Sustainable Agriculture A.A.S. (A15410)

Program Description

The Sustainable Agriculture curriculum focuses on agricultural principles and practices which, over the long term, enhance environmental quality, make efficient use of nonrenewable resources, integrate natural biological cycles and controls, and are economically viable and socially responsible; and that may prepare individuals to apply this knowledge to the solution of agricultural and environmental problems. Course work includes instruction in principles of agroecology, crop and soil sciences, entomology, horticulture, animal science, weed science and management, soil fertility and nutrient cycling, applied ecology, agricultural economics, and rangeland ecology and watershed management.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program should be able to:

• Describe and discuss the fundamentals of plant growth and how those impact management decisions.
• Analyze soils and soilless substrates in order to determine amendments and amounts needed for optimal plant growth.
• Describe and discuss crop protection using cultural, biological, and organic practices to prevent and manage pests.
• Perform maintenance and/or operate equipment and tools specific to the agricultural industry safely and correctly.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of livestock production practices and the economic impact of livestock locally, regionally, state-wide, and internationally.
• Explain economic systems, interpret supply and demand curves, and complete cost and revenue production schedules.
• Demonstrate an understanding of, and appreciation for, the importance of the impact of sustainable agriculture practices.
• Implement agricultural production planning and rotation systems, and maintain and use records.

Additional Program Costs

The Agriculture Education curriculum has additional costs associated with it. Students who enroll in this program are required to pay for such items as certification exams, achievement tests, supplies, and the like. Many of these are required as part of the curriculum, but are not provided by the College. Additional expenses required for this program are listed below with approximate costs.

• Liability insurance-$16 per year