Plant Science
The above video will captivate you if interested in a career in Plant Science! MJC has Beckwith Instructional Farm Laboratory and a plethora of other MJC opportunities.
Over these pages you can learn what careers are available, which courses to take to launch you on your way to them, which clubs and scholarships are available to help you along the way, and what events are happening over the year to get involved. If your have more questions, check Mr. Morales' web site, or contact him via the below options.
Faculty Advisors:
Mike Morales
(209) 575-6209
moralesmi@mjc.edu
http://moralesmi.faculty.mjc.edu/
FALL 2021
BROCCOLI PROJECT
For the Fall 2021 Semester the Vegetable Crops class (PLSC 215) planted just under an acre of broccoli under the direction of Professor Mike Morales. All plants were grown from transplants that were generously donated by California Transplants in Newman. The class was responsible for prepping the soil, preparing the irrigation lines, planting and harvesting the broccoli. A week before Thanksgiving they started harvesting the broccoli fresh daily and sold them on campus. The class was extremely successful and produced around 8,000 heads of broccoli. To avoid wasting the crop during the short harvesting window, they donated nearly 1,000 heads to local food banks and charities. MJC West Campus interns and members of the Shiloh 4-H group worked together to harvest and pack broccoli and deliver to the Modesto Gospel Mission, Modesto Love Center, The Salvation Army - Turlock, and Second Harvest Food Bank of the Greater Valley. This was a great collaboration of our students, interns, faculty, and our community. We are grateful to donate to the local food banks across the Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties to help those in need.
Great job Mr. Morales, Andy & crew!
Degrees in Plant Science
Crop Science - Associate Science Degree
The student acquires skills in production of the common row and field crops grown
in the Central Valley. Specific skills are emphasized in seedbed preparation, planting,
fertilizing, weed control, pest management, harvesting, and marketing. Training leads
to farming as well as employment in allied businesses such as fertilizer or agricultural
chemical companies, seed companies, processing companies, and other related industries.
Contact the division office in the Agriculture Building for advising assistance.
Fruit Science - Associate Science Degree
The student will develop skills and knowledge in managing a horticultural fruit production
operation. Training in this course includes practical horticultural skills such as
propagation, pruning, thinning, planting, and management skills, such as supervision
of labor, selecting insurance, credit, orchard planning, spray programs, and calendar
of operation. The program also prepares students for transfer to a four-year college.
Contact the division office in the Agriculture Building for advising assistance.
Soil Science - Associate Science Degree
In this program the student will develop skills and knowledge for entry level employment
in fields of soil and water management. These fields may include conservation, analysis,
survey and farm management, as well as related fields such as range management, hydrology,
irrigation, drainage, fertilization, and rural and urban planning. This program will
also prepare the student for transfer to a university. Contact the division office
in the Agriculture Building for advising assistance.