Agribusiness- Sales/Service, Certificate

Program Details

Semester 1

• AGA 114 - Principles of Agronomy Credits: 3
• AGB 101 - Agricultural Economics Credits: 3
• AGS 114 - Survey of the Animal Industry Credits: 2

Semester 2

• AGB 235 - Intro to Agricultural Markets Credits: 3
• AGB 331 - Entrepreneurship in Agricult Credits: 3
• Select 3 Credits from Option 1  Credits: 3
• Select 2-3 Credits from Option 2  Credits: 2-3

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 19*

*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements.

These credits are applicable to the AAS degree in Agribusiness  .

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$185.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

Approximate total for the program: $4,925**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Transfer knowledge of products and their uses to customers.
• Advise crop and livestock producers on the special problems they have and the most economical ways of solving them.
• Perform calculations for cost estimates, tests and formulas.
• Operate and maintain a variety of equipment.
• Perform “housekeeping” chores to keep the work environment neat and orderly.
• Attend conferences and meetings and read various trade publications to keep current on developments in the industry.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• Operate agricultural equipment.
• Ability to handle a variety of agricultural situations.
• Exhibit good attitude toward the job.
• Work well with customers and other employees.
• Manage, lead and train others.
• Follow verbal and written directions.
• Plan and organize well.
• Use math in figuring enterprise budgets, nutrition formulations and marketing activities.
• Understand technical information about the industry and communicate to others.
• Perform a variety of physically demanding activities such as heavy lifting (50 pounds or more).

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

• The industry is so broad that students will have the opportunity to participate in the area of most interest.
• The primary purpose of this certificate is for preparation for work in the agricultural sales and service industry.
• You will often have a lot of responsibility and work with little supervision.
• The work can be dirty, unpleasant at times and sometimes dangerous.
• The field changes rapidly and the job you will have 10 years from now may not exist today.
• You work long hours when necessary including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Average starting salary for those not directly involved in their own entrepreneurial enterprise is approximately $25,000 - $30,000.

Program Competencies

1. Apply knowledge of the food and fiber production system.
2. Demonstrate workplace basic skills of communicating, computing, problem-solving, accountability, and display a strong work ethic.
3. Evaluate technical information to make agribusiness decisions. 
4. Demonstrate analytical, critical, and creative thinking to pursue new ideas, acquire new knowledge, and make decisions.
5. Engage in industry-recognized organizations and events such as trade shows, conferences, etc. to stay current on issues and technology important to the field. 
6. Create collaborative relationships and networks and learn to empower, mentor, and influence others.
7. Assess short-term plan relevant to career or continued education goals.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/pathways/.₍₂₀₂₁₎