• Agriculture Education

    Open to Grades 9-12 Only

    Agriculture encompasses the food, fiber, conservation, and natural resource system, employing over 20% of the nation’s workforce and is Missouri's #1 industry with over $3.5 billion in exports through the second quarter of 2012.  Some of the leading agriculture exports in Missouri include chemicals, food & fiber, machinery, minerals, and other agriculture products like timber and forages.
     
    Agriculture Science I
    First Year Ag. Students
    Agriculture Science 1 is a course designed for first-year instruction in animal science, career exploration, leadership, and personal development, as well as supervised agriculture experiences (SAE).  Units include the history of the National FFA Organization, leadership, careers, animal nutrition, animal reproduction, beef, swine, and sheep production. 
     
    Course Rationale- An understanding of careers, leadership, and basic principles in the animal industry provide a sound background for the agricultural industry.

    Conservation & Natural Resources
    Ag. Science 1 required
    Conservation and Natural Resources is an advanced course that prepares students for activities in the conservation and/or improvement of natural resources such as oil, water, air, forests, fish and wildlife for economic and recreational purposes. This course requires the prerequisite courses Ag. Science 1.

    Course Rationale- Management of our natural resources, wildlife, and ecological systems are essential components in sustaining our environment. 

    Greenhouse
    Ag. Science 1 Required
    Greenhouse Management develops a basic understanding of greenhouse techniques.  The production of greenhouse crops will be used to demonstrate procedures such as plants started from cuttings, seeds, grafts, and layering.  Students will manage their own crops as a greenhouse project.  

    Course Rationale- Cutting, seedling grafting, layering, and management of a greenhouse provide entry-level and entrepreneurial opportunities for students with an interest in horticulture.

     Animal Care/Vet Science 
    Ag. Science I Required 
    Animal Care/Vet Science is an advanced course engaging students in hands-on laboratories and activities to explore the world of animal agriculture. During the course, students develop a comprehensive Producer’s Management Guide for an animal of their choice.

    Student experiences involve the study of animal anatomy, physiology, behavior, nutrition, reproduction, health, selection, and marketing. Throughout the course, students consider the perceptions and preferences of individuals within local, regional, and world markets.

    Students investigate, experiment, and learn about documenting a project, solving problems, and communicating their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community.

    Construction 

    Ag. Science I Required                                                                                                                                            Prepares students to construct and maintain agricultural structures and equipment. Develops basic skills such as tool identification, interpreting plans, calculating a bill of materials, and welding. Content may be enhanced with appropriate computer applications. Leadership development will be provided through FFA