Central Lakes College now has a new Animal Science Department, with an Introduction to Animal Science course being offered Spring 2016 and a Food Safety: From Farm to Fork course being offered Fall 2016.
The new courses follow CLC being designated as the Northern Minnesota Center of Agricultural Excellence in February 2015.
The college already has several agricultural programs, departments and courses including: horticulture, soil science, farm business management, hydrology and viticulture. The new courses, however, will add a new dimension, where students can learn about “on the farm” aspects of making safe food and the management and husbandry of farm animals.
“Offering animal science coursework at Central Lakes College is a step forward in answering agriculture industry’s demand for qualified graduates,” said Keith Olander, director of AgCentric and CLC’s dean of Agricultural Studies. “The demand in the industry continues to grow and Central Lakes College is positioning itself to be a catalyst in preparing students for rewarding careers in agriculture!”
The Introductory Animal Science course will give students an overview of the husbandry of the major classes of animals in agriculture, as well as a look at alternative livestock enterprises including, aquaculture, milking camels and deer and elk farming. The Food Safety course will discuss proper food handling techniques and explore animal pathogens and zoonotic agents that have the potential to cause sickness in humans. Both courses will be taught by a livestock producer and food animal veterinarian with almost 30 years of experience in the field.
To learn more about the Animal Science Department or to enroll in classes, call 218- 894-5141.