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Agriculture Business

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Academic Programs

Agriculture Business - Associate in Applied Science (016)

The agriculture business program is a two-year program designed to prepare individuals for jobs in the field of agricultural supply, distribution, and service. Students prepare for a career in selling and retailing agricultural supplies, providing services to producers. Students will receive training in precision agriculture as well as operating and managing an agricultural business.

Work and Employment

This degree will prepare students for jobs in farm management, ag lending, ag sales, and commodities trading.

Follow this link for career information.

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

  • Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
  • Kevin M. Larsen, Assistant Professor of Agriculture, 815-835-6279

Total Hours Required - 60 Hours

Major Field Requirements - 27 Hours

  • ACC101 - Financial Accounting ( 4 Semester Hours)

    This course presents accounting as an information system that produces summary financial statements, primarily for users external to a business enterprise organized as a corporation. Students study the forms of business organization and the common transactions entered into by businesses. The emphasis is on understanding and applying basic accounting principles and other concepts that guide the reporting of the effect of transactions and other economic events on the financial condition and operating results of a corporation. The procedures of how to analyze and interpret historical financial statements, as well, and the limitations of using these in making forward-looking business decisions is included. The primary content emphasis will be accounting for current assets and liabilities, long-term assets and liabilities, corporations, cash flow statements, and financial statement analyses. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): BUS 903 Lecture/Lab Hours 4 lec/week

  • AGR102 - Intro to Agricultural Econ ( 4 Semester Hours)

    An introduction to the principles of economics including production principles; production costs, supply and revenue; profit maximization; consumption and demand; price elasticity; market price determination; and competitive versus noncompetitive market models. These principles are applied to agriculture and the role of agriculture in the United States and world economies. Other topics include a survey of the world food situation; natural, human and capital resources; commodity product marketing; and agricultural problems and policies. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG 901 Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/week

  • AGR150 - Intro to Ag Bus Management ( 4 Semester Hours)

    Organization and structure of agricultural businesses; resource evaluation, policy development and implementation, functions of management, and laws and taxes that affect business. 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/week

  • AGR155 - Intro to AG Marketing & Stds ( 3 Semester Hours)

    Survey of approaches to marketing agricultural products; implications for the producer, consumer, processor, and government; use of grain grading and standardization equipment. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • AGR160 - Agricultural Salesmanship ( 3 Semester Hours)

    The course provides an introduction to the basic principles underlying the sales process in agricultural farm supply and practical application and development of sales techniques. Basic to the course is an understanding of the salesperson's obligation to self, his or her company, and his or her customer. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • AGR199 - Ag Issues & Perceptions ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course is designed to increase the understanding, awareness, and critical analysis of today's top agricultural issues and their impact upon the social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of society. Agricultural issues include, but are not limited to: environment, animal welfare, crop production, biotechnology, trade and policy, water quality and a changing consumer attitude towards agriculture and food production. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • BUS103 - Intro to Business ( 3 Semester Hours)

    Introduction to Business provides a foundation of knowledge in business including an understanding of the basic processes of marketing, finance, production, accounting, information technology, human resource management and the relationships of business to our society and government and the global economy. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • CIS109 - Introduction to Computers ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This introductory course consists of the study of computer hardware, software, operating systems and communications, networking, Internet, systems and program development life cycles and their role in business decision making. The use of Internet, multimedia, security, and ethics will be emphasized throughout the course. In addition, laboratory experience will be gained with a survey of Microsoft Windows and business computer software applications programs in word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database management, presentation graphics, and Internet. Prerequisite:None. Students having no experience with computers are encouraged to first take CIS 100-Keyboarding 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): BUS 902 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week

General Education Requirements - 19 Hours

  • Humanities/Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s)
  • Social/Behavioral Science (ECO 211 required) 3 Semester hour(s)
  • CHE103 - Introduction to Chemistry ( 4 Semester Hours)

    A one semester general survey covering basic chemistry principles including topics in organic chemistry. In particular, emphasizing electronic structure and periodic law, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, chemical reactions and calculations, states of matter, solution chemistry including acids, bases and salts, and organic compounds. Depth of coverage is designed to meet the needs for general education physical science requirements. Credit will not be awarded for both CHE 102(3 credits) and CHE 103(4 credits). 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): P1 902L Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec, 2 lab/week

