What is Agriculture?
Agriculture is a field with growing opportunities. Today’s technology is fueling changes in this staple of the American landscape, including precision agriculture and related agribusinesses. At the same time, old-fashioned farming is a budding industry as more people shop for food at farmers’ markets or want to grow their own. Whether you are interested in commercial agriculture, growing your own food, starting an agricultural business, or work agricultural implements, OCTC’s Agriculture Program could be for you. The program offers curriculum blended with hands-on experiences that provide graduates with a strong foundation in animal science, crop science, current issues, and more. In addition to the basic classes, the student selects one of three options to further support their career goals – Agronomy, for students who are interested in crop sciences, Agriculture Business/Marketing, for students who want to start a business or go into sales or marketing, and Agriculture Technology, for those who want to learn the ins and outs of the implements used in agriculture today.
Why Choose Agriculture?
Everyone enjoys eating, having a place to call home, and having clothes to wear. Agriculture plays a role in that and so much more! It is an ever-growing and ever-changing exciting career field that is here to stay. Did you know that the average age of the American farmer is approaching 60? Many wonder who will fill their shoes. The answer is YOU! America needs more people who are educated in the agricultural industry. YOU could fill that growing need! Do you enjoy going to your local farmers market or eating local food in an area restaurant? YOU could be the next local food farmer for your area!
What are my career choices?
Graduates of the Agriculture Program have many career options. In addition to traditional farming, job opportunities are growing in the fields of precision agriculture, research, local food advocacy, and many more. Agribusiness options include careers with seed, fertilizer, and equipment companies. The Owensboro region is one of the largest agricultural areas in Kentucky, and it’s ripe with opportunities for fulfilling careers.
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
Our new agriculture program is geared toward preparing every current, new, beginning, or potential farmer or member of the agriculture industry to have the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to enter this dynamic and exciting career field. When you graduate from OCTC, you will have an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Agricultural Studies. Your path of study will be specific to the type of work you want to do in the agriculture field.
We offer two tracks within the agriculture program: Production Agriculture Operations and Food and Farm Management. The Production Agriculture Operations Track provides training in large scale, commercial production agriculture businesses, while the Food and Farm Management Track emphasizes diversified agriculture and is designed for the entrepreneurial and beginning farmer. This track also includes a residential diversified farmer training option. See the links for each of these tracks in the list on the left to learn more!
Degrees
- Agriculture - AAS (60-61 credit hours)
- Agriculture Business/Marketing Track
- Agriculture Technology Track
- Agronomy Track
Certificates
- Agriculture Business/Marketing - Certificate (14 credit hours)
- Agriculture Education - Certificate (14 credit hours)
- Agriculture Technology - Certificate (14 credit hours)
- Agronomy - Certificate (14 credit hours)
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Additional Information
Length of Program
You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
