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Begin Your Agriculture Major or Career at Black Hawk College

To meet the demands of an ever-changing agriculture industry, the Agriculture Department at East Campus offers advanced training in career and transfer programs so you are ready to transfer to a four-year institution or enter the workforce.

Where do you want to transfer?

If you plan to go right into the workforce after graduation, you can earn a certificate or Associate in Applied Science degree by enrolling in one of the career programs offered through the department.

If you plan to transfer to a university, work with your advisor to customize a transfer plan. BHC also has transfer guides and agreements already established with four-year institutions in a variety of ag-related majors.

 

Department Highlights

Ag-Related Careers

Our graduates hold positions in agribusiness management, crop and livestock production, veterinary clinics and hospitals, and ag equipment dealerships. They are mechanics, farm operators, herdsmen, riding instructors and horse trainers.

Facilities

BHC’s East Campus has specialized ag facilities, including an agricultural mechanics lab, equine facility, greenhouse and veterinary hospital.

Internships

Students complete two internships as part of the Associate in Applied Science degree. Black Hawk College also offers internships to students in an ag education/FFA program as part of the Growing Agriculture Science Teachers Grant through the Illinois State Board of Education.

Hands-On Instruction

Faculty emphasize hands-on instruction in all coursework. Instructional labs are held off-site in many courses to keep learning connected to a changing industry.

Student Clubs

  • Agribusiness Club
  • Auto/Ag Mechanics Club
  • Horticulture Club
  • Sci Pi Club

Scholarship Opportunities

  • BHC Presidential Scholarship: In-district high school seniors in the top 10% of their graduating class at the end of seven semesters are eligible for the Black Hawk College Presidential Scholars Award.
  • Other scholarship opportunities can be found at the BHC scholarships page. A number of faculty-chosen ag and equine scholarships are also available.
  • Transfer scholarships are also available at many transfer institutions.

Special Events on Campus

  • Ag Visit Days
  • Ag Recognition Reception
  • FFA judging and leadership contests
  • Roping and barrel racing clinics
  • Speed Show Series

Ag. Competitive Teams

Grow, Compete, Succeed!

As a student at Black Hawk College, you become part of a proud tradition of excellence and success. Our agriculture programs and nationally recognized judging and show teams have built a legacy of champions, and we’re excited for you to join the family!

East Campus offers several competitive teams for students to get involved in. All BHC students enrolled in at least 12 credit hours are eligible to participate—no specific major or degree plan is required. Discover your passion, showcase your skills and make lasting memories with our award-winning teams!

  • Crops & Soils Judging Team
  • Horse Judging Team
  • Hunter Seat Show Team
  • Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Teams
  • Livestock Judging Team
  • Western Show Team

Events

25Jan
1-25-2025 // 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Teddy Bear Hospital

01Feb
2-01-2025 // 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

2025 Youth Horse Judging Workshop

02Feb
2-02-2025 // 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

2025 Youth Horse Judging Workshop

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