Agri-Business ProfessionS

Agriculture is one of the leading industries in South Dakota and the Midwest.   Lake Area Tech has been training agri-business professionals for over 35 years.  These highly skilled graduates are needed in every aspect of the agriculture industry from managing agri-businesses to sales of feed, chemicals,  and equipment, as well as ration formulation , chemical application and research techs with various organizations. Students who enter this program can expect to secure employment in agricultural supply businesses

AN Interest in Agriculture is a Must

Students who enter this profession should have an interest in agriculture plus an interest in the business side of the industry.  Students should have the ability to relate well to people and the desire to excel in the academic and hands on courses required to complete the degree.  Upon successful completion of the required courses, graduates are awarded the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.

Lake Area has an active chapter of the Post-Secondary Agriculture Student Organization (PASO) in which Ag-Business students can participate

A Blend of Business and Agriculture principles Prepares the Student for the Demands of this Profession

Students receive up-to-date instruction in the areas of crops, soils, fertilizers, chemicals, chemical equipment, animal science and nutrition, business management, credit and collections, supervision and business law, computers, sales and accounting.  Each year of the two-year program includes an Internship or a Supervised Occupational Experience (SOE) placement.  These Internships and SOE placements allow the student to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom and field to the actual job situation.  The program also includes optional GPS training for those interested.

Field trips and speakers add to the practical training provided.

Meanwhile, Back on the Farm. . .

Lake Area Tech manages a demonstration farm in conjunction with various area ag businesses. The demonstration farm is located northwest of Watertown on county road 17. Students are involved in the operation and management of the demonstration farm.

Job Opportunities Are Plentiful

Due to LATI's history in training ag-business professionals, numerous job sites await successful graduates. Alumni are employed all over the Midwest and graduates should be willing to relocate in order to find the type of job which best meets their needs. A promising future of steady employment, satisfaction, and advancement awaits the well-prepared graduate of agri-business!

Recommended Background Courses

Although not required, the following courses would be beneficial to this course of study prior to attending Lake Area Technical Institute: Vocational Ag courses, Accounting, Computer, Science, Communications, Biology, English, Math.