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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.

  1. Apply the concepts of floral design and management to a commercial florist business.
  2. Apply growing and maintenance practices to greenhouse and container grown stock during the course of the year.
  3. Identify and be able to care for the major indoor plants used in interiorscaping.
  4. 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: 93


Program Courses

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AGGEN156
Equipment Operation and Maintenance  
2
AGHRT102
Pesticides and Fertilizer Application Equipment  
2
AGHRT103
Introduction to Greenhouse and Nursery Production   2
3
AGHRT116
Green Industry Business Management   2
5
AGHRT126
Computer Essentials for Environmental Sciences   3
2
AGHRT184
AgHort Occupational Preparation   1
1
Total Credits
 
15

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AGGEN151
Shop Skills  
4
AGHRT101
Basic Crop Science   2
5
AGHRT185
AgHort Occupational Preparation   1
1
ENVS 110
Plant Biology   2
5
Total Credits
 
15

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AGHRT104
Principles of Pest Management   2
5
AGHRT105
Horticultural Retail Sales  
3
AGHRT109
Introduction to Vegetable Gardening   2
3
AGHRT195
Practicum  
2
ENVS 210
Environmental Soil Science   2
5
Total Credits
 
18

Fourth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AGHRT106
Greenhouse and Nursery Management I   2
5
AGHRT115
Pruning  
2
AGHRT230
Plant Problem Diagnosis   2
5
AGHRT232
Pest Management Project   2
2
Total Credits
 
14

Fifth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AGHRT107
Greenhouse and Nursery Management II   2
5
AGHRT202
Principles of Irrigation   2
4
AGHRT219
Soil Management and Fertility   2
5
Total Credits
 
14

Sixth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AGHRT108
Greenhouse and Nursery Management III   2
4
AGHRT225
Weed Biology and Control  
5
AGHRT237
Small Farm Production   2
5
AGHRT238
Small Farm Marketing   2
3
Total Credits
 
17

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
$ 9,733
$ 11,570
$ 22,036
Books
$ 331
$ 331
$ 331
Course Fees
$ 187
$ 187
$ 187
Institutional Fees
$ 672
$ 672
$ 3,195
Supplies and Materials
$ 150
$ 150
$ 150
Total Costs
$ 11,073
$ 12,910
$ 25,899

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

  • Cindy Deffe
    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
  • Teya Kuhle
    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

Have a question? Let's hear it.

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Kim Rose

Pathway Specialist
Kim.Rose@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8824

 

Leslie Plum

Workforce Transitions Specialist
Leslie.Plum@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8210

 

John Michel

Academic Counseling Liaison
John.Michel@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7034

 

David Stasney

Department Chair
David.Stasney@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7278

 

JL Henriksen

Division Dean
JL.Henriksen@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8829