Our Goals

To provide students with the technical knowledge and skills needed to:

• Produce food, fiber and other agricultural products within the framework of sustainable agriculture systems.
• Market sustainable agricultural products in local, national and international markets; and
• Promote land stewardship and agricultural community viability.

Why major in Crop and Soil Science with a Sustainable Agriculture Option?

Students major in sustainable agriculture for many reasons, including one or more of the
following:

1. They enjoy working with plants, animals and the soil in an outdoor environment.
2. They want to be directly involved in the production and/or marketing of agricultural products including specialty niche markets, such as farmer markets, community supported agriculture enterprises and organic product outlets.
3. They want to educate the public about sustainable food production systems.
4. They desire to promote rural community development and strengthen opportunities for individuals in alternative production systems.
5. They want to improve the economic viability of farmers throughout the world.
6. They care about and want to protect the environment.

What Do Sustainable Agriculturists Do?

Sustainable agriculturists use their natural curiosity and enthusiasm to solve difficult problems within our current agricultural systems. They help to preserve environmental resources for future generations, build markets and opportunities for rural communities, sustain rural communities, and educate consumers. People interested in sustainable agriculture also help people make "green" choices on products they produce or purchase. Many sustainable agriculturalists work as producers of value-added crops, such as organic produce, grains and meats. Or they may provide technical support in crop and animal production systems, develop soil and nutrient management plans, control insect pest and diseases with integrated pest management techniques, marketing natural and sustainable food products, improving rural society, and strive to make agriculture efficient, environmentally sound and sustainable for future generations.

Faculty and Facilities

There are five faculty in the Crop and Soil Science Program within the Plant and Earth Science Department who teach core courses and advise students in the major. Courses directly supporting the major are taught by faculty in environmental science, geology, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, animal science, and biology. Modern and well-equipped laboratories, computer facilities, and two laboratory farms round out a excellent setting for students studying in crop and soil science.

 

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