Department of Agriculture

Program Highlights

The Department of Agriculture at Austin Peay State University is part of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and is housed in the Sundquist Science Complex. The department currently has six full-time faculty members and four adjunct faculty members, with approximately 250 agriculture majors including those in the pre-professional programs.

Hands-On Learning Experience

As an APSU Agriculture student, you'll gain valuable experience through:

• Field laboratories at our 440-acre farm facility

• Internship opportunities with local and regional agricultural businesses

• Student research projects guided by experienced faculty

Coleman Tractor APSU Farm Powered by Kubota

Austin Peay State University has established a significant three-year partnership with Coleman Tractor Company and Kubota Tractor Corporation to provide state-of-the-art equipment and support to the university's agricultural programs. The APSU Department of Agriculture's Farm and Environmental Education Center has been renamed the "Coleman Tractor APSU Farm Powered by Kubota."

The partnership includes multiple Kubota tractors, mowers, hay equipment, and utility vehicles that will be used for educational purposes and farm operations, including forage production for university livestock. Updated equipment will be provided annually for Austin Peay students as part of the partnership.

"By providing access to cutting-edge technology and creating meaningful connections with industry leaders, we're enhancing our agricultural education programs and strengthening our commitment to the region," said Austin Peay President Mike Licari. "This collaboration exemplifies our focus on developing mutually beneficial community partnerships that improve student success and workforce readiness."

Additional Benefits

The collaboration includes promotional and educational initiatives, such as internship opportunities, career fair participation, and integration with APSU athletic events. Coleman Tractor and Kubota will also attend university events like Tailgate Alley during football season and College of STEM Night at F&M Bank Arena during basketball season.

Farm Facilities Showcase

The 440-acre farm is located three miles from the main campus and features a $1.2 million Animal Science teaching facility. The farm serves as a dynamic laboratory for students, providing hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and agricultural practices through laboratories, field trips, and land-judging contests. Private farms and agriculture industries also are used to support classroom learning activities.

Student Organizations

Get involved and build your professional network through our student organizations:

• Delta Tau Alpha Honor Society - One of the seven original charter members who helped found Delta Tau Alpha in 1959 as the honor society for non-land-grant agriculture programs. This honor society recognizes high standards of scholarship, leadership and character among agriculture students.

• Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity - The only fraternity at APSU which is both social and professional. Chartered in 1983 as the Beta Mu chapter, it includes participation in regular Greek activities on campus as well as activities at some sister institutions.

• Pre-Vet Club - Open to all agriculture students and other interested students at the University. Its purpose is to promote fellowship among agriculture students, especially pre-veterinary medicine majors.

• Beef Cattle Show Team - Open to all students who have an interest in working with and exhibiting beef cattle. Students have a "hands-on" opportunity to be involved with high quality beef cattle including daily care, feeding, grooming, and vaccinations.

• Collegiate FFA - A professional development organization open to all students who have an interest in agriculture. Provides professional development opportunities throughout the year along with opportunities to interact with other students and serve the community.

Career Opportunities

A recent national study predicts a shortage of college graduates in agriculture in the areas of management and science. Graduates with management and financial skills will be in demand. Agri-business, government agencies and related industries need managers and technicians who can communicate with farmers. Graduates who broaden their agricultural experiences with courses in business and computers can enhance their opportunities for employment in agriculture. The agri-business and agri-science concentrations especially are designed for this type of opportunity. Graduates from the department also are regularly accepted at many different graduate schools such as Clemson University, Mississippi State, Penn State, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Tennessee and others.

About Our Partners

Coleman Tractor Company

Located at 550 Alfred Thun Road in Clarksville - with additional locations in Nashville, White House, and Paris, Tennessee - Coleman Tractor is a leading provider of agricultural and construction equipment in the Middle Tennessee region. It offers sales, service and parts for Kubota and other equipment brands.

Kubota Tractor Corporation

Kubota Tractor Corporation, headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, is the U.S. marketer and distributor of Kubota-engineered and manufactured machinery and equipment. Kubota is a global manufacturer of tractors, construction equipment, hay tools, utility vehicles and other farm and commercial equipment.

Angus show steers and heifers for sale. Call (931) 221-7271 for information.