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SFA Home / Bulletin / College of Forestry and Agriculture

Department of Agriculture

R. Dale Perritt, Chair

Agriculture 101
(936) 468-3705
Fax: (936) 468-4047
dperritt@sfasu.edu
http://sfasu.edu/ag

Faculty

Professors
Tim Cherry, David L. Creech, Joe E. Gotti, J. Leon Young

Associate Professor
Leland C. Thompson

Assistant Professors
Erin G. Brown, Michael Maurer, Craig Morton

Lecturer
Emily Payne

Areas of Study & Degrees
B.S. Agriculture
Majors:

Objectives

The Department of Agriculture seeks to provide a dynamic, intellectual community primarily for the purpose of fostering academic learning and professional growth for its students. A focus on effective teaching, research and service provides opportunities to:

Modern facilities such as the SFA Mast Arboretum, Pineywoods Native Plant Center, Ruby Mize Azalea Garden, Walter Todd Agricultural Research Center, Swine Laboratory, Poultry Research Center and Feed Mill, Broiler Research Center, Forage Bull and Beef Heifer Development Center, Equine Laboratory, Agricultural Mechanics Laboratory, and SFA Soil, Plant, Water and Forage Analysis Laboratory provide opportunities for hands-on instruction.

Definition of Majors

Agribusiness

The area of agribusiness involves the manufacture and distribution of agricultural supplies; production operations on the farm; and the storage, processing and distribution of farm commodities. The study of agribusiness focuses on integrating technical knowledge with economic theory for decision making about the use of scarce productive resources to produce food and fiber and distribute them to society.

Agricultural Development

Agricultural development is a course of study designed to prepare the student for a career in teaching, extension or with agricultural service agencies whose purpose is to disseminate information related to the industry of agriculture. Special emphasis will be placed on communication skills and effective teaching strategies.

Agricultural Machinery

Agricultural machinery is a course of study designed to prepare the student for a career in the management of agricultural systems including the design and marketing of agricultural machinery, agricultural structures and agricultural environments.

Agronomy

Agronomy is the study of soil and crop science. Crop science is related primarily to the genetics, breeding, physiology and management of field and turf crops. Soil science is heavily oriented toward soil physics, soil chemistry, soil origin, soil microbiology, soil mineralogy, soil fertility and soil management as they apply to the growth of plants and to the environment.

Animal Science

The field of animal science provides exciting and challenging opportunities for graduates desiring to pursue careers in animal production, animal health or health services, feed formulation and manufacturing, processing/further processing, and the marketing of animals and animal products. Specialty areas include beef cattle science, poultry science, swine production, equine science and pre-veterinary medicine.

Horticulture

Horticulture is the science, business and art of growing and marketing fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants. Horticulture includes site planning and preparation, seed and vegetative propagation, plant growth and development, harvest, distribution, marketing, utilization and human issues associated with a wide diversity of crops for nutrition, beauty and utility.

Poultry Science

Poultry science is a course of study designed to prepare individuals seeking a challenging career in the poultry industry. The curriculum includes all aspects of live production, waste management, computer technology, nutrition and product processing. Upon completion of the course requirements, a student will be prepared for entry-level management positions within the industry.

Definition of Minors

Students desiring a minor in any of the above majors are required to complete 18 to 21 hours in agriculture with at least 12 hours having the course prefix of the minor area. Six hours must be advanced.

