Agriculture and Natural Resources 

Agriculture is one of California’s most important economic sectors. The Agriculture & Natural Resources Pathway offers curriculum in Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Veterinary Science, Environmental Horticulture, Floriculture and Viticulture. Many of the courses are college preparatory, receiving UC science or elective credit. Students considering a career in Agriculture should be interested in working outdoors, working with plants and animals, be proficient in science and like to work with their hands. Agriculture and Natural Resource programs are offered at Elsie Allen (EAHS) and Santa Rosa High Schools (SRHS).

California is the nation's leader in agricultural production, manufacturing, and construction. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the state’s agricultural sector supports 1.1 million jobs and, through multiplier effects, accounts for $59 billion in personal income, or 6.6% of the annual personal income of all Californians.

To effectively prepare students for the Agriculture Mechanics work environment, the students must obtain knowledge and industry skills in the areas of basic mechanical theory, safety and selection of tools, masonry work, building materials, water and electrical systems, welding, fabrication, and small gas engines. Elsie Allen High School will be renovating an industrial arts classroom and shop space to include a state of the art agriculture mechanics facility. This facility will become vibrant with use by adding welding stations, restructuring the shop facility and installing a science lab that specifically focuses on agriculture sciences.

Environmental Horticulture, Floriculture and Viticulture courses focus on occupations that apply scientific knowledge and practices to produce and market plants; to establish, maintain and manage plant-based enterprises such as vineyards, greenhouses, nursery operations, landscaping and floral design. Students gain practical experience growing plants in community partnerships such as the Lobo Salsa project at Elsie Allen High School or the Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze designed by Santa Rosa High School students at the district’s vineyard and farm.

Animal Science coursework focuses on careers that involve animal physiology, breeding, and the care and welfare of both large and small animals. The curriculum includes a course in veterinary science in which students engage in detailed laboratory lessons on animal systems, diseases and disorders, genetics and heredity, pharmacology and surgery. This course links students directly with local professionals to provide practical experience and an understanding of the requirements to become a registered animal health professional in California through site visits, job shadows and internships.

Hands-on Projects. Students in the Agriculture pathways enroll in Applied Ag Laboratory where they complete a career-based project by participating in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. Agriculture projects, completed over the course of a year, must be approved by the agriculture teacher and students must be concurrently enrolled in Applied Ag Lab and another agriculture course to receive credit. Participation in FFA provides an added advantage on resumes and college applications by preparing students with skills in leadership, public speaking, judging and teamwork. Several of our FFA students have been elected to leadership positions at the regional, state and national level.