It’s livelihood.
Livestock Production and Management
The Livestock Production and Management program at Lake Area Tech prepares you for the day-to-day reality of working in animal agriculture. It combines hands-on experience with the science and business knowledge needed to manage livestock operations with confidence.
You’ll work across all aspects of modern production, including animal health, genetics, nutrition, breeding, and daily care, while building the business skills behind the operation. Coursework also covers farm finance, marketing, and compliance, giving you a clear understanding of how decisions in the field impact the bottom line.
Through supervised occupational training, you’ll gain real-world experience alongside producers and ag businesses, building both technical skill and practical judgment. Graduates are prepared for roles in livestock and ranch management, feedlot operations, animal health, nutrition, and ag sales, or to continue their education through transfer pathways.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Livestock Production and Management Program Highlight
- In-depth study of animal health, nutrition, genetics, and management
- Real-world training through supervised occupational experiences
- Instruction in ag finance, marketing, and compliance for well-rounded expertise
- Experienced instructors with strong connections to the livestock industry
- Opportunities for university transfer or immediate career placement
Livestock Production and Management Program Learning Outcomes
- Create livestock nutrition plans.
- Evaluate livestock genetics and breeding programs.
- Implement animal health and disease prevention protocols.
- Apply financial management skills to make business decisions in livestock operations.
- Demonstrate best practices in livestock handling and animal welfare, ensuring both safety and animal well-being.
- Utilize livestock marketing strategies, and evaluation techniques.
- Manage feed resources to optimize livestock nutrition and performance.
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Livestock Production and Management Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Livestock Production and Management degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Livestock Production and Management sector.
Livestock Operations Manager
Graduates of the Livestock Production & Management program can pursue careers as Livestock Operations Managers, overseeing the daily activities that keep animal production facilities running efficiently and profitably. In this role, you'll manage livestock health, coordinate employees, monitor production goals, and help ensure operations meet industry standards. This career is ideal for individuals who enjoy leadership, animal agriculture, and business management.
Where you might work:
• Beef cattle operations
• Dairy farms
• Swine production facilities
• Feedlots
• Integrated livestock enterprises
Herd Manager
As a Herd Manager, you'll be responsible for the health, performance, and productivity of livestock herds. Graduates can expect to monitor animal health, coordinate feeding programs, oversee breeding activities, and maintain production records. This role combines hands-on animal care with operational decision-making.
Where you might work:
• Dairy operations
• Beef cattle ranches
• Seedstock producers
• Cow-calf operations
• Livestock production companies
Animal Health Technician
As an Animal Health Technician, you'll help monitor, maintain, and improve the health and well-being of livestock populations. Graduates can expect to assist with health programs, vaccinations, treatment protocols, and disease prevention efforts while working closely with veterinarians and production managers.
Where you might work:
• Livestock production facilities
• Veterinary clinics
• Feedlots
• Swine operations
• Dairy farms
Livestock Nutrition Specialist
Livestock Nutrition Specialists help producers develop feeding programs that support animal health, growth, and performance. In this role, you'll evaluate nutritional needs, recommend feed solutions, analyze production data, and help producers maximize efficiency. This career blends animal science with business and consulting.
Where you might work:
• Feed companies
• Livestock production operations
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Animal nutrition companies
• Livestock consulting firms
Livestock Sales Representative
Livestock Sales Representatives work directly with producers to provide products, services, and solutions that support successful animal production. Graduates can expect to build customer relationships, provide technical recommendations, and help producers improve herd performance and profitability. This role combines agricultural knowledge with communication and business skills.
Where you might work:
• Animal health companies
• Feed manufacturers
• Livestock equipment suppliers
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Livestock service providers
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
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Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $9,782 |
| State Fees | $3,285 |
| Departmental Fee | $2,516 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,263 |
| Uniform Fee | $100 |
| Books | $1,100 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $20,236 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Livestock Production and Management FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
What does a livestock production and management program teach?
A livestock production and management program teaches the science, technology, and business of raising food animals. Students learn animal nutrition and feeding systems, livestock genetics, reproduction science, herd health management, and pasture and range livestock production. Coursework also covers beef cattle handling, swine production, feedlot management, animal welfare, and recordkeeping. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to prepare graduates for modern livestock operations.
How can I become a livestock operations manager after college?
Graduates can become livestock operations managers by combining a livestock production degree, hands-on experience, and strong business skills. At Lake Area Tech, students develop leadership, decision-making, and financial management skills alongside technical livestock training. Entry-level roles such as herd technician, feedlot assistant, or production specialist provide experience that leads to management positions overseeing animal performance, labor, facilities, and profitability.
What hands-on experience will I get studying livestock production at Lake Area Tech?
Students at Lake Area Tech gain extensive hands-on, real-world livestock experience. Training includes livestock handling and safety, animal health monitoring, feeding and ration management, reproduction practices, and data-driven herd management. Labs, applied projects, and industry partnerships ensure students work with real animals, real facilities, and real production scenarios, not just simulations.
What kinds of jobs are available after graduating with a livestock production degree?
Graduates are prepared for a wide range of livestock operations careers, including:
- Livestock or feedlot manager
- Beef or swine production technician
- Herd health or reproduction technician
- Animal nutrition or feed sales representative
- Ranch or farm operations manager
- Livestock procurement or field service specialist
- Production supervisor in integrated livestock systems
Many graduates also return to or advance within family ranches and farms.
How does an agriculture degree with a livestock focus prepare me for the business side of farming?
The livestock-focused agriculture degree integrates production with business management. Students learn cost of production analysis, feed and input budgeting, record-keeping, marketing, and operational decision-making. This prepares graduates to manage livestock enterprises profitably, understand market impacts, and make informed decisions about genetics, nutrition, facilities, and labor.
Do I need prior farm experience to enroll in a livestock production program?
No prior farm or ranch experience is required. The program is designed for both first-generation agriculture students and those raised in livestock operations. Instruction starts with core fundamentals and progresses to advanced management concepts, ensuring all students build confidence and competence in livestock production.
Is there specialization by species (beef, dairy, swine, goats/sheep) in this program?
Yes. While students receive a strong foundation in general livestock production, the program includes focused training in beef cattle and swine production, with exposure to other species such as sheep and goats. Coursework and hands-on activities allow students to explore species-specific management practices and align training with career goals.
What kind of facilities and real-world training does Lake Area Tech offer for livestock students?
Lake Area Tech emphasizes applied, industry-relevant training using modern facilities, equipment, and production systems. Students may work in environments that reflect commercial livestock operations, including feeding systems, handling equipment, and herd management technologies. Strong industry partnerships provide additional learning through site visits, applied projects, and workforce-aligned training.
How does regional livestock production training (Midwest/South Dakota) benefit me?
Training in the Midwest and South Dakota provides experience with one of the nation’s most important livestock regions. Students learn systems relevant to beef cattle and feedlot operations, under real-world climate, forage, and market conditions. This regional focus prepares graduates for immediate employment while building skills that transfer nationally across the livestock industry.
Livestock Production and Management Staff
Field-tested. Student-ready. Our esteemed staff is prepared to walk with you through every step of your collegiate career.
