The Ben Hill-Irwin campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College sits in the center of some of the most abundant and productive agricultural areas in the state of Georgia. In 2012, the farm gate value for just Ben Hill and Irwin Counties was $176,914,641.
Irwin County alone has over 400,000 acres of commodity. While this is the oldest and largest industry in Georgia, it is not immune to the accelerated rate in which technology changes, nor the lack of a qualified workforce caused by these changes This information, along with feedback from a needs analysis survey among agricultural related industries in the area has led to the development of two new programs to be offered on the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus.
Classes for a new Agribusiness Management technical certificate of credit program will begin Fall semester. This short technical certificate can be completed in one semester. The program covers an introduction to agribusiness, agribusiness management, farm organization and management, agricultural policy, and issues in agriculture and natural resources.
This program was specifically developed to address immediate workforce needs in the industry.
A new Agricultural Technology diploma program will begin upon approval from the agency that accredits all programs offered by Wiregrass. The tentative start date is spring 2015.
This program designed to be completed in four semesters. The diploma program provides courses in agribusiness management, agricultural finance and credit, farm organization and management, precision agricultural systems, commodities, pest management, and more.
Classes taken in the technical certificate for agribusiness management are transferable into the diploma program.
New student applications are currently being accepted for Fall Semester in the Agribusiness Management program, and classes will be August 19.
For more information on either , please call (229) 468-2000.
-Submitted by Wiregrass Georgia Technical College