If you are interested in agriculture courses, choosing the right ones can depend on the type of farming you want to do. Some may be better for raising livestock, while others could prepare you to grow crops. If you run a small or hobby farm, you might want to take agriculture classes held on an actual farm so you can receive plenty of hands-on training. Perhaps you are looking for a career in agriculture, in which case you may want formal college classes that also address the business and marketing aspects of this profession.
Agriculture courses are beneficial to people with small or large farms. Some may teach you how to operate farm equipment, which can be helpful whether you are raising livestock or planting crops. You can learn techniques for raising specific animals or crops, and many agriculture training programs are geared toward organic farming as well. If you are primarily an urban farmer, you may want to learn about container gardening or caring for small animals, such as chickens or sheep.
Your level of experience can play a part in the agriculture courses you choose. If you have been working in agriculture for some time, you may have already mastered the basics of crop rotation and pest control, but not be familiar with animal husbandry or basic veterinary care. You may also want to find out if there are new methods of fertilizing the soil or harvesting crops when you are making a decision.
The right training can prepare you for a number of agriculture jobs, including those in research and development. If you are interested in a career in agriculture, you may want to choose college classes that will lead to an associate's or bachelor's degree. Some classes you may need to take might be crop science or farm machinery mechanics. When choosing agriculture courses such as these, you may want to find out if they are held in the field so you can practice the techniques you are learning.
You may be interested in running your own farm for a living, in which case you will need training in the business aspects of doing so. Some of the things you may want to study could include marketing, accounting, and employee management. Mastering these subjects is a good idea, whether you decide to take these courses through a business college or agricultural school. An added advantage is that many of these classes can be taken online, which can give you more time to dedicate to your farm while you are studying.