Sow the seeds of your own success.
Students who earn SCC's Agriculture Sciences AAS degree leave with a wide array of skills and knowledge of key concepts and practices they can use to start their career in the Ag industry.
In addition to the core set of classes, you can choose a focus area for deeper learning and skills development.
Program location
Skills you'll learn
Crop management: Learn the secrets of successful crop cultivation, including soil health, pest control, and sustainable farming techniques
Livestock Care: From feed to veterinary care, become an expert in the well-being and management of various farm animals
Ag Tech Revolution: Dive into the world of ag tech with courses on precision agriculture, drone use, and data analysis. Stay ahead in the tech-driven era of farming.
Business and Leadership: Understand the concepts that drive successful businesses to thrive and apply communicative and leadership skills that will get you to your vision
Key classes
- Leadership in Agriculture
- Survey of the Animal Industry
- Introduction to Soil Science
- Farm Business Management
Where this degree can take you
- Agribusiness Manager
- Precision Agriculture Specialist
- Farm Manager
Contact Us
West Burlington Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 208-5155
Text: (319) 250-7144
Email: admissionswb@scciowa.edu
Keokuk Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 313-1923
Text: (319) 220-3266
Email: admissionskeo@scciowa.edu
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.
Students will complete two internships allowing students to network with industry partners, connect with the field of agriculture that interests them the most, and prepare for their future employment.
Students may choose from two pathways, Agribusiness and Animal Science. Students may also complete the Agriculture AAS fully online.
Students will take four credits of AGB-104 or HUM-287. In Spring II, students will complete two of the three courses in the agriculture course option listing.
The Agriculture Certificate is awarded after successful completion of first semester courses.
The Agriculture Diploma is awarded after successful completion of the first two semesters.
Summary Sheet
The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.
Curriculum Sequence
| 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 |
| Spring Semester I | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| AGA-182 | Introduction to Soil Science | 3 |
| AGC-216 | Career Seminar | 2 |
| AGS-226 | Beef Cattle Science | 3 |
| PSY-102 | Human and Work Relations | 3 |
| MAT-702 | Introduction to Math Applications | 3 |
| AGB-104 | Leadership in Agriculture | 1 |
| Take 1 of 2 courses | ||
| AGA-376 | Integrated Pest Management | 3 |
| AGS-225 | Swine Science | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 18 | |
| Summer Semester I | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| AGC-936 | Occupational Experience | 3 |
| Take 1 of 2 courses | ||
| ENG-105 | Composition I | 3 |
| SPC-112 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 6 | |
| Fall Semester II | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| AGB-104 | Leadership in Agriculture | 1 |
| AGB-437 | Commodity Marketing | 3 |
| AGC-936 | Occupational Experience | 3 |
| AGP-333 | Precision Farming Systems | 3 |
| SOC-115 | Social Problems | 3 |
| Take 1 of 2 courses | ||
| AGA-158 | Soil Fertility | 3 |
| AGS-319 | Animal Nutrition (online) | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 16 | |
| Spring Semester II | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| AGC-420 | Issues in Agriculture | 3 |
| AGB-451 | Agricultural Law | 3 |
| SOC-114 | Conflict Resolution in the Workplace | 3 |
| Take 2 of 3 courses | ||
| AGN-244 | Wildlife Management | 3 |
| AGN-130 | Soil and Water Conservation | 3 |
| AGS-242 | Animal Health (online) | 3 |
| Take 1 of 2 courses | ||
| AGB-104 | Leadership in Agriculture | 1 |
| HUM-287 | Leadership Development Studies | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 15 | |
AGB-336 - Agricultural Selling
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
Students will gain the necessary knowledge and the techniques of selling agriculture products directly to producers. Included is knowledge of the buying process, communication skills and other factors that are beneficial in building relationships with customers.
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.
AGA-182 - Introduction to Soil Science
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
Introduce students to the mysterious world of soils. It is designed for students in agriculture and related sciences. The course provides a broad viewpoint to match the varied backgrounds and interest of students. Its coverage is made so broad to meet the needs of students who will take only one course in soils, as well as those who will use it as a base for more advanced study of specialized areas in soil science.
AGC-216 - Career Seminar
|
Lecture: 2 |
Credit: 2 |
This course is designed to help students explore and discover the many opportunities that are available in the profession of agriculture and related industries both nationally and internationally.
AGS-226 - Beef Cattle Science
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
Introduces principles, practices and decisions impacting beef cattle production.
PSY-102 - Human and Work Relations
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
This is a course that includes the understanding of the applications of psychological principles, theory and research related to the work setting.
