Agriculture

Program Description

The Farm and Ranch Management program at New Mexico Junior College is designed to prepare students for a career in farm and ranch management. It will provide students the opportunity to learn about the science, nutrition, anatomy, business and management aspects of the agriculture industry. The program is intended to provide direct entry into the workforce.

Career & Advancement Opportunities

By majoring in farm and ranch management, students can prepare for one or more of the many careers related to animal agriculture. Rewarding career opportunities are available in business and industry. Many large farming and ranch operations (such as the 6666s and Singleton Ranches) encourage their employees to pursue higher education, rewarding those degrees and/or certifications in an industry specific field.

Contact Information: 575.492.4715

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

AGED1110: Careers in Agriculture

Credits 1
Introduction to scientific disciplines and career options in animal science and agriculture industry. Focus will be on the skill development including resume preparation, networking, importance of internships, and leadership, and leadership experiences in animal agriculture.

AGED1130: Forage, Crops & Pasture

Credits 3
This course introduces students to the field of Range Management including basic plant structure, terminology, and basic plant function. This course will also cover plant identification of common pasture plants, grasses, and weeds as well as crop and forage identification.

AGED1230: Computers in Agriculture

Credits 3
This course is designed to introduce students to computer applications as well as graphical and electronic information technology as it relates to the agriculture industry. Students will be able to utilize computers and related technology in record-keeping, agricultural production, agribusiness and telecommunications.

AGED1320: Farm and Ranch Mgmnt & Finance

Credits 3
This course is an introductory agriculture class that will include economic principles, business methods, and science applied to the organization and operation of farms and ranches. It will also include financial principles and record keeping.

AGED2120: Rangeland Management

Credits 3
Designed to acquaint the student with the proper procedures of selection, establishment, forage system development, and maintenance of improved native and introduced species of forages. Proper grazing management and grazing systems are also included.

AGED2130: Agribusiness Management

Credits 3
This course covers many of the areas of expertise that today's managers must master including finance, marketing, operations, forms of business ownership, organizational management, and human resources. This course pays special attention to the distinct challenges faced by managers in the food and agribusiness system.

AGRI1110: Livestock Evaluation

Credits 3
This course will introduce students to breeds of livestock, ages, and sex classifications. The student will develop an understanding of evaluation, classification, grading and how it fits to all segments of the animal industry and judging competitions.

AGRI1115: Ag Mechanics

Credits 3
This course teaches basic skills related to the mechanical activities involved with agricultural production and industry. Students will develop hands on skills in the areas of windmills, solar pumps and electric fencing, plumbing wells, and center pivots, small gas engines, and basic welding. Emphasis will be placed on safety and proper use of tools and equipment.

AGRI1210: Ranch Management: Law & Ethics

Credits 3
This course will explore the unique relationship between the agriculture industry and other natural resource industries. We will thoroughly discuss conflicts with the oil field, agriculture based entities such as the USDA, and explore program available for agriculture program aid and funding.

AGRI1220: International Agriculture

Credits 3
This course is designed for students in the Farm and Ranch management degree. The goal of this course is to introduce students to international agriculture, agricultural issues and development of other countries, and the challenges within the global food, and agriculture and natural resource systems.

AGRI2010: Livestock Production

Credits 3
This course is designed for the Farm and Ranch Management program to understand all aspects of livestock production. This course will discuss management, breeds, parasites, diseases, marketing and production of programs for livestock species such as sheep, goats, beef cattle and dairy cattle.

AGRI2030: Ranch Mngmt: Internship

Credits 3
This course is designed for students in the farm and ranch management program to gain valuable hands on experience with a farm or ranch of their choice. This three (3) credit hour course will be the equivalent of approximately 200 hours of practical experience.

AGRI2110: Animal Health

Credits 3
This course is designed for the Farm and Ranch Management program to better understand animal health, anatomy, infectious and non-infectious diseases. We will cover many aspects of animal health, including disease prevention and control, basic animal care and husbandry, antibiotics use in food producing animals, and animal health programs within the industry.

AGRI2120: Breeding Mngmt of Farm Animals

Credits 4
This course combines the examination of basic genetic principles with the study of the anatomical and physiological aspects of reproduction as they relate to farm animal reproduction, emphasizing genetic principles and reproductive aspects. Artificial insemination, embryo manipulation, and current innovations in reproductive biotechnology will also be examined.