Animal Technology
LBCC is the only community college in the Willamette Valley with an Animal Technology program. The program uses the community as a natural instructional laboratory and provides students with knowledge and skills useful for working in production livestock occupations and in entering into livestock-related fields. Some coursework may transfer to a four-year institution.
Farm and ranch workers need to have a basic understanding of livestock feeding and nutrition, reproduction, health care and disease prevention, animal identification methods, farm accounting, and be able to make prudent decisions based on current economics. Besides a basic understanding of the aforementioned subjects, they may also need the practical skills to operate machinery and repair fencing, corrals, barn structures, and watering systems.
Owners of large farms may hire farm managers to oversee most farm activities or focus on a single activity, such as calving. These managers supervise and direct other workers and many make critical production decisions. They may set farm production goals and identify appropriate marketing strategies to maximize profitability. They consider weather predictions, animal disease potential in their area, commodity pricing, and federal farm programs. They must decide when to plant, what to grow, and what type of equipment and supplies to purchase. To start new ventures, farmers and farm managers negotiate and secure bank loans. They must keep good financial records and understand federal and state regulations.
LBCC’s Animal Technology courses are designed to provide practical learning experiences through hands-on laboratory sessions. Students already employed in specific agricultural fields can upgrade or add to their skill set.
Program Requirements
The Animal Technology program is designed to be completed in two years. This assumes, however, that entering students place at or above the following levels on the college placement exam: WR 115 Introduction to College Writing and MTH 075 Variables and Linear Equations. It is advisable to take the test as early as possible. If developmental coursework is required, it may take longer than two years to complete the program.
In preparation for the Animal Technology program, high school students should study mathematics, life sciences and physical sciences. Program completion requires a minimum of four credits of math and eight credits of biology, plus other Related Instruction courses, and courses related to speech/oral communication, first aid.
Students can take Related Instruction courses at night, but the technical classes are only offered during the day. Part-time enrollment is common; students may start in the middle of the school year or enroll for any portion of the program.
Facilities
Classes are conducted in modern, well-equipped classrooms and laboratories. Emphasis is placed on hands-on experience, and many classes utilize the local livestock producers for in-the-field laboratory exercises. Computers, microscopes and other modern lab equipment are available for student use. The college supplies equipment and tools for use during lab sessions.