Arthur Temple College of Forestry & Agriculture

Department of Agriculture

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Welcome to the
department of Agriculture

Agriculturalists develop new and innovative methods to produce food and fiber to supply the world – all while preserving natural resources. At SFA, agriculture students are immersed in modern, challenging curriculum that provides them with the critical scientific knowledge and experiential learning opportunities needed to succeed.

Areas of Study

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture are
required to select a concentration from the nine options below.

A minor in agriculture also is available:

An East Texas Soil Testing Lab

The Soil, Plant and Water Analysis Laboratory functions in support of the educational programs in the Department of Agriculture and provides analytical services for faculty and students involved in research around campus.

A variety of services are provided to meet the needs of growers and others involved with agriculture in the East Texas area and beyond.

Learn More

  • BRINGING ANIMAL SCIENCE TO LIFE

    Dr. Erin Brown shares her passion for animal science with her students in and out of the classroom. Brown's labs at the university farm give students hands-on experience in raising and assessing animals, like beef cattle. She also teaches the latest technology and marketing strategies necessary to run a successful beef cattle operation.

     
    Erin brown

    Dr. Erin Brown, Professor of animal science

  • A PASSION FOR PETS

    SFA agriculture alumna Dr. Meredith Howe, DVM (’09 and ’11) is chief of staff for Banfield Pet Hospital in Frisco, Texas. In addition to her role as veterinarian and mentor for the busy, four-doctor practice, Howe dedicates her free time to Dallas Animal Services as well as Operation Kindness – the largest no-kill animal shelter in North Texas.

    Read the Sawdust feature story.

    Meredith Howe

    Dr. Meredith Howe, Veterinarian and Chief of Staff for two Banfield Pet Hospitals in the Dallas metroplex

  • GREEN THUMB. PURPLE PRIDE.

    The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is recognized as one of the nation’s premier botanical gardens – no doubt thanks in part to the efforts of Department of Agriculture alumna Jenny Wegley. As vice president of horticultural operations, a portion of Wegley’s responsibilities include the management of 66 acres of garden, 17,000 square feet of climate controlled green house space and more than 50 horticultural team members.

    Jenny Wegley

    Jenny Wegley, vice president of horticultural operations, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Transformative Experiences

At SFA, we believe students benefit greatly from hands-on learning in and out of the classroom.
Transformative experiences are at the core of our academic philosophy.

A photo of a student holding baby chicks
Students holding plants
Students showing off a cow
Student analyzing baby chicks
Agriculture student herding some cows
  • Internships are a core component of an agriculture student’s education. Many of these internships are paid and often result in post-graduate job offers. 
  • Each semester, students gain experience in garden layout, produce production and sales through the Sprout micro-farm and Garden Market.
  • Agriculture students show livestock and provide agricultural education and outreach at Texas’ major livestock shows, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
  • Through the department’s 726-acre working farm, undergraduate and graduate students engage in equine, poultry, swine and beef cattle research and directly learn about the respective industries.
  • Students enrolled in advanced beef cattle science plan and execute the SFA Purple Premium Cattle Sale that draws cattle producers from across the region.

Meet Our Students

  • Bryan Rach

    Bryan Rach

    Bryan Rach, animal science major, was recently accepted into a highly competitive veterinary medicine program. He credits the SFA Department of Agriculture with preparing him to pursue his passion for veterinary medicine. 

  • Erin Lusk

    Erin Lusk

    Erin is an animal science major who has shown cattle, pigs, goats, lambs and broilers across the country. Her goal is to conduct reproductive physiology genomics-based translational research to benefit the global beef cattle industry.

  • Garret Ashabranner

    Garret Ashabranner

    Garret’s interest in holistic agriculture techniques has led him to pursue a Master of Science in agriculture. He will analyze the deep litter bedding method for the poultry industry. He plans to pursue a doctoral degree as well.

Want to contact the department of agriculture?

  • CONTACT US

  • COME SEE US

    Department of Agriculture Building
    Room 101

    Mailing Address:
    PO Box 13000, SFA Station
    Nacogdoches, Texas 75962