Agricultural Sciences
Explore Agricultural Sciences at Riverland
Agriculture shapes communities across Minnesota and plays a major role in feeding, fueling, and supporting the world. At Riverland, students in Agricultural Sciences gain hands-on experience, work with industry partners, and build skills for careers in a fast-changing field.
Our programs connect science, technology, and practical learning in areas such as crops, animals, precision agriculture, sustainable agriculture, natural resources, and food science.
Why Study Agricultural Sciences at Riverland?
- Riverland supports 450 farm families through Farm Business Management, one of the college’s strongest programs.
- Students can take part in internships with Mower County Soil and Water Conservation District and other industry partners.
- Riverland created an innovation lab for Hormel Foods.
- Students learn from local industry experts through lecture and lab-based instruction.
- Riverland is testing sustainable seeds and soil practices for local farmers.
- College agriculture and food science courses are also offered in high schools for college credit.
- Read about Riverland’s new history in Agriculture and Food Science Technology (PDF)
Programs in Agricultural Sciences
Explore certificates, degrees, internships, and partner opportunities in Agricultural Sciences.
Is This Program Area Right for You?
Agricultural Sciences may be a great fit if you:
- Like learning about agriculture, science, and natural resources
- Are interested in conservation and sustainable agriculture
- Want to use computers, data, and precision farming tools
- Enjoy working with numbers, records, and planning
- Are interested in food production and safety
- Take part in 4-H, FFA, or other agriculture-related activities
Download brochure (PDF)
View the Center for Agriculture and Food Science Technology presentation
Hands-On Learning and Facilities
Riverland students learn in the Center for Agriculture and Food Science Technology, in agriculture classrooms and labs, and through research experiences such as the Sustainable Answer Acre near Lansing, Minnesota.
These facilities help students connect classroom learning with real-world agriculture, food science, technology, and field work.
Career Opportunities
Students in Riverland’s Agricultural Sciences programs prepare for careers in many parts of the agriculture industry, including:
- Agricultural Economics
- Animal Science
- Precision Agriculture
- Natural Resources
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Systems Technology
Possible job titles include:
- Crop Applicator
- Grain Merchandiser
- Swine or Cattle Farm Manager
- Agricultural Service Technician
- Research support in crops, plants, animals, or machinery
- Fertilizer, seed, chemical, and equipment sales
Watch and Learn More
View more stories and updates about student success, program growth, and agriculture and food science at Riverland.
Meet Our Faculty
Nick Schiltz
Agriculture Instructor
I have been privileged to work as a teacher and educator in a multitude of roles and am excited to teach an area near and dear to my heart: agriculture. Growing up on a local family farm, I learned the whys and hows of what made agriculture so dynamic. Today, I work as a faculty instructor within the Center for Agriculture and Food Science Technology at Riverland Community College, very close to where I grew up. I am passionate about working with students and seeing them have success.
Okechukwu Ukaga
Dean of Food & Agriculture