The Agriculture program provides students an opportunity to experience the various aspects of the agricultural industry as they learn about agronomy/crop production, animal production, new technologies, and agriculture business. Through the use of hands-on experience, guest speakers, conferences, and field trips in addition to classroom lectures, students experience the impact of agriculture in the region and are prepared for entrance into a number of different career opportunities..

Students may choose from two pathways, Agribusiness and Animal Science. Students may also complete the Agriculture AAS fully online.

The Agriculture Certificate is awarded after successful completion of first semester courses.

The Agriculture Diploma is awarded after successful completion of the first two semesters.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the summary sheet.

Curriculum Sequence

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Fall Semester I	Course Title	Credit
AGB-336	Agricultural Selling	3
AGB-330	Farm Business Management	3
AGA-181	Introduction to Crop Science	3
AGB-235	Introduction to Agriculture Markets	3
AGS-113	Survey of the Animal Industry	3
AGB-104	Leadership in Agriculture	1
	TOTAL CREDITS	16

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Spring Semester I	Course Title	Credit
AGB-104	Leadership in Agriculture	1
AGA-182	Introduction to Soil Science	3
AGC-216	Career Seminar	2
AGS-226	Beef Cattle Science	3
PSY-102	Human and Work Relations	3
MAT-702	Introduction to Math Applications	3
Take 1 of 2 courses
AGA-376	Integrated Pest Management	3
AGS-225	Swine Science	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	18

AGB-336 - Agricultural Selling

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Students will gain the necessary knowledge and the techniques of selling agriculture products directly to producers.  Included is knowledge of the buying process, communication skills and other factors that are beneficial in building relationships with customers.

AGB-330 - Farm Business Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Applies business and economic principles of decision making and problem solving in the management of a farm business. Covers cash flow, partial, enterprise and whole farm budgeting. Reviews information systems for farm accounting, analysis and control. Examines obtaining and managing land, capital and labor resources. Provides alternatives for farm business organization and risk management.

AGA-181 - Introduction to Crop Science

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Basic structure and function of plants, origin and classification, growth and development. Fundamentals of photosynthesis, plant water use, plant nutrition and genetics that regulate plant growth, development and responses to the environment.

AGB-235 - Introduction to Agriculture Markets

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Presents basic concepts and economics principles related to markets for agricultural inputs and products. Reviews current marketing problems faced by farms and agribusinesses, farm and retail price behavior, structure of markets, food marketing channels, food quality and food safety and the role of agriculture in the general economy. Analyzes the implications of consumer preferences at the farm level. Introduces hedging, futures and other risk management tools.

AGS-113 - Survey of the Animal Industry

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Course studies ways domestic animals serve the basic needs of humans for food, shelter, protection, fuel and emotional well-being. Terminology, basic structures of the industries surrounding the production, care and marketing of domestic animals in the U.S. will also be studied.

AGB-104 - Leadership in Agriculture

Lecture: 1

Credit: 1

The course equips students with the tools needed to become effective leaders in their community and in the agricultural industry.  Students will learn how their personal leadership skills and styles prepare them to become leaders in their careers and like-minded organizations.

AGB-104 - Leadership in Agriculture

Lecture: 1

Credit: 1

The course equips students with the tools needed to become effective leaders in their community and in the agricultural industry.  Students will learn how their personal leadership skills and styles prepare them to become leaders in their careers and like-minded organizations.

AGA-182 - Introduction to Soil Science

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Introduce students to the mysterious world of soils. It is designed for students in agriculture and related sciences. The course provides a broad viewpoint to match the varied backgrounds and interest of students. Its coverage is made so broad to meet the needs of students who will take only one course in soils, as well as those who will use it as a base for more advanced study of specialized areas in soil science.

AGC-216 - Career Seminar

Lecture: 2

Credit: 2

This course is designed to help students explore and discover the many opportunities that are available in the profession of agriculture and related industries both nationally and internationally.

AGS-226 - Beef Cattle Science

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Introduces principles, practices and decisions impacting beef cattle production.

PSY-102 - Human and Work Relations

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This is a course that includes the understanding of the applications of psychological principles, theory and research related to the work setting.

MAT-702 - Introduction to Math Applications

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course is offered to students who can profit from an applied course in mathematics and will prepare students who need to develop skills for MAT-704. It is designed as an introductory level algebra course recommended for students with one year of high school algebra. Emphasis is on the building of basic algebra skills and the application of these mathematical techniques. The course studies the relationship of geometry and algebra as they apply to various fields. This course will also cover whole numbers/decimals, integers, fractions/percents, direct measurement, basic geometric concepts/relationships, linear equations and right-triangle trigonometry. Prerequisite: MAT-052 or meet minimum placement testing requirements.

AGA-376 - Integrated Pest Management

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

Course describes the basics of field scouting for corn and soybean crops for weeds, insects, diseases and disorders, as well as, a variety of management practices to manage those ailments.

AGS-225 - Swine Science

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Introduces principles, practices and decisions impacting swine production.

Sabrina Pidgeon - Associate Professor - Agriculture Management

Email: spidgeon@scciowa.edu
AA, Indian Hills Community College
AS, Indian Hills Community College
BS, Iowa State University
MA, Iowa Wesleyan University

Adam Raub - Professor - Agriculture

Email: araub@scciowa.edu
BS, Western Illinois University
MBA, St. Ambrose University