Printed on 12/4/2024

Farm Operation

31-080-4 Technical Diploma (TD) Part Time 30 Credits Learn About Financial Aid Available Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Do you want to be prepared to operate a farm some day? This program is designed for beginning farmers, farm technicians or herd managers. You’ll gain the skills needed to make sound business management decisions, care for livestock and crops, manage data, select appropriate equipment and maintain the needed equipment. Your training focuses on day-to-day farm activities and introduces you to the most up-to-date practices in production agriculture. This program runs from late fall to early spring to fit around planting and harvest.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Occupational Specific (30 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Agribusiness Work Experience
    10-006-116
    3Credit
    162
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 162
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10006116
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides independent agribusiness work experience in cooperation with an employer and FVTC. Students are evaluated by the employer and supervised during the work experience by a FVTC instructor. Department consent required.

  • Dairy/Livestock Artificial Insemination Records & Management
    10-006-169
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10006169
    • Credits: 3.00

    Teaches students about the anatomy and physiology of cattle reproduction and artificial insemination of the bovine species. Topics include estrous cycle and reproductive records management, nutrition, animal fertility, herd health and sire selection. Site visits will be used to practice estrous detection, insemination techniques and computer analysis. Hands-on computer training with Dairy Comp 305 and PCDART will focus on development of herd protocols and their analysis.

  • Farm Business Management
    10-080-104
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10080104
    • Credits: 2.00

    Covers practical use of computer based farm record system(s) for farm business management and financial analysis. Topics include farm business goals, financial statements, selection and use of farm credit, farm business arrangements, estate planning, and farm income taxes.

  • Feeding Modern Livestock Operations
    10-080-105
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10080105
    • Credits: 2.00

    Acquaints the student with the nutrients essential for livestock production and reproduction. Anatomy and physiology of digestion and absorption are discussed for single stomach and ruminant animals. Basic principles of feeding modern livestock will be discussed. Introduces the student to the mechanics of balancing livestock rations.

  • Precision Agriculture
    10-080-106
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10080106
    • Credits: 2.00

    Provides students with an introduction to common Precision Agriculture technologies used in crop production today. Topics include: satellite technology, hardware, data collection, variable rate control of seed, automatic section control, yield monitors, and new technologies in agriculture. The challenges and benefits of adopting Precision Agriculture technologies on the farm will also be discussed.

  • Tractor Preventive Maintenance
    10-080-107
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10080107
    • Credits: 2.00

    Provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to do some general maintenance on diesel engines and electrical systems. Students will learn basic engine and electrical fundamentals.

  • Crop Management Principles
    10-080-108
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10080108
    • Credits: 2.00

    Covers the basic principles and management techniques for corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and small grains grown on Wisconsin farms. Includes information on field preparation, pest management, seed selection, and in season management of specific crops.

  • Principles of Reproduction
    10-080-109
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10080109
    • Credits: 2.00

    Designed for the student who needs a comprehensive knowledge of dairy genetics and reproduction. Emphasis is on basic genetic principles and sire selection. Students will learn the anatomy and physiology of the bovine female and male reproductive tract and the management of the estrous cycle in cattle.

  • Harvesting Equipment
    10-080-110
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10080110
    • Credits: 2.00

    Provides students with the knowledge and skills to perform maintenance and adjustments associated with grain and forage harvesting equipment. Students will learn the principles of operation for both forage and grain harvesting equipment.

  • Herd Health and Management
    10-080-111
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10080111
    • Credits: 2.00

    Covers the herd health and reproductive systems of dairy and livestock animals from birth to maturity. The class will cover various herd health problems, including mastitis, milk fever and similar common livestock health problems. A herd health and reproductive management program will be developed which covers the herd population from calves to mature cows.

  • Soil Principles and Fertility
    10-080-112
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10080112
    • Credits: 2.00

    Acquaints the student with the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil in relation to fertility, soil health and good soil management. The students will collect soil samples and identify fertility needs from soil test reports. Nutrient management planning will be taught.

  • Farm and Dairy Records
    10-080-113
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10080113
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on management skills and concepts that beginning producers need. Emphasis is given in establishing and recording farm business records, business and family goals. Entire farming operation is assessed and plans are developed for farm management decisions. Dairy Comp 305 and PCDART will be covered to teach herd management skills.

  • Agricultural Planting Systems
    10-080-114
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10080114
    • Credits: 2.00

    Provides students with an understanding of operation and maintenance of planting systems. Topics will include parts identification, planter function, calibrations, planter monitors, and general maintenance.

  • Agricultural Commodity Marketing
    10-080-115
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10080115
    • Credits: 2.00

    Explores crop, livestock, and dairy markets. Student develop an understanding of the basic principles of commodity marketing and the ability to apply these principles to the distribution of farm products. Commodity marketing strategies will be taught in order to reduce financial risk of farms.

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Expected Competencies


For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.