    OR

    BIO103 - Introductory Biology ( 4 Semester Hours)

    An introduction to fundamental principles of biology including: nature of science, basic chemistry, the organization, structure and function of organisms, cell division, reproduction, genetics, evolution and ecology. The course is designed for the student with minimal science background. This course will satisfy science requirements for A.A., A.S. transfer, and A.A.S. degree students. (For non-science majors.) Credit will not be awarded for both BIO 103 and BIO 104. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): L1 900L Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec, 2 lab/week

      OR

      PHY175 - Introduction to Physics ( 4 Semester Hours)

      Basic concepts of physics including units in mechanics, sound, optics, electricity, magnetism and Bohr theory; to build an organized body of knowledge relating to physical phenomena encountered in the student's life. Designed to meet the laboratory requirements for non-science majors and students in elementary education. Prerequisite: ELT 120; or MAT 078, MAT 081, MAT 106, or higher; or 2 years of high school algebra with a grade of "C" or higher; or appropriate mathematics placement score. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): P1 900L Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec, 2 lab/week

         
      • COM131 - Intro to Oral Communication ( 3 Semester Hours)

        This course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. This course: (1) develops awareness of the communication process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and expressive strategies; (3) promotes understanding of and adaptation to a variety of communication contexts; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in listening, reading, thinking, and speaking. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C2 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

      • ENG101 - Composition I ( 3 Semester Hours)

        This course (1) develops awareness of the writing process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and editorial strategies; (3) stresses the variety of uses for writing; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in reading, thinking, and writing. Prerequisite: Required placement score on approved English placement test, high school unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, or a grade of C or higher in ELA 099. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

      • MAT106 - Applied Mathematics ( 3 Semester Hours)

        Applied mathematics is a fundamental course for students in technical and career programs. The course includes fundamental mathematics, algebra, geometry, right triangle trigonometry, business mathematics, and statistical concepts which are applied to the solution of practical problems. Scientific notation, metrics and use of the calculator are also covered. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in MAT 075 or MAT 078 (or higher) OR appropriate placement (see current placement score prerequisite chart) 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

        OR

        HIGHER
           

        Internship Requirements - 1 Hours

        • IND250 - Industrial Internship ( 1-3 Semester Hours)

          Participation in a work experience in an area of technology under supervision of both the college and an employer. Internship objectives will be identified for each student enrolled Prerequisite: Twelve semester hours in major field and consent of instructor. 1-2-3 Semester hour(s) Repeatable: This course is repeatable three times for a maximum of twelve credits. Lecture/Lab Hours: 5-10-15 hours internship/week

        SVCC Degree Requirement - 1 Hours

        • FYE101 - First Year Experience ( 1 Semester Hours)

          The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills, goal setting, academic planning, time and money management, and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment, students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. 1 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 1 lec/week

        Elective options - 12 Hours

        • ACC102 - Managerial Accounting ( 4 Semester Hours)

          This course presents accounting as a system of producing information for use in internally managing a business. The course emphasizes the identification, accumulation, and interpretation of information for planning, controlling, and evaluating the performance of the separate components of a business. Included is the identification and measurement of the costs of producing goods or services and how to analyze and control these costs. Decision models commonly used in making specific short-term and long-term business decisions also are included. Prerequisite: ACC 101 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): BUS 904 Lecture/Lab Hours 4 lec/week

        • AGR109 - Soil Science ( 4 Semester Hours)

          An introduction to the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soils; the origin, classification, and distribution of soils and their influence on people and food production; the management and conservation of soils; and the environmental impact of soil use. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG 904 Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec, /2 lab hours/week

        • AGR116 - Introduction to Animal Science ( 4 Semester Hours)

          The application of the sciences of genetics, physiology and nutrition to the improvement of the animal industries and an introduction to management and production practices. Includes animal breeds, breeding and selection; products and marketing; production technology and economics; animal behavior; and current issues in animal science. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG 902 Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec,/2 lab hours/week

