#153. College Classes in Alternative Agriculture
Posted on | The Agurban
A trend we have written about a number of times in both our blogs and Agurban is that of niche agriculture. A recent headline in our local Chamber’s Business Report caught my eye – “Lake Land College offers new program – Alternative Agriculture Production”. Lake Land College is our local junior college.
In October, Lake Land College began offering the class, billed as an alternative program to traditional agricultural studies. The program is for students who are aware of changing consumer demands and attitudes, and are interested in the production of livestock, food and fiber in a sustainable, environmentally safe manner.
“Students will receive hands-on experience through an internship or mentor program and, upon graduation, they will have career opportunities in several areas,” said Curt Rinker, agriculture division chair.
The program is supported by Illinois Stewardship Alliance. Gayle Keiser, executive director of the Alliance, commented, “This is a great opportunity for students who might otherwise not have considered agriculture as a career. In addition, alternative agriculture does not require a large amount of acreage.”
The Alternative Agriculture Production curriculum is designed for students planning to transfer to a four- year institution of higher learning and earn a bachelor of science degree in a agriculture production field. After successfully completing the two-year associate degree, a student will be able to transfer to several Illinois universities.