AGRICULTURE EDUCATION

Harold Bertz, Instructor
hbertz@lexington.k12.mo.us

The Agriculture Education program provides the interested student with related courses designed to give them the background necessary to prepare for an agricultural or agribusiness occupation.

Emphasis is placed on developing knowledge and skills in agribusiness, livestock, crop production and management, agricultural mechanics, conservation and horticulture.

Through agriculture classroom and laboratory instructions students are taught the basic concepts and technical skills needed to succeed in agribusiness and production agriculture careers. Instruction is focused on solving practical problems, to teach students how to make wise decisions concerning problems facing agriculture today. Occupational experience is obtained on the farm or in a non-farm agricultural business.

Things I will learn if I select this course:

• Ability to apply practical concepts in Science, Math and English.
• Opportunities to develop communication skills through speaking, writing, and public relations activities.
• Personal development skills in human relations and leadership activities.
• Technical skills in agribusiness, horticulture, forestry, natural resources, animal science, crop and soil science, agricultural mechanics, and agricultural management.

Students may choose from the following course offerings based upon their individual needs and interests. Classes are rotated over a two-year period.

Ag. Science I	Horticulture
Ag. Science II	Ag. Structures
Ag. Mechanics	Ag. Constructions I and II
Ag. Business I and II	Landscaping
Ag. Management and Economics	Ag. Power I and II

The agriculture program is a one (1) to four (4) year program offering high school credits to freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

ORGANIZATION

The National FFA Organization is an integral part of Vocational Agriculture instruction. FFA is an organization of, by, and for students enrolled in vocational agriculture in our nation's high schools. FFA is an intracurricular organization and involvement is highly recommended.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Over 80 percent of all agriculture students go into occupations other than farming. Many go into related fields such as mechanics, management or agribusiness. Other fields are AgriBusiness Sales and Marketing, Floriculture, Nursery and Landscaping Conservation, Forestry, Wildlife, Agriculture Machinery, Engines, Welding, Construction, and Farming.