Currently Southwest Tech is not accepting new students into this program. Please consider the Agricultural Power & Equipment Technician program.

The Farm Operations and Management program with an emphasis in agriculture mechanics prepares students for entry into a production agriculture career focused on farm equipment maintenance.

  • Overview

  • Is This Program for You?

    The program includes a broad mix of agriculture-related classes related to farm operation and management. Educational outcomes include developing technical skills in: the operation, maintenance and repair of agriculture equipment used in tillage and planting, crop protection products application, forage harvesting, precision agriculture practices, and overall farm operations. Additionally, students are exposed to a variety of farm business management principles and practices as they embark on a career pathway in production agriculture.

    Students entering the Farm Operations & Management - Ag Mechanics program should:

    • Enjoy working outside in all types of weather.
    • Manage their time effectively.
    • Be willing to work hard and learn.
    • Have good reading skills.
    • Have good communication skills.

    Program Basics

    • Technical Diploma – requiring a minimum of two years to complete
    • Classes are offered daytime, face to face, and on campus
    • Fall or Spring Start
    • Credit for prior learning may be available
    • High school articulation courses accepted
  • Curriculum & Costs
  • Requirements

  • Admission and Program Requirements

    • Submit Application
    • To make sure your classes are the right fit, we consider any previous college credit you've earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809

    Helpful Academic Background

    • High school agriculture
    • Communication skills
    • Science
    • Math courses

    Program Fees

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid pending approval from the Department of Education.
    • Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
    • Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.

    Additional requirements

    Students must have eye wear protection (safety glasses with side shields or wrap around safety glasses over prescription glasses) and must meet OSHA Z87.1 or greater while they are conducting operations that are deemed hazardous in nature. These glasses can be purchased at the College Bookstore.

  • Outcomes

  • Program Outcomes

    At the completion of this program, students are expected to be able to:

    • Analyze opportunities in agriculture
    • Apply relevant technologies
    • Demonstrate professionalism skills within the agricultural career areas
    • Develop a management plan in agriculture
    • Manage farmstead equipment

    Related Degrees

  • Career Opportunities

  • Graduates of the program will be qualified and capable of maintaining and operating the increasingly dynamic and technologically advanced machinery found on a modern farm. The demand in this field is expected to remain high for several years in such jobs as:

    • Agricultural Equipment Operators
    • Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse
    • Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
    • Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
    • Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

    Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

  • Transfers
  • Prior Learning

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!

    Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

    For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.

    At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.

    Farm Operations & Management - Ag Mechanics Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

    Course # Course Title
    Challenge Exam
    (Demonstration)
    Challenge Exam
    (Standard)
    CLEP
    Credential
    Portfolio
    10-006-113Precision Ag TechnologiesYes
    10-006-116Introduction to SoilsYes
    10-006-121Agribusiness Computer ApplicationsYes
    10-006-134Agricultural Equipment ManagementYes
    10-006-180Animal ScienceYes
    10-070-101Field Application EquipmentYes
    31-804-305Applied MathematicsYes
    College Mathematics CLEP Test would also be accepted.
    32-070-319Forage EquipmentYes
    If Challenge Exam is passed, a Skills Test will be administered.
    32-070-320Grain Harvesting EquipmentYes
    If Challenge Exam is passed, a Skills Test will be administered.
    32-070-321Tillage & Planting EquipmentYes
    If Challenge Exam is passed, a Skills Test will be administered.
    32-070-322Operations of Field EquipmentYes