Course Requirements for Majors

  1. Core Curriculum Requirements (44-46 hours)
    1. Communication (12-14 hours)
      1. English Rhetoric/Composition (six hours)
        Six hours from ENG 131, 132 or ENG 133 or 235
      2. Communication Skills (six to eight hours)
        BCM 247, COM 111, 170 or FRE 131, 132, ILA 111, 112, SPA 131, 132, ENG 273
    2. Mathematics (three hours)
      MTH 110, 133, 138, 139, 143, 144, 220, 233, 234
    3. Natural Sciences (eight hours)
      CHE 111, 112, 133, 134
    4. Humanities & Visual and Performing Arts (six hours)
      1. Visual and Performing Arts
        Three hours from ART 280, 281, 282 or MUS 140, 160, THR 161, 370 or DAN 140, 341
      2. Other/Literature/Philosophy
        Three hours from ENG 200 - 235, 300; PHIL 153, 223, HIS 151,152
    5. Social and Behavioral Sciences (15 hours)
      1. U.S. History (six hours)
        HIS 133, 134, 335
      2. Political Science (six hours)
        PSC 141, 142
      3. Social/Behavioral Science (three hours)
        ANT 231; ECO 231, 232; GEO 131, 132; PSY 133; SOC 137, 139
  2. Major course requirements are listed under course requirements for each major. Twenty-one must be advanced with 12 advanced being completed at Stephen F. Austin State University.
  3. An academic minor of at least 18 hours with at least six advanced with three of the advanced completed at SFA.
  4. Enough additional hours to total 130. This total shall include a minimum of 42 hours of residence credit of which36 must be advanced.
  5. Students must meet minimum standards related to student success initiatives mandated in legislation. Maintenance of a C average in course work completed at SFA and course work completed at SFA in the major and minor fields considered separately.

Agronomy

Agronomy/Horticulture with Turfgrass Emphasis

Agribusiness

Agricultural Machinery

Animal Science

Students majoring in animal science desiring an emphasis in equine science may complete the following sequence of courses.

Animal Science With Equine Emphasis

Animal Science Pre-vet

Students wishing to major in animal science and meet the requirements for admission to schools of veterinary medicine must include the following courses in their general education requirements, minors or electives.

The Animal Science Major will consist of:

AGN/HRT 110, AGM 120, ANS 131, AEC 261, AGN 331, ANS 333, AEC 451, ANS 428, ANS 441, plus 15 additional hours selected from ANS or PLS.

Horticulture

Poultry Science

Agricultural Development

Refer to the teacher certification requirements in this bulletin for teaching options. Additional requirements for the degree include: BIO 131 or 133 and BIO 353 or 309 or other science approved by adviser (8 hrs.).

Agricultural development majors in the non-teaching option will complete the agriculture-production core and one of the following:

  1. Select an 18-hour minor or
  2. Complete 20 hours as follows: BCM 447, BCM 450, AGD481, AGR 431(4) and AGR 432(4).
    Plus 3 advanced hours from AGD, AGM, AEC, ANS, PLS, HRT, AGN.

Agricultural Internship

The internship program in agriculture may be used by qualified majors in agriculture. It is designed to strengthen the major and provide a stronger base of employment. The internship consists of spending one regular semester in a full-time, on-the-job, prescribed training program in an agricultural or related business. Twelve hours credit may be earned for a 15- to 16-week internship in the regular semester and eight hours credit for a 10- to 11-week internship during the summer. A one-summer term internship will be awarded four credit hours. Applicants for this program should initiate inquiry with the adviser regarding their eligibility no later than the beginning of their first junior semester. Application should be made at least one semester prior to internship. The internship may be used for agriculture electives but not for major courses.

Course Credit

All courses listed are three semester hours credit, three hours lecture per week unless otherwise noted. In courses with both lecture and laboratory, students must take both concurrently, and the same grade will be assigned in both.

Courses in Agriculture

Agribusiness and Economics (AEC)

261.   

Agricultural Economics (AGRI 2317) – Production economics, agricultural prices, money, banking, credit, land economics and public finance. Prerequisite: Six semester hours of agriculture.

344.

Agricultural Finance – Analysis of capital requirements for farming and ranching; determination of credit needs; lending sources and requirements; risks, costs and legal aspects of credit.

349.

Marketing of Agricultural Products – Marketing system as it applies to the farmer, and methods of reducing costs and of improving efficiency of agricultural marketing. Farmer’s cooperatives emphasized.

