Agriculture
David DeSilva, Division Chair

Tulare County is the leading Agriculture producing county in the nation and agriculture is the largest industry in California.  COS is located in the center of this country and there are numerous educational and career opportunities for those students attending COS.

A student can complete a certificate, degree or become general education certified to transfer to a four-year university.  The COS Agriculture Department offers numerous evening and short-term classes for the upgrading of skills for individuals who are already employed in the agriculture industry.

The future is exciting for the division with the proposed relocation of the COS Agriculture Department Laboratory from its current facility to a new facility.  The proposed laboratory will consist of 200 acres of diversified crops, livestock and equine facilities.  The COS Dairy program will be part of the California Dairy Technology Center which will operate a 1,000 cow commercial dairy, research heard and COS students will work with UC Davis Vet Students.  The California Dairy Products Training Institute (CDPTI) operates a dairy processing facility.

The Agriculture Department has recently updated its computer laboratory to one of the newest and most complete on the College of the Sequoias campus.  The department maintains the most modern welding and fabrication shop in the entire community college system.

A supervised work experience program is an important part of instruction, which links the college with industry and provides valuable experience for our graduates.

Extracurricular activities are a vital part of the COS Agriculture Department.  Several clubs such as the Ag Business, Dairy, Horse and Ag Council offer students leadership skills.  COS serves as the headquarters for the California Community Colleges Agriculture/National Resources Organization of Student Leaders.  This organization offers leadership training for students and a statewide competition in a variety of skill based training.

Faculty in the Agriculture Department are experts in their disciplines and are dedicated to teaching.  There are several adjunct faculty from the agriculture industry who teach in a variety of areas which enhance the educational opportunities for students.  Faculty and staff are eager to help students learn and are available as agriculture counselors and advisors.