Farm Operation

Technical Diploma
Agriculture Food and Natural Resources Cluster Icon

Why choose Farm Operation?

  • Analyze research-based best practices to decide what works best in farm management situations.
  • Learn from industry experts, participate in on-farm labs to learn new skills, and network with other farmers and industry partners.
  • Interested in earning a bachelor’s degree? For transfer opportunities, visit mstc.edu/transfer.
A farmer’s work is often strenuous, marked by long hours and few days off. But, for many, these disadvantages are outweighed by the joys of working outdoors, being self-employed, and making a living working the land.

Program Locations

Marshfield Campus
2600 West 5th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449

Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin 54494

What You'll Learn

The Farm Operation program at Mid-State prepares graduates to confidently run the day-to-day operations on a farm. You’ll learn about livestock and their products, livestock diseases and prevention, quality milk and meat production, soils, crop production, and more.

This hands-on program features agribusiness professionals who share their knowledge directly through presentations, demonstrations, and tours. Course topics include best practices for farming, such as how to manage farm records, farm computerization, critical facts about financial credit, creating a business plan, and marketing.

Estimated Entire Program Cost

Cost based on the 2022/23 academic year.

  • Tuition & Fees: $4,256.62
  • Books: $150.70
  • Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
  • Total Estimated Cost: $4,407.32

Financial Aid Eligibility

This program is eligible for full Financial Aid

Term: 1
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10080105 Intro to Soil Science 3
  10091102 Intro to Animal Science 3
  Term Total   6 Credits
       
Term: 2
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10091103 Animal Nutrition 4
  10093102 Intro to Precision Agriculture 3
  Term Total   7 Credits
       
Term: 3
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10090101 Agriculture Business Management 3
  10093104 Principles of Crop Management 3
  Term Total   6 Credits
       
Term: 4
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10003101 Agricultural Diesel Engine Systems 3
  10006102 Agribusiness Equipment & Facilities 2
  10006101 Agricultural Computations  3
  Term Total   8 Credits
       
  Program Total   27 Credits

This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.

Instructors

TERI RAATZ, BS

Teri holds a BS in agricultural education from UW-River Falls. Her love agriculture started in childhood—she grew up on a diversified livestock farm and showed/owned registered dairy cattle. Prior to her ten years of teaching at Mid-State, Teri taught middle school and high school agriculture for 6 years. She has also worked at Wisconsin's first ethanol plant in Stanley, Wisconsin, where she was involved in grading and purchasing corn.

“I am passionate about all areas of agriculture and bring vast experience in agriculture into the classroom. I enjoy teaching students about the many opportunities available today in the world of agriculture.”

Careers

  • Agriculture Industry Technician
  • Animal Breeder
  • Farmer
  • Agricultural Manager
  • Agriculture Sales
  • Artificial Inseminator
  • Dairy Equipment Service Technician
  • Farming
  • Farm Manager
  • Field Crop Scout
  • Fertilizer and Chemical Applicator
  • Herd Manager

Video

“Mid-State’s Farm Operation program was a great learning experience for me. I now apply almost everything I learned in everyday farming practices.”

HANK ROTERING
GRADUATE

Choose Your Path

Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree.

TransferDual CreditCredit for Prior Learning

Farm Operation Pathway Graphic