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Printed on 5/20/2026

Agriculture Essentials New

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20-006-7 Certificate (C) 12 Credits Not Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Appleton or Wautoma

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations. 

This certificate provides you with a strong foundation in crop and animal production, agribusiness, and agricultural marketing. Through hands‑on and applied learning experiences, students will develop essential skills to support today’s agricultural industry. This certificate is an embedded pathway into several agribusiness and agriculture associate degree and technical diploma programs and helps prepare students for entry‑level employment in agricultural production and related careers.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (12 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Agricultural Marketing and Risk Management
    10-006-103
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10006103
    • Credits: 3.00

    Gain an understanding of the principles of commodity marketing and the ability to apply these principles to the distribution of farm products. Explore price risk management tools such as contracts, futures, options, and crop insurance.  

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 10006133 - Introduction to Agribusiness
  • Introduction to Agribusiness
    10-006-133
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10006133
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces students to key concepts in agribusiness, including agricultural economics, business management, marketing, and financial reporting. Students will explore emerging trends, calculate production costs, and examine employment opportunities in agriculture. The course also covers U.S. agricultural history since the Great Depression and prepares students for careers in the modern agricultural industry.

  • Animal Science Fundamentals
    10-091-101
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10091101
    • Credits: 3.00

    Covers the fundamentals of animal science with an emphasis on livestock industries. Topics include animal anatomy and physiology, genetics, reproduction, nutrition, safety, and biotechnology. Students explore the structure and characteristics of the beef, dairy, swine, sheep, goat, and equine industries.

  • Agricultural Crop Production
    10-093-101
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10093101
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces students to basic crop production principles and management practices specific to Wisconsin agriculture. Students will gain practical knowledge to apply fundamental techniques that support successful crop growth and optimize yield for Wisconsin crops.

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Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

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Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.