        • AGR130 - Intro to Agr Mechanics ( 4 Semester Hours)

          This course is designed to provide a introduction to agricultural power (engines, hydraulics, calibrations, and agricultural equipment), agricultural electrification and applications (circuits, motors, and controls), agricultural structures (plans, loads, construction materials and layout and design), metal fabrication and soil and water conservation (surveying, mapping, drainage and conservation structures). Prerequisite: None Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG 906 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/2 lab/week

        • AGR201 - Plant Science ( 4 Semester Hours)

          This introductory course covers the basic principles of plant growth, including human and environmental influences and the theoretical and practical application of agronomic principles to crop production 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG 903 Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec,/2 lab hours/week

        • CIS220 - Computer Accounting ( 2 Semester Hours)

          This course covers small business accounting using computer software. Topics include creating a chart of accounts, recording customer and vendor transactions, processing payroll, and printing reports. In addition, setting up a new company is covered as well as advanced topics such as exporting to spreadsheet software and using the computer software audit trail. Prerequisite: None. Recommend CIS 100 or CIS 109 and ACC 101. 2 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 0 lab/week

        Suggested Program

        First Semester - 14 Hours

        • AGR150 - Intro to Ag Bus Management ( 4 Semester Hours)

          Organization and structure of agricultural businesses; resource evaluation, policy development and implementation, functions of management, and laws and taxes that affect business. 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/week

        • BUS103 - Intro to Business ( 3 Semester Hours)

          Introduction to Business provides a foundation of knowledge in business including an understanding of the basic processes of marketing, finance, production, accounting, information technology, human resource management and the relationships of business to our society and government and the global economy. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

        • CIS109 - Introduction to Computers ( 3 Semester Hours)

          This introductory course consists of the study of computer hardware, software, operating systems and communications, networking, Internet, systems and program development life cycles and their role in business decision making. The use of Internet, multimedia, security, and ethics will be emphasized throughout the course. In addition, laboratory experience will be gained with a survey of Microsoft Windows and business computer software applications programs in word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database management, presentation graphics, and Internet. Prerequisite:None. Students having no experience with computers are encouraged to first take CIS 100-Keyboarding 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): BUS 902 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week

        • ENG101 - Composition I ( 3 Semester Hours)

          This course (1) develops awareness of the writing process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and editorial strategies; (3) stresses the variety of uses for writing; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in reading, thinking, and writing. Prerequisite: Required placement score on approved English placement test, high school unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, or a grade of C or higher in ELA 099. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

        • FYE101 - First Year Experience ( 1 Semester Hours)

          The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills, goal setting, academic planning, time and money management, and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment, students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. 1 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 1 lec/week

        Second Semester - 17 Hours

        • AGR102 - Intro to Agricultural Econ ( 4 Semester Hours)

          An introduction to the principles of economics including production principles; production costs, supply and revenue; profit maximization; consumption and demand; price elasticity; market price determination; and competitive versus noncompetitive market models. These principles are applied to agriculture and the role of agriculture in the United States and world economies. Other topics include a survey of the world food situation; natural, human and capital resources; commodity product marketing; and agricultural problems and policies. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG 901 Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/week

        • BIO103 - Introductory Biology ( 4 Semester Hours)

          An introduction to fundamental principles of biology including: nature of science, basic chemistry, the organization, structure and function of organisms, cell division, reproduction, genetics, evolution and ecology. The course is designed for the student with minimal science background. This course will satisfy science requirements for A.A., A.S. transfer, and A.A.S. degree students. (For non-science majors.) Credit will not be awarded for both BIO 103 and BIO 104. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): L1 900L Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec, 2 lab/week

          OR

          CHE103 - Introduction to Chemistry ( 4 Semester Hours)

          A one semester general survey covering basic chemistry principles including topics in organic chemistry. In particular, emphasizing electronic structure and periodic law, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, chemical reactions and calculations, states of matter, solution chemistry including acids, bases and salts, and organic compounds. Depth of coverage is designed to meet the needs for general education physical science requirements. Credit will not be awarded for both CHE 102(3 credits) and CHE 103(4 credits). 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): P1 902L Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec, 2 lab/week

