Farm and Ranch Management

Description

The Farm and Ranch Management option is for students who plan on managing a crop or livestock production operation. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to be successful managers and to acquire the knowledge and ability to deal with the challenges of today’s agriculture industries. Study includes prescribed coursework in accounting, agriculture finance, marketing, precision farming, crop/soil science, and livestock production. Technology instruction is infused throughout the curriculum. Students are exposed to various applications of technology related to business management, crop production, livestock production, and soil science. Precision farming technology instruction includes guidance systems, mobile software, GIS software, variable rate technologies, and remote sensing. Students will have the opportunity to graduate with a North Dakota Private Pesticide Applicators license or beef cattle artificial insemination training.

The program requires participation in a cooperative education internship. Advisors will work with students to determine an appropriate internship project for students choosing this option. Admission occurs in the Fall. Students are encouraged to apply early as openings are limited.

Preparation

Students interested in agriculture should be resourceful, flexible, creative problem solvers, interested in technology, and enjoy continuous learning. The following background is helpful: high school or college courses in agriculture, science and math, and experience working on a farm or for an agriculture-related business. Interested students are encouraged to apply early, as openings are limited.

Requirements

Students who complete the curriculum requirements earn an Associate in Applied Science degree.

Career Opportunities

The global economy offers many opportunities to provide food, animal feed and energy, which make it an exciting time to be involved in agriculture. Agriculture is evolving into a more business-savvy industry with many options for candidates skilled at streamlining processes and creating value-added solutions for promoting agricultural goods. A love of the land, practical farm/ranch experience, knowledge of agriculture science, and a strong business sense are necessary skills for a successful career in production agriculture.

In today’s market, farmers, ranchers, and agriculture managers must stay abreast of the latest developments in technology and agricultural production to make sound scientific and business decisions. The demand for young farmers and ranchers to replace retiring farmers is great.

Current placement rate of students in this program is 100 percent.

Additional Information

Agriculture Club

Students have the opportunity to join the BSC Agriculture Club.

ATNR Scholarships

Scholarships are readily available to students enrolled in agriculture degree programs.