Course Descriptions

AG-3 Introduction to Animal Science
(3 units lecture/lab) CR/NC option CSU and UC The study of types, breeds and distribution of farm animals and their adaptation under various climatic and management conditions. Also covered will be production methods common to various livestock enterprises, marketing, slaughter and processing, physiology, anatomy, heredity, breeding and diseases.

AG-5 Horse Husbandry
(2 units lecture) CR/NC option CSU This course is an introduction to the light horse industry. Topics covered include purchasing considerations, breeds, temperament, conformation, unsoundness, selection criteria, feeding, ration formulation, reproduction, first aid, diseases and parasites.

AG-6 Large Animal Disease
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU A study of common diseases and parasites affecting farm animals principally: beef and dairy cattle, sheep, swine and horses with emphasis on sanitation, prevention, symptoms and treatment.

AG-7 Animal Feeds and Feeding
(3 units lecture) CR/NC option CSU This course covers the composition and identification of feeds and their uses in livestock nutrition. This will include the assimilation of feeds, processing, ration formulation, nutrient requirement guidelines and feeding methods as well as the use of the microcomputer in balancing rations.

AG-11 Sustainable Animal Production
(3 units lecture/lab) CR/NC option CSU A study of small and large animal usage in a sustainable system including forage crops from non-tillable land and from crop rotation, animals as part of weed and soil management, and animal selection and utilization in a systematic management plan. Recommended: AG-3 and AG-63

AG-14 Principles of Landscape Design
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU Basic design principles are applied to the development of landscapes including actual site analysis and planning.

AG-15 Landscape Maintenance
(3 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU This course is an introduction to and application of the skills and knowledge required by a maintenance gardener. It will include pruning, turf care, soils, fertilizing, pest control, irrigating, equipment maintenance and planting.

AG-16 Ornamental Plant Identification
(3 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC This course will emphasize plants suited to this area and showy in the spring. Students will learn to identify plants used in landscaping and interior decoration and discuss their growth habits, uses and cultural requirements. (CAN AG18)

AG-17 Introduction to Soils
(3 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC This course will cover soil derivation, classification and general characteristics. Other topics will include properties of soil, soil evaluation, soil maps and their interpretation, use of soils and their management. Discussions will also cover soil moisture, structure, cultivation, texture, organic materials and microbiology. Recommended: Knowledge of basic chemistry (CAN REC8)

AG-18 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers
(3 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU A study of the management of a soil’s fertility level relative to meeting specific plant requirements. Composition and use of both organic and inorganic fertilizer materials will be studied. Correctives for pH adjustment and high sodium soils, which include dealing with salt problems in California soils, will be covered.

AG-19 Weeds and Weed Control
(3 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU Identification and control of common, noxious and poisonous weeds found in California, with emphasis on the local area. Weed control in crop land, pastures, landscaping and non-crop areas will also be covered.

AG-21 Plant Propagation
(3 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU A discussion of the principles of sexual and asexual propagation of plants with practice in propagating plants by seeding, cuttings, budding, grafting, division, layering, and micro-propagation.

AG-22 Sustainable Vegetable Production
(3 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU An introduction to the commercial production of vegetable crops, especially those of local importance. Students will research specific cultural practices, variety selection, and marketing needs. Commercial scale and sustainable practices are emphasized. Recommended: AG-17 and AG-23 and AG-63

AG-23 Introduction to Plant Science
(3 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC An introduction to basic plant biology. Students conduct experiments illustrating basic principles of plant growth and development. The relationship to species diversity, population, climates, water utilization, air quality and similar environmental interactions resulting from growing plants of economic value will be discussed.

AG-25 Landscape Construction
(3 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU This course will include layout and construction of decks, patios, walks, borders, planters and steps. It will also cover site grading and plant installation.

AG-26 Landscape Plant Identification
(3 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU This course will emphasize plants suited to this area and showy in the fall. The student will learn to identify plants used in landscaping and interior decoration and discuss their growth habits, uses and cultural requirements.