442.

Natural Resource Economics – Economic, institutional and physical factors involved in the utilization and control of natural resources as they are related to agriculture.

451.

Farm Management – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Application of business principles to farming, organization and management of farms, farm records and farm accounts. Prerequisite: Twelve semester hours of agriculture.

Agricultural Development (AGD)

361.   

Agricultural Development – Study of the structure and function of agricultural delivery systems and their impact on the industry of agriculture. Specific emphasis on the development of agricultural policy, agricultural research, market development, agricultural service agencies, ethics in agriculture and the adoption and diffusion of new technology. Laboratory field experience required. Prerequisite: Twelve hours of agriculture.

371.

Agriculture Leadership – Study of the various leadership functions and management styles necessary to work effectively within the professional industry of agriculture. Specific emphasis on oral communication, parliamentary procedure and the function of youth organizations and adult volunteer groups as support organizations in the agricultural community. Prerequisite: Twelve hours of agriculture.

400.

Senior Seminar – One hour lecture. Provides the student with information needed for transition from the college environment to a professional career in the industry of agriculture. Specifically addresses current trends shaping career opportunities, resume development, interviewing skills, intern opportunities, research and development activities, professional organizations, personal investing and retirement planning, community development and service opportunities, and critical issues facing agriculture.

481.

Methods of Teaching Agricultural Sciences in the Secondary School – Instructional methods and techniques that emphasize practical applications of the teaching-learning process. Special emphasis on reading in the content area, student evaluation, classroom management and discipline, and essential curriculum/programmatic elements unique to agricultural science and technology. Prerequisite: Nine hours professional education.

491.

Student Teaching – Nine semester hours. Class observation, development of lesson plans, and methods of teaching in-school, and adult classes. Prerequisites: AGD 361, 371 and 481.

Agricultural Machinery (AGM)

120.   

Fundamentals of Agricultural Technology – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Introductory course to acquaint students with a wide range of basic concepts, principles, procedures and applications of engineering and machinery in agriculture. Emphasis on skill areas and fundamental principles of agricultural operations and application. Lab fee $5.

236.

Welding and Metals – One hour lecture, four hours lab per week. Arc welding, oxyacetylene welding, hot and cold metal work, plumbing and sheet metal work. Lab fee $20.

310.

Internal Combustion Engines – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Study of the theory and operation of single- and multi-cylinder internal combustion engines. Emphasis directed toward the application, maintenance, diagnosis and repair of internal combustion engines used in agricultural environments. Lab fee $5.

315.

Agricultural Electrification – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Electricity master controls, lighting, heating; maintenance of electric motors, safety, and automated equipment. Lab fee $5.

325.

Design Application Software I (CAD) – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Introduction to the use of computer assisted design (CAD) software. Acquaints students with basic 2-D design principles, utilizing the latest CAD and architectural software in a computer lab setting. Prerequisites: CSC 121 or 101; AGM 120, or consent of instructor. Lab fee $10. (Same as HRT 325).

326.

Design Application Software II (CAD) – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Advanced course on the use of computer assisted design (CAD) software. Emphasis on three-dimensional drawing and customized design. Experience with latest architectural, mechanical and landscape software. Prerequisites: AGM/HRT 325. Lab fee $10. (Same as HRT 326).

383.

Agricultural Machinery Design and Structure – One hour lecture, four hours lab per week. Mechanical design and construction of equipment. Metal fabrication. Prerequisite: AGR 236. Lab fee $20.

410.

Agricultural Machinery Operation and Performance – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Study of the operation, performance and management of agricultural machinery. Prerequisite: AEC 261. Lab fee $5.

421.

Principles of Irrigation – Designed to quantify the parameters necessary for the design, installation and operation of various types of irrigation systems. Emphasis on the fundamental principles of irrigation, water application systems and water distribution systems. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

425.

