Introduces the key concepts that a businessperson needs to understand. Learners explore three primary financial statements: the balance sheet, the income statement and the cash flow statement. Application of accounting processes: cash and accrual methods, recording business transactions, making a trial balance, creating financial statements and keeping records. Examination of various benchmarks utilizing financial statements.
Expands on learner’s ability to demonstrate skills learned throughout the program. This course will help students prepare for career related employment as they gain on-the-job experience. During the internship, the learner, instructor and internship site representative will be communicating on the strengths and opportunities for improvement of the learner. Internship experiences for this course may be farm or a variety of agriculture career fields.
Examines various barn designs and layouts in order to ensure the well-being of food producing animals. Learners will explore a variety of best practices pertaining to barn design for milk production, animal comfort and reducing animal stress.
Examines proven strategies designed to help learners achieve greater personal, academic, and professional success. Learners will apply personal responsibility thinking and behaviors; self- management, awareness, and motivation strategies; as well as interdependence skills to develop a proactive life plan.
Analyze the nutritional needs of dairy cattle during each stage of their life. Topics covered include: roles of digestive nutrients, nutritional requirements at various growth stages, relationship between forage quality and nutrition, ration balancing through calculation of feed and dry matter intake. Learners explore various methods of feeding dairy animals, including grazing system principles. Learners evaluate the use of dairy nutrition feed technologies.
Introduces topics that relate to working in a farm environment. Topics include personality, family relationships, decision-making and social relations as they apply to everyday living and working in an ongoing family operation or entry into the non-family farm job market. Personnel management techniques include: development of goals, determining personnel needs, finding and recruiting the right people, performance appraisals, training, promotions and terminations.
Application of federal and Wisconsin income tax laws regarding farming are covered in this course. Understanding how taxes affect the financial picture in a business is critical to the agriculture professional. Learners will apply income tax laws throughout the course as various topics are covered regarding taxation. Learners will prepare individual, Schedule F, and other supporting forms used in reporting financial information.
Exposes students to biology and other life sciences. Through a variety of practical learning activities, learners will investigate basic biological principles emphasizing cell biology, fundamental processes of life, introductory genetics, and biodiversity. Learners will use the scientific method to complete basic research. Animal Science is diverse and the program offers flexibility for students to explore both basic and applied aspects of animal biology.
Introduces the basics of livestock management. Examines management of the dairy herd with concentration on nutrition, feedstuff's classification, reproduction, genetics, animal behavior, animal health and sustainable agriculture practices. Learners explore basic husbandry and care procedures for animals. This is offered in an online format.
Familiarizes learners with the Agriculture Center of Excellence and standard operating procedures. Learners will begin to develop a strategic college plan. Learners will be exposed to the various opportunities available throughout their program of study. This course will acquaint students with basic husbandry practices for dairy animals to prepare them for future courses; learners will work directly with the dairy animals throughout the program.
Introduces learners to the format and types of questions given in the math, chemistry, and anatomy & physiology portions of the HESI test. Sample questions and possible study materials will be discussed. Upon completion of the course, learners will have a greater understanding of the test. Additionally, course completion will assist in determining if learners feel ready to test, or would like to pursue additional study opportunities prior to testing.
Perform animal health practices and activities as it relates to lactating cows. This hands-on lab provides learners with firsthand exposure to the duties, responsibilities and management opportunities that are present on a dairy operation. Each lab will build upon the skills from the previous lab. In this fourth lab, the focus will be on lactating cows. Students will have the opportunity to explore and analyze best management practices in lactating cow feeds, nutrition, vaccinations, veterinary needs and housing options.
Explores grid sampling sizes, plant nutrient analysis, CEC, base saturation and nutrient management planning. Learners will apply classroom theory through hands-on activities such as grid sampling, plant identification and pest identification. Furthermore, learners will gain a greater understanding of plant nutrient testing and the implication of soil sampling test results. Learners will examine soil conservation practices, soil nutrition and pesticide application.
Examines the principles of farm crop production, including classification, growth and management of corn, soybeans, alfalfa, barley, as well as other Midwest crops. Learners will explore soil preparation, plant physiology, planting dates, planting depths and seeding rates for various types of crops. Furthermore, learners will engage in the study of plant structure identification. Different types of equipment used in planting and harvesting will be explored and discussed during the course.
Perform animal health practices and activities as it relates to transition cows. This hands-on lab provides learners with firsthand exposure to the duties, responsibilities and management opportunities that are present on a dairy operation. Each lab will build upon the skills from the previous lab. In this third lab, the focus will be on transition cow care; six weeks prior to six weeks post calving. Students will have the opportunity to explore and analyze best management practices in transition cow feeds, nutrition, vaccinations, veterinary needs and housing options.