APS Agronomy and Agricultural Mechanics

Description: Designed to acquaint students with standard industry practices and emergency procedures and develop an awareness of job hazards. Students will prepare for a CPR/First Aid exam and receive some bulk handling equipment training (forklift/skid steer).

Description: A complete course in gasoline engine operation. It consists of operational theory and nomenclature including the internal components and its air, fuel, lubrication, and cooling system. This course will emphasize small and multi-cylinder gas and diesel engines.

Description: Students will be exposed to the basic principles of agricultural equipment including power trains, hydraulics, fuel systems and electricity. Alternative devices will be studied.

Description: An orientation into the safe operation of tractors, combines, balers, skid loaders, and other common farm equipment. Students will be expected to demonstrate their ability to safely operate several types of equipment.

Description: Develop fundamental skills and procedures for oxy/acetylene, arc, and wire feed welding in flat position. Included will be basic blueprint interpretation and weld symbols, with metal cutting and preparation techniques.

Description: (Pre req: AEQ 1203 or equivalent) Develop skills in vertical, horizontal and overhead position arc and wire feed welding. Plasma Arc Cutting and a small assigned construction project are included. Use of a spool gun and TIG equipment will be introduced.

Description: Introduction to Nebraska state electrical law and the National Electric Code as they pertain to the working electrician.

Description: Fundamentals of DC electricity as applied to series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. Diagnosis and troubleshooting of circuits with test equipment.

Description: Fundamentals of AC electricity including alternating current theory, waveform quanities and characteristics, and network analysis. Diagnosis and troubleshooting simple circuits with proper test equipment.

Description: The course will primarily focus on grain harvest operations. Grain combine setup and operation will be emphasized. Students will gain an understanding of factors influencing harvest efficiency including estimating harvest losses. Combine yield monitor operation will also be included.

Description: Learning basic tools and techniques of carpentry as it would pertain to a farm and ranch, including selection, use and maintenance of hand and power tools; selection of wood construction materials; construction of joints; application of finishes; and using these basic skills to follow a plan in thee construction of a functional project.

Description: An introduction to the systems, major equipment and supporting components required for chemical application in agricultural production.

Description: Basic study of hydraulic concepts, applications, and operation as applied to power equipment systems. This class also includes study of the diagnosis of power equipment with the emphasis on hydraulic problems.

Description: (Pre req: AEQ 1313 or equivalent) Students will develop skills using a spool gun and TIG welding, and additional arc and wire feed welding on a wide variety of metals. The second eight weeks is devoted toward preparation for American Welding Society certification.

Description: A study of economic principles and principles of operation, adjustments, repair, maintenance, and tune-up of farm vehicles (automotive, tractors, and powered farm equipment vehicles).

Description: A course designed to acquaint students with the basic skills of farm map creation, GPS hardware components, software choices, decision making skills and application of GPS/GIS in the agriculture industry for improved crop management and protection of the environment.

Description: Fundamentals of mechanized irrigation systems focusing on center-pivot components. Technial service and operation will be emphasized. Application of industrial electrical components and controls.

Description: A study of cost effective maintenance programs for agriculture power equipment. Included is nomenclature, operational theory, adjustment and maintenance of agriculture gasoline and diesel engines. Lab includes the disassembly of a diesel engine.

Description: (Pre req: approval by Division Chair) The apprenticeship provides job experience in your field of study at an approved work location. Official agreements are entered into between the student, employer, and the college. The internship must last a minimum of 8 weeks averaging at least 40 hours per week. A written journal of daily work activities plus a 10 minute PowerPoint presentation are required upon completion. Students must submit a list of learning objectives prior to the apprenticeship and include discussion of these within their presentation. The student and employee will also complete a survey at the conclusion of the apprenticeship.

Description: Students will complete the Reinke Platinum PLUS Certified Technician training program. The course is an on-line training program developed by Reinke with integrated exams at the end of each training module. Students will be expected to complete the training sessions on their own time; however, faculty assistance will be available. To receive a Pass for the course, students must meet performance standards established by Reinke.

