Gain Hands-On Experience in Agriculture
Take the first step toward a successful career in agriculture and agribusiness with the Agricultural Studies Diploma at Iowa Lakes. This one-year diploma program provides hands-on training in crop science, livestock production, and agribusiness fundamentals, giving you the skills needed to thrive in the modern agricultural industry.
At our 300+ acre college-owned farm, you’ll get real-world experience working with row crops, beef cattle, swine, and precision ag technology.
Through the Agricultural Studies Diploma program, you’ll develop expertise in:
- Crop production and soil management
- Livestock care, artificial insemination, and nutrition
- Farm business management and agribusiness fundamentals
- Precision agriculture, GPS/GIS, and Variable Rate Technology (VRT)
Through the Occupational Experience portion of the program, you’ll have the opportunity to earn money while gaining industry experience, preparing you for a career in farm operations, agribusiness, or livestock production.
Explore career opportunities in agriculture 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!
Find Your It!
Practical Training for a Growing Industry
A Diploma That Opens Doors in Agriculture
The Agricultural Studies Diploma provides career-focused training in crop science, animal production, and agribusiness operations. Whether you want to work on a farm, manage livestock, or enter agribusiness, this program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed for success.
Hands-On Learning with Advanced Technology
Our classroom instruction and hands-on training ensure you graduate with the technical expertise and problem-solving skills required in today’s high-tech ag industry. Working with advanced equipment and real farm operations, you’ll gain practical experience that sets you apart.
Program Details
Length
2 Terms
Degree
Diploma (34 credits)
Campus
Emmetsburg
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.
WBL 101 – Exp. Careers: Ag, Food & Natural Resources
This course is an orientation to curriculum and career opportunities in the Agriculture Industry. Emphasis of the course will be placed on curriculum planning and career exploration including identifying interests, abilities, and value. Learners will be exposed to the various opportunities available throughout their program of study. This course will acquaint students with basic skills and practices for the agriculture industry.
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.
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
Ag Lab: 1 credit
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Agricultural Studies program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn the following:1
- Describe key management practices in livestock operations.
- Recognize common crop enterprises.
- Demonstrate professionalism in a workplace setting.
- Demonstrate workplace safety in an agricultural setting.
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 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
$46,281
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$53,124
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 |