Hands-On Training for a Future in Agriculture
As technology advances, specialized training is more critical than ever for success in the agricultural industry. At Iowa Lakes, you’ll receive unparalleled hands-on training at our 300+ acre college-owned farm, gaining real-world experience that will set you apart in the workforce. The Agriculture Production Technology AAS degree provides a comprehensive education in modern farming techniques, agribusiness management, and cutting-edge agricultural technology.
Choose your specialization in crops, swine, or beef, and explore a variety of modern production methods and agricultural advancements, including:
- GPS/GIS and Variable Rate Technology (VRT)
- Real-time ultrasound and electronic identification
- Artificial insemination and embryo transfer
- Advanced farm management software
Flexible Degree Paths for Career Success
At Iowa Lakes, you can tailor your education to your career goals:
- One-year diploma options: Earn a Diploma in Agricultural Management or Agricultural Studies to build a specialized skill set and enter the workforce quickly.
- Two-year AAS degree: Earn your Agriculture Production AAS degree and expand your knowledge with advanced coursework and additional career opportunities.
Through our Occupational Experience program, you’ll have the opportunity to earn money while gaining valuable real-world experience in agribusiness and farm operations.
Explore career opportunities and salary expectations in the agriculture industry through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. Ready to take the next step? Connect with an enrollment coach today and start your career in Agriculture Production Technology!
Find Your It!
Your Future in Agriculture Starts Here!
Specialized Training for High-Demand Careers
The Agriculture Production Technology, AAS degree at Iowa Lakes prepares students for farm management, livestock operations, agronomy, and precision agriculture careers. Whether you plan to own and operate a farm, work in agribusiness, or specialize in agricultural technology, Iowa Lakes provides the skills and hands-on experience you need to succeed.
Seamless Pathways to Employment
Graduates of our one-year diploma or two-year AAS degree programs are equipped with the expertise to immediately enter the workforce or pursue further education. With a strong emphasis on technology-driven agriculture, our graduates are highly sought after by employers in the industry.
Program Details
Length
4 terms
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (68 credits)
Campus
Emmetsburg
Training
Internship/Practicum
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
AGA 154 – Fundamentals of Soil Science
An introduction to basic soil formation, classification, physical properties, water, organic matter, pH, and fertility.
AGC 100 – Agricultural Computer Applications
This course includes basic knowledge of computer hardware, software and operation with an agriculture emphasis. Students will explore agricultural related applications.
AGC 111 – Basic First Aid/Life Support
This course teaches American Red Cross basic first aid and American Heart Association cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Students will obtain a 10-Hour Occupational Health and Safety Association (OSHA) card, included in this training: tractor safety, chemical safety, and livestock safe handling practices.
AGC 130 – Mathematics I-Agriculture
Provides the student with math skills relating to agricultural economics, agribusiness, animal science, agronomy, and agricultural mechanics. Applies the basic math functions and basic algebra to practical agricultural situations.
MAT 772 – Applied Math
A course in elementary mathematical skills for technicians. Topics covered include fundamental operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and signed numbers; percents; geometric figures and basic constructions; area and volume formulas; English/Metric systems; measurements; and basic algebraic equations and applications.
MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts
This is a general survey course which includes sets; number systems; elementary algebra; exponents; equations and inequalities; fractions; ratios; proportion and variation; probability and statistics; elementary graphing; consumer mathematics; and an introduction to geometry.
Prerequisites: appropriate placement score or MAT 054 – Math Strategies
AGC 936 – Occupational Experience
This course is a required on-the-job training experience in the Agribusiness and Ag Production curriculum. Students work in an agricultural setting gaining employment experiences while applying skills and technologies developed in the classroom.
AGS 113 – Survey of the Animal Industry
This course is an introduction in animal science including various species and breeds of domestic animals and gives them an appreciation for the principles of production, biological principles, stewardship, and animal industries as they relate to animal production in the U.S. and the world.
Choose AGC 130, MAT 772 OR MAT 110
Plus choose Ag Electives: 2 credits
Term 2
AGA 114 – Principles of Agronomy
Covers the basic principles of crop production, including classification, soil-plant interrelationships and growth process in response to environment.
AGC 937 – Occupational Experience II
This course is a required on-the-job training experience in the Agribusiness and Ag Production curriculum. Students work in an agricultural setting gaining employment experiences while applying skills and technologies developed in the classroom.
