The Associate of Applied Science degree in Diversified Agriculture offers a broad-based foundation in modern agricultural practices and technologies. You’ll explore key concepts in crop and livestock production, agribusiness management, agricultural marketing, and precision agriculture. These skills are essential for success in a wide range of agricultural careers—from family farm operations to roles in feedlots, grain handling, and ag sales. This program equips you with the knowledge and experience to thrive in today’s evolving ag industry.
Why Students Choose This Program
Students appreciate the program’s broad curriculum that covers key areas like crop production, livestock management, agribusiness, and precision farming. This well-rounded approach prepares graduates for a variety of careers within the agricultural industry, giving them the flexibility to pursue diverse job opportunities.
Small class sizes in the Diversified Agriculture program offer students the opportunity for personalized instruction, allowing them to receive focused attention from our highly skilled and experienced faculty. Our instructors bring a wealth of industry knowledge, and their diverse backgrounds enable them to approach agriculture from various perspectives. With fewer students, faculty can engage directly with each individual, providing tailored guidance that addresses specific academic and career goals. At Northeast, faculty and staff are deeply committed to student success, fostering a supportive environment where students build strong connections that extend beyond graduation into their professional careers.
Graduates of the program enjoy high job placement rates in areas such as farm operations, feedlots, swine and cattle management, and ag sales. This degree also equips students with the skills needed to manage or even own their own agricultural enterprise. Given the ongoing advancements and demand in the agriculture sector, students are poised to enter a field with abundant career opportunities and strong potential for long-term growth.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities and Courses
At Northeast Community College, hands-on learning is a core part of the Diversified Agriculture program. Students gain practical skills by working with modern equipment used in crop management, livestock production, and agricultural technology, including precision tools like GPS/GIS. Modern facilities and the approximately 500-acre Acklie Family College Farm help students apply their learning in real-world agricultural settings. Through internships and field projects with local farms and businesses, students gain experience in farm management and agribusiness. They also work directly with livestock and crops, developing essential skills in animal care, soil management, and pest control. This strong blend of classroom instruction and real-world practice ensures students are well-prepared for careers in agriculture.
The program includes a diverse range of courses designed to provide students with both foundational knowledge and specialized skills, including:
- Animal Science
- Farm and Ranch Management
- Advanced Fertilizers
Program Details
2 years (66-67 credits)
Many classes can be taken online, but the degree does require some in-person courses at the Norfolk campus.
The application for admission at Northeast is free. Apply for admission, and learn more about your next steps.
Brandon Christiansen, BC Farms
Ron Coufal, Beef Feedlot Owner/Farm Operator
Brian Coufal, Beef Feedlot Owner/Farm Operator
Ivan Lentsch, Precision Planting
Aaron Sauser, Lindsay Corporation
Jim Miller, Jim Miller Farm
Dennis Smydra, AKRS
Kathy Neidig, Neidig Farms Cattle Company
Van Neidig, Neidig Farms Cattle Company
David Brunsing, Midwest Bank
Kyle Schmit, Manzer Equipment
Dakota Buss, Hefty Seed
Conner Buss, Farming
Jason Kvols, Farm Bureau
Logan McKeon, Wolken Seed
Philip Swantek, Hoegemeyer Seed
Cassie Heithold, Helena
Chance Lambrecht, CVA
Rob Thomas, Farmer's Pride
