Farm and Ranch Management (Farm and Ranch)

Program 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.

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.

Program 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

The BSC Ag Club is dedicated to helping the students of BSC ATNR through career development, service opportunities, professional networking, and education enhancement. BSC Ag Club also promotes interest in agriculture, educates the general public about the importance of agriculture, inspires interpersonal interactions, and enhances students' understanding of local and global agricultural industries.

ATNR Scholarships

Students are eligible for a variety of scholarships.  The BSC Foundation provides two ND Ag Association scholarships, four Ervin and Dorothy Bourgois Memorial Scholarships along with assorted academic scholarships.  Eight scholarships are also available through the CHS Foundation.