Agriculture and Food Systems, AAS

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The Agriculture and Food Systems program prepares students to develop and manage a small farm or pursue careers in the agricultural and horticultural sciences, agronomy, or crop production. Students learn the fundamentals of crop production, soil management, and farm operations. The program focuses on the integration of food and farming in small-scale systems that enhance the well-being of the environment and communities. Through laboratory courses, field trips, and internships on the FVCC campus farm and in the community, the Agriculture and Food Systems program provides students with a fun, hands-on, multidisciplinary experience in agriculture and food systems. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to

Demonstrate knowledge of crop and soil management practices;
Describe the components and complexities of our modern food system;
Identify, diagnose, and manage pests and diseases of crop plants;
Consider the whole-farm implications of their management decisions;
Safely and effectively operate farm machinery and equipment;
Describe various marketing opportunities in small and large-scale agriculture; and
Identify the necessary steps to start and operate a small-scale business.

Required Courses

First Year

Fall Semester

AGSC 202z - Small Acreage Farm Production: Fall Credit(s): 4
BIOB 110N - Plant Science Credit(s): 3
CULA 105 - Food Service Sanitation Credit(s): 1
SFBS 146 - Introduction to Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Systems Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3

First Semester Total: 14

Spring Semester

AGSC 202y - Small Acreage Farm Production: Spring Credit(s): 4 ^R
AGSC 298y - Internship: Campus Farm Credit(s): 3
AGSC 298z - Internship: Agricultural Enterprise Credit(s): 3 *
AGSC 265 - Building Community Food Systems Credit(s): 3
BMGT 205C - Professional Business Communication Credit(s): 3 * ^R
OR
WRIT 101W - College Writing I Credit(s): 3 * ^R

Second Semester Total: 16

Second Year

Fall Semester

AGSC 200 - Soil Nutrient Management Credit(s): 3 *
AGSC 230 - Agricultural Pest Management Credit(s): 4
COMX 115C - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication Credit(s): 3 ^R
M 095~ - Intermediate Algebra Credit(s): 4 * ^R

First Semester Total: 14

Spring Semester

AGSC 241 - Field Crop Production Credit(s): 3 *
ANSC 100N - Introduction to Animal Science Credit(s): 3
BMGT 210 - Small Business Entrepreneurship Credit(s): 3
ENSC 245NL - Soils Credit(s): 4
Elective Credit(s): 3

Second Semester Total: 16

Total Credits: 60

^R Indicates Related Instruction requirement.

*Indicates prerequisite and/or corequisite needed. Check course description.

Program Information

An internship is required for this program. Students must apply for internship placements for this program the prior semester. For more information and application deadlines, contact Cathy Allard, Career Advisor, at (406) 756-3803 or callard@fvcc.edu.

Opportunities after Graduation

Graduates can expect to find employment in a variety of agricultural jobs, including as plant/soil/animal science technicians, in agricultural sales/marketing, or as farm managers. Small-scale farming is one of the fastest growing sectors in agriculture, which presents opportunities for graduates to be self-employed farmers.

Advising Information

For more information about this program, contact an advisor.

Academic Advisor	Faculty Advisor
Russ Lamson	Heather Estrada, Ph.D.
LRC 129	RH 108
(406) 756-3885	(406) 756-4182
rlamson@fvcc.edu	hestrada@fvcc.edu