Agribusiness & Production Systems
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Prerequisites: None
Grade: 9-10 recommended
Credit: 1.25 Elective
This first course in the career field is an introduction to Agricultural and Environmental Systems. Students will be introduced to the scope of the Agricultural and Environmental Systems career field. They will examine principles of food science, natural resource management, animal science & management, plant & horticultural science, power technology, woodworking, welding and bioscience. Students will examine the FFA organization and Supervised Agricultural Experience programs. Throughout the course, students will develop communication, leadership and business skills essential to the agriculture industry.
Building Principles
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Grade: 10-12
Credit: 1.25 Advanced Science
Students will engage in the building principles utilized in animal and plant production systems. This class focuses on construction skills in both metal and wood materials. Students will build a variety of wood and metal projects. Additional topics include electrical theory, design, and wiring, hydraulic and pneumatic theory, and the fundamentals of laying concrete, and masonry. Students will apply knowledge of sheet metal fabrication applicable to the agricultural industry along with identifying, diagnosing, and maintaining small air-cooled engines. Throughout the course, students will learn critical components of site and personal safety as well as communication and leadership skills. This course may be taken toward fulfillment of the 3rd credit of Science required for graduation.
Greenhouse and Nursery Management
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 10-12
Credit: 1.25 Advanced Science
Students will learn the operational practices needed for the successful growth of nursery stock and/or greenhouse plants. They will learn essential greenhouse practices including water and fertilizer distribution, lighting, ventilation and temperature control. Students will learn pest and disease identification and control along with bio‐security practices. Students will demonstrate knowledge of propagation methods, plant health, nutrition, and growth stimulation. Throughout this course, business and employability skills will be emphasized. Students will also assist with maintaining bedding plants around MHS. This course may be taken toward fulfillment of the 3rd credit of Science required for graduation. Student will also be eligible to apply for College Credit for this class at any State Institution that offers an Ag Business/Greenhouse or Plant Science program.
Livestock Selection, Nutrition and Management
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9‐12
Credit: 1.25 Advanced Science
Students will identify and apply principles of routine husbandry practices to production animal populations. Topics will include principles of nutrition, feed utilization, animal welfare, selection and management of facilities and herd populations. Students will apply knowledge of production animal care to enhance animal growth, selection of breeding stock, and management practices. Throughout the course, students will develop management plans reflecting practices for care and legal compliance. We will be working with live animals as well as performing dissections in this course. This course may be taken toward fulfillment of the 3rd credit of Science required for graduation.
Meat Science and Technology
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9‐12
Credit: 1.25 Advanced Science
Students will apply food chemistry and microbiology to processing, preservation, packaging, storage and marketing of meat products. Students will design and implement a quality assurance program that meets legal compliance and demonstrates knowledge of safe operation and maintenance of equipment and facilities. Students will evaluate carcass composition, assign quality grades, and examine valued-added products. Throughout the course, students will demonstrate customer service and sales techniques while understanding the scope and importance of business and safety regulations. This course may be taken toward fulfillment of the 3rd credit of Science required for graduation.
Agri-Business Management I
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 11‐12
Credit: 1.25 for class + up to 2.00 for work. *CTAG (College Credit)
Students will examine elements of business, identify organizational structures and apply management skills while developing business plans, financial reports and strategic goals for new ventures or existing businesses. Learners will use marketing concepts to evaluate the marketing environment and develop a marketing plan with marketing channels, product approaches, promotion and pricing strategies. Throughout the course, students will apply concepts of ethics and professionalism while implications of business regulations will be identified. Student will also be eligible to apply for College Credit for this class at any State Institution that offers an Agricultural Business program.
Agri-Business Management II
Prerequisite: Agri‐Business Management
Grade: 12
Credit: 1.25 for class and up to 2.00 for work
Learn how to run the day to day operations of a business. You will run all the business side of the FFA, while building relationships with local companies. You will be taking an active leadership role in FFA and learn vital communication skills. Be ready to run your own business with the skills taught in this class.
Capstone
Prerequisite: None
Grade: Instructor Approval
Credit: 1.00
This class is for upper level Ag students who have taken at least 2 Agricultural classes as a way for students to expand their learning. This class is more self‐directed in nature to allow for specialization for each student. To enroll in this class students must get instructor approval. Students will submit an application to AG Instructor to enroll.
Schedule a tour to learn more about the Agribusiness & Production Systems pathway.