Agriculture & Veterinary Technology
For decades, Ridgewater College has been responding to the changing needs of the agriculture and veterinary industries. We educate farmers, veterinary technicians, applicators and more. The education impacts generations of families and employers. Many of our graduates send their children to Ridgewater College, and employers see the value of a Ridgewater education by employing our students during internships and hiring them when they graduate.
New and Expanded Program Opportunities
We’ve recently added new programs and expanded others to better serve students and meet industry needs. Check out our newest options:
Coming Soon – Meat Cutting
We’re in the process of developing new programs, including a meat cutting certificate, that we anticipate will be available Fall 2022. Be one of the first to learn more about this opportunity by completing our interest form. We’ll update you with program specifics and let you know when applications will open once details are finalized.
Agriculture Facts
Agriculture plays an important role in the United States with agriculture and its related industries providing 11 percent of U.S. employment. Agricultural exports continue to finish strong while providing necessary crops and animals around the world. Net farm income, a broad measure of profits, is forecast to increase by $18.5 billion (19.5 percent) from 2020 to $113.0 billion in 2021. This expected increase follows a forecast increase of $15.5 billion (19.6 percent) in 2020.
Sources: The Economic Contribution of America’s Farmers and the Importance of Agricultural Exports, Joint Economic Committee, United States Congress and the USDA
Veterinary Technology Facts
The job outlook for Veterinary Technicians is stronger than the average for all occupations, with an estimated 20,400 jobs needed between 2016-2026. Employment is expected to continue to grow as veterinarians continue to utilize technicians to perform general care and lab work.
Source: United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Get Started
Ridgewater offers a variety of degrees and certificates that will get you started in a career in Agriculture or Veterinary Technology. You decide the path you want to take, we will help you get there. Not sure which direction to go? We can help you determine the right fit for you.
