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Agriculture
Dig Into Your Future with Agriculture Studies at BHC
The Agriculture Department at Black Hawk College’s East Campus provides comprehensive programs to prepare students for the dynamic agriculture sector. With transfer options, specialized facilities, internships, student clubs, hands-on instruction and competitive teams, students gain valuable skills and experience to excel in their agricultural careers.
Where do you want to go?
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.
Agriculture 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
- Livestock Judging Team
- Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Teams
- Hunter Seat Show Team
- Western Show Team
Agriculture Programs
Program
Award
Credits
Department Faculty
Agriculture News
Congrats to 2025 high school welding invitational winners
Black Hawk College recently hosted the 7th Annual T-Joint Fillet Weld Invitational at the college’s Welding and Skilled Trades Center in downtown Kewanee.
Stuffed animals get checkups at 3rd Teddy Bear Hospital
Dozens of stuffed animals are now healthier after visiting the Teddy Bear Hospital at Black Hawk College.
Ag. Events
25Apr
4-25-2025 // 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Equine Open House
02May
5-02-2025 // 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Agriculture Open House
17May
5-17-2025 // 2:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Equine 50th Celebration
More To Explore
Academic Resources
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Current Students
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We offer degree and certificate programs across two campuses and online. Search for academic programs by degree type, topic, campus and more.