divAgriculture@ricks.eduAssociate in Farm Crops Management (271)
Associate in Arts and Sciences with a major in Agronomy, Crop and Soil Science (272)
Associate in Agricultural Machinery Management (269)
Associate in Arts and Sciences with a major in Agriculture Systems Technology (206)
One Year Certificate in Agronomy/Ag Mechanization (306)
Associate in Agricultural Engineering Option (319)
Greg Blaser, Department Chair
Mel Dewsnup, Larry Stephens, John D. Walker, Blake D. Willis
Departmental Office (208) 356-2824
Agriculture is one of the most exciting majors in terms of opportunity, job satisfaction and placement potential. The Department of Agronomy and Ag Engineering has designed a program for students who wish to enter the field of work after one or two years or those who desire to transfer to a four-year school.
The Agronomy and Ag Engineering Department prepares students for over 75 exciting and challenging employment specialties. Graduates from this department may continue studies at most four-year universities without credit transfer loss and are often the recipients of excellent scholarships from transfer schools.
Agronomy is the study of plants (field crops) and soils and their ecological interactions with the surrounding environment. In the betterment of production of food and fiber (farming) and the development of Science Technology for the mankind. Young minds will find substance in discovering the secrets for tomorrow's food production and other fascinating careers both specialized or generalized as they choose.
Agriculture Engineering is the study of mechanical principles and problems in Agriculture Production or related industries. Agriculture is becoming more and more mechanized. The future need for well-prepared and knowledgeable agricultural mechanics graduates is expanding. Opportunities for employment include machinery service management, farm power repair, heavy duty diesel mechanic, implement company technician, agriculture engineer, mechanical engineer, agricultural building construction and other related jobs.
This Specialized Technical Degree offers a “Hands On” approach to agriculture and farm management. Learn to produce maximum economic yields and profits using the latest science-related and technological techniques. Farm Crops Management is for the student who plans to enter the work force immediately following graduation as a farm owner or manager, crop consultant, field person for chemical, fertilizer or irrigation companies and other industry positions.
Recommended sequence of courses:
First Semester
Religion 2
Ag Eng 240 Structures 3
Crops 100 Orientation 1
Crops 280 Macintosh Computers OR CIS 140 Micro Com App 3
Crops 295 Practicum 1
Math 100S Ag Math, Math 101 Intermediate Algebra OR Math 110 College Algebra 3
Soils 120 Intro to Soils 3
Soils 120L Intro to Soils Lab 1
Total Credits 17
Second Semester
Religion 2
AgBus 102 Ag Accounting OR Acctg 201 3
Ag Eng 160 Hydraulics 2
Ag Eng 220 Ag Machinery 3
Crops 122 Field Crop Prod 3
Crops 260 Com Pest Appl 2
Crops 298A Occ Internship 1
Eng 111 College Comp 3
Total Credits 19
3rd Summer Term
Crops 298 Occ Internship 1-4
Third Semester
Religion 2
Ag Eng 230 Electronics 2
AgBus 247 Ag Marketing 3
AS 210 Livestock Prod 3
Crops 220 Weed Science 3
Econ 111 or 112 3
Soils 121 Soil Fert & Nut 2
Total Credits 18
Fourth Semester
Religion 2
AgBus 250 Ag Bus Mgmt 3
Ag Eng 260 Mach Mgmt 3
Crops 225 Irrigation 3
Crops 230 Forages 3
Crops 270 Agroecology 3
Total Credits 17
This is a major in which students, after graduating from Ricks College, will transfer to a four-year university to complete a Bachelor’s degree . This program provides students with the foundation course work needed for entry into an expanded number of professional groups or majors.
Agribusiness and Industry Option
Opportunities in Agribusiness and industry offers managerial-related
positions in public relations, consulting, marketing, sales and distribution of
agricultural goods and services. This program will provide excellent training for the
student interested in the business side of agriculture. Visit with your advisor for the
specific elective and GE courses in which to enroll.
Agriculture Bio-Technology and Environmental Science Option
A creative imagination, keen observational skills and an active questioning mind are
important personal traits for students desiring to pursue agriculture research. The amount
of good and new business opportunities a person adds to society through science and
research is enormous. Bio-technology or Genetic Engineering is very exciting and on the
“cutting edge” of opportunity in Agriculture.
