Small Farm Production

Degrees/certificates at a glance

Associate in Applied Science - Small Farm Production

Program Length

3 quarters

Certification Star icon Certificate - Small Farm Production

Start Quarter

Fall, Winter, Spring

Certification Star icon Certificate - Spray Technician

Location

Spokane Community College

Financial Aid Eligible

Certificate - Small Farm Production

If you enjoy working outside and are passionate about growing and eating high-quality food, then the small farm production program is right for you.

In this program, you will learn theory and skills in the science of plant production, with an emphasis on vegetables. You’ll gain hands-on experience growing, harvesting, storing and marketing small farm products. You’ll also study insect and disease diagnosis and management.

Whether you want to start your own small farm business, achieve self-sufficiency in your backyard, or continue studying food production at a four-year university, this program will lay the groundwork for your future.

Related Programs

We also have a program for students interested in the large-scale agriculture business. For more on agriculture, visit our agriculture area of study.

In addition, we have a program for students who are more interested in ornamental plant production. For more information, please visit our greenhouse/nursery management area of study.

Apply the concepts of floral design and management to a commercial florist business.
Apply growing and maintenance practices to greenhouse and container grown stock during the course of the year.
Identify and be able to care for the major indoor plants used in interiorscaping.
Understand and apply the principles of business management and human relations to agribusiness management.

Breaking Ground on Your Pathway

Plan Your Courses

Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you. You can also search the quarterly schedule for class days and times.

Placement

Math placement is not required for this program.
English placement is not required for this program.

The Small Farms program provides students with knowledge and practice in food production. Graduates of the program are experienced in topics including plant propagation, crop science, pest and disease diagnosis, greenhouse operation, farm marketing, and business management. At the successful completion of the second year, passing all required coursework, the student will receive the associate in applied sciences degree.

The following is a typical student schedule. Individual student schedules may differ slightly depending on course availability. Courses may only be offered in the quarter indicated. Outlined curriculum assumes students begin the program fall quarter and continue winter and spring quarters, with summer quarter off. It is recommended that students work closely with the program advisor when planning classes.

Program Map for

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Total Program Credits: 46

Program Courses

First Quarter

Course ID

Course Title

Credits

AGGEN156

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

AGHRT103

Introduction to Greenhouse and Nursery Production 2

AGHRT116

Green Industry Business Management 2

AGHRT184

AgHort Occupational Preparation 1

ENVS 210

Environmental Soil Science 2

Total Credits

Second Quarter

Course ID

Course Title

Credits

AGGEN151

Shop Skills

AGHRT101

Basic Crop Science 2

AGHRT105

Horticultural Retail Sales

AGHRT126

Computer Essentials for Environmental Sciences 3

AGHRT185

AgHort Occupational Preparation 1

Total Credits

Third Quarter

Course ID

Course Title

Credits

AGHRT104

Principles of Pest Management 2

AGHRT109

Introduction to Vegetable Gardening 2

AGHRT195

Practicum

ENVS 110

Plant Biology 2

Total Credits

1	AGHRT 184 and 185 are related education requirements.
2	Related education requirement.
3	May be substituted with CIS 105 or CIS 110. Related education requirement.

Estimated costs for completing this program

WA Resident

Non-Resident

International

Tuition

$ 4,835

$ 5,771

$ 10,982

Books

$ 127

Course Fees

$ 77

Institutional Fees

$ 336

$ 1,597

Supplies and Materials

$ 50

Total Costs

$ 5,425

$ 6,361

$ 12,833

Costs for completing a degree or certificate can vary. For more information about costs, visit our How Much Does it Cost? page.

Kim Rose
Tech Ed/Es Pathway Specialist
Kim.Rose@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8824

Cindy Deffe
Agribusiness Management
B.S., Washington State University; M.Ed.; Eastern Washington University; additional study: University of Washington, Eastern Washington University
Cindy.Deffe@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7260

Bio

Cindy Deffé teaches pest management, plant problem diagnosis, arboriculture, soil management and fertility, pest management project, weed biology, and green industry business management. Prior to joining SCC in 1999, she was the urban pesticide specialist and a pesticide investigator for the Washington State Department of Agriculture. She also worked in the local landscape industry for 13 years as a technical director/manager/trainer. Cindy earned a BS in ornamental horticulture with an emphasis in pest management from Washington State University and a MEd in adult continuing education from Eastern Washington University. She is also an ISA Certified Arborist.
Teya Kuhle
Horticulture
B.A., Western Washington University; M.S., Washington State University
Teya.Kuhle@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7261

Art/Craft/Food Fair

Bio

Teya Kuhle came to SCC in 2008. Previously, she worked as a landscape designer focused on high-end residential landscapes. In the summer, she continues to work in the industry to keep up on landscape trends, with a focus on sustainable and edible landscapes. She holds a BA in art history from Western Washington University and a master’s in landscape architecture from Washington State University.