Description - Riverland

Agriculture is 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 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.

This degree program prepares students to work with agricultural industries such as food, fiber, 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.

NOTE: See a Riverland counselor for information on prerequisite and transfer of courses.

NOTE: This certificate program is part of the Associate in Science Agricultural Sciences Degree.

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.

Responsibilities Include:

Apply technical and scientific findings to feed and fuel a growing population while conserving natural resources

Increase crop productionDesign new hybrids/varieties
Oversee farm plans
Provide medical support and care to injured livestock
Work in economics to create profitable enterprises
Implement best management practices for Minnesota’s growing agriculture base
Engineer, design, and troubleshoot power machinery and structural equipment
Teach and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders

Wages (Median, 2016)

$21.88 per hour
$45,500 per year

Notable Employers

Archer-Daniels-Midland
CHS
Hormel Foods
Agricultural Cooperatives
Seed, Chemical, Fert. Dealers
Equipment Dealers
Conservation Districts
Livestock Enterprises

Facilities

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

Activities

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.

Program Scholarships

The college offers several scholarships for students to help with the cost of their education.