Personalized Option
This option allows the student to work together with the department faculty to personalize
a program.
Recommended sequence of courses:
First Semester
Religion 2
Crops 100 FC Orientation 1
Crops 125 Farm Pest Mgmt 3
Crops 280 Macintosh Computer OR CIS 140 Micro Comp Appl 3
General Education 2
Soils 120 Intro to Soils 3
Soils 120L Intro to Soils Lab 1
Total Credits 15
Second Semester
Religion 2
Crops 122 Field Crop Prod 3
Crops 298A Occ Internship 1
General Education 10
Total Credits 16
3rd Summer Term
Crops 298 Occ Internship 1-4
Third Semester
Religion 2
Crops 220 Weed Science 3
Crops 270 Agroecology 3
General Education 6
Math 101 OR Math 110 3
Total Credits 17
Fourth Semester
Religion 2
General Education 10
Crops 260 Com Pest Appl 2
Total Credits 14
Courses for Majors
Electives: Your choice of electives will be based on your area of specialization.
See your advisor for approval of your selection.
The Associate in Arts and Sciences degree is designed for students who desire to transfer to a four-year college or university. This degree provides the foundation in agriculture-related conservation and environmental management. The amount of good and new business opportunities a person adds to society through science and research is enormous.
Recommended sequence of courses:
First Semester
Religion 2
General Education 8
Crops 100 FC Orientation 1
Math 110 College Algebra 3
Chem 101 Chemistry 3
Total Credits 17
Second Semester
Religion 2
General Education 6
BS 284 Ecology 4
Crops 122 Field Crop Pro 3
Crops 298A Occ Internship 1
Ag Eng 160 Basic Hydr 2
Total Credit 18
First Summer Term
AS 275 Range Mgmt 2
Crops 280 Macintosh Computer OR CIS 140 Micro Comp Appl 3
Crops 298 Internship 1
Total Credit 6
Third Semester
Religion 2
General Education 3
Soils 120 Intro to Soils 3
Soils 120L Intro to Soils Lab 1
Soils 121 Soil Fert 2
Crops 220 Weed Science 3
AgBus 102 Acctg 3
Total Credits 17
Fourth Semester
Religion 2
Crops 260 Com Pest Appl 2
Crops 270 Agroecology 3
General Education 10
Total Credits 17
A two- year degree designed for the student who desires an in-depth program in the Agriculture Machinery field. This will give the student a solid background that can lead to Agricultural Technology aspects of food production, processing, distribution, equipment sales and service and many other related fields.
Recommended sequence of courses:
First Semester
Religion 2
Ag Eng 100 Orientation 1
Ag Eng 110 Prevent Main 3
Ag Eng 122 Small Engines 2
Ag Eng 124 Compact Equip 3
Ag Eng 297 Practicum 1
Crops 280 Macintosh Computer OR CIS 140 Micro Comp Appl 3
Math 100S Ag Math 3
Total Credits 18
Second Semester
Religion 2
Ag Bus 102 Accounting 3
Ag Eng 125 Ag Maint Weld 3
Ag Eng 132 Climate Control 1
Ag Eng 160 Basic Hydraulics 2
Ag Eng 165 Advanced Hydraulics 2
Ag Eng 201 Major Eng Overhaul 4
Ag Eng 299 Seminar 1
Total Credits 18
First or Second Summer Term
Ag Eng 298 Occu Internship 1-4
Third Semester
Religion 2
Ag Eng 230 Electrification 2
Ag Eng 235 Electrical Systems 3
Ag Eng 253 Welding 3
Ag Eng 260 Machinery Management 3
Eng 111 or OE 220 3
Total Credits 16
Fourth Semester
Religion 2
Ag Eng 210 Power Trains 4
Ag Eng 220 Ag Machinery 3
Ag Eng 240 Ag Structures, AgBus 232 OR 2
Ag Eng 294 Fabrication 3
Crops l20 or Crops 230 3
Total Credits 17
Designed for students planning a career in the rapidly changing field of high-technology and agriculture mechanization.
