Start in the Field, Transfer with Confidence: Agriculture at Iowa Lakes

If you’re passionate about agriculture, whether that means raising livestock, working in crop production, precision ag, selling ag products, or inspiring the next generation, there’s no better place to start your college journey than at Iowa Lakes Community College.

At Iowa Lakes, agriculture isn’t just something we teach; it’s something we live. Our Agriculture Transfer Majors are intentionally designed to give students academic foundation, and career direction they need to succeed at a four-year institution—and beyond.

“We’ve built these programs to mirror the real needs of the ag industry while keeping transfer top-of-mind,” said Stacey Benson, Dean of Career & Technical Education. “Students get the benefit of practical, applied learning in a small classroom environment, and then they take that momentum with them when they transfer. It’s a powerful combination.”

With Associate of Science degrees in Agriculture Business, Agricultural Education, Agronomy, and Animal Science, students can tailor their experience to match their goals—whether they want to manage a farm, work in extension, lead ag sales, or pursue an animal science track.

A Strong Start, A Seamless Transition

Each Agriculture Transfer Major at Iowa Lakes is a 64-credit program completed over four terms on the Emmetsburg campus. Students take a mix of agriculture-specific courses like Farm Business Management, Principles of Agronomy, or Beef Cattle Science, alongside general education classes that meet core requirements at most four-year universities.

That means while you’re learning about nutrient cycles or analyzing cattle markets, you’re also building communication, math, and science skills that make you a well-rounded transfer candidate.

Transfer majors are carefully mapped to match requirements at Iowa’s public universities and other regional institutions, giving students a clear path forward without wasted time or credits.

Tailored Tracks for Your Passion

• Agriculture Business Transfer Major
  Designed for students interested in the business side of farming including finance, marketing, and management. Courses include Agricultural Selling, Accounting, and Ag Markets.
• Agricultural Education Transfer Major
  Ideal for future FFA advisors, ag teachers, or extension educators. The curriculum blends biology, agronomy, animal science and communications to prepare students for leadership roles in agricultural education.
• Agronomy Transfer Major
  For those fascinated by soil, crops, and environmental impact. With coursework in soil science, chemistry, and economics, this track prepares students for careers in crop consulting, plant science, and research.
• Animal Science Transfer Major
  Focuses on animal biology, beef science, and animal science coursework. Whether you want to raise livestock or work in animal health, this program sets the stage for your next academic step.

Why Start at Iowa Lakes?

Starting your ag education at Iowa Lakes offers several advantages:

• Smaller Class Sizes: Personalized attention means better understanding and stronger academic outcomes.
• Cost Savings: Complete your first two years affordably, then transfer with confidence.
• Supportive Faculty: Our ag instructors bring industry experience and a passion for teaching. They’ll help you succeed inside and outside the classroom.

Ready to Find Your IT?

Whether your future is in the classroom, the field, the lab, or the boardroom, Iowa Lakes can help you get there. Our transfer majors give you the education and experience you need to thrive in the next phase of your academic and professional journey.

For more information about the Agriculture Transfer Majors, contact one of our expert faculty members or visit iowalakes.edu.