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, WI 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 2023/24 academic year.

  • Tuition & Fees: $4,364.40
  • Books: $198.60
  • Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
  • Total Estimated Cost: $4,563.00

Financial Aid Eligibility

This program is eligible for full Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending. 

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

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 and Facilities 2
  10006101 Agricultural Computations  3
  Term Total   8 Credits
       
  Program Total   27 Credits

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 12 years of teaching at Mid-State, Teri taught middle school and high school agriculture for six years. She has also worked at Wisconsin's first ethanol plant in Stanley, Wisconsin, where she was involved in grading and purchasing corn. Teri is actively involved in the Colby FFA Alumni and Supporters, volunteers with the Clark County 4-H, and serves as advisor for the Clark County Jr Holstein Association, and her family owns a small herd of registered dairy cattle that her kids show across the state. She also serves as a member of the City of Colby Board of Appeals. 

“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

  • Production Agriculturalist
  • Herdsperson
  • Livestock Breeder
  • Agriculture Industry Technician
  • Agriculture Sales
  • Dairy Equipment Service Technician
  • Fertilizer and Chemical Applicator
  • Field Crop Scout
  • Herdsperson
  • Livestock Breeder
  • Production Agriculturalist

Video

Fast-Track

High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.

“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