Description - Riverland

Agricultural Sciences

Why choose this program at Riverland?

Faculty helping student drive the new Combine Simulator.

Agribusiness and food science are one of Minnesota’s most important industries and provides a variety of related career opportunities. The programs at Riverland offer you opportunities to get the education and experiences needed to enter this growing field. Many agricultural and food science students go directly into the workforce after completing courses at Riverland, while others continue on with their education. Should you decide to transfer to a four-year college after completing your courses or program at Riverland Community College, there are several options available to you.

What will I study?

This degree program prepares students to work with agricultural industries such as food, fiber, and animal research, production, and processing; under supervision, conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

What are my career options after graduating this program?

Graduates may seek employment in areas such as crop management, agronomy, farm management, and other agricultural careers.

Sample job titles:

Precision Agriculture Technician $23.67/hr
Agriculture and Food Science Technician $20.23/hr
Dairy Farm Worker
Farm Worker
Agronomist
Crop Specialist
GPS Field Data Collector

Labor Demand Data:

Job projection in SE MN for 2014-2024 is 8.4% increase (mostly replacement of existing workers)

Mean wage for SE MN: $19.87/hr

Employment Outlook: https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/projections/Results.aspx?dataset=1&geog=2709SE0000&code=194011

What facilities and resources will I be able to access?

The Center for Agricultural and Food Science Technology is a collaborative space open to students to study, meet faculty and learn about Agriculture and Food Science Technology. The Center is home to a Combine Simulator and robotic seed bed. In Spring 2018, the college opened its new Agriculture and Food Science Lab in Austin West Campus.

Are there any special scholarships related to this program I can apply for?

The college offers several scholarships for students to help with the cost of their education. There are three agricultural science specific scholarships available:

Davie and Ollie Hagen Agriculture Scholarship
Hormel Foundation Agriculture and Food Science Scholarship
Pat and Gary Ray Agriculture Scholarship

For information contact the Riverland Foundation.

Can I participate in any clubs, organizations or extracurricular activities?

Riverland’s Agricultural and Food Science Technology Club is the only club in the state combining Collegiate FFA with Post-Secondary Opportunities in Agriculture (PAS). Members of the club participate in service projects and leadership opportunities. Opportunities include Feed a Farmer, Career Fair, MN FFA alumni Regional Leadership Conferences, Growing Acres Conference and visits to local agribusinesses