is offered at the following schools: PHS for elective credit

4107 - Floriculture - Floriculture is a one semester long class in which students will learn about the production, arrangement, and retailing of flowers. Classification and identification of common plants used in the floral industry will be taught. The class will include numerous labs where fresh, silk, and dried flowers are used to design corsages, wedding bouquets, table flower arrangements, and seasonal holiday decorations. The course will also highlight developing communication skills, business principles, and leadership skills in the floriculture industry. 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. (5 Credits) This course is offered at the following schools: PHS for elective credit

4108- Landscape Construction and Maintenance - Landscape Management course provides instruction that incorporates plant science, soil and media mixtures, plant identification and optimal environments, and landscape design, installation, and maintenance of new and existing landscapes. 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. (5 science credits) This course is offered at the following schools: PHS for science credit

4109 - Urban Farm Management - This course will focus on purpose, site identification, land access, soil quality, water resources, infrastructure for both indoor and outdoor growing operations, production strategies, market development, and financing as it applies to Urban Farming. 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. (5 science credits) This course is offered at the following schools: PHS for science credit

Level 4 Courses

✴️ 4110 - Work-Based Learning: Agriculture - Students build on prior knowledge and skills in the program of study to further develop and apply employability and technical skills that prepare them for success in future career and postsecondary education. (variable credit) This course is offered at the following schools: PHS for elective credit

⭕️ Industry Certification Opportunity ✅ College Credit Opportunity ✴️ Capstone Opportunity


Go Beyond the Classroom

Advisory Committee Members

Alan Matsuda

4 Rivers Territory Manager

Cassie Poncelo

Counselor Poudre High School

Lauren Kiel

Counselor Poudre High School

Bryan Kiel

Assistant Principal Poudre High School

Wendy Bryner

Teacher Counseling Assistant

Karl Whitman

Plant Science Manager CSU

Heather Dannahower

Front Range Natural Resources Professor

Ragan Adams

Vet Science CSU

Terry Engle

Associate Department Head Animal Science

Madison Andersen

Colorado Wheat

Steven Newman

Floriculture, Greenhouse Crops, and Stress Physiology

Dr Robert Delmore

Interim Director of Undergraduate Programs

Aberle Raymond

Natural Resources Professor Front Range

Jesse Eastnan

Fort Collins Nursery

Addy Elliott

Assistant Dean of Advising and Student Success

Wendy Tomaschow

Work Based Learning Coordinator

PSD Agriculture Teachers

Mackenzie Crooks - mcrooks@psdschools.org

Sadie Nelson - sadien@psdschools.org

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