Description: Students will be exposed to the great diversity of careers that support the agricultural industry. Educational requirements to prepare for these agricultural careers will also be explored.

Description: This is the first course of a 3-course sequence that integrates students into the crop production on NCTA's farm laboratory. Students will work as a team to develop a crop management plan for one of NCTA's crop fields. The plan will include actual production practices, budgeting and marketing of the harvested crop. Crop planting and harvest will be conducted by the students and possibly some ag chemical applications. Due to farm size limitations, the practicum courses will be limited to just Agronomy majors.

Description: Students will develop a global understanding of the food, feed, and fiber system. Crop production strategies to maximize yield and quality while sustaining resources and the environment will be emphasized. Principles of crop growth and deelopment, pest management and technology for crop production will be covered.

Description: This course is designed for students to gain experience in handling conditions on the farm daily. Students will receive hands on experience.

Description: Laboratory activities dealing with physical, biological and chemical properties of soils that support plant growth.

Description: A study of soil formation, physical, biological and chemical properties of soil with attention given to conditions that affect plant growth. Impacts of crop management on soil quality will be emphasized.

Description: A study of our natural resources with special emphasis on soil and water management including land classification, conservation practices, and protection methods used to conserve our natural resources, plus the role of government agencies in Natural Resource Management.

Description: This course is the second of a three course sequence that will be required for all agronomy majors. The 3-course practicum sequence will provide another direct assessment of the agronomy program learning outcome of "applying economically sound and envi- ronmentally sustainable agriculture crop production practices." The practicum courses will also increase student utilization of the college's farm laboratory.

Description: This course will cover all principles of agronomy to prepare students to compete in crops judging contests that operate under the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) contest guidelines.

Description: Individual or group projects in research, literature review, or extension of course work under the supervision and evaluation of a Major faculty member who is willing and available to contract with the student. (Pre req: Approval of project by Instructor, Division Chair, and Advisor)

Description: A course that studies the most common Nebraska Wildlife species that are managed for harvest throughout the state. The habitat requirements and management techniques for each wildlife species will be covered. Current wildlife habitat support programs will be reviewed.

Description: (Pre-req: AGR 1591 Crop Practicum II) This is the third of a 3-course sequence that integrates students into the crop production o NCTA's farm laboratory, Students will work as a team to develop a crop management plan for one of NCTA's irrigated crop fields. The plan will include actual production practices, budgeting and marketing of the harvested crop. Crop planting and harvest will be conducted by the students and possibly some ag chemical applications. Due to farm size limitations, the practicum courses will be limited to just Agronomy majors.

Description: A study of materials, techniques, and design used for farm and ranch facilities. Lab time will include the construction of Ag building, fences, and facilities on the NCTA campus.

Description: An introduction to the history, definitions, principles, and practices of organic food production. Topics include soil husbandry, integrated pest management, farming systems including diversified vegetables, perennial fruit, agronomic field crops, meat, egg, and milk production, organic certification, and marketing.

Description: A course of study designed to enable students to successfully obtain their CDL with all necessary endorsements. This course of study targets agricultural employees and producers. It is not intended for those seeking fulltime employment as commercial truck drivers. (Pre req: Must be a full time NCTA student)

Description: Dynamics of essential plant nutrients in the soil environment. Sustainable and profitable fertility management of agronomic and horticultural crops will be emphasized. Characteristics of the fertilizer materials, fertilizer application methods and fertilizer rate calculations will be covered.

Description: Identification of plant pests, including morphology and life cycles of selected insects, weeds and diseases. Pest control methods will include chemical, physical, mechanical, cultural and biological techniques. Application of integrated pest management will be stressed.

Description: Efficient irriagation management strategies of agronomic crops. Irrigation techniques, irrigation scheduling, equipment selection, and water use regulations will be covered. Sustainable utilization of our water resources will be emphasized.

