Agribusiness Technology A.A.S. Degree [A15100]

Program Information

The Agribusiness Technology curriculum is designed to provide the entrepreneurial and technical skills necessary to manage a profitable, environmentally sound, community based small farm or agricultural business. The objective is the development of a workforce knowledgeable in sustainable agriculture practices.

Students will learn the fundamentals of agriculture, focusing on crop production and business. Emphasis is placed on entrepreneurial and field training. Students will also learn the basic principles of our economic system and government policies and programs relating to agriculture.

Graduates should qualify for a variety of jobs in agricultural businesses such as equipment, feed, and agricultural supply sales; store management; farm operations; wholesale and retail produce management; nursery operations; and environmental and agricultural education.

Agribusiness Technology is a program that prepares individuals to manage agricultural businesses and agriculturally related operations within diversified corporations. Potential course work includes instruction in agriculture, agricultural specialization, business management, accounting, finance, marketing, planning, human resources management, and other managerial responsibilities. Students may be awarded a non-degree credential (i.e., certificate, diploma) after completing a specific portion of the Associate degree program.

Program of Study

General Education Required Courses

Required Courses

BIO 111	General Biology I	4
ENG 111	Writing and Inquiry	3
ENG 112	Writing and Research in the Disciplines	3

Humanities/Fine Arts (3 Credits)

Take one (1) course from:

ART 111	Art Appreciation	3
MUS 110	Music Appreciation	3
REL 110	World Religions	3

REL 110: UMO Transfer Track only.

Social/Behavioral Sciences (3 Credits)

Take one (1) course from:

ECO 251	Principles of Microeconomics	3
ECO 252	Principles of Macroeconomics	3
HIS 111	World Civilizations I	3
PSY 150	General Psychology	3
SOC 210	Introduction to Sociology	3
Total Credit Hours:		16

Major Required Courses

AGR 110	Agricultural Economics	3
AGR 111	Basic Farm Maintenance	2
AGR 139	Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture	3
AGR 140	Agricultural Chemicals	3
AGR 150	Ag-O-Metrics	3
AGR 160	Plant Science	3
AGR 170	Soil Science	3
AGR 212	Farm Business Management	3
AGR 213	Agricultural Law & Finance	3
AGR 214	Agricultural Marketing	3
AGR 261	Agronomy	3
ANS 110	Animal Science	3
BUS 110	Introduction to Business	3
BUS 137	Principles of Management	3
CIS 110	Introduction to Computers	3
WBL 111	Work-Based Learning I	1
WBL 112	Work-Based Learning I	2
	Agribusiness Major Electives	6
Total Credit Hours:		51-52

Note: See agribusiness major electives below.

Agribusiness Electives

Select 6 credits

AGR 121	Biological Pest Management	3
AGR 220	Agricultural Mechanization	3
AGR 226	Maintenance & Service of Prod Facility	3
AGR 262	Weed ID & Control	3
AGR 265	Organic Crop Production: Spring	3
AGR 266	Organic Crop Production: Fall	3
ANS 111	Sustainable Livestock Management	3
Total Credit Hours:		67-68

Semester-by-Semester Plan

Applies to day offerings. Due to time restraints, evening students should expect to have fewer offerings each semester.

First Year

Fall Semester

AGR 111	Basic Farm Maintenance	2
AGR 139	Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture	3
ANS 110	Animal Science	3
BIO 111	General Biology I	4
BUS 110	Introduction to Business	3
ENG 111	Writing and Inquiry	3
Total Credit Hours:		18

Spring Semester

AGR 110	Agricultural Economics	3
AGR 150	Ag-O-Metrics	3
AGR 214	Agricultural Marketing	3
CIS 110	Introduction to Computers	3
ENG 112	Writing and Research in the Disciplines	3
AGR	Elective	3
Total Credit Hours:		18

Second Year

Fall Semester

AGR 140	Agricultural Chemicals	3
AGR 160	Plant Science	3
AGR 213	Agricultural Law & Finance	3
AGR	Elective	3
	Social/Behavioral Sciences	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Spring Semester

AGR 170	Soil Science	3
AGR 212	Farm Business Management	3
AGR 261	Agronomy	3
BUS 137	Principles of Management	3
WBL 111	Work-Based Learning I	1
	Or
WBL 112	Work-Based Learning I	2
	Humanities/Fine Arts	3
Total Credit Hours:		16-17

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form in agricultural and agribusiness situations.
• Students will be able to prepare and analyze an agribusiness budget.
• Students will be able to apply sustainable soil principles, techniques and practices in appropriate situations.

Technical Requirements

The Agribusiness Technology program technical standards have been developed to inform students of the nonacademic essential functions of the program and profession. Examples are not all inclusive.

 

Standard	Essential Function	Examples
Communication Oral / Written	Skills sufficient to communicate information and ideas so others will understand	Communicate in a professional manner with coworkers and customers Read and understand work orders, instruction manuals, material safety data sheets and warning signs
Mobility / Motor Skills	Motor skills sufficient to move the hands and use hands to grasp or manipulate objects Mobility sufficient to maneuver in varied terrain Mobility sufficient to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body Ability to safely operate in and around machinery Ability to safely operate light equipment	Use hand tools and laboratory equipment Move in terrain such as uphill, downhill, gravel, pavement, dirt, etc. Physical activities may include: Stooping Reaching Squatting Lifting Bending Safely operate farm machinery Use light equipment such as lawn mowers, weed eaters, pest control equipment
Physical Strength and  Stamina	Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds Ability to work reasonable required hours Ability to maintain balance	Carry and transfer bagged animal feed Carry bagged fertilizer and potting mixes Work an eight-hour shift with mandated breaks Work on slippery or uneven surfaces
Sensory Sight Sound Taste Touch Smell	Ability to distinguish colors, shades, and textures of various materials Ability to tolerate scents/dander Ability to hear equipment to address maintenance issue Ability to touch and locate anatomy on animals	Encounter scents and or dander related to animals, feeds, or waste Determine different varieties of plants Detect odors related to potentially toxic or poisonous substances (plants, chemicals) Recognize a malfunctioning fan motor Locate a vein on an animal to draw blood
Environmental / Occupational Exposure	Possible exposure to common allergens Possible exposure to extreme weather conditions Possible exposure to chemicals and fumes Able to tolerate variations in lighting	Chemicals, toxins, dust, fumes, fertilizer, pesticides, fuel, etc. Allergens such as hay, grass, pollen Prolonged periods in various outdoor climates (heat, cold, rain)
Field or Industry Professional Standards	Safely work with livestock and machinery Continue industry education	Visit farms and diagnose livestock and equipment issues Attend workshops, tradeshows, maintain certification CEUs