COVID Information and Resources - Updated 1.19.2021
Farm Operation
Technical Diploma
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
Length of Program: One Year
Credits: 27
Start Dates: Fall and 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 dairy 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 2020/2021 academic calendar year.
- Tuition & Fees: $4,196.21
- Books: $51.25
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0.00
- Total Estimated Cost: $4,247.46
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is NOT eligible for Financial Aid.
Curriculum data is currently under maintenance and may be temporarily unavailable.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10080105 | Intro to Soil Science | 3.00 | |
| 10091102 | Intro to Animal Science | 3.00 | |
| (6 Credits) |
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10091103 | Animal Nutrition | 4.00 | |
| 10093102 | Intro to Precision Agriculture | 3.00 | |
| (7 Credits) |
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10090101 | Agriculture Business Management | 3.00 | |
| 10093104 | Principles of Crop Management | 3.00 | |
| (6 Credits) |
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10003101 | Agricultural Diesel Engine Systems | 3.00 | |
| 10006102 | Agribusiness Equipment & Facilities | 2.00 | |
| 10006101 | Agricultural Computations | 3.00 | |
| (8 Credits) |
| (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 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
- Breeder
- Dairy Equipment Service Technician
- Farming
- Farm Manager
- 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
