Agriculture

AGBU 101 is a required course for SMSU Agribusiness Majors. The course should be taken in the freshman year or in the first year of transfer. This course introduces the goals and student learning outcomes of the Agribusiness major and SMSUs Liberal Education Plan. Students use the course to identify career goals, relate those goals to their academic choices, and create electronic program portfolio to assess progress in achieving program goals and student learning outcomes.

To enable students to gain some basic knowledge of soils and how they can best be managed for long run optimum production.

A study of how to use futures and options contracts to hedge price risk. Stress is placed on the use of agricultural commodity contracts by farmers and agribusinesses working with farmers.

Financial futures and options contracts are presented as a means for hedging and speculating. Economic and financial theories are used to analyze specific transactions.

Budgeting and financial analysis are used to study how to maximize profit and efficiency in resource use for a farming operation. Microcomputer spreadsheets and other programs are used for class projects.

Computer farm management aids, risk analysis, FIN PACK, farm business organization selection, income tax management, disinvestment, and estate planning.

This course emphasizes the role agriculture plays in the development process. On completion of this course, the students should be able to explain the role of agriculture in the development process, analyze the effects of developing country economic policies on the agricultural sector, and use economic reasoning and tools such as graphs to analyze the agricultural sector.

The organizational, legal, financial and managerial aspects of doing business as a cooperative corporation are examined in this course. Relationships between member-patrons, directors and the manager of the cooperative are analyzed using case studies. The business activities of a cooperative corporation are computer-simulated and analyzed.

A comprehensive analysis is conducted of the role of agribusinesses in international trade and development. Case studies involving agribusinesses are analyzed to identify the issues and methods used to market, finance, and manage the import-export of agricultural products.

Analysis of farm prices and the effect of supply, demand and institutional forces on farm income and farm income policy.

A comprehensive look at all facets of extending agricultural and agribusiness loans, from analysis of the financial statements of agricultural enterprises to dealing with problem loans. Emphasizes general principles of banking management and evaluation, fulfillment of credit needs, and uses of capital from the perspective of both borrowers and lenders.

This course will describe and evaluate past and future policies developed to deal with income distribution, resource use and changes in technology in the food and agriculture system.

A study of more advanced topics in agribusiness not normally provided as part of the curriculum.

Arranged Independent Study in Agribusiness

AGBU 495 is a required course for SMSU Agribusiness Majors. Students use electronic portfolios to evaluate their academic accomplishments and career readiness. Students evaluate and communicate the content of their portfolios using the goals and student learning outcomes of the Agribusiness program. Performance evaluation also includes SMSUs Liberal Education Plan Rubrics for written and speech communication, information literacy, and critical thinking. Agribusiness students systematically analyze and communicate what they have learned in their degree program, and synthesize those results to create valuable plans for their future careers after degree completion.

The opportunity to pursue an internship is designed to supplement course materials with actual related work experience. Students are expected to integrate disciplinary knowledge into a real world setting. The student will submit weekly reports on work assignments as well as a report at the conclusion of the internship. The number of credits allowed will depend on the magnitude of the internship.

Personal leadership development is a journey of self-discovery. This course is designed to provide you with an opportunity to explore your personal leadership potential. Using a variety of self-assessments and reflection, students will identify personal motivators, ethics, values and vision. This course is designed for all students who are interested in positions of leadership and who want to learn more about making themselves, as well as the groups and teams they work with more effective. The class uses discussion, reflection and self-assessment to provide a base for personal growth and development. Leadership development from an individual perspective is the center of the course. Interpersonal competencies are explored. In addition, principles of communication as they relate to agriculture and leadership will be highlighted.

AGED 220 is designed to assist students in understanding the principles and practices of mechanical systems that include fluid, electrical, and fuel-powered units; the design, fabrication, construction, and use of agricultural structures, equipment, and systems; measuring tools and equipment; and product storage, water management, waste management, and materials handling.

This course introduces students to the role and structure of the agricultural student organization (such as FFA and 4-H) as an integral component in developing the student through individual, cooperative and collaborative activities that prepare the student for a role in the school, community, and workplace. This course introduces students to the Three Circle Model (FFA, SAE, classroom instruction). Techniques for coordinating and advising an FFA chapter in conjunction with developing and conducting Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) are thoroughly explained. The foundations of work-based learning, including the development of workplace skills, career exploration strategies, as well as state and federal labor laws are also discussed.