AG-27 Nursery Practices
(3 units lecture/lab) CR/NC option CSU An exploration of the cultural practices used by nurseries in growing nursery crops. Topics include soils, fertilizers, lighting, pests, watering, temperature control, and plant manipulation. Retailing is also discussed.

AG-29 Pest Management
(1 unit lecture) Grade Only CSU An overview of the types of organisms causing harm to plants and a presentation of management concepts for pests and diseases, related safety and environmental concerns, laws, and regulations.

AG-31 Farm Business Management
(3 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU This course discusses the decision-making process including the tools of decision- making, acquisition and organization of the factors of production. Also covered will be managing the organized farm, the influence of change on farm organization and management. Students will learn the efficient use of credit, equipment and labor.

AG-35 Agricultural Sales and Merchandising
(3 units lecture) CR/NC option CSU Agricultural sales and merchandising represents one of the major components of agriculture business. This course identifies the opportunities that exist in ag sales, both for the specialized inputs that are used in production as well as the selling of the output of production. Emphasis is placed on the techniques being used in the selling and merchandising process.

AG-36 Farm Accounting
(3 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU This course covers the fundamentals of record keeping; kinds of records, inventory, depreciation, payrolls; cash system income tax reporting; and the preparation and analysis of financial statements. Recommended: AG-37

AG-39 Field Experience in Agriculture
(1 unit lab) Grade Only CSU Repeatable to a maximum of four enrollments The practical application of skills needed to be successful in agriculture, plant science, and ornamental horticulture. This course extends the opportunity to practice skills learned in classes by applying them in a real setting. Field trips are required. The College does not provide transportation. Prerequisite: Complete 6 units of AG

AG-46 Computers in Agriculture Management
(3 units lecture/lab) CR/NC option CSU A course in the application of microcomputers to the management of agricultural operations and businesses including livestock, crop and financial management. Recommended: CIS-1

AG-63 Introduction to Organic/Sustainable Agriculture
(2 units lecture) CR/NC option CSU Provides a working knowledge of all phases of production of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Principles of sustainable production will be emphasized. Farming using organic fertilizers and pest control will be emphasized. The course will include topics such as proper cultivar selection, basic soil problems, amendments, pest and disease problems, harvesting, and other related topics. Note: It is recommended that students who want practical experience in growing crops enroll in AG-63L.

AG-63L Introduction to Organic/Sustainable
Agriculture - Lab (1 unit lab) CR/NC option CSU Study and practice in growing fruit and vegetables in the field. Students will grow crops on grounds provided by the college. Students will prepare soil, plant, weed, and harvest cultivars of vegetables that grow well on the north coast. Techniques of organic and sustainable agriculture will be emphasized. Prerequisite: AG-63 or other appropriate crop production class

AG-65 Agriculture Enterprise Project
(1 unit lecture) CR/NC only CSU Repeatable to a maximum of two enrollments Prepares students to select and plan for a management/production project. Actual projects are subject to approval by the instructor and Farm Manager. Lecture includes project budgeting, schedule planning, marketing and market arrangements, record keeping, and related planning necessary for success in execution of the selected project.

AG-65L Agriculture Enterprise Project Lab
(1 - 3 units lab) CR/NC only CSU Repeatable to a maximum of three enrollments Execution of the project plans developed in AG-65. Actual projects are subject to approval by the instructor and Farm Manager. The appropriate college staff supervises project. Prerequisite: DHET-166 and AG-65 Note: Courses needed for the safe and technical execution of the project may be necessary for the specific enterprise. Units offered may vary by semester. Consult Schedule of Classes for section information.

AG-66 Agriculture Enterprise Project-2nd Year
(1 - 3 units lab) CR/NC only CSU Repeatable to a maximum of three enrollments Execution of an additional year of project plans developed in AG-65. Actual projects are subject to approval by the instructor and Farm Manager. The appropriate college staff supervises projects. Prerequisite: AG-65 Note: Units offered may vary by semester. Consult Schedule of Classes for section information.