This will give the student a solid foundation for transfer to a four-year university or directly into the work force. Some of the career opportunities include latest agriculture technologies, field testing new ideas, designing equipment, marketing new lines of equipment, education, journalism and much more.
Recommended sequence of courses:
First Semester
Religion 2
Ag Eng 100 Orientation 1
Ag Eng 110 Prevent Main 3
Ag Eng 122 Small Engines 2
Crops 280 Macintosh Computer OR CIS 140 Micro Comp Appl 3
General Education 4
Weld 125 Electric Weld 3
Total Credits 18
Second Semester
Religion 2
Ag Eng 160 Basic Hyd 2
Ag Eng 201 Major Eng Overhaul 4
Ag Eng 220 Ag Machinery OR 3
Ag Eng 123 Equip Maint & Oper 2
Ag Eng 298A Occ Internship 1
General Education 6
Total Credits 17-18
Spring or Summer Term
Ag Eng 298 Occ Internship 1-4
Third Semester
Religion 2
AgBus 102 Accounting 3
Ag Eng 240 Ag Structures 2
General Education 8
Soils 120 Intro to Soils 3
Soils 120L Intro to Soils Lab 1
Total Credits 19
Fourth Semester
Religion 2
AgBus 250 Ag Bus Mgmt 3
Ag Eng 299 Seminar 1
General Education 11
Total Credits 17
Required during the program, one of the following courses:
Math: Math 100S Ag Math 3
Math 101 or higher 3
OR two of the following:
Ag Bus 102 Ag Bus Acctg 3
Ag Eng 260 Machinery Mgmt 2
Crops 260 Com Pest App 2
Soils 120 Intro to Soils 3
Soils 120L Intro to Soils Lab 1
Take one of the following:
Eng 111 Composition 3
Eng 106 Basic Writing 3
OE 220 Business Comm 3
Comm 220 Interpersonal 3
One of the following Courses:
AgBus 232 Ag Sales 3
AgBus 250 Ag Bus Mgmt 3
B283 Small Bus Mgmt 3
Recommended sequence of courses:
First Semester
Religion 2
Chem 105 Gen Chem 4
Engr 172 Engr Graphics 3
Engr 102 Intro to Engr Des & Com Soft 3
Math 162 Plane Geo/Calc 4
AgEng 100 Orientation 1
Total Credits 17
Second Semester
Religion 2
Chem 106 Gen Chem 4
Engr 140 or 222 or 240 2-3
Eng 111 Coll Comp 3
Math 263 Ana Geo/Calc 4
Ph 121 Prin Physics 3
Total Credits 18-19
Third Semester
Religion 2
Engr 201 Statistics 3
Math 264 Mult-Dim-Calc 3
Ph 122 Prin Physics 3
Soils 120 Intro to Soils 3
Soils 120L Intro to Soils Lab 1
Electives 2
Total Credits 18
Fourth Semester
Religion 2
Engr 204 Dynamics 3
Engr 217 Strength/Materials 3
Ph 221 Prin Physics 3
Electives 4
Total Credits 18
Courses for Majors
Select 9 hours from the classes listed below:
AgEng 122 Small Engines 2
AgEng 160 Basic Hydraulic Theory 2
AgEng 165 Advanced Hydraulics 2
AgEng 201 Major Engine Overhaul 4
AgEng 230 Ag Electrification 2
Crops 225 Irrigation and Drainage 3
Engr 231 Engineering Thermodynamics 3
Engr 250 Intro to Envir Eng 3
Engr 260 Engineering Materials 3
Crops
Crops 100 Orientation 1
One hour lecture per week
Travel Fee: $75.00
Orientation to student occupational goals and objectives entering the industry of
agriculture with its opportunities and problems. (Fall)
Crops 122 Principles of Field Crop Production 3
Three hour lecture and 2 hours lab per week
A study of the economic importance, adaptation, cultural practices, and cost analysis for
the production of major field cash crops. (Winter)
Crops 125 Farm Pest Management 3
Prerequisite: Crops 122.
Three hours lecture and two hours lab per week
The practical study of pests including: field identification, life styles, hosts, habits,
crop damage signs, and principles of insect disease control and preventive measures.
