Overview
careers
Ag Banking Loan Officer
Ag Business Manager
Agronomy Salesperson
Commodity Broker
Farmer/Rancher
Grain Marketing Specialist
The business of agriculture is varied and complex. Mitchell Tech’s highly qualified instructional staff and reputable program will prepare graduates for a variety of ag business careers.
Beginning with basics like farm accounting and commodity marketing, students will also be taught the fundamentals of animal science and agronomy in order to learn how those areas relate to the financial bottom line.
During the second year, students will take courses in management, sales and service, ag law, finance, insurance, and advanced commodity marketing. A variety of guest speakers, case studies, and hands-on activities will reinforce concepts and prepare students for many occupational options.
Graduates will find a wide variety of employment opportunities in areas like management, sales, claims processing, analysis, grain management, lending, marketing, or many other areas.
Curriculum
Award: AAS Degree
First Semester
Second Semester
Third Semester
Fourth Semester
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Any student who enrolls in Commercial Driver training must obtain a South Dakota driver’s license in order to complete the CDL training course. A Class A CDL is a graduation requirement for this program.
Mitchell Tech recommends that applicants to the Animal Science program obtain a physical examination for their safety and protection.
Please Note:
- Students enrolled must possess a Class A CDL license before the end of the 10th day of their first semester of enrollment or be registered for TRAN 100 during their first semester.
- Students must pass the Commercial Applicator’s License exam in order to graduate
Computer Requirements
This program requires a laptop computer so that you can effectively integrate computing skills with your technical education. Many resources that instructors assign are online or require specialty software. To address these needs, Mitchell Tech requires that students entering this program purchase their laptops from Mitchell Tech. The cost for a Mitchell Tech laptop averages about $1,000 for this program. Please be aware that our machines come fully loaded with the software required for this program.
Whether it’s Microsoft Office, or a specialty software for a technical program, your needs will be met by your Mitchell Tech laptop. And our laptops are serviced for free by our Technology office. You will not be able to bring a laptop from home into a Mitchell Tech laptop program as we cannot provide support services for every make and model of laptop. Please consider this carefully before making any laptop purchase and check with the Admissions office for more details.
Outcomes
At the completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply problem-solving skills to various agriculture situations
- Apply the principles of human resource management to different situations in the ag business industry
- Analyze data and draw appropriate statistical conclusions
- Describe marketing’s strategic role in an agribusiness organization and design a marketing plan for a product
- Demonstrate the ability to research, analyze, and effectively communicate knowledge of agricultural business operations through direct industry engagement and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange
- Solve real-world problems by identifying a problem and its scope, evaluating resources to address the problem, formulating alternative solutions, and selecting the solution(s) most consistent with the stated objective
Annual Program Review
Check out the 2025-26 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.
Faculty
Program Coordinator / Instructor
Ag Business Instructor
Cost
Other Required Costs
Laptop/Software $1,600
CDL $1,500
Books / Tools (estimated) $828
Scholarships
Mitchell Tech offers a variety of scholarships to qualified applicants. The application period runs from October 1 through November 1 for current students and January 1 through March 31 for incoming students.
Other Related Programs
If you’re interested in Agricultural Business, you might also be interested in these other agriculture & transportation programs at Mitchell Tech.
Agronomy
Animal Science
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Diesel Power – Light Truck Technology
Powersports & Marine Technology
