The livestock production program provides a blend of animal science courses and practical application, ensuring a well-rounded agricultural education. During the program, students obtain knowledge of current practices in the livestock industry, gaining confidence in being able to raise, produce, or market livestock. Upon graduation, students are prepared for successful careers, whether they choose to pursue positions in the workplace or on the farm.
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
Associate of Applied Science Degree
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
Sample Courses
- AGA 181 Introduction to Crop Science
- AGC 908 Agriculture Lab I
- AGC 909 Agriculture Lab II
- AGB 932 Internship
- AGS 112 Survey of the Animal Industry
- AGS 226 Beef Cattle Science
- AGS 305 Livestock Evaluation
- SPC 101 Fundamentals of Oral Communication
- AGB 235 Introduction to Agriculture Markets
- AGB 326 Farm Records Accounts and Analysis
- AGS 225 Swine Science
- AGS 319 Animal Nutrition
- AGA 212 Grain and Forage Crops
- AGB 330 Farm Business Management
- AGS 355 Animal Breeding and Genetics
- AGS 242 Animal Health
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 Livestock Production program. To see all courses in a semester-by-semester plan, view the Livestock Production program course outline.
Degree requirement advising sheet
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge in the areas of modern livestock husbandry and management practices.
- apply management practices to produce livestock products in a profitable manner.
- assess feed nutrients and how they are necessary for the health, growth and development of livestock.
- evaluate various types of livestock and their nutritional and economic contributions nationally and globally.
- analyze sales and marketing techniques in livestock production.
