Agriculture

An introduction to the principles of economics including production principles; production costs, supply and revenue; profit maximization; consumption and demand; price elasticity; market price determination; and competitive versus noncompetitive market models. These principles are applied to agriculture and the role of agriculture in the United States and world economies. Other topics include a survey of the world food situation; natural, human and capital resources; commodity product marketing; and agricultural problems and policies.

Prerequisite: None
Semester Hour(s): 4 hour(s)
Lecture / Lab Hours: 4 lec/week
Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG 901

An introduction to the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soils; the origin, classification, and distribution of soils and their influence on people and food production; the management and conservation of soils; and the environmental impact of soil use.

Prerequisite: None 4
Semester Hour(s): 4 hour(s)
Lecture / Lab Hours: 3 lec/2 lab hours/week
Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG 904

The application of the sciences of genetics, physiology, and nutrition to the improvement of the animal industries and an introduction to management and production practices. Includes animal breeds, breeding and selection; anatomy physiology, and nutrition and growth; environment, health, and sanitation; products and marketing; production technology and economics; animal behavior; and current issues in animal science. May also include companion animal topics.

Prerequisite: None
Semester Hour(s): 4 hour(s)
Lecture / Lab Hours: 3 lec/2 lab hours/week
Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG 902

This course is designed to provide a introduction to agricultural power (engines, hydraulics, calibrations, and agricultural equipment), agricultural electrification and applications (circuits, motors, and controls), agricultural structures (plans, loads, construction materials and layout and design), metal fabrication and soil and water conservation (surveying, mapping, drainage and conservation structures).

Prerequisite: None
Semester Hour(s): 4 hour(s)
Lecture / Lab Hours: 3 lec/2 lab/week
Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG 906

This course is an introduction to the principles and practices in the development, production, and use of horticultural crops (fruits, vegetables, greenhouse, turf, nursery, floral and landscape). Includes the classification, structure, growth and development, and environmental influences on horticultural plants; horticultural technology; and an introduction to the horticultural industries.

Prerequisite: None
Semester Hour(s): 3 hour(s)
Lecture / Lab Hours: 2 lec/2 lab/week
Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG905

Organization and structure of agricultural businesses; resource evaluation, policy development and implementation, functions of management, and laws and taxes that affect business.

Prerequisite: None
Semester Hour(s): 4 hour(s)
Lecture / Lab Hours: 4 lec/week

Survey of approaches to marketing agricultural products; implications for the producer, consumer, processor, and government; use of grain grading and standardization equipment.

Prerequisite: None
Semester Hour(s): 3 hour(s)
Lecture / Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

The course provides an introduction to the basic principles underlying the sales process in agricultural farm supply and practical application and development of sales techniques. Basic to the course is an understanding of the salesperson's obligation to self, his or her company, and his or her customer.

Prerequisite: None
Semester Hour(s): 3 hour(s)
Lecture / Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

An introduction to Agricultural Education programs and delivery systems, state and federal policies; the nature of teaching in school and non-school settings; types and purposes of Agricultural Education; program components; approaches to teaching, teacher characteristics; community relationships; educational change and innovation; trends and developments in Agricultural Education. A general study of the nature of Agricultural Education along with its opportunities and responsibilities will be explored.

Prerequisite: None
Semester Hour(s): 3 hour(s)
Lecture / Lab Hours: 3 lec/week
Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG 911

This course is designed to increase the understanding, awareness, and critical analysis of today's top agricultural issues and their impact upon the social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of society. Agricultural issues include, but are not limited to: environment, animal welfare, crop production, biotechnology, trade and policy, water quality and a changing consumer attitude towards agriculture and food production.

Prerequisite: None
Semester Hour(s): 3 hour(s)
Lecture / Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Crop Science introduces the basic principles of plant growth, including human and environmental influences and the theoretical and practical application of agronomic principles to crop production. Includes the historical and economic importance of crop plants for food, feed, and fiber; origin, classification, and geographic distribution of field crops; environmental factors and agronomic problems; crop plant breeding, growth, development, and physiology; cropping systems and practices; seedbed preparation, tillage, and crop establishment; pests and controls; and harvesting, storing, and marketing practices.

Prerequisite: None
Semester Hour(s): 4 hour(s)
Lecture / Lab Hours:
Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG 903

An introductory course providing an overview of the principles of precision agriculture with a focus on the use of technology within the industry. Course material and discussions will include how technologies such as global navigation satellite systems, agricultural geographic information systems, sensors for the measurement of soil and plant variables, yield monitoring, and variable rate technology are being implemented to inform sub-field level management and farm business decisions. Issues discussed in this course include assessment of agronomic responses, profitability, adaptable cropping practices, and conservation planning.

Prerequisite: AGR 109 and AGR 130
Semester Hour(s): 3 hour(s)
Lecture / Lab Hours: 2 lec/2 lab/week
Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG 907

An examination of a special topic or current issue within agriculture. Topics will vary by semester and section and will be listed on the course schedule and on the student's permanent academic record. This course may be repeated for credit as topics change, up to a total of three times or a maximum of nine credits. Repeatable: This course may be repeated for credit as topics change, up to a total of three times or a maximum of nine credits.

Prerequisite: None
Semester Hour(s): 1-3 hour(s)
Lecture / Lab Hours: 1-3 lec/1-3 lab/week