AGS 319 – Animal Nutrition
Examination of nutritional principles, digestive systems, composition and nutritional characteristics of common feedstuffs, ration formulation and recommended animal feeding programs.
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
Plus choose Ag Electives: 5 credits
Choose Ag Lab: 1 credit
Term 3
AGB 330 – Farm Business Management
This course focuses on business and economic principles applied to decision making and problem solving in the management of a farm business. Topics include business plans, balance sheets, income statement, cash flow, partial, enterprise, and budgeting. Information systems will be used for farm accounting, analysis, and control.
AGB 437 – Commodity Marketing
Introduction to the commodity futures markets, with information on contract specifications, exchanges, basic trading information, and fundamental and technical market information.
AGC 210 – Employment Seminar
Preparation of the farm management student for entry into the non-family farm job market.
AGC 938 – Occupational Experience III
This course is a required on-the-job training experience in the Agribusiness and Ag Production curriculum. Students work in an agricultural setting gaining employment experiences while applying skills and technologies developed in the classroom.
Plus choose Ag Electives: 5 credits
Choose Ag Lab: 1 credit
Term 4
AGA 852 – Principles of Crop Production
This course introduces and reinforces concepts of plant, soil, tillage, pest, environmental, and sustainable aspects of crop production. Agricultural systems from around the world will be introduced. Practices associated with optimum crop production of selected field crops will also be discussed.
AGB 466 – Agricultural Finance
This course is a study of the terminology and tools of agricultural finance. It emphasizes the use of credit, preparation of financial documents, evaluating financial condition, and discusses financial risk strategies.
AGC 131 – Agricultural Communications
Agricultural Communications is a course that provides reinforcement and mastery of the various segments of agricultural communications. Students will develop verbal, nonverbal, oral, written, and visual communication skills and how these techniques are utilized in the context of agriculture.
COM 723 – Workplace Communications†
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET, COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
AGS 308 – Livestock Management Techniques
In this course students will explore livestock management practices and techniques with various types of livestock. Primary focus will be beef cattle and swine. Areas specific to proper livestock handling, livestock husbandry, and health management will be discussed to prepare students for careers related to animal science.
Choose AGC 131, COM 723 or ENG 105
Plus choose Ag Electives: 3 credits
Choose Ag Lab: 1 credit
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Agriculture Production Technology program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn the following:1
- Illustrate key management practices in livestock operations.
- Compare common crop enterprises important to our region.
- Demonstrate professionalism in a workplace setting.
- Demonstrate workplace safety in an agricultural setting.
- Apply effective workplace communication skills.
- Practice critical thinking skills in agricultural management situations.
- Demonstrate application of agricultural knowledge and resources to solve problems and perform relevant activities.
- Construct a business plan for an agricultural operation.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Agriculture Production Technology Associate in Applied Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Available Agricultural Production Technology Certifications
- Agronomy Science
- Beef Certificate
- Beef Science Certificate
- Swine Certificate
- Swine Science Certificate
OUR FARM FEATURES:
AGRONOMY
- 250 Acres of Row Crop
- Precision Ag Technology (GPS)
SWINE OPERATION
- Farrow-to-Finish
- PigCHAMP – leading swine management software
BEEF OPERATION
- Monoslope Cattle Barn
- Custom Feedlot
- Electronic Identification
- Performance Beef – industry-leading feedlot technology
- Cow-Calf Herd
NEWLY CONSTRUCTED FARM LAB FACILITY
- 7,600-square-foot building
- Modern and innovative classroom
- Shop area for machinery repair
- Advanced technology simulation lab
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
0.1%
Potential Careers
Ag Production Tech – Feed Production, Agricultural Inspector, Swine Production Specialist, Farm Equipment Operator, Cow/Calf Technician, Farm Manager, Applications Specialist
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$101,254
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
87,980
Average Salary
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Kelly Dodge Assistant Professor | Agriculture Programs 712-852-5329 | kdodge@iowalakes.edu |
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Tom Quastad Assistant Professor | Agriculture Programs 712-852-5239 | tquastad@iowalakes.edu |
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Alexis Mart Agriculture Technology Instructor 712-852-5320 | amart@iowalakes.edu |