Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture at Fort Hays State University provides students with applied, hands-on learning experiences and diverse foundation courses that empower students to succeed in the growing—and vital—field of agriculture. This experience makes students more marketable and well prepared to meet industry challenges, and FHSU Agriculture degree-holders are poised to become leaders in the agriculture industry.
Agriculture at FHSU
We challenge students to take advantage of the hands-on learning experiences, unique academic programs, departmental clubs and organizations, and the close-knit mentorship of our caring, experienced faculty. Whether you’re going back to the family farm or looking to take the lead in the agriculture industry, FHSU will have you well prepared for an exciting, rewarding career in a diverse and growing industry. You will:
- Gain a deeper perspective of agriculture, its significance throughout the world, and how you can have an impact
- Be prepared to face technological advances in an ever-changing field
- Develop leadership skills
- Have practical class experiences on the 3,825 acre FHSU University Farm
- Expand critical thinking and communication skills
- Make lifelong friends and mentors
We prepare our graduates to succeed in agriculture’s wide variety of careers. Because even though they may pursue different careers—running a farm, managing a feedyard, trading grain on the futures market, working as a crop consultant, or steering a boardroom meeting—our alumni all have one thing in common: They have the desire and skills to make a positive impact on the industry and in their communities.
Department of Agriculture Faculty and Staff
See department page online for full listing
Bachelors
- Agriculture | Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business
- Agriculture | Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Agricultural Communication)
- Agriculture | Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Agricultural Education)
- Agriculture | Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Agricultural Leadership)
- Agriculture | Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Agronomy Business)
- Agriculture | Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Agronomy)
- Agriculture | Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Animal Science)
- Agriculture | Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (General)
Minors
Certificates
Masters
A general study of the livestock industry and its current problems. Emphasis is placed on its importance as a major phase of agriculture and related areas. F-S
Introduction to animal agriculture and industry. This course supports and expands on material presented in AGRI 111.
A study of the production principles of agronomic crops including propagation, growth, development, harvesting, storage, and utilization. Must be taken concurrently with laboratory.
The laboratory course is designed to reinforce the basic principles covered in agri 112 agronomic crop science. Meets for two hours per week.
A continuation of AGRI 114 with additional emphasis on objective and subjective methods of evaluation using a combination of visual appraisal and performance records.
The laboratory to accompany AGRI 215 soils. Laboratory experience in determining soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. Two hours of laboratory a week.
Application of accounting concepts and principles to farms and other agribusiness firms. Cash and accrual accounting methods, whole farm and enterprise analysis, income tax management, and electronic farm accounting technology are considered. Course includes two 1 hour lectures with a 2 hour laboratory component.
This course will provide Agricultural Education students with an observation and participation experience in the high school/junior high school agricultural classroom. This experience will expose students to a variety of educational philosophies, goals, objectives and activities. Pass/No. Requisites: Completed AGRI 111, 112, or 113 and PERM
A study of production planning with budgeting, financial records, and the acquisition and use of resources for the individual farm-ranch business is emphasized.
A comparative study of the anatomy and physiology of the various productive systems and organs of the domestic farm animals. Two hours lecture and 1 hour recitation per week in addition to a 2 hour laboratory component.
A supervised work-study program in agribusiness, animal science, or agronomy. Involves instructorstudent-employer consultation. F-S-SU
This course emphasizes major strategies for promotion and marketing of high quality livestock. Private treaty sales as well as live and online auctions are discussed.
History, role in society, and role of communications in agriculture. This course provides an
understanding of communication and various communication methods in modern society as these are applicable to agriculture.
A study of concepts and theories of leadership with emphasis on development of leadership abilities for a variety of agricultural applications. Best practices of successful leaders representing various components of the agriculture community are emphasized. Skills related to managing teams in diverse agricultural workplaces and communities will be developed.
An advanced course primarily focused on the applied use of Microsoft Excel in the agricultural business environment.
This course emphasizes techniques of artificial insemination of cattle. Proper handling , storage and placement of bovine semen are discussed. Methodology for estrus detection and timing of semen placement are emphasized. This course has a laboratory component.
Location, topics & credit hours will vary. Each section will have a location and topic description in the title.
A study of methods of producing purebred and commercial sheep with emphasis on performance testing and feeding, physiology of reproduction, health programs, and general management under various systems of production. Course includes two 1-hour lectures with a 2-hour laboratory component.
This course emphasizes the production of dairy cattle as influenced by genetic improvement, nutrition, reproductive physiology, herd health, and herd management. It will acquaint students with the dairy industry from production to retailing. Course includes two 1 hour lectures with a 2 hour laboratory component.
Introduction to farm financial management, including financial intermediaries and information flows in agriculture, investment analysis, and financial alternatives for farm resource control.
A course designed to acquaint the student with the light horse as a livestock enterprise with emphasis on nutrition, reproduction, health, selection and management. Course includes two 1-hour lectures with a 2-hour laboratory component.
A study of the entrepreneur journey to open an agricultural or food related business. Includes practicing designing a business plan.
A study of managerial challenges and considerations in the agricultural or food related industry. Grocery operations will be discussed.
A course on planning and conducting effective agriculture instructional programs. Topics include introducing instructional methods, techniques, devices and procedures used in disseminating agricultural information to youth and adult audiences. Requisites: Admission to Teacher Education required: PERM
A supervised, off-campus experiential learning opportunity providing in-depth, practical experience while working with cooperators in the beef cattle industry. Involves instructor-student -cooperator consultation.
Techniques used in beef production with emphasis on genetic improvement through performance testing, nutrition, reproductive physiology, diseases of beef cattle, and general management under various systems of production. Course includes two 1-hour lectures with a 2-hour laboratory component.
Techniques used in beef production with emphasis on genetic improvement through performance testing, nutrition, reproductive physiology, diseases of beef cattle, and general management under various systems of production. Course includes two 1-hour lectures with a 2-hour laboratory component.
Course is designed to provide practical experience in teaching, supervision, and administration in agriculture.
Course is designed to provide practical experience in teaching, supervision, and administration in agriculture.
An in-depth study of a variety of risk management strategies inherent to the
agricultural firm. Topics include: diversification, insurance, forward contracting, hedging and options trading through applied problems with use of simulation. Managing risk associated with input prices, output prices, organizational
structure, and financial instruments are emphasized.
An applied study of agricultural business logistics combining case study analysis and the study of the principles and concepts behind the strategic planning process and their impact on the sustainability of the agricultural firm. Topics include: role and scope of logistics in agribusiness, connect economics development with strategic planning, explore the issues surrounding transaction costs and the principle agent problem associated with outsourcing, strategic alliances, emerging technologies, and tools for logistics.
An in-depth analysis of individual and group behavior in agricultural business,
governmental, and other organizations with emphasis on current literature and
applications within business management. Topics include: theories of individual learning and perception, attitude change, job motivation, group dynamics, conflict management, and leadership.