Earn solid skills for entry-level Ag jobs.

Embark on a journey of hands-on learning and industry immersion with SCC Iowa's Agriculture Certificate Program. Dive into cutting-edge ag tech, master sustainable farming practices, and forge connections with industry leaders.

This certificate will provide you basic skills to get find an entry-level job in the agriculture industry.

Program location

  

Skills you'll learn

Crop Management: Gain expertise in successful crop cultivation techniques, including soil health management, pest control strategies, and implementation of sustainable farming practices.

Livestock Care: Develop essential skills in animal husbandry, from nutrition and healthcare to proper management practices for various farm animals, ensuring their well-being and productivity.

Ag Tech Proficiency: Acquire proficiency in utilizing modern agricultural technologies, such as precision agriculture tools, drones for monitoring fields, and data analysis techniques, to optimize farm efficiency and productivity.

Where this program can take you

• Sales Specialist
• Livestock Nutritionist

Key classes you'll take

• Introduction to Soil Science

Keep going!

Learn advanced skills and grow your career faster. Check out our 2-year degree programs and unlock even better opportunities and higher-paying jobs.

Agriculture Science 2-year AAS degree

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The Agriculture program provides students an opportunity to experience the various aspects of the agricultural industry as they learn about agronomy/crop production, animal production, new technologies, and agriculture business.  Through the use of hands-on experience, guest speakers, conferences, and field trips in addition to classroom lectures, students experience the impact of agriculture in the region and are prepared for entrance into a number of different career opportunities.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the summary sheet.

Curriculum Sequence

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Fall Semester I	Course Title	Credit
AGB-336	Agricultural Selling	3
AGB-330	Farm Business Management	3
AGA-181	Introduction to Crop Science	3
AGB-235	Introduction to Agriculture Markets	3
AGS-113	Survey of the Animal Industry	3
AGB-104	Leadership in Agriculture	1
	TOTAL CREDITS	16

AGB-336 - Agricultural Selling

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Presents basic concepts and economics principles related to markets for agricultural inputs and products. Reviews current marketing problems faced by farms and agribusinesses, farm and retail price behavior, structure of markets, food marketing channels, food quality and food safety, and the role of agriculture in the general economy. Analyzes the implications of consumer preferences at the farm level. Introduces hedging, futures and other risk management tools.

AGB-330 - Farm Business Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Applies business and economic principles of decision making and problem solving in the management of a farm business. Covers cash flow, partial, enterprise and whole farm budgeting. Reviews information systems for farm accounting, analysis and control. Examines obtaining and managing land, capital and labor resources. Provides alternatives for farm business organization and risk management.

AGA-181 - Introduction to Crop Science

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Basic structure and function of plants, origin and classification, growth and development. Fundamentals of photosynthesis, plant water use, plant nutrition and genetics that regulate plant growth, development and responses to the environment.

AGB-235 - Introduction to Agriculture Markets

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Presents basic concepts and economics principles related to markets for agricultural inputs and products. Reviews current marketing problems faced by farms and agribusinesses, farm and retail price behavior, structure of markets, food marketing channels, food quality and food safety and the role of agriculture in the general economy. Analyzes the implications of consumer preferences at the farm level. Introduces hedging, futures and other risk management tools.

AGS-113 - Survey of the Animal Industry

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Course studies ways domestic animals serve the basic needs of humans for food, shelter, protection, fuel and emotional well-being. Terminology, basic structures of the industries surrounding the production, care and marketing of domestic animals in the U.S. will also be studied.

AGB-104 - Leadership in Agriculture

Lecture: 1

Credit: 1

The course equips students with the tools needed to become effective leaders in their community and in the agricultural industry.  Students will learn how their personal leadership skills and styles prepare them to become leaders in their careers and like-minded organizations.

Sabrina Pidgeon - Associate Professor - Agriculture Management

Email: spidgeon@scciowa.edu
AA, Indian Hills Community College
AS, Indian Hills Community College
BS, Iowa State University
MA, Iowa Wesleyan University

Adam Raub - Professor - Agriculture

Email: araub@scciowa.edu
BS, Western Illinois University
MBA, St. Ambrose University