Agriculture (AGR) at Blue Ridge Community College
Distance Learning
Time of Day
Term
- AGR 141 - Introduction to Animal Science and Technology
- Introduces the science and technology involved in sustainable animal production and management practices. Includes beef, sheep, horses, dairy, swine, goats, and poultry, with emphasis on practical experiences in laboratory and farm settings.Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 2-3 hours. Total 5-6 hours per week.
4 credits - AGR 142 - Introduction to Plant Science and Technology
- Introduces students to plant science, ecology, plant morphology, plant and soil relations and energy conversions. Includes surveying agricultural crops and their importance in the economy.Lecture 2-3 hours. Laboratory 2-3 hours. Total 4-6 hours per week.
3-4 credits - AGR 143 - Introduction to Agribusiness and Financial Management
- Introduces agriculture's importance to society and ways to start a farm or agribusiness. Evaluates forms of business including cooperatives and create financial statements and reports necessary for routine accounting and tax preparation. Utilizes financial tools for decision making, budgets and time value of money. Explores retirement, transition planning, personal financial management, and capital acquisition techniques.Lecture 2 hours, Laboratory 2-3 hours, Total 4-6 per week.
Prerequisite: Local college option.3 credits - AGR 144 - Agriculture Human Resource Management
- Covers principles and management practices utilized to attract, retain and motivate agricultural employees. Emphasizes interviewing techniques, employer/employee relationships, motivation theory, legal issues, safety, and environmental concerns. Includes development of team building and interpersonal skills through activities and cases. Explores diversity and cultural differences at they apply to human resource compliance and performance issues.Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits - AGR 205 - Soil Fertility and Management
- Studies the factors influencing soil productivity with emphasis upon fertilizer materials from production to application. Discusses time, sources, and soil acidity. Presents soil testing techniques, interpretation of soil tests, and the addition of nutrients to correct or prevent deficiencies.Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.
3 credits - AGR 231 - Agribusiness Marketing, Risk Management, and Entrepreneurship
- Covers marketing techniques required to create an effective marketing plan addressing product, price, place, promotion, and people considerations of an agribusiness. Emphasizes unique aspects of agricultural products and risk management including price fluctuations and biosecurity. Projects explore entrepreneurship and creative marketing plans for a proposed farm or agribusiness.Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits
