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Production Agriculture
The Production Agriculture program at Lake Area Tech prepares you to manage the full scope of modern farming. You’ll build practical skills across crops, livestock, equipment, and business, learning how each part of an operation connects and performs.
Coursework includes soil and fertilizer management, crop production, pest and disease control, livestock care, equipment operation, and commodity marketing. Through supervised occupational experiences, you’ll apply what you learn in real-world settings, developing the technical ability and judgment needed to keep an operation running efficiently.
Electives and certifications, including Precision Agriculture, Livestock Marketing, Artificial Insemination (AI), and CDL preparation, allow you to expand your skill set and tailor your path. Graduates are prepared for roles as farm operators, agribusiness professionals, and production specialists, or to continue into four-year programs.
Students may also prepare for Commercial Applicator Certification, with instructor support throughout the process.
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.
Production Agriculture Program Highlights
- Hands-on training in crop production, livestock care, and farm equipment operation
- Supervised occupational experiences that take learning into real-world farm operations
- Optional certifications in CDL and Artificial Insemination (AI)
- Elective courses in precision agriculture, feedlot management, and livestock marketing
- Instructors with extensive experience in modern farm and agribusiness operations
- Career pathways for immediate employment or university transfer
Production Agriculture Program Learning Outcomes
- Develop crop production plans.
- Operate farm equipment and agriculture chemical application equipment.
- Prepare budgets and financial documents using farm financial management principles.
- Utilize precision agriculture technology to improve efficiency, crop yields, and resource management on the farm.
- Develop marketing plans using commodity marketing strategies.
- Apply agricultural law, compliance regulations, and workplace safety protocols to a production operation.
- Demonstrate construction and repair of farm structures and equipment.
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Production Agriculture Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Production Agriculture degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Production Agriculture sector.
Farm Owner or Agricultural Entrepreneur
Many graduates use their education to pursue careers as Farm Owners or Agricultural Entrepreneurs, operating their own farming businesses or developing specialized agricultural enterprises. In this role, you'll make decisions related to production, marketing, finance, technology, and long-term business growth. This career path offers the opportunity to apply both agricultural and business skills while building a successful operation.
Where you might work:
• Family-owned farms
• Independent crop operations
• Specialty crop enterprises
• Agricultural startups
• Diversified farming businesses
Farm Operations Manager
Graduates of the Production Agriculture program can pursue careers as Farm Operations Managers, overseeing the day-to-day activities that keep agricultural operations productive and profitable. In this role, you'll coordinate planting and harvest schedules, manage equipment and resources, supervise employees, and help make strategic business decisions. This career is ideal for individuals who enjoy leadership, problem-solving, and modern agriculture.
Where you might work:
• Family farming operations
• Corporate farming enterprises
• Crop production companies
• Agricultural management firms
• Multi-generational farm operations
Crop Production Specialist
As a Crop Production Specialist, you'll help optimize crop performance through effective planning, field management, and production practices. Graduates can expect to monitor crop health, evaluate field conditions, support agronomic decisions, and help maximize yields while managing production costs. This role combines agricultural science with practical field experience.
Where you might work:
• Crop production operations
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Farm management companies
• Agronomy service providers
• Agricultural consulting firms
Agricultural Equipment Manager
As an Agricultural Equipment Manager, you'll oversee the machinery and technology that power modern farming operations. Graduates can expect to coordinate maintenance schedules, manage equipment fleets, evaluate technology upgrades, and help ensure equipment is operating efficiently during critical production periods. This role combines technical knowledge with operational planning.
Where you might work:
• Large farming operations
• Agricultural production companies
• Equipment-intensive crop operations
• Farm management organizations
• Agricultural service providers
Agricultural Production Supervisor
Agricultural Production Supervisors help coordinate employees, equipment, and daily activities within crop production operations. In this role, you'll oversee fieldwork, monitor production goals, ensure safety standards are met, and help maintain efficient farm operations. This career offers strong opportunities for advancement into management and ownership roles.
Where you might work:
• Commercial farming operations
• Crop production companies
• Seed production organizations
• Agricultural enterprises
• Farm management companies
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
Getting all of this straight can be tough – but you're not alone. Our representatives are here to help.