(Fall)
Crops 220 Weed Science 3
Three hours lecture and two hours lab per week
A field study including principles and practice of identification; cultural, chemical,
and/or biological control; pesticide safety, legal implications and herbicide selectivity
for the major weeds. (Fall).
Crops 225 Irrigation and Drainage 3
Three hours lecture and two hours lab per week
A field study dealing with the principles and application of soil, water and plant
relations, agricultural meteorology, irrigation scheduling, pumps, valves and system
design for the efficient use of water in field crops.
Crops 230 Forage Crops 3
Three hours of lecture and two hours lab per week
A composite study of an important field of agronomy, forage and cereal crops used in the
livestock industry. Applied production principles and management requirements will be
emphasized for each crop.
Crops 260 Commercial Pesticide Application 2
Prerequisite: Crops 125 or Crops 220 or Hort 212
Two hours lecture per week
Course designed to prepare those wishing to obtain a commercial applicator’s license
for a wide variety of herbicide, insecticide and fungicide and industry applications.
(Winter)
Crops 270* Agroecology 3
Three hours of lecture and two hours lab per week
The study of significant human change to natural ecosystems of primitive agriculture to
modern technological sustainable agriculture and what effects this has had on human social
and economic activities.
Crops 280 Macintosh Computer 3
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
3 hours lecture and three hours open lab per week
Lab Fee: $10
Practical applications and business oriented usage of: word processing, desktop
publishing, database management, electronic spreadsheets--analysis and computation,
graphic arts and photoshop. *Gives GE credit in Biological Science.
Crops 290 Independent Study 1-4
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and Department Chair
Periodic conferences with and assessments by instructor.
Crops 295 Farm Crops Practicum 1-3
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Creative, open-ended practical experiences to develop and improve occupational
competencies. ( Fall)
Crops 298A Occupational Internship 1
Crops 298 Occupational Internship 1-4
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair and a GPA of 2.5 in technical courses.
10-12 weeks of paid occupational experience in the farm industry.
Internship is structured and supervised to insure a variety of experiences pertaining to
the student’s interests and academic needs. (Winter and Summer)
Soils
Soils 120 Introduction to Soils 3
Prerequisite: Previous or concurrent registration in Chemistry
Three hours lecture and two hours of lab per week
A basic course dealing with the formation, physical, chemical and biological properties of
soils. Practical studies in diagnosing and correcting plant nutrient deficiencies for
various crops and rotations.
Soils 120L Intro to Soils Lab 1
Soils 121 Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition 2
Three hours of laboratory lecture per week
Field identification and measurement of plant nutrient deficiencies, petiole analysis and
crop fertilization methods. (Fall 2nd Block)
Ag Engineering
Ag Eng 100 Orientation 1
One hour lecture per week
Travel Fee: $75.00
Orientation in making decisions concerning careers in the broad field of AgriBusiness or
Ag Engineering. This career search will involve a self-assessment of talent, interest,
abilities, needs, and resources in order to better identify possible career alternatives.
Ag Eng 110 Preventive Maintenance 3
Seven hours of instruction per week.
$10 equipment fee
An overview of preventive maintenance and care of equipment including record keeping,
intake and exhaust systems, fuel systems, lubrication systems, cooling systems, electrical
maintenance, tune-up and storage, and trouble shooting.
Ag Eng 122 Small Engines 2
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Four hours of instruction per week
$10 equipment fee
Selection, adjustment, and care of small engines. Small engine theory and procedures for
complete small engine overhaul.
Ag Eng 123 Equipment Maintenance and Operation 2
Four hours of instruction per week.
$10 equipment fee
Operation, selection, adjustment, and care of tractors, mowers, backhoes, ditchers, and
other equipment used in agriculture production, construction, and maintenance.
Ag Eng 124 Compact Equip 1-3
Up to six hours lecture/lab per week
Test and repair procedures for engines, electrical, power trains and hydraulics found on
compact equipment.
Ag Eng 125 Agricultural Maintenance Welding 3
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Two hours of lecture and four hours of lab per week.
Lab Fee: $20.00
An overview in the use of electric arc and oxy-acetylene welding equipment with emphasis
upon maintenance welding as pertains to farm and ranch applications.
