Production Agriculture

Northeastern understands and appreciates the hard work and dedication it takes to operate and maintain an agricultural operation. That is why we are committed to giving our students the most up-to-date information in their coursework.

We want the next generation to continue providing us with the safest, most reliable, and affordable food supply in the world.

A Practical and Applied Degree

Production Agriculture involves the growing and marketing of plants and livestock. A thorough knowledge of marketing, management, and finance combined with production and mechanic skills prepares students for a career as an agricultural producer.

Northeastern's Program leaves plenty of room to add the electives for the emphasis of your choice in Crops, Precision Ag, Agribusiness, Production, Cattle Management, Ag Power & Mechanics and/or as a Farm Profit Manager.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline 3 percent from 2021 to 2031.

Despite declining employment, about 85,600 openings for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers was $73,060 in May 2021.

Accreditation / Affiliations

Agriculture Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Produce a written document that clearly explains an agricultural concept.
Analyze information and use critical thinking to solve an agricultural problem.
Explain how agriculture relates to global, social, and cultural concepts.
Develop skills useful in the agriculture industry or transfer to an agricultural degree.
Apply scientific information and the scientific method to explain agricultural concepts.

Program Requirements / Classes

Production Agriculture Certificate	CERT
Production Agriculture	AAS

Degree Descriptions

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) and Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

The AA and the AS degrees are traditional 2-year degrees specifically designed to transfer to 4-year institutions for the purpose of completing a BA or a BS. They are often referred to as university parallel degrees. The general education requirements are what actually permit the degrees to be called Associates or Arts or Science. The difference between the AS and AA is minimal, with the AA permitting math courses and a science course that are not recognized under the AS degree. Read Colorado's Guaranteed Transfer Policy here.

Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.)

The AGS degree is, at times, articulated to transfer to certain 4-year institutions and programs. There is more room for flexibility in this degree. Generally, if a student decides to transfer to a 4-year school to pursue a BA or BS after earning the AGS, they may be short some of the general education requirements.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

The Associate of Applied Science degree is rarely pursued by a student who intends to transfer to a 4-year school. It is primarily a degree that prepares a student to go directly into the workforce. It is typically a specific technical career that the student who seeks the AAS is seeking. Again, the general education requirements are less rigid with the AAS degree.

Certificate Programs

Certificates are 1-year technical programs that require no general education courses. Auto Tech, Agri-business, and Cosmetology are Certificate programs. English, math, science, etc. are not required to complete a certificate, although some students choose to take preparatory classes that might help them succeed in the program.