AGCR  1371 Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture

Course Description: an introduction to the principles of sustainable agriculture through sustainable management practices to address current agriculture issues related to soil, tillage, irrigation, pests (insects, weeds, and diseases) and nutrients will be discussed. Emphasis on ecological concepts and principles to design and manage sustainable agroecosystems. Also, we will examine the complex set of interactions between ecological, social, and economic components of an agroecosystem.

End-of-Course Outcomes: Understand the current state of agriculture globally and its effects on the environment and society. Describe sustainable management practices that can reduce the amount of inputs needed on farm and increase the longevity of production and increase soil and water health. Knowledge of alternatives to chemical pest and nutrient management. Design agroecosystems that use light, water, and nutrients in an efficient and synergistic way. Understand the complexity of political, social, economic and environmental components that interact to result in our current agriculture system.

AGRI 1415 Horticulture with Lab

Course Description: Structure, growth, and development of horticultural plants. Examination of environmental effects, basic principles of reproduction, production methods ranging from outdoor to controlled climates, nutrition, and pest management. Laboratory activities will reinforce the structure, growth, and development of horticultural plants. Examination of environmental effects, basic principles of reproduction, production methods ranging from outdoor to controlled climates, nutrition, and pest management.

End-of-Course Outcomes: Identify the various horticultural industries and their roles in our society. Describe the fundamentals of plant science. Assess the interactions of soils, water, and fertility in plant science. Contrast the methods of plant reproduction and propagation. Explain the impacts of production methods and technologies on plant science. Contrast methods of pest management in plant science. Investigate methods of environmental manipulation (e.g. greenhouse controls, frost management methods, hot caps). Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions and utilize scientific and horticultural tools to collect and analyze data and demonstrate methods. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations. Identify the various horticultural industries and their roles in our society. Describe the fundamentals of plant science.

AGRI 1419 Introductory Animal Science

Course Description: Scientific animal production and the importance of livestock and meat industries. Selection, reproduction, nutrition, management, and marketing of livestock. Laboratory activities will reinforce scientific animal production and the importance of livestock and meat industries. Selection, reproduction, nutrition, management, and marketing of livestock.

End-of-Course Outcomes: Explain the role of animal agriculture in providing benefits for mankind. Identify common livestock breeds and classes. Define terminology specific to animal science disciplines. Demonstrate understanding of fundamental animal science principles including selection, reproduction, nutrition, and health. Apply animal science principles by solving common problems. Identify animal issues of interest to society, and related responsibilities. Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions and utilize animal science tools to collect and analyze data and demonstrate methods. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.

AGMG 1311 Introduction to Agribusiness

Course Description: Introduction to agribusiness management, marketing, and sales in the free enterprise system. Topics include economic principles, finance, risk management, record keeping, budgeting, employee/employer responsibilities, communications, human relation skills, and agricultural career opportunities.

End-of-Course Outcomes: Discuss agricultural trade, consumption, and employment as it pertains to the complex field of agriculture; and apply basic economic principles and management functions to agribusiness.

AGCR 1341 Forage and Pasture Management

Course Description: Study of the production and management of forage crops and pastures including establishment, fertilization, weed control, grazing systems, hay, seed production, and harvesting.

End-of-Course Outcomes: Develop techniques and management practices to optimize pasture and forage production; determine forage nutritive quality in relation to livestock production; and identify forage and pasture plants and weed species.

AGCR 2313 Soil and Water Conservation Management

Course Description: Study of physical and chemical soil deterioration and loss, water conservation, and principles for protection and maintenance of these resources. Topics include plant/water relationships, water conservation methods, basic terrace engineering principles, sediment loss, and land use plans.

End-of-Course Outcomes: Summarize the principles of soil and water conservation; explain soil loss potentials; develop treatment plans to protect soil resources; demonstrate water conservation, runoff, and water quality maintenance techniques; evaluate land use; and develop land use plans.

AGRI 1325 Marketing of Agricultural Products

Course Description: Study of operations in the movement of agricultural commodities from producer to consumer including the essential marketing functions of buying, selling, transporting, storing, financing, standardizing, pricing, and risk bearing.

End-of-Course Outcomes: Analyze the structure and operation of the food marketing system; interpret the effects of the market system on producers, consumers, and middlemen; explain the marketing system’s response to technological, social, economic, and political changes over time; describe food wholesaling, retailing, and movement through the market place; and explain governmental responsibilities and involvement in food marketing.

AGCR 2418 Soil Science

Course Description: Introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Topics include the relationship between crops and soils, conservation of soil and water resources, and the economic use of fertilizer.

End-of-Course Outcomes: Explain principles of soil formation and classification; determine soil physical, chemical, and biological properties; utilize the principles of soil and water conservation; interpret soil analysis; and determine application of fertilizers.

AGCR 1393 Special Topics in Plant Protection – Integrated Pest Management

Course Description: Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. This course was designed to be repeated multiple times to improve student proficiency.

End-of-Course Outcomes: Learning outcomes/objectives are determined by local occupational need and business and industry trends.

HALT 2421 Small Scale Farming

Course Description: Instruction in small farming techniques with emphasis on horticulture science including comprehensive and profitable guidelines. Topics include herbs, fruit, nut, and vegetable crops.

End-of-Course Outcomes: Identify major physical and biological factors that affect crops; utilize innovative production techniques for a small farming operation; demonstrate creative marketing techniques for small farming operations; and design productive and profitable small farming operations.

AGME 1315 Farm and Ranch Shop Skills 1

Course Description: Study and application of shop skills used in agricultural processes including arc welding, oxyacetylene cutting and welding, drawing and planning projects, tool maintenance, metal working, woodworking, plumbing, and concrete.

End-of-Course Outcomes: Demonstrate oxyacetylene cutting procedures; demonstrate arc welding; identify shop tools; utilize shop plans; and describe construction processes.

AGMG 2586 Internship – Ag Business and Management

Course Description: A work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. A learning plan is developed by the college and the employer.

End-of-Course Outcomes: As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry; and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry.