AGRI Agriculture

An overview of world agriculture, nature of the industry, resource conservation, and the American system, including production, distribution, and marketing.

This course covers the use of computers in agricultural applications. It includes an introduction to programming languages, word processing, electronic spreadsheets, and agriculture software.

Classification and distribution of farm crops, their use, production, and identification will be studied with emphasis placed on those crops important to Texas. Studies will also include crop improvement technology, value of rotation, weed/pest/disease management, and use/ need of fertilizer, which will be determined by soil testing in the laboratory to the course. Laboratory work will also include practical use of tillage and harvesting equipment by student participation in actual crop production.

An introduction to horticulture. Lectures will include basic botany, plant classification, plant structures, plant growth processes, plant production, as well as the environmental effects on the plant. Discussions will also include various landscape and ornamental plants, especially those that are native or well adapted to the local area. Laboratory will include hands on experience in all aspects of plant propagation and an introduction to greenhouse production and management.

An introductory survey course. Farm animals as a source of food, clothing, and labor. The place of livestock in farming and ranching. The value of heredity and breeding for improvement, importance of judging, pedigrees, and proper nutrition, and the proper handling and management of livestock.

Fundamentals of internal combustion engines: gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum. Maintenance and adjustments of the electrical, ignition, fuel, lubricating, and cooling systems.

Fundamental economic principles including assembly, food production and processing, distribution, and agribusiness industries and their application to the problems of the agriculture industry.

This course covers the principles and practices used in the production improvement of wildlife resources and the aesthetic, ecological, and recreational uses of public and private lands.