MAT-702 - Introduction to Math Applications
|
Lecture: 2 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 3 |
This course is offered to students who can profit from an applied course in mathematics and will prepare students who need to develop skills for MAT-704. It is designed as an introductory level algebra course recommended for students with one year of high school algebra. Emphasis is on the building of basic algebra skills and the application of these mathematical techniques. The course studies the relationship of geometry and algebra as they apply to various fields. This course will also cover whole numbers/decimals, integers, fractions/percents, direct measurement, basic geometric concepts/relationships, linear equations and right-triangle trigonometry. Prerequisite: MAT-052 or meet minimum placement testing requirements.
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.
AGA-376 - Integrated Pest Management
|
Lecture: 2 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 3 |
Course describes the basics of field scouting for corn and soybean crops for weeds, insects, diseases and disorders, as well as, a variety of management practices to manage those ailments.
AGS-225 - Swine Science
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
Introduces principles, practices and decisions impacting swine production.
AGC-936 - Occupational Experience
|
On Job Training: 12 |
Credit: 3 |
An "on-the-job" experience at a local business. The business will provide a training sponsor in cooperation with an instructor/coordinator from the college staff. Hands-on experience in observing and demonstrating the knowledge and skills developed in the classroom. Course may be repeated once for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
ENG-105 - Composition I
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
A study of the principles of writing. Emphasis on rhetoric, mechanics and development of expository patterns: narration, description illustration, comparison/contrast, classification, process and cause/effect. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisite: Meet minimum test score requirements.
SPC-112 - Public Speaking
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery and audience analysis.
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.
AGB-437 - Commodity Marketing
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
Commodity Marketing examines basis, fundamental and technical price analysis, commodity futures, futures options, alternative cash contracts, sources and uses of marketing information and relevant agricultural marketing strategies.
AGC-936 - Occupational Experience
|
On Job Training: 12 |
Credit: 3 |
An "on-the-job" experience at a local business. The business will provide a training sponsor in cooperation with an instructor/coordinator from the college staff. Hands-on experience in observing and demonstrating the knowledge and skills developed in the classroom. Course may be repeated once for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
AGP-333 - Precision Farming Systems
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
Provides an overview of precision farming concepts and the tools of precision farming (OPS, GIS and VRT). Introduces the use of each of these tools within the processes of a precision farming system. Provides hands-on activities in the use of these tools. Discusses economic and environmental benefits.
SOC-115 - Social Problems
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
An investigation into a selection of social problems involving alternative solutions. Topics may include drug and alcohol abuse, crime, violence, prejudice and discrimination, and human sexuality.
AGA-158 - Soil Fertility
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
This course explains the phenomena involved in making and keeping a soil in its most economical, productive state. Students learn why soils must be managed differently due to differences in origin and make up. Prerequisite: AGA-154 or AGA-182.
AGS-319 - Animal Nutrition (online)
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
A course in basic animal nutrition for swine and beef cattle. Feed utilization for maintenance/growth, reproduction and lactation is discussed. The formulation of rations on both a nutritional and economic basis as well as the substitution of ingredients will be covered.
AGC-420 - Issues in Agriculture
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
This course provides students the opportunity to collect, discuss, interpret, and defend current economic, environmental and social issues that affect the production of agricultural commodities.
AGB-451 - Agricultural Law
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
This course explores the body of federal and state laws and regulations governing agriculture-related operations. The course specifically addresses legal issues that students will likely face in agriculture-related careers. The course pulls from a wide body of substantive law, including case law, statutory law and administrative law. A primary focus of the course will be to review the legal framework governing agriculture-related decision-making by firms, families and individuals from a real-world perspective. The course begins with a general review of the legal system and instruction on how to find legal materials as it pertains to the agricultural industry.
SOC-114 - Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
Conflict Resolution in the Workplace will study conflict resolution theories and applications in the workplace. The course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their own effective interpersonal conflict resolution skills as well as skills needed to help employees resolve their conflicts with one another and the skills needed to negotiate contracts. Students will also be introduced to theories and skills needed to apply culturally sensitive principles to conflict resolution.
AGN-244 - Wildlife Management
|
Lecture: 2 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 3 |
Students learn proper wildlife management through carefully planned and maintained reserves, preserves and refuges. Management techniques presented include those for game, non-game and aquatic animals.
AGN-130 - Soil and Water Conservation
|
Lecture: 2 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 3 |
Emphasis will be on environmental practices as they relate to conservation management of our natural resources. Students will discuss soil erosion, water quality and soil and water management. Lab work required. Prerequisite: AGA-154 or AGA-182.
AGS-242 - Animal Health (online)
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
Provides information about the cause, nature, prevention and treatment of common health problems of farm animals. Identifies animal behavior and developing a herd health program.
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.
HUM-287 - Leadership Development Studies
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
This course is designed to provide emerging and existing leaders the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership and to develop and improve their leadership skills. The course integrates readings from the humanities, experiential exercises, films/videos and contemporary readings on leadership.
Sabrina Pidgeon - Assistant Professor
Email: spidgeon@scciowa.edu
Adam Raub - Professor
Email: araub@scciowa.edu
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