Agribusiness Technology
Gain hands-on management experience and examine the latest developments in agriculture technology while earning an Associate in Applied Science degree. As technology continues to evolve, workers need as much specialized training as possible to prepare for a career in agribusiness. You will receive on-the-job training working on our college-owned farm.
With 300+ acres of row crops, a herd of 50 cattle, 150+ head commercial feedlot, and a top-notch swine facility that facilitates a farrow-to-finish operation, our farm allows you to learn the ropes of the industry firsthand. You will help manage the daily operations and become familiar with a wide variety of production methods to prepare for a career in farm management.
Start your career in agriculture or farm management with the skills and experience of a specialist. Gain knowledge of agriculture principles as well as the role of marketing and effective communication in agriculture. Through our Occupational Experience portion of the program, you’ll also have the opportunity to earn money while gaining experience in the agribusiness environment.
Faculty Contact
 |
Kelly Dodge Assistant Professor | Agriculture Programs 712-852-5329 | kdodge@iowalakes.educreate new email |
 |
Stacey Benson Assistant Professor | Agriculture Technology 712-852-5232 | sbenson@iowalakes.educreate new email |
 |
Tom Quastad Assistant Professor | Agriculture Programs 712-852-5239 | tquastad@iowalakes.educreate new email |
Program Details
Did You Know?
Curriculum
Term 1
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.
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.
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.
AGC 936 – Occupational Experience
Occupational Experience
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 from AGA, AGC, AGS: 2 credits
Term 2
AGA 284 – Pesticide Application Cert
Preparation for the student to pass the state of Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicator Manual examination. Includes the safe use and handling of pesticides.
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
Occupational Experience
AGS 319 – Animal Nutrition
Examination of nutritional principles, digestive systems, composition and nutritional characteristics of common feedstuffs, ration formulation and recommended animal feeding programs.
AGM 203 – Ag Welding
Introduction to electric, gas, wire and oxyacetylene welding.
COM 781 – Written Communication in Workplace
This course focuses on composition and editing of curriculum-specific technical and business-related writing projects. Instruction includes formatting, information gathering, document drafting, editing, and written employment strategies.
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
Choose either COM 781 or ENG 105
Term 3
AGC 317 – Agricultural Field Studies
Studies the application of crop production and animal science production practices through field studies trips. Study trips will involve research farms, industry field days, extension field days and area farms.
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.
AGA 375 – Integrated Crop Management
Assists the student in developing the concepts of integrated pest management as they relate to cultural, mechanical, chemical and biological controls.
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.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score
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
Choose either MAT 772 or MAT 110
Plus choose from AGA, AGC, AGS: 3 credits
Term 4
AGA 352 – Soil Science & Fertilizer
Studies soil fertilization, with emphasis on fertilizer material and applications, blending, soil test recommendations and handling in meeting crop needs.
ACC 111 – Intro to Accounting
Introduces the basic principles of accounting and the recoding of simple business transactions using the double entry system. Includes the accounting procedures of journalizing transactions, posting to the ledger, making a trial balance, creating receipt and disbursement of cash.
AGB 327 – Principles of Farm Business Management
This course includes current principles and practices of farm business management. Topics include strategic planning, decision making, production enterprise budgets, partial budgets, and cash flow budgets.This course includes current principles and practices of farm business management. Topics include strategic planning, decision making, production enterprise budgets, partial budgets, and cash flow budgets.
AGM 102 – Farm Equipment Maintenance
This course includes basic machinery maintenance and adjustment of farm equipment.
AGP 242 – Precision Ag Applications
An introduction to the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) as it impacts agricultural producers. Students will use field mapping software and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) as part of the class. Students will gain an understanding of these technologies and analyze their economic impact.
AGC 938 – Occupational Experience III
Occupational Experience
AGB 436 – Grain Merchandising
Studies livestock and grain futures marketing methods including product quality, methods and options.
AGB 194 – Beginning Sales
This course introduces the basics of professional selling in the agricultural environment. It involves preparing and making a sales presentation for an agricultural product that involves both a written and oral communication component. Topics covered include methods of selling, steps and techniques in the selling process, preparing a product summary and pre-call sheet, prospecting customers, methods for closing a sale, and sales management in agriculture.
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
Choose either AGM 102 or AGP 242
Term 5
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 210 – Employment Seminar
Preparation of the farm management student for entry into the non-family farm job market.
AGB 210 – Agricultural Law
This course is designed to provide students with basic information of concepts and terminology used in agricultural law and the legal system and where to find resources for legal materials. Topics covered in the course include laws that relate to agriculture, specific laws in agriculture, the use of leases and contracts, tax basics, and how this information applies to real life situations.
AGA 353 – Advanced Soil Fertility
Course teaches the understanding of the manufacture of fertilizer, physical and chemical characteristics, materials and handling, and new technologies in application of fertilizers, including equipment and materials.
Plus choose from AGB, AGC, or AGS: 6 credits
† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.