This course is designed to provide students with experiential learning opportunities in order to make connections between the theory and practice of academic study and the practical application of the professional agricultural work environment. The number of credits allowed is dependent upon the magnitude of the internship.

This course is designed to help future agriculture teachers put instructional theory into practice. It will provide an integrated coverage of methods of classroom instruction, management and assessment. The methodology of the course will include practicum, lesson construction, practice teaching, in class exercises, discussions and Socratic questioning. This course will address agricultural program development, performance or skill-based instruction, problem solving, lesson planning, assessment procedures and techniques, and methods relevant to teaching agricultural science, technologies, and career-leadership skills to diverse students, grades 5-12.

This course provides an orientation to the profession of agronomy, agronomy curriculum and college life. Choosing the right majors, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills, graduate schools and careers in agronomy profession will be discussed.

This is an introductory course in agronomy with a goal to provide the general principles underlying crop production. The course examines the dynamics and functions of crop communities, influence of the environment on crop production, plant morphology and metabolism, crop growth and development, plant breeding as well as soil water management. Other topics that will be discussed are cultural practices associated with optimum crop production and commercial production of selected field crops.

Production and management practices for corn, soybeans, small grain, and forage crops common to Midwestern U.S. agriculture. Topics to be covered are growth and development, plant characteristics, crop quality, production practices including crop rotation, tillage, soil fertility, cultivar selection, planting strategies, pest management, and harvesting techniques that optimize production and sustains the natural resource base needed to produce high quality and high yielding crops. Principles of grain and forage crop management will also be utilized in solving on-farm problems.

Gardening and local food production has become increasingly popular as consumers have become more aware of sustainability and rising food costs. This course focuses on establishment and management practices for both small scale and field scale gardens that promote sustainability. Topics to be covered include plant characteristics, plant growth and development, techniques for establishing a garden, management methods for soil health, pests, weeds, and diseases.

An internship with a professionally relevant component. Students are responsible for finding internship opportunities.

Seed formation and development, germination, maturation, dormancy, vigor, conditioning, and quality evaluation. Seed marketing, organization of the Federal Grain Inspection Agency, development and implementation of regulations governing grain inspection, procedures, techniques, and equipment used in grain grading.

Pre- and post-harvest factors affecting the quality of corps. Characteristics, uses, and processing of major food crops. Crop marketing and food safety.

Effects of insects and diseases on agronomic crops. Identification of important groups of insect pests, causal agents, and diagnosis of major crop diseases. Analysis of hosts and the environmental factors influencing the increase and spread of crop pests. Emphasis on the use of integrated pest management strategies.

The course gives an overview of precision agriculture. Emphasis will be on the different technologies that are currently in use and their applications. Topics include geographical information systems, geographical positioning systems, geo-stationary satellite systems, remote sensing, soil/landscape variability, soil fertility, soil sampling and testing, data collection, processing and management, site-specific farm management, yield monitoring systems, yield maps, and economic considerations in site specific farming.

Leadership, Decision-making and Problem-solving. Forum where students interact with professionals in the field of agronomy. Course will include presentations from speakers working in agricultural fields and lectures. Students will have to prepare position papers and solutions to current issues affecting Minnesota Agriculture.

This is an applied science course. The course covers: -The identification, biology, and ecology of weeds, -Weed management by cultural, mechanical, chemical, and biological means, -Integrated Weed Management, -Herbicides and factors influencing their use, -Sprayer calibration and dosage calculations, and -Laws and regulations governing herbicide use.

An introductory plant breeding course designed to provide the basic principles of cultivar development. Emphasis will be on traditional methods used in developing improved cultivars of field crops and the genetic principles on which breeding methods are based. Additional topics to be covered include biotechnology and germplasm preservation.

This course examines the concept of sustainable agriculture by looking at the three major themes of sustainability. Students will be introduced to the social, economic, and environmental issues affecting agricultural sustainability. The patterns and trends of agricultural production systems will be examined and strategies for implementing sustainable agricultural enterprises discussed. This is a team-taught course and will include lectures, discussions, guest speakers, and field trips.

