Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
All students enrolled in Agriculture Food and Natural Resources courses will be required to comply with the Texas Education Agency's mandate relating to Supervised Agricultural Experience Programs (S.A.E.P.). To obtain credit for each semester course, every student must fulfill all necessary course point guides designated by TEA. Membership in the Carthage FFA Chapter is strongly recommended, but is not required to take any Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources course. Membership in the FFA allows students to participate in a multitude of activities, including, but not limited to Leadership Development Events, Career Development Events, individual awards, scholarships and even animal projects. The raising of animal projects can be included in the SAE Program, but is not a requirement for any course. If any student chooses to raise an animal as a project, this choice is strictly an option for the student - not a course requirement. All costs are the responsibility of the student. Estimated costs for raising personal projects may be obtained by contacting the Agriscience teacher(s) at the high school. Also, students participating in Agriculture Mechanics classes may incur some additional expense if they choose to construct a project that is to be taken home for personal use. Cost of the personal project will vary, depending upon the type of project, its size, and the materials used.
It is extremely important that students who pursue courses in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster follow the recommended coherent sequence or career pathway when making course selections.
INTRO. AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND NATURAL RESOURCES - 1 CREDIT COURSE Recommended for Grades 9 - 10
Principles of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources
The starting point for exciting opportunities in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, this is the basic course designed to introduce beginning students to the world of agriculture. The course also includes career development, leadership, communications and personal finance. Students enrolled will learn the history of agriculture, creation and structure of the National FFA Organization along with the usage of Parliamentary Procedure. This course also includes basics for animal science, soils, plants, food science, and supervised agricultural experience programs.
AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND NATURAL RESOURCES – HALF (.5) CREDIT COURSES Recommended for Grades 10 – 12
Professional Standards in Agribusiness
Professional Standards in Agribusiness primarily focuses on leadership, communication, employer-employee relations, and problem solving as they relate to agribusiness. To prepare for careers in agribusiness systems, students must attain academic skills and knowledge, acquire technical knowledge and skills related to leadership development and the workplace, and develop knowledge and skills regarding agricultural career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. To prepare for success, students need opportunities to learn, reinforce, apply, and transfer their knowledge and skills in a variety of settings. Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations.
Small Animal Management
Small Animal Management is a course designed to enhance the understanding of small animal care. Students
will develop a deeper understanding of career opportunities, industry expectations, knowledge and skills related to the
care and maintenance of small animals. In addition, students will learn about the various species and breeds of small
animals, and their individual body systems. During the course of the semester, students will examine small mammals,
dogs, cats, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND NATURAL RESOURCES - 1 CREDIT COURSES
Livestock Production
This course will focus on the selection, nutrition, reproduction and management of horses, beef cattle, goats, swine and sheep. Other topics common to these Animal Science courses include animal anatomy and physiology, the economy of animal agriculture and the identification of certain animal diseases. Students will be involved in a lab type setting on the CHS School Farm. On occasion students will be required to wear clothing suitable for farm activities.
Advanced Animal Science
This purpose of course is for students to be prepared for careers in the field of animal science, gain skills they need to attain academic skills and knowledge, acquire technical knowledge and skills related to animal systems, and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry standards. To prepare for success, students need opportunities to learn, reinforce, apply, and transfer their knowledge and skills in a variety of settings. This course examines the inter-relatedness of human, scientific, and technological dimensions of livestock production. Instruction is designed to allow for the application of scientific and technological aspects of animal science through field and laboratory experiences.
Veterinary Medical Applications
Vet Med Apps in a course made to prepare students for careers in the field of animal science and/or veterinary medicine. Students will attain academic skills and knowledge related to animal systems, the workplace, and develop the knowledge of the animal industry. Students will be placed in a variety of settings to assist in various medical applications. Students will be exposed to a wide range of scientific principles, such as genetics, anatomy, physiology/nutrition, disease, pests, and management practices. The scientific processes of observation, measurement, hypothesizing, data gathering, interpretation, analysis, and application are stressed. Career opportunities and educational preparation are examined. Learning activities are varied, with classroom, laboratory, hands on activities, and field experiences emphasized.
Wildlife, Fisheries and Ecology Management (CURRENTLY NOT OFFEERED)
Wildlife, Fisheries, and Ecology Management is designed to examine the importance of wildlife and outdoor recreation. The emphasis is on the sound management of wildlife and all natural resources in a way that promotes continued use. Safety education programs for hunters, boaters, and anglers are emphasized. The course is taught in the fall in order to enhance management practices during hunting seasons. Students are also given the opportunity to participate in a contest based on the Wildlife curriculum.
AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND NATURAL RESOURCES - 1 CREDIT COURSES
Agriculture Mechanics and Metal Technologies Grades 10 – 12
Students will be introduced to the world of agricultural mechanics. Shop safety procedures will be highly emphasized, along with safe use of hand and power tools. Students will be expected to develop skills necessary to become proficient in welding and other metal working techniques all while emphasizing industry recognized safety standards. All students will be expected to actively participate fully in all shop/laboratory activities.
Small Engine Technology Grades 10 - 12
Small engine Technology is a laboratory and classroom oriented course, focusing on the skills and knowledge necessary for small gasoline engine operation, maintenance and repair. Emphasis will also focus on the maintenance, repair and reconditioning of small engine powered machinery and equipment. Students will have the opportunity to obtain the Small Engine Technician Certificate through the Equipment & Engine Training Council.
Agriculture Power Systems Grades 11 – 12
Agriculture Power and Machinery is a laboratory oriented course, focusing on the skills and knowledge necessary for small gasoline engine operation, maintenance and repair. Emphasis will also focus on the maintenance, repair and reconditioning of agricultural vehicles, machinery and equipment. Diesel engine fundamentals, along with modern high-tech components will be emphasized.