Options
In just two short years, students are prepared to be leaders in a wide variety of careers in the agriculture and green industries. Through the following options and specialties students are able to choose a path that best meets their interests.
Applied Agricultural Management Option
The Applied Agricultural Management (AAM) specialty provides students with a balanced education, including courses in livestock production and agribusiness, that prepares them for diverse job opportunities. Students are able to specialize in agribusiness, crop production, or livestock production.
The Agribusiness concentration within the Agricultural Technology Program intertwines basic agricultural business concepts, economic principles, & overall management to prepare students for their future endeavors within the industry. Students within the agribusiness program are taught and able to explore curriculum/content under the scope of: animal production, crop production, & the green industry.
Below is a sample of topics included in the Agribusiness curriculum:
- Entrepreneurship in Agriculture & Small Business
- Farm and Business Management
- Financial Analysis
- Risk Management
- Marketing and Advertising
- Taxes and Tax Exemptions
- Input Cost Management
- Credit and Financing
- Business Plan Development
Possible job opportunities for this area of study include:
- Farm Management
- Farm or Cooperative Store Manager
- Machinery and Equipment Sales
- Seed and Chemical Sales or Distribution
Rachel Kohl and Wesley Gwaltney are the advisors for students in the Agribusiness area of emphasis. Dr. Holder is the instructor of those courses.
The Crop Production area of emphasis within the Agricultural Technology Program gives students a wide variety of hands-on opportunities utilizing the college farm, greenhouses, and industry connections. Students will learn about best management practices for soil health and productivity, nutrient management, and precision agriculture related to cropping systems. Students will gain awareness of new technologies and equipment available to aid in crop production.
Below is a sample of topics included in the Crop Production curriculum:
- Soils and fertility in crop and forage systems
- Resource conservation cropping and forage systems
- Utilizing cover crops to improve soil health and productivity
- Nutrient management and nutrient management planning
- Precision agriculture; how data can be utilized to increase efficiency and profitability
- Reducing reliance on stored feeds in forage-based cattle systems
- Rotational grazing
Possible job opportunities for this area of study include:
- Precision Ag Careers
- Farm Management
- Farm or Cooperative Store Manager
- Machinery and Equipment Sales
- Seed and Chemical Sales or Distribution
Wesley Gwaltney is the advisor for students in the Crop Production area of emphasis
The Livestock Production area of emphasis within the Agricultural Technology Program gives students an understanding of animal science, livestock production, beef and sheep management, dairy management, and horse management. Students benefit from labs held at Virginia Tech’s Smithfield Horse Center, Beef Cattle Center, Meat Center, Kentland Farm, Dairy Science Complex, and a variety of local farms that host our students.
Below is a sample of topics included in the Livestock Production curriculum:
- Introduction to All Major Livestock Industries
- Meat Animal Growth and Development
- Products and Consumer Preferences
- Genetics, Digestion, Nutrition, Reproduction of Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Equire, and Sheep
- Micro and Macro Anatomy and Physiology
- Artificial Insemination of Cattle
- Management Practices, Production Goals, and Record Keeping
- Milking Protocols, Equipment, and Processing
Possible job opportunities for this area of study include:
- Farm Manager
- Feedlot Manager
- Wrangler/Assistant Wrangler
- Agricultural Technician, Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Centers
- Farm or Cooperative Store Manager
Rachel Kohl is the advisor for students in the Livestock Production area of emphasis.
Landscape and Turf Management Option
The Landscape and Turf Management (LTM) specialty provides students with a balanced education including courses in turf management, soils and nutrient management, landscape design and contracting, irrigation and drainage, integrated pest management, hardscaping, computer-aided drafting, responsible chemical application, and Spanish culture and language instruction, as well as business courses. Students are able to specialize in landscape management or turfgrass management.
The Landscape Management area of emphasis within the Agricultural Technology Program provides a well-rounded, experientially focused education of the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the landscape industry. Students have the opportunity to participate in hands-on labs at the Hahn Garden, the Virginia Tech Greenhouse Complex, the Urban Horticulture Center, and service-learning projects throughout the New River Valley. These labs and projects are frequently directly supported by industry representatives who are excited to participate in the education of Ag Tech students.
Below is a sample of topics included in the Landscape Management curriculum:
Landscape Design
Landscape Contracting
Hardscaping Materials and Installation
Computer-aided Drafting
Landscape Plant Identification, Proper Use and Care
Landscape Machinery Operations
Horticulture Production
Pest Management
Basic Turfgrass Management
Possible job opportunities upon graduation for this area of study include:
Production Manager – Enhancement, Maintenance, Hardscape, Irrigation
Account Manager – Enhancement, Maintenance, Hardscape, Irrigation
Landscape Designer
Project Supervisor
Irrigation Technician
Plant Health Care Technician
Spray Technician
Tom Martin is the advisor for students in the Landscape Management option.
The Turfgrass Management area of emphasis within the Agricultural Technology Program gives students a wide variety of hands-on opportunities utilizing Virginia Tech’s Turfgrass Research Center, golf course, and sports turf facilities including Lane Stadium. Students will gain experience with natural and artificial turf as well as equipment maintenance.
Below is a sample of topics included in the Turfgrass Management curriculum:
- Fundamental Turfgrass Management
- Golf and Sports Turf Management
- Irrigation
- Soils
- Turfgrass Equipment Operation, Maintenance, and Repair
Possible job opportunities for this area of study include:
- Golf Course Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent
- Sports field manager
Jonathan Dickerson is the advisor for students in the Turfgrass Management area of emphasis.