Agribusiness Technology

This program prepares individuals to manage agricultural businesses and agriculturally related operations within diversified corporations.

Potential course work includes instruction in agriculture, agricultural specialization, business management, accounting, finance, marketing, planning, human resources management, and other managerial responsibilities. Students will also learn the basic principles of our economic system and government policies and programs relating to agriculture.

Graduates should qualify for a variety of jobs in agricultural businesses such as equipment, feed, and agricultural supply sales; store management; farm operations; wholesale and retail produce management; nursery operations; and environmental and agricultural education.

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze various agricultural economic principles and articulate the impact that those principles have on domestic and global economics.
  • Demonstrate the role of marketing in agribusiness technology and apply core marketing principles to the development of agribusiness strategy and decision-making process.
  • Analyze the role of local agribusiness in the US and demonstrate the impact of basic laws affecting the agriculture industry.

Contact Information

Image of Donna Riddle
Donna Riddle, MS
Lead Instructor of Horticulture
Phone: 336-838-6435
deriddle368@wilkescc.edu
Image of Frank Blevins
Frank Blevins, BS
Lead Instructor of Animal Science
Phone: 336-838-6188
fdblevins615@wilkescc.edu

Pathways

This part of the website is currently undergoing maintenance. Please refer to the WCC Catalog for program information.

Technical Standards

The Agribusiness Technology program technical standards have been developed to inform students of the nonacademic essential functions of the program and profession. Examples are not all inclusive.

Standard Essential Function Examples
Communication
Oral / Written
  • Skills sufficient to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
  • Communicate in a professional manner with coworkers and customers
  • Read and understand work orders, instruction manuals, material safety data sheets and warning signs
Mobility / Motor Skills
  • Motor skills sufficient to move the hands and use hands to grasp or manipulate objects
  • Mobility sufficient to maneuver in varied terrain
  • Mobility sufficient to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body
  • Ability to safely operate in and around machinery
  • Ability to safely operate light equipment
  • Use hand tools and laboratory equipment
  • Move in terrain such as uphill, downhill, gravel, pavement, dirt, etc.
  • Physical activities may include:
    • Stooping
    • Reaching
    • Squatting
    • Lifting
    • Bending
  • Safely operate farm machinery
  • Use light equipment such as lawn mowers, weed eaters, pest control equipment
Physical Strength and Stamina
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to work reasonable required hours
  • Ability to maintain balance
  • Carry and transfer bagged animal feed
  • Carry bagged fertilizer and potting mixes
  • Work an eight-hour shift with mandated breaks
  • Work on slippery or uneven surfaces
Sensory

  • Sight
  • Sound
  • Taste
  • Touch
  • Smell
  • Visual skills sufficient to see details at close range
  • Ability to distinguish colors, shades, and textures of various materials
  • Ability to tolerate scents/dander
  • Ability to hear equipment to address maintenance issue
  • Ability to touch and locate anatomy on animals
  • Recognize the effects of animal health
  • Encounter scents and or dander related to animals, feeds, or waste
  • Determine different varieties of plants
  • Detect odors related to potentially toxic or poisonous substances (plants, chemicals)
  • Recognize a malfunctioning fan motor
  • Locate a vein on an animal to draw blood
Environmental / Occupational Exposure
  • Possible exposure to common allergens
  • Possible exposure to extreme weather conditions
  • Possible exposure to chemicals and fumes
  • Able to tolerate variations in lighting
  • Chemicals, toxins, dust, fumes, fertilizer, pesticides, fuel, etc.
  • Allergens such as hay, grass, pollen
  • Prolonged periods in various outdoor climates (heat, cold, rain)
Field or Industry Professional Standards
  • Safely work with livestock and machinery
  • Continue industry education
  • Visit farms and diagnose livestock and equipment issues
  • Attend workshops, tradeshows, maintain certification CEUs

Disability Services Statement

Wilkes Community College is an ADA compliant institution. WCC does not discriminate based on a disability in the admissions process or in access to its programs, services, and/or activities for qualified individuals who meet eligibility requirements. WCC will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities who are eligible to receive or participate in college programs, services, and/or activities. If a student believes that he/she cannot meet one or more of a program’s essential functions without accommodations, the student is encouraged to disclose this to Disability Services as soon as possible.