Farm Operation
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.
Program Locations
Marshfield Campus
2600 West 5th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin 54494
Delivery:
In Person or Hybrid/Blended
Daytime or Evening
Part-Time
8-Week Classes
Length of Program: One Year
Credits: 27
Start Dates: Fall or Spring
Start at any time or location by taking general education courses
Program takes up to six years to complete.
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
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10080105 | Intro to Soil Science | 3 | |
| 10091102 | Intro to Animal Science | 3 | |
| Term Total | 6 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10091103 | Animal Nutrition | 4 | |
| 10093102 | Intro to Precision Agriculture | 3 | |
| Term Total | 7 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10090101 | Agriculture Business Management | 3 | |
| 10093104 | Principles of Crop Management | 3 | |
| Term Total | 6 Credits | ||
| 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
- Additional Resources
Take the Next Step
“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.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