Mobile Hydraulics in Agriculture – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Basic principles of hydraulics, hydrodynamics and hydrostatics; diagnosis and testing; hydraulic valves; and the history of hydraulics. Prerequisite: six hours of agriculture. Lab fee $5.

Agronomy – Plant and Soil Science (AGN)

110.   

Crop Science – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Basic principles of plant growth as they relate to the production of major horticulture and agronomic crops. Lab fee $5. (Same as HRT 110).

262.

Forages – Study of annual and perennial forages including their management for hay and grazing. Includes characteristics, adaptability, establishment, maintenance, harvesting and quality of the forage.

331.

Soil Science – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Physical, biological and chemical properties, classification and fertilization of soil. Prerequisite: CHE 111 or 133. Lab fee $5.

367.

Weed Science – Study of control of weedy plant species in row crops, pastures, fruit and vegetable crops, turf and around the home. Includes applicator calibration. Prerequisite: CHE 112.

445.

Plant Breeding – Improvement of crops through hybridization and selection with special emphasis on methods of breeding self-pollinated, cross-pollinated and vegetatively propagated plants. Prerequisite: BIO 341 or consent of the instructor.

448.

Range Management – Principles of range management. Characteristics of rangelands and range plants, management of grazing animals, and vegetation. Prerequisite: Junior standing (Same as FOR 448).

469.

Plant Protection – Biological, chemical, cultural and physical control of insects, diseases and weeds, including the concepts of integrated pest management. Prerequisites: BIO 353 plus 12 hours of agriculture or biology.

Animal Science (ANS)

131.   

Introductory Animal Science (AGRI 1319) – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Introductory course in the modern methods of producing, processing and marketing animals and animal products.

201.

Basic Horsemanship – A beginning riding course that will address the fundamental techniques and principles of horsemanship. Students will ride horses each day, learning the basic athletic maneuvers of the equine under saddle. Students are expected to provide an appropriate saddle and blanket. Students will be required to wear an appropriate riding helmet at all times during the lab.

241.

Horse Production – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Survey of the western working and pleasure horse industry. Fundamentals of selection, nutrition, breeding, health and training pleasure horses.

242.

Equitation – Six hours lab per week. In-depth study of the finer points of riding involving athletic maneuvers of the horse essential to all performance horse events. Case studies in the behavior, communication and psychology between rider and the modern performance horse. Techniques for evaluation of pleasure and performance horse competition. Corequisite or Prerequisite: ANS 201

243.

Beef Cattle Science – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Selection, breeding, feeding, management and health care of beef cattle.

250.

Artificial Insemination – One hour lecture, four hours lab per week. Basic reproductive physiology as related to artificial insemination, techniques of insemination, semen handling, heat detection, heat synchronization and breeding records. Prerequisite: ANS 131 or permission of instructor.

301.

Livestock Evaluation – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Techniques of evaluation and selection of livestock for various agricultural uses. Subjective appraisal of breeding feeder and market swine, as well as beef cattle and sheep. Prerequisites: six hours of ANS including ANS 131.

333.

Animal Nutrition – Nature, function and metabolism of nutrients in animal production. Prerequisites: AGR 131; CHE 112 or 134; and junior standing.

342.

Swine Production – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Production practices in the management of swine. Breeding, feeding and health care. Prerequisite: AGR 131.

343.

Dairy Science – Introduction to the basic principles and modern practices of dairy production and dairy products technology. Latest advances in record keeping, selection, breeding, feeding, location, facilities and milk marketing. Prerequisite: ANS 131.

351.

Training Performance Horses – Western - Riding and training the western performance horse to compete in western riding, roping, cutting, and working cow horse events.

352.

Training Performance Horses – English - Riding and training the English performance horse to compete in hunt seat horsemanship, stadium jumping, cross country jumping and dressage events.

428.

Animal Reproductive Physiology – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Concepts and applications of reproduction in farm animals. Endocrinology, anatomy and physiology, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, fertilization, gestation, parturition and behavior are studied with practical application toward increasing animal production. Prerequisites: ANS 131 and Junior standing.

