Sustainable Agriculture, AAS

Sustainable Agriculture program focuses on agricultural principles and practices that, 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. Potential 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.

The curriculum provides the entrepreneurial and technical skills necessary to manage a profitable, environmentally sound, community-based small farm or agricultural business. The objective is the development of a workforce knowledgeable in sustainable agriculture practices.

Students will learn the fundamentals of agriculture, focusing on crop production and business. Emphasis is placed on entrepreneurial and field training. Students will also learn the basic principles of our economic system and government policies and programs relating to agriculture.

Graduates should qualify for various jobs in agricultural businesses such as equipment, feed, and agricultural supply sales; store management; farm operations; wholesale and retail produce management; nursery operations; and environmental and agricultural education.