About the Program
The Agriculture Business program provides the student with employable skills and provides a framework for further study if desired. Course work is practical and broad-based. Emphasis is placed on the development of skills in business management, marketing, finance, computers, human relations, and agricultural accounting. The computer labs, campus farm, and greenhouses provide an ideal setting for hands on learning. To gain practical experience on and off campus internships are available. Numerous area agriculture businesses provide opportunities for field trips, internships, and employment. Student clubs such as the Agriculture Ambassadors provide opportunities for leadership development and community service.
A career in Agriculture Business is both financially rewarding and personally challenging. For job seekers, it is probably the most readily available entry-level position in the agriculture industry. Numerous specialized companies throughout northern California require qualified persons for marketing, sales, finance, policy, government, farm ranch management, and international trade and development. For job entry and advancement, however, certain basic skills remain fundamental. These include proficiency in computers, record keeping, finance, management and marketing. The following is a list of possible agriculture business career opportunities: Bookkeeper, Business Manager, Business Owner, Commodity Broker, Community Development, Consultant, Equipment Dealer, Farm and Ranch Manager, International Development Specialist, Insurance Agent, Land Appraiser, Livestock buyer, Loan Officer, Management Specialist, Produce Buyer, Public Relations, Retail Sales and Sales Representative.
Program Requirements
Program Goal: CTE
GE Pattern(s): Butte Local
Program Code: 01301.01AS
Program Learning Outcome(s):
Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:
Accumulate, record, and analyze agricultural financial data.
Analyze specific agricultural markets to explain and predict changes in price and economic behavior.
Make effective business decisions using a systematic, information-based approach.
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Out of Class Hours: 102.00
Total Course Hours: 153.00
The study of principles and practices of the selling process: selling strategies and approaches, why and how people buy, prospecting, territory management, and customer service. Self-management, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary in developing managerial abilities, leadership qualities, and facilitating teamwork within the agribusiness sector will be explored. Students will gain experience through role-play, formal sales presentations, and job shadowing. The course content is organized to give students an in-depth understanding of the factors and influences that affect the agribusiness industry on a day-to-day basis. Application of these concepts and methods will be through hands-on projects developing solutions for agriculture business. (C-ID AG-AB 112).
Unit(s): 1.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
17.00 hours Lecture
Out of Class Hours: 34.00
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is a study of the agriculture, environmental science and natural resources industries with a focus on career opportunities, self evaluation, and skills necessary for successful job procurement. Topics include job trends, resumes and cover letters, interviewing skills, and the types of careers available in agriculture, environmental science, and natural resources.
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Out of Class Hours: 102.00
Total Course Hours: 153.00
This course covers the place of agriculture and farming in the economic system. Topics include basic economic concepts, problems of agriculture, pricing and marketing problems, factors of production, and state and federal farm programs that affect the farmer's economic position. (C-ID AG-AB 124).
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Out of Class Hours: 68.00
Total Course Hours: 153.00
This course covers computer use in the workplace with emphasis on agribusiness situations. Computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation managers will be covered. Also included will be accessing information through the Internet and World Wide Web, telecommunications, an introduction to web page design and other software appropriate to agribusiness. Application of these concepts and methods through hands-on projects developing computer-based solutions for agriculture business. (C-ID AG-AB 108).
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Out of Class Hours: 102.00
Total Course Hours: 153.00
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the business and economics of the agricultural industry; an introduction to the economic aspects of agriculture and their implications to the agricultural producer, consumer and the food system; management principles encountered in the day to day operation of an agricultural enterprise as they relate to the decision making process. (C-ID AG-AB 104).
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Out of Class Hours: 102.00
Total Course Hours: 153.00
This course is a study of the principles of agricultural accounting systems and types of records, their use and how to compute and use measures of earnings and cost of production to improve agribusiness efficiency. Farm income tax, Social Security, and employee payroll records also included. Application of these concepts and methods through hands-on projects developing computer-based solutions for agriculture business. (C-ID AG-AB 128).
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Out of Class Hours: 102.00
Total Course Hours: 153.00
This course introduces students to the knowledge and skills relevant to the supervisor in agricultural business. Topics include the regulatory requirements relevant to labor management in agriculture and effective communication with native and non-native English speakers. The course will include case studies on labor management, human relations, public relations, production control techniques and job analysis.
Unit(s): 4.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Out of Class Hours: 102.00
Total Course Hours: 204.00
The study of soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Soil use and management including erosion, moisture retention, structure, cultivation, organic matter and microbiology. Laboratory topics include soil type, classification, soil reaction, soil fertility and physical properties of soil. (C-ID AG-PS 128L).
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Out of Class Hours: 68.00
Total Course Hours: 153.00
This course is an introduction to plant science including structure, growth processes, propagation, physiology, growth medica, biological competitors, and post-harvest factors of food, fiber, and ornamental plants. (C-ID AG-PS 104).
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Out of Class Hours: 68.00
Total Course Hours: 153.00
This course is a scientific approach to the livestock industry encompassing aspects of animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, genetics and epidemiology. There will be special emphasis on the origin, characteristics, adaptation and contributions of farm animals to the global agriculture industry. Analysis of the economic trends and career opportunities in animal agriculture will be covered. (C-ID AG-AS 104).
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Contacts
Ricky Wittsell, Chair
(530) 879-6194
Department Office: WM 105
(530) 895-2551
Counseling and Advising:
(530) 895-2378
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