SIDNEY, Mich. — A unique partnership with Michigan State University is bringing agricultural programs to Montcalm Community College (MCC) in Sidney. The two institutions signed an agreement Feb. 20 that will partner MSU’s two-year agricultural operations, applied horse science, fruit and crop management and landscape management programs with MCC beginning this fall semester.
The agreement between MCC and MSU’s Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT) will help students earn an associate’s degree at MCC while at the same time earning a two-year certificate at MSU. This partnership allows students to access resources in academics, financial aid, career services and student life at both institutions.
Michigan’s agricultural sector has experienced steady growth in recent years, contributing more than $100 billion to the state’s economy in 2014, up from $71.3 billion in 2009. MCC Vice President for Student and Academic Affairs Rob Spohr said growth in the industry statewide, coupled with the need for skilled labor at local farms and agribusinesses, have supported the collaborative effort between the two.
"We are an agricultural area, and there is need for training to grow our own workforce," Spohr said. "The programs we will be offering will help students gain the basic skills they need to be employable in a variety of agricultural professions."
Students completing one of these programs may transfer to a four-year agricultural program at MSU when admission requirements are met. IAT Director Randy Showerman said the university is "excited" about the opportunity.
"This is a tremendous value added for students transferring from MCC to MSU. We’re going to grow our programs. As we’re looking toward the future, this is how we need to progress," he added.
Students who select the agricultural operations program will learn basic ag techniques as well as the business of operating a farm. Landscape management will introduce students to the fundamentals of production, selection, use and management of landscape plants and lawns. The fruit and vegetable crop management program will provide students an opportunity to apply practical knowledge and training on the selection, use and management of fruit and vegetable crops.
The applied horse science certificate will provide students the opportunity to study an in-depth horse science curriculum outside of the traditional classroom, and provides learning experiences that improve the profitability, animal welfare, environmental stewardship and recreation by horse enthusiasts.
Both institutions are committed to expanding opportunities in agricultural education locally. A part-time coordinator is being hired to cultivate relationships with local schools and to work with recruiters to bring students into the programs.
In addition to traditional college students, the partnership offers training opportunities for people who are underemployed or those seeking further education to advance their employment.
MCC officials are considering options for building a greenhouse and barn on the college’s Sidney campus to better serve students.
"We’re working together to make sure we’re providing students what they need to be successful," said MCC President Bob Ferrentino. "Two years ago, we added an animal science course to our curriculum. Enrollment in the second year was double that of the first year.
"That speaks to the need and interest among our students."
MCC added an introductory crop sciences course to its curriculum last fall. Both courses meet the requirements to transfer to MSU.
During a recent planning meeting, more than 50 people connected with the local agricultural industry gathered at MCC to learn more about the programs. Officials from both institutions are working to grow relationships with these individuals to establish opportunities for professional intern-ships, which are required in each program area.
"One of the benefits is that the curriculum is designed with a hands-on approach, so students are getting real-world experiences in addition to classroom instruction," Spohr explained.
According to Showerman, data show more than 90 percent of IAT graduates return to their community upon completion of their program. Ferrentino hopes that is true in MCC’s community, too.
"There are a lot of opportunities we are building here for students to come back and gain employment," he said.
