Sustainable Crop Production

Sustainable Crop Production is a method of farming or producing field crops, fruits and vegetables that ensures the profitability of farms, fair treatment of farm workers, sustains the local community and is capable of maintaining the productivity and protection of the natural resources on which the crops depend.

Students are involved in activities such as scouting for insects and disease, identifying and collecting weeds, learning about the production and management of forage and seed crops, gathering insects for Entomology, surveying a field or taking land measurements, learning about Ag Machinery from the Ag Engineering department and actively debating the economic, social and environmental aspects of Sustainable Agriculture. A student can find themselves in well-equipped laboratories and greenhouses at the newly constructed Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources one day and out around the College's 902-acre campus studying plants the next day.

Sustainable Crop Production programming at SUNY Cobleskill is designed to provide students a valuable education through hands-on field and technical courses.

Employers know that our graduates have significant practical experience and are prepared to the enter the field in a variety of different positions, which may include:

• Crop Production Specialists and Consultants
• Sales/Marketing Specialists for seed, fertilizer and chemical companies
• Agricultural Extension Agent in Cooperative Extension Service
• Crop Insurance Agents
• Coordinators of CSAs and local food organizations
• Technician at USDA-ARS or USDA-NRCS and other State and Federal Agencies
• Farmer (conventional or organic)
• Various positions at Non-profit Organizations
• Coordinators of CSAs and local food organizations

 SUNY Cobleskill boasts a 650-acre agricultural complex on campus providing students easy access to agricultural fields right outside the classroom. The campus farm grows a majority of the food on campus for the farm animals including corn, wheat, oats, barley, and various forages for dry hay and haylage. These various fields provide demonstration and direct application to students outside the classroom. As part of the agriculture complex the campus has a fully functioning farm complete with dairy, beef, livestock, poultry, and equestrian center.

Nathan Kreher

Katie Hopkins

I am currently in my second year, working toward an associate degree in Sustainable Crop Production. I live on my family’s farm in Akron, New York, where we raise sheep and beef cattle. We also grow corn, oats, soybeans, and triticale. The family farm was founded in 1922, making me a fourth-generation farmer.

When it comes to picking a major, we all know it’s a tough decision, but once you figure out your passion the decision comes a lot easier. I grew up very actively involved with raising and showing livestock, but it wasn't until I got older that I realized I wanted a career path in agronomy.

With feeding being a big part of raising livestock, I learned how important our crops were, as they would soon be one of our animal’s meals. After exploring different colleges and programs, I automatically knew Sustainable Crop Production would be perfect for helping me achieve my goals.

I am certain the classes I have taken, such as Soil Science, Entomology, and Weed Identification will put me on the right track. I hope to one day work for an agronomy company while making a difference on the family farm.

The faculty at SUNY Cobleskill are student-centered and committed to excellence in teaching.