Agriculture Production Technology
Gain hands-on agriculture production experience 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 the agricultural industry. You will receive on-the-job training working on our 300+ acre college-owned farm.
With the option to specialize in crops, swine or beef, you will become familiar with a wide variety of production methods and examine the latest developments in agriculture technology. In addition to working in the farm laboratory, you will become acquainted with today’s technologies, which include GPS/ GIS, VRT, real-time Ultra-sound, electronic identification, artificial insemination, embryo transfer and various computer software programs.
Start your career in the production sector of agriculture 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
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Kelly Dodge Assistant Professor | Agriculture Programs 712-852-5329 | kdodge@iowalakes.educreate new email |
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Stacey Benson Assistant Professor | Agriculture Technology 712-852-5232 | sbenson@iowalakes.educreate new email |
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Tom Quastad Assistant Professor | Agriculture Programs 712-852-5239 | tquastad@iowalakes.educreate new email |
Program Details
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Curriculum
Term 1
AGA 154 – Fundamentals of Soil Science
An introduction to basic soil formation, classification, physical properties, water, organic matter, pH, and fertility.
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 936 – Occupational Experience
Occupational Experience
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.
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, AGB, 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.
Plus choose from AGA, AGB, AGC, AGS: 2 credits
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.
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, AGB, AGC, AGS: 5 credits
Term 4
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.
AGB 281 – Computerized Agricultural Accounting
Preparation for using a versatile computerized farm accounting system.
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
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
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
Choose either COM 781 or ENG 105
Plus choose from AGA, AGB, AGC, AGS: 1 credit
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.
Plus choose from AGA, AGB, AGC, AGS: 11 credits
† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.
