Agricultural Business

Introduction to the livestock industry including organizations, product value, breeds and methods of individual and sire selection. Also includes production performances, animal environment, marketing strategies and management alternatives.

Weeds, their identification, classification and types are studied. Chemical, biological and mechanical controls will be discussed. This section includes an overview of herbicide, fungicide and insecticide selection, rotation and timing of applications. Topics regarding the avoidance of weed resistance issues and methods to deal with resistant weeds will be discussed.

Study of agricultural chemicals, pesticides and chemical applications. Equipment for liquid and dry chemicals, as well as non-chemical alternatives are studied. Preparation for the state commercial applicator exams. A passing score of 70% on each exam is a requirement for graduation from this program.

The importance of soil, its formation, physical properties and land classifications. Soil sampling procedures will be explained and soil test results will be studied.

Study of farm accounting procedures as it relates to agricultural operations. Cash-basis accounting is taught through an accrual adjusted system which will provide information for measuring the profitability of the farming operation. Ag software is discussed and evaluated to determine benefits of spreadsheet programs, records management and farm accounting programs.

Instruction in commercial transportation. Opportunities are provided for obtaining a Class A commercial drivers license. Arrangements are made for taking the test(s) required by the state. A Class A CDL is a requirement for graduation from several programs. A valid South Dakota driver’s license is required in order to complete the CDL training course. For students enrolling in a two-year program, this course must be completed by the end of their first year. This class is offered for credit as a Pass/No Pass course. Please note: Students are required to show proof of a valid Class A CDL by the end of the 10th day of the semester in which the student is enrolled in order to drop this class.

Overview of computer applications with emphasis on e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation tools and Internet-based technology. This course will cover the Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams and cloud-based technologies such as GoogleDrive and OneDrive.

This course trains participants to provide first aid, CPR, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Students must complete the hands-on skill session. This class is offered for credit as a Pass/No Pass course.

Provides a foundation for gaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for college success. Students will learn to make a successful transition to higher education by setting up a pattern of success that will last the rest of their lives. Students will define goals and develop thinking skills, learning strategies and personal qualities essential to both academic and career success. Please note: Students who have served active military duty (excluding basic training and AIT) may be exempt from the Student Success course. Student must provide a copy of DD214 or other official military documentation to the registrar for verification.

The plant development stages of corn, soybeans, small grains and alfalfa. The importance of planting dates and seeding depths along with environmental factors will be discussed.

Study of fertilizer types and elements, soil test results, fertilizer recommendations, blending calculations and costs per acre. Students will study nutrient requirements for major crops and learn to recognize nutrient deficiency symptoms.

The study of the marketing of agricultural products using the CBOT/CME. Students will learn how to hedge grain and livestock using the different marketing choices associated with the cash market, futures market and options market (put and call options). Elevator contracts, as well as crop insurance, will also be studied.

Supervised off-campus employment experience in an agricultural business related to livestock production, feed and animal health, livestock sales, agricultural crop protection products, insecticides, diseases, fertilizers and crop scouting procedures.

Topics of concern to the agri-business person are emphasized. Areas of study include contracts, trespass, taxes, land use laws, bankruptcy, partnerships, corporations, environmental laws and estate planning.

Students will learn comparison methods and machinery economics to make decisions about purchase vs. lease vs. custom hiring arrangements. Attention will be placed on determining the right size equipment for the job, efficiency of equipment, as well as calculating depreciation costs on equipment.

Continuation of AGT 160. Students will apply an array of concepts to simulations and case studies involving the buying and selling of commodities.

Development of skills needed by an agricultural salesperson including prospecting, territory management, customer service and communication. An investigation of the agricultural sales process, marketing and advertising methods are studied.

Study of the principles of agricultural finance and the types and uses of credit instruments. Topics covered will include time value of money, agricultural lending and financial statement analysis. Attention will focus on planning, analyzing and controlling business performance in agriculture.

Introduction to the responsibilities of farm business entrepreneurship. Students are exposed to the four functional areas of management: marketing, finance, supply chain and human resources. Students learn to understand the role that managers play in planning, organizing, directing and controlling as related to agri-business.

Course will focus on various types of insurance including life, health, homeowners, auto, property, casualty, liability, crop and livestock insurances.

Supervised employment experience. Work in an agricultural business related to livestock production, feed and animal health sales, livestock buyers, agricultural chemical and fertilizer sales and applications.