Agribusiness
See Also in Agriculture
(Grades 11-12) Half Day 120 minutes daily, m-f
This two-year looping program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to own and operate an agricultural business. Topics include entrepreneurship, animal production, animal physiology, and biotechnology.
YEAR 1: (Fall Semester) Students experience what it is like to start and analyze a business. Students learn the basic principles of planning, managing, financing, marketing, and production of an actual short-term business based upon the Junior Achievement Company model. (Spring Semester) Students are exposed to careers in animal production. They learn techniques for grooming, feeding, raising and caring for large and small animals. Hands-on activities will reinforce principles learned through this course.
YEAR 2: (Fall Semester) Students are introduced to careers in veterinary assistant technology and pre-veterinary medicine. Topics covered are: the importance of sanitation, biosecurity, and animal rights/welfare, identifying symptoms of an ill animal, common diseases and poisoning, and how to administer injections. Basic nutrition, anatomy, and veterinary terminology are also covered. (Spring Semester) Students learn the history, benefits, safety and equipment used in the exciting field of agricultural biotechnology. Scientific method and aseptic technique will be practiced in laboratory experiences using gel electrophoresis and simulated DNA mapping. Fundamentals of food science and processing, as well as animal and plant biotechnology are covered.
Leadership training through FFA is an integral part of the course.
Prerequisite: 10 credits on transcript upon entering the program.
Recommended Preparation: Biology, Chemistry, two credits of math.
Credits: One embedded science, one applied math and four elective credits upon completion of the two-year program.
Related careers: farm manager/owner/operator; agricultural consultant; agricultural scientist; extension agent; veterinary assistant; equine studies; veterinarian.