441.

Principles of Animal Breeding – Selection and systems of breeding livestock. Traits of economic importance. Genetic and statistical principles as they apply to farm animal selections. Prerequisites: BIO 320 or 341 and 12 semester hours of animal science or consent of instructor.

442.

Equine Production and Management – Two hours lecture, one hour lab per week. Provides the senior-level student with the scientific application of biological and biotechnological principles of horse production and management. Emphasis on reproduction, nutrition, genetics, disease, health, and exercise physiology that is unique to the horse.

444.

Feedstuffs, Feeding and Formulation – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Feedstuffs, feed formulation, feed processing and livestock feeding. Prerequisite: ANS 333. Lab fee $5.

452.

Equine Law Studies – The development of a basic understanding of the legal principles involved in common problems associated with horse ownership and horse production.

Poultry Science (PLS)

237.   

Introductory Poultry Science (AGRI 1327) – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Introduction to the scope and the importance of the poultry industry. Introduction to the basics of poultry science and modern methods of producing, processing and marketing of poultry and poultry products. Lab fee $5.

252.

Poultry Selection and Evaluation – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week (three credit hours). Techniques of evaluation and selection of poultry and poultry products. Subjective evaluation of breeders, broilers, commercial layers and market products.

317.

Applied Agriculture Data Applications – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Introduction to the use of computerized applications that deal directly with agriculture and allied industries. Examples include feed mill operations, hatchery complexes, environmental control systems, office applications, as well as Internet Web design and its impact on the agriculture industry. Prerequisite: six hours of agriculture.

337.

Broiler Production – Study of production practices for the commercial broiler production industry with specific in-depth study in broiler houses and equipment, grow-out phases and disease control for typical broiler operations..

340.

Advanced Poultry Science – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. In-depth study of avian anatomy and physiology, incubation, poultry diseases and poultry genetics and breeding. Lab fee $5. Prerequisite: ANS 237.

420.

Agricultural Waste Management – Principles of agricultural waste management, addressing animal and human waste as well as management and disposal of agricultural chemicals. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

437.

Applied Poultry Production – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Advanced study of poultry nutrition, organization and management of commercial poultry production and processing operations. Use of computers in designing, planning and managing a modern commercial poultry operation. Lab fee $5. Prerequisite: ANS 237.

440.

Non–Ruminant Nutrition and Feeding – Focuses on nutrition and feeding of non-ruminant animals. Address the interactions between nutrition and carcass product quality, immunology and environments in monogastric animals.

465.

Agriculture Products Processing – Study of the technological processes involved in the preparation, processing, and packaging of agricultural products, including: livestock, poultry, fish, fruits, nuts, vegetables and dairy. Study of consumer trends, governmental regulations and research efforts affecting agricultural products processing. May require an overnight field trip. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Horticulture (HRT)

110.   

Crop Science – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Basic principles of plant growth as they relate to the production of major horticultural and agronomic crops. Lab fee $5. (Same as AGN 110).

210.

Ornamental Horticulture – Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory per week. An overview of the ornamental horticulture industry including landscaping, nursery management, retail sales, floriculture, and other types of enterprises. Emphasis is placed on the propagation, production, and use of bedding, tropical foliage and indoor plants. Lab fee $5.

212.

Fruit and Vegetable Production – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Factors influencing the successful growing, harvesting, storing and marketing of fruit and vegetable crops. Special focus on low-input farming systems, irrigation efficiency, pest management and alternative crops and technology. Lab fee $5.

213.

Annuals and Perennials – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Principles and practices of herbaceous landscape color plants including annuals, perennials, tropicals and bulbs. Emphasis will be placed on identification, production, use and maintenance of year-round bedding plants in East Texas.

215.

Turfgrass Management I – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Principles of turfgrass production and selection; establishment and maintenance of turfgrasses for residential and commercial landscape applications.