This course deals with the design of experiments for agronomic and plant breeding research. Design, analysis, and interpretation of both field and greenhouse experiments will be discussed.

Arranged Independent Study in Agronomy

Students in this course will benefit from both experiential and theoretical learning opportunities as they examine the integration of crop and soil science, pasturage, plant breeding, climatology and integrated pest management disciplines. This course is an exciting chance to learn the principles of regenerative agriculture, and apply these ideas in a real-world pasture setting. Students will learn to evaluate and develop crop management strategies that make the most efficient use of natural resources such as manure, solar radiation, water, and soil, as well as other external inputs utilized for field crop management.

This course builds on the foundation of crop science and soil science to further investigate the relationship between soil and crop plants. Students will review basic concepts of plant nutrition and soil characteristics in order for students to identify connections and the symbiotic benefits of each component. Topics covered also include soil and plant uptake, deficiencies, toxicities, causes and remedies, as well as plant and soil analysis methods.

The opportunity to pursue an internship is designed to supplement course materials with actual related work experience. Students are expected to integrate disciplinary knowledge into a real world setting. The student will submit weekly reports on work assignments as well as a report at the conclusion of the internship. This course is required for all Agricultural Solutions majors. Students are responsible for finding internship opportunities.

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of animal agriculture with a focus on management practices related to the health, husbandry, feeding, breeding, and marketing of beef and dairy cattle, small ruminants, swine, poultry, horses, and alternative agricultural species. This will be accomplished through lectures and hands-on experiences during laboratory sessions. Live animals will be used during laboratories in accordance with federal regulations, and all laboratories will be conducted with respect for the animals.

This course offers students an orientation to the field of veterinary technology. Students become familiar with veterinary medical terminology, as well as role of the veterinary technician in the field of veterinary medicine. The course additionally provides students the opportunity to examine current and future employment opportunities and essential job duties. The course strongly emphasizes the key roles of professional attitudes and ethical responsibilities.

Students in this course learn the life history and habits of the honey bee. The course offers opportunities to examine modem methods of apiary management, honey and wax production, and the utilization and maintenance of beehive equipment. Students also learn about pollination behaviors, and investigate the identity and control of bee diseases.

This course offers students the opportunity to learn the basic principles of superior horsemanship. The course includes both classroom and hands-on learning experiences. The course covers the practical and theoretical aspects of care, good grooming, safe handling, and healthy feeding practices. Students learn to recognize vital signs and common health problems. Students are also introduced to the equine industry, and become familiar with horse breeds and registry.

This course introduces the principles of nutrition and feeding of domestic animals. Students learn about the necessary and science-based characteristics of feeds, and the fundamental nutritional requirements of livestock. The course includes a comparative study of farm animal digestive systems, and also covers the terminology and classification of feedstuffs and nutrient values. Students will learn to analyze and evaluate the importance of alternative feeding formulations for different animal types and classifications. The course will also focus on managing rations that are efficient, balanced and environmentally sound.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of meat science and provides and an overview of the meat industry. Students learn about the nutritional qualities of meat as a food source, and understand the important aspects of fresh and processed meat technology. The course offers students the opportunity to study the structure of muscle, the conversion of muscle to meat, food safety, meat quality, color, cooking, grading, inspection, curing, and processing.

This course trains students to compare and identify anatomical structures and basic physiological body functions of domestic animals. The course includes a thorough review of animal body systems, including: muscular, skeletal, integumentary, histology, and special sense organs. The course also examines the integration of body regulatory systems of domestic animals.

Students in this course will examine the technologies employed in manipulating reproduction in farm animals, including beef and dairy cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses and poultry. The course also introduces students to the commercial application of in-vitro produced cattle embryos, and familiarizes students with current and future reproductive technologies, such as cloning and the production of transgenic animals. Students will also explore the ethical implications of modern agricultural production methods.

The opportunity to pursue an Animal Science internship is designed to supplement the academic content of SMSUs Animal Science program with actual related work experience. Students are expected to integrate disciplinary knowledge into a real world setting. The student will submit weekly reports on work assignments as well as a report at the conclusion of the internship. The number of credits allowed will depend on the magnitude of the internship.