Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resource Systems

The Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources pathway offers students hands-on experiences in animal and plant sciences, power equipment and mechanics, landscape and natural resource management, emerging technologies like drones, and leadership development to prepare them for a wide range of agricultural, technical, and science-based careers.

Agricultural drone pilot/UAS operator, precision agriculture technician, GIS mapping technician, remote sensing specialist, animal care technician, veterinary assistant, veterinary technician, livestock herdsman, dairy or beef herd manager, animal nutrition assistant, agricultural equipment technician, diesel mechanic, field service technician, parts and service specialist, outdoor power equipment technician, small engine mechanic, agronomist, crop scout, soil and plant science technician, greenhouse technician, nursery and garden center associate, turf and grounds manager, landscape installer, landscape maintenance technician, and landscape designer.

The Drone pathway introduces students to unmanned aerial systems through hands-on flight, safety, mapping, and data analysis experiences, preparing them for FAA certification and careers using drone technology in agriculture, natural resources, construction, and other industries.

Drone Pilot, Remote Sensing Technician, UAV Operator, Drone Photographer, Drone Videographer, Aerial Mapping Specialist, GIS Technician, Agricultural Drone Specialist, Construction Drone Operator, Surveying Drone Operator, Inspection Drone Technician, Drone Data Analyst, Drone Maintenance Technician, Drone Repair Specialist, Environmental Monitoring Drone Operator, Search and Rescue Drone Pilot, Wildlife Monitoring Drone Specialist, Real Estate Drone Photographer, Drone Flight Instructor, Emergency Response Drone Operator, Drone Delivery Technician, Infrastructure Inspection Drone Operator, Precision Agriculture Drone Technician, Disaster Assessment Drone Operator, Drone Software Developer, Drone Survey Technician, Aerial Survey Analyst, Drone Safety Coordinator, Drone Fleet Manager, Drone Research Specialist

AEMT is a hands-on ag equipment and technician course for students who like working with machines, tools, and engines. You’ll learn a technician’s troubleshooting mindset while assembling and testing electrical systems, fluid power systems, precision ag controls, and tearing down equipment to see how it works. Students use mechanical skills to diagnose equipment failures, communicate fixes, and explore the newest agricultural technologies used in today’s equipment industry. This CASE-aligned course helps prepare you for entry-level agricultural technician careers and connects you with future employer pathways.
Articulated College Credit and Industry Certifications Available

Enroll: Fall Semester 2026

Location: Dean Lakes Education Center Shakopee | MN

Go beyond the textbook and become an Animal Expert! Dive into the core mechanics of life, exploring complex topics like sliding filament muscle contraction, comparative digestive systems (ruminant vs. monogastric), and nephron function in fluid balance. You will apply your knowledge directly through heart dissections, tissue analysis, and an in-depth Animal Expert Project on a species of your choice.
Articulated College Credit and Industry Certifications Available

Enroll: Spring semester 2027

Location: Dean Lakes Education Center Shakopee | MN

Take your drone skills to the next level by mastering software like Drone Deploy, Field Agent, and Pix4D. Learn to design autonomous flight plans and control cameras and sensors with precision. Use drone-captured images and data to create detailed photos and maps for industries like agriculture, construction, insurance, and real estate. This course is perfect for students ready to combine cutting-edge technology with real-world applications!
Articulated College Credit and Industry Certifications Available

Enroll: Spring of 2027 or Spring of 2028

Location: Dean Lakes Education Center Shakopee | MN

Apply the principles of landscape design and the practical skills used in constructing outdoor spaces. Students will learn to plan, design, and create functional and visually appealing landscapes using tools, materials, and sustainable practices common in the industry.
Articulated College Credit and Industry Certifications Available

Enroll: Spring Semester 2028

Location: Dean Lakes Education Center Shakopee | MN

Learn about large animals proper nutrition, and care to keep them healthy. Explore reproduction science, identify breeds, and practice clinical techniques used by production agriculturalists to raise animals. This course lays the groundwork for a fulfilling career in livestock, equine care, or animal health sciences.
Articulated College Credit and Industry Certifications Available

Enroll: Spring Semester 2028

Location: Dean Lakes Education Center Shakopee | MN

Even if leading comes naturally to you, you won't get far without effective communication, team building, citizenship and organizational skills. So take some time to discover how you're wired and how your unique skills will help those around you thrive. You'll learn how to communicate effectively and persuasively through public speaking opportunities, serve in the community, help educate your peers about issues and options in agriculture, and coordinate events that will impact your school for the better.
Capstone Course

Enroll: Any semester 2026-2027 or 2027-2028

Location: Dean Lakes Education Center Shakopee | MN

You and a partner will disassemble, measure components and reassemble 2 stroke and 4 stroke engines. Trouble shoot problem equipment, diagnose the problem and the complete the repairs.  
Articulated College Credit and Industry Certifications Available

Enroll: Spring Semester 2027

Location: Dean Lakes Education Center Shakopee | MN

Students will study of plant anatomy and physiology, classification, and the fundamentals of production and harvesting. Learn how to apply scientific knowledge and skills to use plants effectively for agronomic, forestry, and horticultural industries. Activities may include: hydroponics, raised garden beds, plant propagation, soil & water testing.
Articulated College Credit and Industry Certifications Available

Enroll: Spring Semester 2027

Location: Dean Lakes Education Center Shakopee | MN

Explore the world of agriculture and animal science while building a foundation for exciting careers in this field. You will learn about animal anatomy, behavior, nutrition, reproduction, health, and more. This course prepares you for advanced studies and careers in animal science, veterinary medicine, livestock management, animal nutrition, and other related fields. Hands-on labs, interactive projects, and real-world experiences give students the skills and knowledge needed to pursue further education or entry-level work in agriculture, research, or animal care industries.
Articulated College Credit and Industry Certifications Available

Enroll: Fall semester 2026

Location: Dean Lakes Education Center Shakopee | MN

Learn the foundational knowledge and skills needed to work with pets. Explore taxonomy, anatomy, nutrition, and reproduction while connecting biological principles to real-world veterinary practices. Learn to identify common breeds, understand care standards, and develop essential clinical techniques. 
Articulated College Credit and Industry Certifications Available

Enroll: Fall Semester 2027

Location: Dean Lakes Education Center Shakopee | MN