"Work hard and give it your all. You may not be exactly where you want to be right away, but if you keep pushing and putting in the effort, you’ll get there."
Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $9,648 |
| State Fees | $3,240 |
| Departmental Fee | $2,516 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,232 |
| Uniform Fee | $100 |
| Books | $1,100 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $20,026 |
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.
Production Agriculture FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
What is Production Agriculture?
Production Agriculture focuses on the hands-on management of crops and livestock used to produce food, fuel, and fiber. This field blends crop production, soil fertility, agronomy, livestock systems, and farm operations with modern precision agriculture technology. A Production Agriculture program prepares students for real-world farming and agricultural careers by combining practical skills with data-driven decision-making.
What can you do with a Production Agriculture degree?
A Production Agriculture degree prepares graduates for a wide range of agricultural careers, including farm or ranch operator, crop production or agronomy technician, precision agriculture specialist, feedlot or livestock operations manager, agricultural equipment or input sales, farm operations or site manager, and agricultural service or consulting roles. Many graduates also return to family farming operations equipped with advanced technical and management skills.
Is Production Agriculture a good career for the future?
Yes. Production Agriculture is a strong and stable career choice due to the growing global demand for food, increased use of precision agriculture and technology-driven farming, and the ongoing need for skilled agricultural operators and managers. Advancements in technology, sustainability practices, and efficiency continue to expand career opportunities in modern agriculture.
What skills do students learn in a Production Agriculture program?
Students develop practical, in-demand skills such as crop scouting and yield evaluation, soil fertility and nutrient management, precision crop management using GPS technologies, agricultural equipment operation and calibration, farm and feedlot management, agribusiness fundamentals, and data collection, analysis, and field documentation. These skills prepare graduates to succeed in production-focused agricultural roles.
How does Lake Area Tech teach precision agriculture technology?
Lake Area Technical College integrates precision agriculture technology throughout the Production Agriculture curriculum. Students gain experience with GPS-guided equipment operation, variable-rate application concepts, field data collection and analysis, crop mapping tools, and decision-support technologies. Exposure to drone and remote sensing applications helps students understand how technology improves efficiency, profitability, and sustainability on today’s farms.
Does the Production Agriculture program include livestock training?
Yes. The Production Agriculture program includes livestock and feedlot management training. Students learn beef and livestock handling techniques, feedlot operations, nutrition basics, herd health, and production efficiency. This training prepares students for careers in mixed farming operations and livestock-focused agricultural roles.
What types of hands-on experiences are offered in the program?
Hands-on learning is a core strength of Lake Area Tech’s Production Agriculture program. Students participate in field labs, crop scouting, equipment operation and maintenance, soil sampling and fertility planning, and real-world farm management scenarios. Applied learning using modern agricultural technology ensures students graduate with job-ready experience.
How long does it take to complete the Production Agriculture degree?
The Production Agriculture program is typically completed in two years, earning an associate degree. This timeline allows students to quickly enter the workforce or return to farming operations with advanced skills.
What job opportunities are available for Production Ag graduates?
Graduates find employment in crop production and agronomy services, precision agriculture support roles, feedlot and livestock operations, agricultural input and equipment companies, farm and ranch management, and agricultural consulting or service businesses. The program prepares students for immediate employment in production-focused agricultural careers.
What’s the difference between Production Agriculture and Agribusiness?
Production Agriculture focuses on the hands-on side of agriculture, including crops, livestock, equipment operation, and field management. Agribusiness focuses more on business, finance, marketing, and management of agricultural enterprises. Production Agriculture is ideal for students who want to work directly in the field or on the farm.
Why choose Lake Area Tech for a Production Agriculture degree?
Students choose Lake Area Technical College for its strong hands-on, applied learning approach, industry-aligned curriculum, and integration of precision agriculture technology. Experienced instructors with real-world backgrounds, excellent job placement outcomes, and strong employer connections help ensure graduates are workforce-ready and prepared for success in today’s modern agricultural industry.
Production Agriculture Staff
Field-tested. Student-ready. Our esteemed staff is prepared to walk with you through every step of your collegiate career.
