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Agricultural Business

The agricultural business program combines business courses with agricultural science courses.  Continuing technological and other advances have increased the need for future workers to gain specialized training prior to beginning careers in agricultural business. This program includes the essential accounting, economics, science, marketing and agricultural courses needed for today’s complex and changing agricultural business world.

This program is also offered through SWCC's online/distance education department

Southwestern's agricultural programs offer you endless hands-on learning opportunities.  The ag programs are based at SWCC's Agricultural Site.  As a student in SWCC's ag department, you will complete daily tasks on the 215-acre farm, assist with the 30-head cow-calf operation, make real-life farm decisions, compete against other students in local and national ag competitions, and complete coursework and a paid internship. 

With ag at Southwestern, you have options.  You decide which ag program fits your goals and needs the best.  SWCC offers three programs--ag business, ag business (for transfer), crop production, or livestock production--directed toward preparing you for the workforce, or you may complete the Associate of Arts degree with an agriculture major if your goal is to transfer and earn a bachelor's degree.

Awards Available

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is a specialized degree that can be used for immediate entry into the workplace.  Emphasis is placed on competence of applying basic principles, theories, and occupational skills.  These are two-year programs.

Potential Careers

  • Ag lending officer
  • Auditor
  • Business owner
  • Commodity broker
  • Co-op manager
  • Credit analyst
  • Economist
  • Farm and feedlot manager
  • Farmer
  • Fertilizer applicator
  • Grain merchandiser
  • Sales and technical service representative

 
Want to find out more about the Agricultural Business program? Get Information

  • AGA 181 Introduction to Crop Science
  • AGS 112 Survey of the Animal Industry
  • COM 724 Employment Communications
  • AGC 908 Agriculture Lab I
  • AGS 226 Beef Cattle Science
  • MAT 743 Technical Math
  • AGB 932 Internship
  • AGB 326 Farm Records Accounts and Analysis
  • AGS 280 Livestock Merchandising
  • AGS 225 Swine Science
  • AGB 235 Introduction to Agriculture Markets
  • AGB 336 Agricultural Selling
  • AGB 330 Farm Business Management
  • AGA 212 Grain and Forage Crops
  • ECN 120 Principles of Macroeconomics
  • ECN 130 Principles of Microeconomics

Click on the course number in the list above to view the course description. This may not be a complete list of courses that may be included for the Agriculture Business program. To see all courses in a semester-by-semester plan, view the Agricultural Business program course outline.

Download the program outline  

Degree requirement advising sheet

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • analyze, evaluate, and apply agriculture principles, methods, and techniques in an agribusiness environment.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the role of marketing in agribusiness.
  • communicate effectively in the realm of agriculture.
  • access agricultural financial information and markets.
  • apply decision-making strategies in traditional and alternative agricultural industries.

Contact:

Instructor:  Matt Deppe

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