AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT

 

INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURE  - 2 semesters, grades 9-12

Agriculture I includes orientation and careers in agriculture, getting acquainted with the FFA program, understanding soils and their development, learning and using record books, developing your own supervised agricultural experience (SAE) project, learning and using parliamentary procedure, breeds of sheep, swine and beef animal, developing good public speaking habits, introduction of the computer for agriculture problems, selection of livestock, livestock feeding, growing corn, growing soybeans, and introduction to

horticulture.

 

AGRICULTURE II - 2 semesters, grades 10-12

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Agriculture (Ag I or Biological Science Applications to Agriculture)

            In Agriculture II you learn about taking yield checks on corn and soybean fields, taking soil sample, selecting and servicing combines, land-use and classification, judging quality of grains and hay, identification of crop seeds, identification of weeds, pesticide usage and application, recommending fertilizers, closing and analysis of record books, animal diseases, animal reproduction, arc-welding, oxy-acetylene welding, introduction to marketing, and advanced parley pro.

 

AGRICULTURE CONSTRUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY – 2 semesters, grades 11-12

            This course focuses on the knowledge, hands-on skills, and work place skills that are applicable to construction in the agricultural industry.  Major units of instruction include:  Personal safety, hand tools, power tools, blueprint reading, and surveying, construction skills in carpentry, plumbing, electricity, concrete drywall and painting.  Careers such as agricultural engineers, carpenter, plumber, electrician, concrete finishers, safety specialists, and other related occupations will be examined.

 

AGRIBUSINESS OPERATIONS  - 2 semesters, grades 11-12

            You will learn about calibrations of spray equipment, adjustments of harvesting equipment, farm surveying, using electric controls, home wiring, principles of electric motors, concrete work, farm structures, engine cooling systems, engine lubrication systems, farm tires, batter maintenance and safety.

 

AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT  - 2 semesters, grades 11-12

             In Agriculture IV you learn about agriculture agencies, soil conservation, getting along with fellow workers and employers, using the computer for farm management, tax information, net worth, Illinois farm record books, record book analysis and ratios, sources of farm credit, insurance, grain marketing, futures markets, ag law, land descriptions and measurements, taking inventories.

 

AGRICULTURE MECHANICS 1 - 1 semester, grades 11-12   

            Students will learn to correctly identify all major and minor components of the small engine.  In addition, students will learn to diagnose small engine operation errors and make corrections resulting in peak performance output.  Students are required to disassemble and reassemble a small gasoline engine.  They will clean, inspect and measure all components contained in the small engine.  The reassembled engine must operate at low idle for one minute, at idle for two minutes and back at low idle for one minute to successfully pass the class.

 

AGRICULTURE MECHANICS 2 – 1 semester, grades 11-12

            Students will learn and demonstrate proper arc welding technique using a GMAW welder.  They will learn and demonstrate procedures to safely use the tungsten inert gas (TIG) welder.  Students will learn and demonstrate sheet metal cutting using the torch and plasma cutter.  Also, they will be introduced to electrical wiring applications and then demonstrate how to wire two-way and three-way lights and switches.  By the end of the class the student will demonstrate how to effectively weld metal using the ARC, MIG and TIG procedures. 

 

HORTICULTURE  - 2 semesters, grade 12

            This class will learn about the following topics:  plant anatomy & physiology, propagation, nutrients & fertilizer, pest management, hydroponics, greenhouse crop production, floral design, interior plantscaping, nursery production, landscaping, fruit & vegetable crop production, employment in the horticulture industry, horticulture business management and other components of horticulture.

 

SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE PROGRAM (SAEP) - 1 year (arranged with agriculture teacher)

              Students enrolled in Agriculture classes may receive credit for Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAEP).  Students may receive up to three high school credits during their career.