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 Associate 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 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.
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 or MAT 054 – Math Strategies
AGC 936 – Occupational Experience
Occupational Experience
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.
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.
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 Managment
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
Occupational Experience
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
† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.
