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Printed on 4/3/2026

Dairy Science

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31-091-7 Technical Diploma (TD) Part Time or Full Time 30 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Appleton

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

Dairy science professionals play an important role in the dairy industry. Modern dairy business’s require specialized training and education. Learn to manage a dairy herd with skills like artificial insemination, sire selection, reproduction, herd health, nutrition and ration balancing. Emphasis is also placed on records management, commodity marketing and agribusiness management using hands-on instruction to prepare you for a career in dairy production.

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.

    Occupational Specific (30 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 10006101 - Agribusiness, Introduction to
  • Ag Production Systems
    10-006-104
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10006104
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces students to the design, operation, and management of facilities and equipment commonly used in dairy production systems. Topics include dairy/livestock housing, milking systems, ventilation, and feed and grain storage. Students will explore the layout and function of facilities on farms and in agribusiness settings, with an emphasis on efficiency, animal comfort, and productivity. The course also includes an overview of systems for handling and storing animal waste as part of overall facility planning.

  • Agricultural Internship
    10-006-116
    3Credit
    216
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 216
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 10006116
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides students with the opportunity to investigate and learn through prescribed, hands-on experiences in the agriculture industry. It is specifically required that the student complete an internship in the agriculture industry. Internship experience is completed in cooperation with an agricultural employer and FVTC. 

  • 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.

  • Dairy/Livestock Herd Management
    10-091-102
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10091102
    • Credits: 3.00

    Covers the herd health and reproductive systems of the dairy and livestock animals. The class will cover various herd health problems, including mastitis, milk fever, and similar common livestock health problems. A herd health and reproductive management program will be developed.

  • Dairy Genetics & Reproduction
    10-091-105
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10091105
    • Credits: 3.00

    Designed for the student who needs a comprehensive knowledge of dairy genetics and reproduction. Emphasis is on basic genetic principles and sire selection. Students will learn the anatomy and physiology of the bovine female reproductive tract and the management of the estrous cycle in cattle.

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

    • AGRICUL 10091101 - Animal Science Fundamentals
  • Dairy/Livestock Nutrition
    10-091-106
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10091106
    • Credits: 3.00

    Acquaints the students with the nutrients essential for livestock growth, production, and reproduction. The anatomy and physiology of digestion and nutrient absorption will be discussed for the monogastric and ruminant animals. Proper feed sampling techniques, feed analysis, and other nutritional information will be covered.

  • Ration Balancing
    10-091-109
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10091109
    • Credits: 3.00

    Teaches students the mechanics of balancing livestock rations using research based recommendations. Ration balancing software will be used to develop rations. The makeup and functions of the nutrients essential for livestock will be discussed in the preparation of dairy and beef rations.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 10091106 - Dairy/Livestock Nutrition
  • 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.

×

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.