Sustainable Agri-Tech

Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture

This course will provide students with a clear perspective on the principles, history and practices of sustainable agriculture in our local and global communities. Students will be introduced to economic, environmental and social impacts of agriculture. Upon, completion, students will be able to identify the principles of sustainable agriculture as they relate to basic production practices.

Soil Science

This course covers the basic principles of soil management and fertilization. Topics include liming, fertilization, soil management, biological properties of soil (including beneficial microorganisms), sustainable land care practices and the impact on soils, and plant nutrients. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze, evaluate, and properly amend soils/media according to sustainable practices.

Exploration of Farm Business Ideas

This course will assess students’ goals, talents, experiences, attitudes and preferences as they relate to agriculture that will in turn enhance their chances for success. It will specifically assess students’ farming skills and related skills. Upon completion, students should have an understanding of their self-discovery and how it can be applied to their agricultural endeavor.

Plant Science

This course introduces the basic principles of botany that pertain to agricultural production. Emphasis is placed on the anatomy and physiology of flowering plants. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and explain plant systems.

Animal Science

This course introduces the livestock industry. Topics include nutrition, reproduction, production practices, diseases, meat processing, sustainable livestock production, and marketing. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of livestock production practices and the economic impact of livestock locally, regionally, state-wide and internationally.

Farm Structure

This course covers basic agricultural buildings and structures. Topics include building materials, cost estimating, basic blueprint reading and job planning. Upon completion, students should be able to complete a cost estimate for constructing an agricultural structure.

Basic Farm Maintenance

This course covers fundamentals of maintenance and repair of farm facilities and equipment. Topics include safe use of hand tools and farm machinery, carpentry, concrete, painting, wiring, welding, plumbing, calculating costs and materials needed. Upon completion, students should be able to answer theoretical questions on topics covered and assist with maintenance and repair of farm facilities and equipment.

Organic Crop Production

This course includes a study of organic crop production practices, including vegetables, cut flowers, and culinary. Topics include variety selection, production methods, and record keeping procedures for certification. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of organic crop production.

Agricultural Mechanics

This course is a study of farm machinery and agricultural equipment. Topics include selection and operation of tractors, materials handling equipment, tillage and harvesting equipment and irrigation systems. Upon completion, students should be able to identify equipment parts and explain the basic principles of machinery operation and management.

Permaculture

This course introduces the design of sustainable human habitats as part of a sustainable system, with emphasis placed on living systems of the temperate region. Topics include fundamentals of permaculture system design for farms, including gardens, fields, water, animals, buildings, economics and society. Upon completion, students should be able to design a functional holistic farm system.

Farm Safety

This course will give an overview of the hazards common to farms and rural agricultural businesses. The course offers a general outline of the measures that can be taken to identify and control such hazards. This course will also address safe equipment operation. Upon completion, students should be able to identify a potential hazard and implement safety measures.

Basic PC Literacy

This course provides an overview of computer concepts. Emphasis is placed on the use of personal computers and software applications for personal and fundamental workplace use. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate basic personal computer skills.

Sustainable Livestock Management

This course covers the integration of livestock as part of a sustainable farming system with emphasis on small-scale production for niche markets and pasture. Topics included are appropriate breed selection, nutrition and living requirements for livestock such as goats, hogs, sheep, poultry and bees. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize appropriate breeds for their farm needs and demonstrate knowledge of small-scale livestock production.

Farm Business Management

This course introduces basic calculations for agricultural applications. Topics include the metric system, land measurement, feed efficiency, rate of gain, chemical calibration and payroll. Microsoft Excel will be introduced. Upon completion, should be able to perform calculations that pertain to agricultural production and have a basic understanding of Microsoft Excel.

Pest Management

This course will emphasize the building and maintaining of healthy soil, plant, and insert biological cycles as the key to pest and disease management. Course content includes study of major pests and diseases, including structure, life cycle, and favored hosts; and biological and least toxic methods of chemical control. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and recommend methods of prevention and control of selected insects and diseases.

Agricultural Marketing

This course covers basic marketing principles for agricultural products and introduces students to the social media platform. Students will be introduced and begin constructing a marketing plan. Topics include buying, selling, processing, standardizing, grading, storing, and marketing of agricultural commodities. Upon completion, students should have knowledge of marketing principles and use of a marketing plan.