Provides a basic understanding of the business and economics of the agricultural industry; an introduction to the economic aspects of agriculture and their implications to the agricultural producer, consumer and the food system; management principles encountered in the day-to-day operation of an agricultural enterprise as they relate to the decision-making process.

Provides an overview of the role of agriculture business and economics play in United States and world economies and how these aspects impact the agricultural producer in day to day management, the consumer, and logistics of the food system. Production and supply, supply and demand, resource allocation, and commodity pricing will be discussed as well as social and economic challenges of agriculture in urban and industrialized economies emphasizing California. Emphasis will be on individual economic decision-making.

The study of the principles of agricultural accounting systems and types of records, their use and how to compute and use measures of earnings and cost of production to improve agribusiness efficiency. Farm income tax, Social Security, and employee payroll records also included. Application of these concepts and methods through hands-on projects developing computer-based solutions for agriculture business.

Students will learn about computer use in the workplace with an emphasis on agricultural and business applications. Computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation managers will be covered. Students will work with internet information, telecommunications and introduction to web page design, and other software appropriate to agribusiness.

Introduction to educational and agricultural employment opportunities. Includes portfolio and educational plan development and curriculum requirements that pertain to educational goals as they relate to agriculture majors. Assists students in setting goals and developing skills necessary for life-long success in obtaining, maintaining, and advancing in agriculture careers. Current events that impact agriculture and society will be discussed.

Covers meeting preparation and documentation, planning and implementation of organizations, problems and techniques of group dynamics, participation in community and competitive agricultural events. Recommended for agricultural club members and officers; open to all students interested in professional development and leadership activities.

Covers parliamentary procedures as applied in professional meetings. Study of group and individual leadership aspects as it applies to community activities. Participation in competitive agricultural speech and leadership conferences. Recommended for agricultural club members and officers; open to all students interested in professional development and leadership activities. Grades are P/NP.

On-the-job experience at an approved agriculture job site that is acquired by the student and related to the student’s major. A faculty member supervises the student to ensure that the internship experience is of educational value. The course stresses good work habits and meeting of competencies through actual on-the-job performance. Students will work 54 hours for 1 unit of credit.

This course provides an introduction to the agricultural mechanics field. Instruction will be provided in the areas of safety, selection, care, and use of common hand and power tools; ropes and knots; concrete; plumbing; irrigation systems; electricity and electronics; woodworking; small gas engines; diesel engines; hydraulics; pneumatics; precision agriculture; project design, layout, and bill of materials; and fabrication.

This course emphasizes the development of minimum skill standards in welding. SMAW (Shielded metal arc welding), OFW (Oxy-fuel welding) and OFC (Oxy-fuel welding and cutting) processes are covered as prescribed in the AWS QC 10 specifications. The course introduces students to various cold and hot metalworking procedures, tools, and equipment. Students will also gain foundation knowledge in the various types of metals and their properties as they relate to welding and their use in metal fabrication shops.

Application of advanced skills in agriculture mechanics and welding. Course will include advanced metal fabrication, gas and arc welding, MIG and TIG welding, and use of power tools. Advanced application of electronics and electricity, plumbing, and woodworking. Troubleshooting, application, and major repair of field equipment.

Operation, adjustment, and troubleshooting of farm tractors and field equipment. Principles of field equipment application, equipment terminology and uses of tilling, cultivating, thinning, and planting equipment - all typical sequences in cropping practices.

The study of common livestock disease and fundamentals of immune response as it relates to animal production systems. Focus will be on the role of establishing best practices related to prevention of disease and promotion of animal health, as well as establishing measures of biosecurity and critical control points in a production environment.

Survey of the sheep and goat industries; management of commercial, purebred and small farm flocks; selecting, feeding, breeding and basic care of small ruminants plus marketing of sheep, goats and their products.

Principles and practices of purebred and commercial beef cattle production throughout California, the United States, and the world. Topics include beef cattle breeds, breeding principles, selection, nutrition, environmental management, health, marketing and record keeping to ensure scientifically-based management decisions and consumer product acceptance. Field trips are required.

A scientific approach to the field of animal science and the interrelationship of domestic animals and their contributions to the modern agriculture industry. Includes various disciplines, including cell function, genetics, anatomy and physiology, reproduction, nutrition, animal health, animal products, and animal behavior and welfare.

A scientific approach to the field of animal science and the interrelationship of domestic animals and their contributions to the modern agriculture industry. Includes various disciplines, including cell function, genetics, anatomy and physiology, reproduction, nutrition, animal health, animal products, and animal behavior and welfare.

Introduction to the feeds and nutrition of farm animals. This course will study digestive anatomy and physiology, composition and selection of feeds, characteristics of nutrients, principles of nutrition, nutrient requirements of ruminant and non-ruminant animals, and formulation of diets to meet these requirements.

Learning to critically evaluate and assess the job market and jobs in the future as it relates to agriculture related careers. Students will learn how to identify opportunities and evaluate skills, interests, and identify training and/or education pathways through career explorations.