239.

Basic Landscape Design – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. History and basic principles, formal and informal designs, community planning and zoning. Lab fee $5. Prerequisites: AGM 120 or some drawing experience.

247.

Landscape Installation – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Application of design principles including interpretation of plans, costs and bidding, site preparation, construction materials, planting and maintenance.

321.

Greenhouse Management – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Principles of greenhouse management. Prerequisite: HRT-AGN 110. Lab fee $5.

322.

Floriculture – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Principles and practical applications of commercial production of pot plants, cut flower crops, flower arrangements, post-harvest handling and marketing techniques. Lab fee $20.

324.

Landscape Plant Materials I – One hour lecture, four hours lab. Emphasis on the plants most commonly used in East Texas landscapes. Requires the identification of 175 small trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers and herbaceous perennials. Prerequisites: six hours of agriculture or consent of instructor. Lab fee $5.

325.

Design Application Software I (CAD) – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Introduction to the use of computer assisted design (CAD) software. Acquaints students with basic 2-D design principles, utilizing the latest CAD and architectural software in a computer lab setting. Prerequisites: CSC 121 or 101; AGM 120, or consent of instructor. Lab fee $10. (Same as AGM 325).

326.

Design Application Software II (CAD) – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Advanced course on the use of computer assisted design (CAD) software. Emphasis on three-dimensional drawing and customized design. Experience with latest architectural, mechanical and landscape software. Lab fee $10. Prerequisite: AGM-HRT 325 or HMS 414. (Same as AGM 326).

413.

Nursery Management – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Study of the principles and practices involved in commercial production, marketing and management of nursery crops. Prerequisite: Six hours of agriculture or equivalent. Lab fee $5.

416.

Plant Propagation – Two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Physiological relationships involved in plant propagation-environmental factors as they relate to plant growth structures and nursery conditions. Prerequisite: six hours of agriculture or consent of instructor. Lab fees $5.

417.

Advanced Landscape Design – Practical design applications for landscape situations using various plant materials, cost estimation, contracting, construction and maintenance. Prerequisites: HRT 239 and/or HRT-AGM 325. Lab fee $5.

419.

Turfgrass Management II – Focuses on the skills needed by golf course, park, and athletic field managers to develop cost-effective management practices for facilities under intensive use. Emphasis is placed on site-specific needs including substrate modification, irrigation and drainage, fertilization, and pest management.

General Agriculture (AGR)

100.   

The Agriculture Industry (AGRI 1131) – One semester hour credit, one hour lecture per week. Introduction to agriculture and its relationship to the sciences. Also careers and opportunities in agriculture. Required for all agriculture majors.

275.

Special Problems – One to four semester hours. Individual instruction in laboratory or field problems. May include enterprise projects. Prerequisites: Six hours of agriculture. May be repeated.

280.

Special Topics – One to four semester hours. Study of specific areas of agriculture approved by the agriculture curriculum committee and by the department chair. May be repeated.

431.

Agricultural Internship – Four semester hours, 40 hours per week for five weeks of work experience with industry in the use of equipment and materials of production in the intern’s major field. Prerequisite: Twelve hours of agriculture.

432.

Agricultural Internship II – Four semester hours, 40 hours per week for five weeks. Production practices basic to the intern’s major field of interest. Prerequisite: Twelve hours of agriculture. Fall, spring.

433.

Agricultural Internship III – Four semester hours, 40 hours per week for five weeks of applied management practices related to the intern’s major field of interest. Prerequisite: Twelve hours of agriculture. Fall, spring.

475.

Special Problems – One to four semester hours. Individual instruction in laboratory or field problems. Prerequisite: Twelve hours of agriculture. May be repeated.

480.

Topics in Agriculture – One to four semester hours. Study of specific areas of agriculture approved by the agriculture curriculum committee and by the chair of the department. May be repeated.

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