Description: A study of cultural practices for crops in the Midwest to maximize productivity and sustainability. Seed selection, production, drying and storage will also be studied

Description: The Farm Beginnings Program consists of a series of sessions offered throughout the year by Nebraska Extension with cooperation from NCTA. The sessions focus on alternative agriculture and cover a variety of topics, including building networks, goal setting, whole farm planning, building your business plan, marketing, business and farm management and financials management. In addition to learning first-hand from successful farmers, participants will develop their own business plan as they progress through the course.

Description: This course will cover all principles of agronomy to prepare students to compete in crops judging contests that operate under the North American College and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) contest guidelines.

Description: (Pre req: approval by Division Chair) The internship provides job experience in your field of study at an approved work location. Official agreements are entered into between the student, employer, and the college. The internship must last a minimum of 8 weeks averaging at least 40 hours per week (NOTE: students must honor length agreed upon by employer). A written journal of daily work activities plus a 10 minute PowerPoint presentation are required upon returning form internship. Students must submit a list of learning objectives prior to the internship and include discussion of these withing their presentation. The student and employer will also complete a survey at the conclusion of the internship.

Description: (Pre req: Second year students only in their last semester before graduation.) This is a Capstone course for students intending to own and operate their own farm or ranch. A business plan will be completed including: facility design, management plan, marketing plan, and complete financial package for the proposed operation including a cash flow, net worth, and budget.

Description: Individual or group projects in research, literature review or extension of course work under the supervision and evaluation of a Major faculty member who is willing and available to contract with the student. The student will present his/ her independent study proposal to the Major Division Chair and faculty for their approval. (Pre req: Approval of project by Instructor, Advisor, and Division Chair)

Description: An appreciation for the landscape from large to small will be discussed. Large players in landscape percep- tions world-wide will be explored as well as the ways in which people historically have interacted with the landscape.

Description: Identification, characteristics and uses of woody ornamentals, including deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, as well as ground covers and vines. Selection of plant materials for selected sites included.

Description: Hands on introductory course covering the scientific principles of the various types of plant propagation. Activities involve practical application of scientific principles and all students will be required to complete projects.

Description: Identification, characteristics and cultural requirements of greenhouse foliage plants, flowering plants, annuals, perennials, bulbs, ornamental grasses, and outdoor ferns. Flowerbed design principles and interior plantscaping concepts discussed and practiced.

Description: (Pre req: approval by DivisionChair) The internship provides job experience in your field of study at and approved work location. Offical agreements are enterd into between the studetn, employer, and the college. The internship must last a minimum of 8 weeks averaging at least 40 hours per week (NOTE: students must honor length agreed upon by employer). A written journal of daily work activities plus a 10 minute PowerPoint presentation are required upon returning from internship. Students must submit a list of learning objectives prior to the internship and include discussion of these within their presentation. The student and employee will also complete a survey at the conclusion of the internship.

Description: A detailed discussion and practice of the maintenance tasks of trees, shrubs, ground covers, turf, roses, annual and perennial flowers as well as other seasonal management practices.

Description: Covers principles of both greenhouse and nursery production and management as well as industry standards. Includes types of greenhouse structures, glazing materials, heating, cooling, and watering systems, cropping systems, soil media, fertilization, greenhouse environmental control systems, pest control, production schedules, crop handling, nursery stock care, garden center management, marketing, and laws. The commericial production of major bedding plant crops and nursery stock shall be promoted.

Description: An advanced production class focused on new and innovative ways to produce traditional horticulture crops. This course will look at existing methods of creative production and the challenges each of these may encounter. A focus wil also be made on understanding how production demand follows cultural needs. The combination of the high tunnel, traditional field production, and many case studies wil be used.

Description: An advanced course displaying production from farm to market. Business and entrepreneurial skills as well as production and marketing techniques will be learned. A Farmer's Market will be an active portion of this course and actual products will be sold.

Description: Identification of plant pests, including morphology and life cycles of selected insects, weeds, and diseases. Pest control methods include chemical, physical, mechanical, cultural, and biological techniques. Issues such as pesticide laws and regulations, record keeping, labels, storage, and safety are discussed. Application of integrated pest management will be stressed.