This course introduces the fundamental principles of plant science and their direct application to agricultural practices. Students will learn about plant biology, soil science, crop management, pest control, and the challenges and opportunities in modern agriculture. The course integrates both theoretical concepts and practical applications, with a focus on sustainable agricultural practices.

This course prepares students to analyze the factors that comprise safe machinery management and operation and to explain the function of various machines and mechanisms. Students will learn machinery operation, farm machinery safety, procedures for diagnosing machinery problems, and processes for making machinery management decisions.

Students will apply principles and techniques of small engine power systems used in the agricultural industry, particularly agricultural production. Proper use of tools, equipment, and safety will be emphasized in maintaining and repairing small engines.

This course is designed to familiarize students with agricultural pests and measures for pest control. Special emphasis will be placed on using the proper equipment and techniques for applying pesticides. Equipment and methods used to apply pesticides in agriculture with emphasis on techniques to avoid misapplication and pesticide drift.

This course will introduce students to the management and technology used in sprinkler irrigation systems. Emphasis will be on pivot maintenance and operation of Variable Rate (precision) Irrigation. Water requirements, water resources, application methods, types and selection of irrigation equipment, application time and rates, irrigation well principles and operation, maintenance and repair, costs, and return will be covered.

This course will offer an introduction to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) used in precision agriculture. This course will focus on hands-on learning of hardware and software on the college farm, discussion on related topics and ideas, and federal licensing requirements.

This course helps students to analyze the factors that comprise forage growth, nutrition, soil health, forage production, grazing, monitoring, and management. Students will learn to explain the function of the various practices and their role in the economics of an operation, resource sustainability, and approaches and procedures for making management decisions.

This Farm Safety course provides training and “Farm Safety Certification” in working with and around machinery, chemicals, electricity, hydraulics, ATV, and farm animals. Students will acquire knowledge and skills to safely work on a farm ranch and will receive a Farm Safety Training certificate. The course consists of online instruction, and class/lab work as well as ½ day practicum lab. The course will be taught both first block and second block of Fall semester and first block of Spring Semester.