            OR

            PHY175 - Introduction to Physics ( 4 Semester Hours)

            Basic concepts of physics including units in mechanics, sound, optics, electricity, magnetism and Bohr theory; to build an organized body of knowledge relating to physical phenomena encountered in the student's life. Designed to meet the laboratory requirements for non-science majors and students in elementary education. Prerequisite: ELT 120; or MAT 078, MAT 081, MAT 106, or higher; or 2 years of high school algebra with a grade of "C" or higher; or appropriate mathematics placement score. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): P1 900L Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec, 2 lab/week

               
            • ECO211 - Principles of Macroeconomics ( 3 Semester Hours)

              A survey of macro-economic theory with emphasis on resource allocation in a mixed-enterprise economy. Concentration is on the operation of the market mechanism, the role of government and labor, international trade, national income determination and accounting, money and banking, monetary and fiscal policy, and macroeconomic fluctuations. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S3 901 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3/lec week

            • MAT106 - Applied Mathematics ( 3 Semester Hours)

              Applied mathematics is a fundamental course for students in technical and career programs. The course includes fundamental mathematics, algebra, geometry, right triangle trigonometry, business mathematics, and statistical concepts which are applied to the solution of practical problems. Scientific notation, metrics and use of the calculator are also covered. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in MAT 075 or MAT 078 (or higher) OR appropriate placement (see current placement score prerequisite chart) 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

              OR

              HIGHER
                 

              Third Semester - 17 Hours

              • Program Elective 4 Semester hour(s)
              • ACC101 - Financial Accounting ( 4 Semester Hours)

                This course presents accounting as an information system that produces summary financial statements, primarily for users external to a business enterprise organized as a corporation. Students study the forms of business organization and the common transactions entered into by businesses. The emphasis is on understanding and applying basic accounting principles and other concepts that guide the reporting of the effect of transactions and other economic events on the financial condition and operating results of a corporation. The procedures of how to analyze and interpret historical financial statements, as well, and the limitations of using these in making forward-looking business decisions is included. The primary content emphasis will be accounting for current assets and liabilities, long-term assets and liabilities, corporations, cash flow statements, and financial statement analyses. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): BUS 903 Lecture/Lab Hours 4 lec/week

              • AGR155 - Intro to AG Marketing & Stds ( 3 Semester Hours)

                Survey of approaches to marketing agricultural products; implications for the producer, consumer, processor, and government; use of grain grading and standardization equipment. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

              • AGR199 - Ag Issues & Perceptions ( 3 Semester Hours)

                This course is designed to increase the understanding, awareness, and critical analysis of today's top agricultural issues and their impact upon the social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of society. Agricultural issues include, but are not limited to: environment, animal welfare, crop production, biotechnology, trade and policy, water quality and a changing consumer attitude towards agriculture and food production. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

              • COM131 - Intro to Oral Communication ( 3 Semester Hours)

                This course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. This course: (1) develops awareness of the communication process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and expressive strategies; (3) promotes understanding of and adaptation to a variety of communication contexts; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in listening, reading, thinking, and speaking. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C2 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

              Fourth Semester - 15 Hours

              • Program Electives 8 Semester Hour(s)
              • Humanities/Fine Arts 3 Semester Hour(s)
              • AGR160 - Agricultural Salesmanship ( 3 Semester Hours)

                The course provides an introduction to the basic principles underlying the sales process in agricultural farm supply and practical application and development of sales techniques. Basic to the course is an understanding of the salesperson's obligation to self, his or her company, and his or her customer. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

              • IND250 - Industrial Internship ( 1-3 Semester Hours)

                Participation in a work experience in an area of technology under supervision of both the college and an employer. Internship objectives will be identified for each student enrolled Prerequisite: Twelve semester hours in major field and consent of instructor. 1-2-3 Semester hour(s) Repeatable: This course is repeatable three times for a maximum of twelve credits. Lecture/Lab Hours: 5-10-15 hours internship/week