Agricultural Operations and Management I

Course Number:
AG 103
Transcript Title:
Agricultural Operations and Management I
Created:
Oct 31, 2026
Updated:
Oct 31, 2026
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Hours:
22
Lecture / Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
33
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:
No
Satisfies General Education requirement:
No
Grading Options
A-F, P/NP, Audit
Default Grading Options
A-F
Repeats available for credit:
0

Course Description

Examines the agriculture systems of the Pacific Northwest and Columbia Basin. Covers regional products, transportation and distribution networks, weather and climate, irrigation, and plant science fundamentals. Includes field experiences to a variety of regional agriculture businesses and producers. Audit available.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Apply predictive weather and climate tools alongside principles of crop phenology to develop resilient management strategies for regional agricultural systems.

  2. Differentiate between commodity production and niche marketing in relationship to regional production and distribution.

  3. Design and manage conservation-minded irrigation systems for regional crop production.

  4. Apply knowledge of plant life-cycles and limiting factors in crop management.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Apply predictive weather and climate tools alongside principles of crop phenology to develop resilient management strategies for regional agricultural systems.

  • Short-term weather events and long-term climate dynamics (including the water cycle). Interpret predictive data using resources such as NOAA databases, trend models, local forecasts, and frost reports to generate accurate local evaluations.

  • Key seasonal indicators—such as temperature and humidity ranges, historical extremes, wind patterns, and frost dates.

  • How elevation, slope, and topography create microclimates that influence agricultural viability.

  • Identifying plant developmental stages to successfully manage regional crop systems. Parameters of acceptable conditions for crucial phases like seasonal chill accumulation and fruit set.

  • Proactive responses to climate shifts and seasonal variations through:

    • Strategic species and varietal selection.

    • Structural adaptations, including greenhouse and cold-frame production.

    • Active crop abatement technologies, such as the deployment of heaters, fans, and protective covers to mitigate extreme weather events.

Outcome #2: Differentiate between commodity production and niche marketing in relationship to regional production and distribution.

  • Differences between commodity production and niche marketing

  • Path to consumers for local products (beer, wine, wheat, apples, pears, cherries etc.)

  • Business development factors as scale factors occur (growth issues and funding, employee needs, land acquisition)

Outcome #3: Design and manage conservation-minded irrigation systems for regional crop production.

  • Specific irrigation requirements of permanent crop production versus irrigated field systems. Appropriate design types and products (e.g., center pivots, low-flow systems, drip lines, and timers) to align with production needs and water availability.

  • System requirements, including pipe sizing, flow rates, pump selection, and the mechanics of gravity-fed systems.

  • Construction techniques for both above-ground and below-ground water delivery systems across various agricultural setups.

  • Technological advances in water efficiency. Soil moisture testing and sensor-driven automation to monitor demands, minimize waste, and ensure precise water application.

Outcome #4: Apply knowledge of plant life-cycles and limiting factors in crop management.

  • Differences between perennial and annual life cycle traits

  • Plant form, function and reproduction cycles (Key production species of the Pacific Northwest and Columbia Basin: wheat, cherries, pears, grapes, hops, annual vegetables)

  • Key nutrition needs for main crops of the Pacific Northwest and the Columbia Basin (Adjust ph - gypsum, lime, Calcium, Magnesium)

  • Key disruptors to the growth process (storms, wind, hail, excessive rain, soil issues, timing with supplements, pesticides)

Suggested Texts and Materials

Use of listed Texts/Materials is not required unless so noted.