Harvest Christian University Agriculture Department

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 RANCHING AND FARM MANAGEMENT
This program immerses students in the daily realities and long-term strategies of running a successful ranch or farm. Beyond foundational animal and crop care, students learn to develop grazing rotation plans, manage labor, and implement record-keeping systems for herd health and land use. The curriculum also addresses risk assessment for weather, markets, and disease, along with the use of digital management tools and farm software. Students graduate with the ability to oversee diverse operations, manage budgets, and make data-driven decisions that support both profitability and ecological health. 

 CROP PRODUCTION AND AGRONOMY
Students in this program explore the full crop lifecycle, from seed selection and soil testing to post-harvest storage and marketing. They gain hands-on experience with the latest planting and harvesting machinery, learn to interpret satellite and drone imagery for crop monitoring, and practice integrated pest management. The program also covers crop rotation planning, cover cropping, and the use of organic and synthetic fertilizers, preparing students to boost yields while maintaining soil fertility and environmental compliance. 

 ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND LIVESTOCK TECHNOLOGY
This program delves into advanced animal care, including the use of precision livestock technologies such as automated feeders, RFID tagging, and health monitoring systems. Students learn to design and manage breeding programs, optimize feed formulations, and implement biosecurity protocols to prevent disease outbreaks. The curriculum includes animal behavior and welfare, regulatory compliance for livestock operations, and the economics of meat, dairy, and egg production, ensuring graduates can maximize both productivity and ethical standards 

 AGRICULTURAL PLUMBING
Students in agricultural plumbing are trained to design and install complex water delivery systems tailored for farms and ranches, including drip and sprinkler irrigation, livestock watering stations, and waste management for barns and dairies. The program covers troubleshooting leaks, winterizing systems, and integrating water-saving technologies. Students also learn about regulatory requirements for water use and environmental protection, making them invaluable for operations seeking efficiency and sustainability 

 AGRICULTURAL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
This program provides in-depth training on the installation and maintenance of electrical systems in agricultural settings, such as automated feeding lines, greenhouse climate controls, and grain storage monitoring. Students learn to read electrical schematics, install backup generators, and maintain solar and wind energy systems increasingly used on modern farms. Emphasis is placed on electrical safety, energy efficiency, and adapting systems for expansion or new technologies 

 WELDING AND FABRICATION
Welding and fabrication students develop the ability to construct and repair custom farm equipment, livestock handling facilities, and metal storage structures. They gain expertise in multiple welding techniques as well as blueprint reading, metal cutting, and corrosion prevention. The program encourages innovation, with students often designing and building solutions for unique operational challenges, such as mobile fencing systems or specialized trailers. 

 AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
This program teaches students to operate and maintain a wide range of farm machinery, from tractors and combines to GPS-guided planters and drones. Students learn troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and safe operation practices, as well as how to calibrate equipment for different crops and field conditions. The curriculum includes record-keeping for equipment use and repairs, and exposure to emerging technologies like autonomous tractors and precision application systems. 

 IRRIGATION AND WATER MANAGEMENT
Students in this program master the science and technology behind efficient water use, learning to design irrigation layouts, install pumps and controllers, and program automated systems. They study soil-water relationships, drought mitigation strategies, and water quality testing. The program also covers legal aspects of water rights and conservation, preparing graduates to optimize water resources in compliance with Texas regulations. 

 AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS AND MARKETING
This program offers a deep dive into the financial and strategic side of agriculture. Students learn to analyze market trends, develop business plans, secure financing, and navigate agricultural insurance. The curriculum includes commodity trading, direct-to-consumer sales, and value-added product development. Students also study regulatory compliance, grant writing, and digital marketing, equipping them to grow profitable, resilient businesses. . 

 SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION
This program focuses on practical and scientific methods for preserving and enhancing natural resources. Students learn to implement erosion control measures, construct terraces and buffer strips, and restore native vegetation. They use GIS mapping to assess land health and plan conservation projects, and study the impact of agricultural practices on water quality and biodiversity. Graduates are prepared to advise landowners and agencies on sustainable land management.  

  FOOD SAFETY AND PROCESSING
Students in this program learn the principles of food hygiene, hazard analysis, and quality assurance for agricultural products. Training includes the operation of processing equipment, packaging technologies, and cold chain logistics. The curriculum covers regulatory standards such as HACCP and FSMA, as well as traceability systems and recall procedures. Graduates are ready to ensure food safety from farm to table, supporting both small producers and large-scale processors 

 LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORTATION
This program prepares students to coordinate the movement of agricultural goods efficiently and safely. Students learn about supply chain management, route planning, and regulatory requirements for transporting livestock and perishables. The curriculum covers vehicle maintenance, cold storage logistics, and the use of tracking technologies. Graduates are equipped to minimize costs and ensure timely delivery in Texas’s vast and competitive agricultural market. 

WILDLIFE AND LAND MANAGEMENT
This program integrates agricultural production with wildlife habitat conservation. Students learn to design grazing and cropping systems that support biodiversity, manage invasive species, and create habitat for pollinators and native wildlife. The curriculum includes land restoration, prescribed burning, and compliance with conservation easements and incentive programs. Graduates are prepared to work with private landowners, government agencies, and conservation organizations to balance agricultural productivity with ecological health.

Each program is tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of Texas agriculture, giving students the expertise and adaptability needed for long-term success and leadership in the field.

HORTICULTURE – GROWING BEAUTY, NOURISHING COMMUNITIES

Horticulture is a vital agricultural trade that combines the science and art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, nuts, ornamental plants, and flowers. In Texas, this field plays a crucial role not only in food production but also in landscaping, nursery management, and urban agriculture. Students in the horticulture program gain comprehensive knowledge of plant biology, soil health, greenhouse operations, pest and disease management, and efficient irrigation techniques. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable growing practices and includes hands-on experience in plant propagation, landscape design, turf management, and small-scale farming. Graduates are well-prepared for diverse careers in nurseries, greenhouses, landscaping firms, botanical gardens, and local food production.