Agri-Production

The Demands of Modern Farming Require an Education

Because of the enormous changes that have taken place in agriculture in recent years, the individuals who manage today's farms need to be more skilled and knowledgeable than ever before. A successful farmer, whether an owner, renter, manager or crop industry employee, must have a thorough knowledge of the latest farming techniques along with a theoretical base in economics and business practices. The options included in the Agriculture Production program are designed for the student who wishes to return to the farm or ranch.

Curriculum can be Tailored to Meet Student's Needs

The Agriculture Production curriculum is very comprehensive, including courses in nutrition, crop science, marketing, fertilizers, livestock development and maintenance, farm machinery, farm management, and decision-making. Great attention is also given to record-keeping, planning and farm accounting.

The program is designed to allow students to return to their farm or ranch operation during the spring semester of the first year and perform extensive record-keeping procedures. Students in the second year are also given the opportunity to work with area agribusinesses and/or veterinarians. Whether a student is returning to east river crop country or west river cattle land, he or she will find in this curriculum the knowledge needed to run a profitable operation.

The Profession Requires Training and Discipline

This program is for individuals who enjoy the rural setting, like being their own boss, and have the discipline to see projects completed. Through the Agriculture Production program, such students will learn the techniques to be successful in today’s highly competitive agricultural environment.

Farm operators must have enough technical knowledge about crops, growing conditions, and plant and animal diseases to make decisions that ensure the successful operation of their farms. They must also have the managerial skills necessary to organize and operate a business.

With increases in today’s agriculture production costs, the instability of the farmers’ market, and the increasing competition between American farmers and foreign competitors, the farm operator must be prepared to make informed decisions at the appropriate time.

We Practice What We Preach

LATI, in cooperation with Dupont, has developed a demonstration farm located west of Watertown on Highway 212. Agriculture Production students are actively involved in management decisions concerning no-till farming techniques as they are applied to an actual farming operation.

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.