It is the mission of this agriculture education program to produce agriculturally literate people. Education in and about agriculture will allow students to learn practical skills, develop self-confidence, and acquire abilities needed to pursue a career in the food and fiber system. Agriculturally literate people will have the practical knowledge needed to care for their outdoor environments, which may include lawns and gardens, farms and ranches, forests and streams.

The FFA (Future Farmers of America) is a Vocational Student Organization (VSO) that provides leadership development, travel, and employment opportunities to students enrolled in agriculture classes. FFA activities and award programs complement instruction in Agriculture Education by giving students practical experience in the application of agricultural skills and knowledge gained in classes. All agriculture students are encouraged to participate in FFA activities throughout the course of the calendar year.

ADVANCED STANDING COURSES (Marked*)

ANIMAL  SCIENCE - No. 790
1 Credit Elective - Grades 10, 11, 12
It is recommended that the student take Agriscience prior to taking Animal Science.

Students will study classes of livestock important to the livestock industry in Wisconsin and the United States as well as animals used for pleasure and companionship. Studies will be directed in cattle, sheep, hogs, horses, poultry, dogs, cats, and fish. Students will complete investigations into production, processing, and marketing areas of animal science and will be prepared to compete in various contests throughout the school year.  Semester projects will involve students in raising specific classes of livestock in the LHS Barn/Greenhouse.  Participation in FFA activities will provide the student with additional opportunities for travel, leadership and skill development, work experience, and degree advancement within the FFA Organization.

SUMMER  PROGRAM  IN  AGRICULTURE - No. 794
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
Students enrolling in this course must have completed at least one Agriculture Education course during the previous school year. Students will meet with the instructor prior to the end of the school year to establish an individualized program of activities that will further the develop the student's knowledge in a specific area or that will aid the student in establishing a career objective. This program is to run from the time the school year ends in the spring until the end of the Wood County Fair in the fall. The student will be expected to conduct an individual supervised Agricultural experience program as well as participate in an agreed upon number of group activities during the summer months.

*HORTICULTURE - No. 786
1 Credit Elective - Grades 10, 11, 12
It is recommended that Agriscience be taken prior to taking Horticulture.
This lab-intensive course focuses on greenhouse management and plant production. Students will raise poinsettias and bedding plants, build and maintain a nursery, as well as learn landscape principles and techniques. Students will spend 40-50% of class time in the greenhouse applying what they have learned. In addition to plant production, students will learn basic hydroponics and landscape construction skills. Other methods of alternative agriculture will also be covered. This course will qualify the student for transcripted credits at Mid-State Technical College - please check with the instructor. Participation in FFA activities will provide the students with additional opportunities for travel, leadership skill development, work experience and degree advancement within the organization.

FORESTRY - No. 784
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
Students will average 40-50% of class time actually working in the school forests. Actual outdoor activities will depend on the season and weather. Special attention will be centered on the intermediate thinning of the school forests. Classroom work will cover safety practices, daily maintenance of chain saws, forestry history, timber stand improvement, tree measurement, log scaling, etc. FISTA, Forest Industry Safety Training Alliance, seminar will be offered.

*NATURAL  RESOURCES - No. 793
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 10, 11, 12
It is recommended that Agriscience be taken prior to taking Natural Resources.
Coursework will revolve around the wise use of Wisconsin's natural resources. Students will learn about conservation and conservation practices, renewable energy, soils, water quality, wildlife ecology, wilderness survival and more! Participation in FFA activities will provide students with additional opportunities for travel, leadership skill development, work experience and degree advancement within the organization.