Agriculture

Welcome to our Agriculture Department!  We have many exciting agriculture classes and opportunities and experienced faculty and staff.  We are always ready to share information about our many opportunities for getting involved in clubs and activities while building a strong academic foundation.  Students benefit from quality instruction, practical “hands-on” experiences and a student-centered faculty and staff.  Upon completion of an Associate in Science degree of Associate of Applied Science degree, you will be prepared for a seamless transition to a four-year university or to apply your skills in the workforce.

Department Contact:

Agriculture@redlandscc.edu
405.422.1275

 

Transfer Agreements

We work with universities around the state to ensure that you can transition smoothly from completing an associate degree at Redlands to earning a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution. Learn more about your degree options in these programs. 

Program Outcomes

The purpose of this degree in agriculture is to provide both comprehensive and specialized training to prepare graduates for careers in a wide range of fields of agriculture. Eight program areas within this degree are: animal science, equine science, agronomy, horticulture, agricultural economics, farm & ranch management, agricultural communications, and general agriculture. 

  1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the basic concepts of agriculture.
  2. Demonstrate the knowledge base necessary for a successful transfer and degree attainment at a four year college or university.
  3. Be equipped with the skills to enter the competitive agricultural industry.
  4. Demonstrate lifelong learning skills that will prepare the students for the ever-changing advancements in science and technology in reference to agriculture.

Annie Pearson, Department Head for Agriculture
405.422.1486
Office: Ag Hall Room 110 at Darlington

Annie Pearson received an associate degree in Animal Science from Redlands and transferred to Oklahoma State University to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science with a minor in Business. She grew up in the panhandle of Texas and judged livestock for Redlands Annie moved to El Reno after graduating from OSU and worked for the Oklahoma Youth Expo.  At Redlands, she really enjoys working with the students and working in the agriculture industry.

Brandon Callis, Agriculture Professor and Livestock Judging Coach
405.422.1401
Email
Office: H-107 at Darlington

Brandon Callis is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds a master’s degree in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Kansas State University. A native of Needville, Texas, he was active in 4-H and FFA. At the college level, he was a member of the National Champion Livestock Judging Team. He served as an assistant coach and head coach in Kansas before joining Redlands in 2012. Brandon was twice named National Junior College Coach of the Year, coached two national champion teams and several students have received All-American status from the National Livestock Judging Junior College Coaches Association. Brandon feels blessed to work at such an outstanding institution.

Sam Nusz, Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer Program Coordinator
405.422.1296
Email
Office: AGH-112 (Darlington Ag Hall)

Sam Nusz attended El Reno Junior College before transferring to Oklahoma State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education. Sam was a high school agriculture education teacher for 20 years in Oklahoma and six years in Texas before returning to Redlands. He completed his Master of Natural and Applied Science through Missouri State University's Pathways Program. At Redlands, Sam's responsibilities include instructing courses and managing the meat goat herd and the day-to-day operations at the Darlington Education and Applied Research Center.

Ed Zweiacher, Agriculture Professor and Royse Ranch Manager
405.422.6293
Email
Office: RRCB-011 (Royse Ranch Classroom Building)

Ed Zweiacher received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Oklahoma Panhandle State University, a Master of Science degree in Animal Breeding from Texas Tech University and additional graduate work from Texas A&M University. His career in higher education has included time at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Texas Tech University and Frank Phillips College. He has been involved in teaching, supervision and applied research. Ed has been selected to be a presenter and co-presenter at several conferences and workshops and is involved in professional organizations. In addition, he is very active in his community.  He also enjoys photography and many other things that enhance the quality of life for others. He appreciates and admires the eager-to-learn student.

 

Partnerships

As an agriculture student at Redlands, you will benefit from our partnerships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and USDA Agricultural Research Service. Because of these relationships, we can provide learning opportunities that are typically offered at the graduate and doctoral studies levels. We also have many opportunities for you to get plugged into your area of study and to connect with other Redlands students.

 

Activities

Agriculture Ambassadors

Agriculture Ambassadors is a select group of students dedicated to enhancing the image of and interest in the agriculture community and the Redlands Community College Department of Agriculture. Ambassadors visit area Oklahoma FFA chapters, host prospective students on campus, speak on behalf of the Agriculture Department and participate in service learning activities in the community.

Aggie Club

The Redlands Aggie Club gives you the opportunity to gain skills in leadership, team building, event planning and fundraising. The club raises funds for community and youth activities and organizes the annual banquet and scholarship fundraiser. As a member of the Aggie Club, you will build a great network in the agriculture industry and develop life-long friendships.

Beef Team

The Redlands Beef Team competes in contests such as Oklahoma State Fair, Tulsa State Fair and Fort Worth Stock Show. Team members learn effective communication and leadership skills, teamwork, and analytical thinking with fellow peers at Redlands.

Livestock Judging

Do you want to travel and network with leaders in the livestock industry? As part of the Redlands Livestock Judging team, you have the opportunity to compete in contests at the local, regional and national levels. And, just as important, you will learn effective communication and leadership skills, teamwork, and analytical thinking. The experience can open many doors of opportunity. Several team members have continued their judging career at Oklahoma State University, and some alumni can be found judging livestock shows. We also offer a summer livestock judging camp. Registration is full for Summer 2023.

Shooting Sports

The Redlands Shooting Sports team is entering its second year of competition and is open to both men and women. If you are interested in the team, please complete this online form.

Scholarship Opportunities

Agriculture students have a unique opportunity to apply for one of many specialized scholarships available in the area of academic or extracurricular activities such as applied research, leadership or service learning.  

 

Facilities

Darlington Agriculture Education and Applied Research Center

Darlington Agriculture Education and Applied Research Center is a 110-acre center that includes classrooms, demonstration labs, barns and pens. At the Center, you will take basic agriculture courses and participate in undergraduate research opportunities. You can become actively involved in the center’s projects and learn more about the practical applications of the knowledge you are gaining in the classroom.  

Royse Ranch

Royse Ranch, a 314-acre ranch north of El Reno, is a working facility that houses a bovine center, two indoor arenas, four round pens, 65 stalls and a classroom building. At Royse Ranch, we offer a variety learning opportunities, including classes on beef production, livestock evaluation, equine horsemanship and more. The bovine center has an artificial insemination lab and houses our purebred Angus show herd and commercial cow herd. Our partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture – Agriculture Research Station also provides unique, hands-on learning opportunities. And through a partnership with Savannah Station Therapeutic Riding Program, Redlands students learn how to provide hope and healing through interaction with horses.