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Farm Operation
Technical Diploma
Why choose Farm Operation?
- Analyze research-based best practices to decide what works best in farm management situations.
- Learn from industry experts, participate in on-farm labs to learn new skills, and network with other farmers and industry partners.
- Interested in earning a bachelor’s degree? For transfer opportunities, visit mstc.edu/transfer.
A farmer’s work is often strenuous, marked by long hours and few days off. But, for many, these disadvantages are outweighed by the joys of working outdoors, being self-employed, and making a living working the land.
Program Locations
Marshfield Campus
2600 West 5th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Delivery:
In Person or Hybrid/Blended
Daytime or Evening
Part-Time
8-Week Classes
Length of Program: One Year
Credits: 27
Start Dates: Fall or Spring
Start at any time or campus by taking general education courses.
Program takes up to six years to complete.
What You'll Learn
The Farm Operation program at Mid-State prepares graduates to confidently run the day-to-day operations on a farm. You’ll learn about livestock and their products, livestock diseases and prevention, quality milk and meat production, soils, crop production, and more.
This hands-on program features agribusiness professionals who share their knowledge directly through presentations, demonstrations, and tours. Course topics include best practices for farming, such as how to manage farm records, farm computerization, critical facts about financial credit, creating a business plan, and marketing.
Outcomes
- Utilize agronomic resources for optimal farm production.
- Evaluate livestock management plans.
- Plan for operation and maintenance of facilities and equipment.
- Create a farm business plan.
- Apply marketing principles to agricultural enterprises.
Employability Skills
- Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
- Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
- Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
- Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
- Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility
Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.
Estimated Entire Program Cost
Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.
- Tuition & Fees: $4,481.69
- Books: $198.60
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
- Total Estimated Cost: $4,680.29
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is eligible for full Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending.
This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10080105 | Intro to Soil Science | 3 | |
| 10091102 | Intro to Animal Science | 3 | |
| Term Total | 6 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10091103 | Animal Nutrition | 4 | |
| 10093102 | Intro to Precision Agriculture | 3 | |
| Term Total | 7 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10090101 | Agriculture Business Management | 3 | |
| 10093104 | Principles of Crop Management | 3 | |
| Term Total | 6 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10003101 | Agricultural Diesel Engine Systems | 3 | |
| 10006102 | Agribusiness Equipment and Facilities | 2 | |
| 10006101 | Agricultural Computations | 3 | |
| Term Total | 8 Credits | ||
| Program Total | 27 Credits |
Instructors
TERI RAATZ, BS
Teri holds a BS in agricultural education from UW-River Falls. Her love agriculture started in childhood—she grew up on a diversified livestock farm and showed/owned registered dairy cattle. Prior to her 12 years of teaching at Mid-State, Teri taught middle school and high school agriculture for six years. She has also worked at Wisconsin's first ethanol plant in Stanley, Wisconsin, where she was involved in grading and purchasing corn. Teri is actively involved in the Colby FFA Alumni and Supporters, volunteers with the Clark County 4-H, and serves as advisor for the Clark County Jr Holstein Association, and her family owns a small herd of registered dairy cattle that her kids show across the state. She also serves as a member of the City of Colby Board of Appeals.
“I am passionate about all areas of agriculture and bring vast experience in agriculture into the classroom. I enjoy teaching students about the many opportunities available today in the world of agriculture.”
Careers
- Production Agriculturalist
- Herdsperson
- Livestock Breeder
- Agriculture Industry Technician
- Agriculture Sales
- Dairy Equipment Service Technician
- Fertilizer and Chemical Applicator
- Field Crop Scout
- Herdsperson
- Livestock Breeder
- Production Agriculturalist
Video
Fast-Track
High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.
- Additional Resources
Take the Next Step
“Mid-State’s Farm Operation program was a great learning experience for me. I now apply almost everything I learned in everyday farming practices.”
HANK ROTERING
GRADUATE
Choose Your Path
Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