Ag Eng 132 Climate Control 2
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Three hours of instruction per week
Climate control system theory, diagnosis, and repair of agricultural systems.
Ag Eng 160 Basic Hydraulic Theory 2
Two hours lecture, three hours lab
A study of the fundamental principles governing the transmission and control of fluid
power hydraulics. The course includes a study of the basic components of hydraulic systems
and how they are combined to build up various circuits.
Ag Eng 165 Advanced Hydraulics 2
Prerequisite: Ag Eng 160
Two hours lecture, six hours lab
A study of advanced principles regulating the transmission and control of fluid power
hydraulics. The curriculum includes trouble shooting and systems repair.
Ag Eng 201 Major Engine Overhaul 4
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Nine hours of instruction per week
Lab Fee: $10
Engine theory and procedures of complete engine overhaul and rebuilding. Major problem
diagnosis and testing.
Ag Eng 210 Power Trains 4
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Nine hours of instruction per week
Power trains problem diagnosis and repair.
Ag Eng 220 Agricultural Machinery 2
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Four hours of lecture/lab per week
Lab Fee: $10
Selection, servicing, maintenance, operation, testing, repair, use and management of
agricultural equipment. Instructional modules will be selected to meet the needs of
various student groups. Options include equipment used for: soil tillage and land
preparation; planting; weed, pest and disease control, prevention and eradication;
thinning, pruning, blocking, and defoliating; fertilizing; harvesting; and transporting.
Ag Eng 230 Agricultural Electrification-AC 2
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Three hours of lecture and four hours of lab per week
Principles, systems and applications of electrical energy in agriculture; equipment and
devices, circuits, conduits and related units. Instructional modules will be selected to
meet the needs of various student groups.
Ag Eng 235 Farm Power Electrical Systems-D C 3
Six hours of instruction per week
Basic electricity, farm power electrical circuits, ignition systems, starting systems,
charging systems, accessory systems, farm power problem diagnosis, repair and adjustment.
Ag Eng 240 Agricultural Structures 2-3
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
One hour lecture and three to six hours lab per week
Principles and methods of planning and constructing structures for housing, service of
storage; requirements for utilities; standards of performance; design; selection of
materials; and cost estimating.
Ag Eng 260 Machinery Management 2
Three hours lecture/lab per weekA study of machinery efficiency, matching machines, and
horsepower. Analyzing and estimating costs associated with keeping machines running on a
daily basis. Should I buy, lease or keep what I have and repair it? Emphasis will be
placed on solving problems with calculator prior to repair and/or purchase.
Ag Eng 274 System Analysis 1-3
Up to six hours lecture/lab per weekTesting and diagnosis for various pieces of equipment
related to agriculture systems pertaining to the production of food. Simple and complex
testing techniques will be developed for proper operational adjustments and analyzing
malfunctions including but not limited to computer controls.
Ag Eng 290 Individual Studies 1-3
Independent study, special assignment and/or advanced inquiry in an area of special
interest; approved after consultation with instructor in charge. Involves library,
laboratory and field studies.
Ag Eng 294 Fabrication 1-3
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
One hour of lecture and six hours of lab per week
Lab Fee: $10
Creative practical experience in develop-ing, planning and building projects used in the
conduct of various farm or ranch enterprises.
Ag Eng 297 Practicum in Agricultural Mechanics 1-3
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Combination discussion and laboratory experience, three hours per week. Repeatable to a
maximum of three credit hours. Combination of classroom discussion and supervised
practical experience for the development and improvement of selected occupational
competencies, highly coordinated and closely articulated with related classroom and
laboratory studies. Selection, adjustment, and care of small selected occupational
competencies, highly coordinated and closely articulated with related classroom and
laboratory studies.
Ag Eng 298A Occupational Internship 1
Ag Eng 298 Occupational Internship 1-4
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair
Lab Fee: $10
10-12 week occupational experience in industry integrated with academic instruction.
Internship is structured and supervised to insure a variety of experiences pertaining to
Ag Mechaniza-tion in the agricultural industry. Repeatable for credit. Must have mini-mum
of four credits for graduation.
AgEng 299 Seminar in AgriculturalBusiness 1
Discussion of current problems and examination of latest developments and trends in
Agricultural Business.
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