STANDARD 1.0 EXAMINE THE NATURE, SCOPE, AND ROLE OF AGRICULTURE IN SOCIETY AND THE ECONOMY
1.1   Investigate the impact of the agricultural industry on  population,  food,  energy,  and environment
1.2   Investigate the economic  importance of products  obtained from agriculture (i.e., animals, plants, technology,  mechanics, etc.)
1.3   Examine  how a stable agricultural sector supports a nation's food security
1.4   Differentiate between agricultural imports and exports
1.5   Examine  the benefit of earning foreign exchange  through  the export  of agricultural products
1.6   Investigate how  the agriculture sector provides employment opportunities for the labor force

STANDARD 2.0 EXAMINE THE IMPACT OF TRENDS, TECHNOLOGIES, AND POLICIES ON AGRICULTURE
2.1   Identify the major milestones and  technological advancements in agriculture and the impact on society (e.g., advances in mechanization,  quality seed and  selective breeding,  improved resource management, and  higher quantity of food)
2.2   Describe the effects of genetic modification on agricultural production
2.3   Describe the effects of current farming methods on  water resources, erosion, and  soil fertility
2.4   Explain  the effects of pesticides and  fertilizers on water and the environment
2.5   Explain  how  legislation affects agricultural production  (i.e., environmental,  workforce, marketing, trade, animal welfare, biosecurity, taxes, water, etc.)
2.6   Analyze  the impact of biotechnology  on  production,  processing, storage, and  preparation of food,  fiber, and pharmaceuticals
2.7   Use scientific evidence to investigate controversial topics and  make educated decisions (i.e., environmental issues, climate change,  genetic engineering,  soil degradation,  etc.)
2.8   Investigate the use of data to solve problems in agricultural systems (i.e., geographic,  economic, demographic,  etc.)

STANDARD 3.0 EXAMINE THE USE OF SCIENTIFIC PROCESSES USED IN AGRICULTURE
3.1   Identify research methods used in agriculture
3.2   Describe and demonstrate the scientific process
3.3   Formulate predictions, questions, and hypotheses
3.4   Evaluate appropriate  resources for research
3.5   Demonstrate safe practices in the laboratory, classroom, and  work situations
3.6   Design and  conduct scientific investigations
3.7   Record observations,  notes, sketches, questions, and ideas during  an investigation
3.8   Generate data tables, charts, and  graphs based on  collected data
3.9   Analyze  data, communicate results, conclusions, and  propose further investigations

STANDARD 4.0 EXAMINE THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE ENVIRONMENT TO AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION AND SUSTAINABILITY
4.1   Identify agricultural products that can be converted to alternative energy  sources
4.2   Analyze  the use of  renewable energy sources in agriculture (i.e., wind,  solar, biofuels, etc.)
4.3   Compare  and contrast production  practices with regard to efficiency, sustainability, and economic viability (i.e., organic, naturally raised systems, conventional  agricultural production,  etc.)
4.4   Investigate how  alternative production  systems affect production and the environment (i.e., aquaculture, vertical farming, GPS plotting, seed spacing, etc.)
4.5   Identify municipal, industrial, and agricultural sources and  uses of water
4.6   Evaluate how  agriculture manages water use, wastewater systems, and water recycling opportunities
4.7   Analyze  environmental factors associated with animal and plant production, including sanitation and  economics
4.8   Describe the effect of agriculture on the food  web cycle, or the natural interconnection of food  chains

STANDARD 5.0 EXAMINE SOIL MANAGEMENT FOR PLANT AND ANIMAL PRODUCTION
5.1   Describe the formation, properties, texture, structure, and  composition of soil
5.2   Examine the relationship between soil characteristics, microflora, and environmental conditions
5.3   Analyze methods to control soil erosion
5.4   Analyze slope, erosion,  and water movement in determining land capability, land  use, and agricultural production
5.5   Formulate appropriate soil management practices on various sites

STANDARD 6.0 EXAMINE CELL BIOLOGY, STRUCTURES, AND PROCESSES
6.1   Differentiate between cells, organelles, tissues, and organs’ systems
6.2   Describe the structure and function of DNA
6.3   Describe the process of creating proteins from DNA
6.4   Describe cellular processes (i.e., osmosis, mitosis, phagocytosis, meiosis, diffusion, etc.)
6.5   Examine  the molecular basis of heredity and  resulting genetic diversity
6.6   Define the essential macromolecules of life science (i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, etc.)

STANDARD 7.0 ANALYZE PLANT SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
7.1   Describe plant anatomy  and the functions of plant structures (e.g., root,  stem, leaf, and flower)
7.2   Classify plants according  to taxonomic systems, use, structure, and  life span
7.3   Describe basic factors in plant growth (e.g., light, water, climate, temperature, and nutrients)
7.4   Apply  knowledge  of plant physiology and energy  conversion to plant systems (e.g., photosynthesis,  respiration, and transpiration)
7.5   Describe plant life cycle stages (i.e., germination, root growth, pollination, fruit development,  etc.)
7.6   Demonstrate plant germination, growth,  and  development
7.7   Investigate changes in growing  conditions and the impact on plant growth and  development (i.e., light, gravity,  touch, water, heat, etc.)

STANDARD 8.0 DEMONSTRATE CONCEPTS OF PLANT MANAGEMENT
8.1   Analyze the nutritional needs of plants
8.2   Research common nutrient deficiency symptoms and treatment options (i.e., fertilizers, soil amendments, crop rotation, etc.)
8.3   Prepare grow media for use in plant systems (i.e., soil, water, vermiculite, coconut core, etc.)
8.4   Analyze  soil conditions to make nutritional decisions (i.e., pH meter, soil test kits, soil probes,  etc.)
8.5   Implement a fertilization plan for specific plants or crops
8.6   Investigate methods for sexual reproduction of  plants (i.e., cross-pollination, scarification, stratification, etc.)
8.7   Investigate methods for asexual reproduction  of plants (i.e., propagation,  grafting, layering, tissue culture, plant hormones, etc.)
8.8   Demonstrate plant propagation techniques (e.g.,  sexual and asexual)
8.9   Describe techniques to harvest, handle, and store crops according to current industry standards
8.10   Create a sustainable management plan for plant production

STANDARD 9.0 ANALYZE ANIMAL SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
9.1   Define common terminology related to animal science and production practices (i.e., gender,  age, dehorning,  castration, identification, tail docking,  etc.)
9.2   Classify animals according to taxonomic  classification systems and use (e.g., agricultural and companion)
9.3   Differentiate between large stock, small stock, and companion  animals
9.4   Explain  basic anatomy  and external parts of production  animals
9.5   Apply  principles of comparative anatomy and physiology to use within animal systems (e.g., circulatory, endocrine,  immune, integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, reproductive, respiratory, and urinary)
9.6   Describe a livestock animal’s digestive system (i.e., avian, modified digestion,  ruminant, etc.)
9.7   Describe the basic principles of animal welfare (e.g., appropriate environment, facilities, food, healthcare, proper  handling,  and water)

STANDARD 10.0 DEMONSTRATE CONCEPTS OF ANIMAL MANAGEMENT
10.1   Recognize animal behaviors  to facilitate safely working with animals
10.2   Investigate the nature and  properties of food, fiber, and by-products from animals
10.3   Differentiate between major wholesale/retail meat cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and poultry  and compare the value of various meat cuts
10.4   Explore  the use of alternative livestock in animal agriculture (i.e., antelope, elk, buffalo, alpacas, ostrich, deer, etc.)
10.5   Analyze  the nutritional roles and  needs of animals
10.6   Analyze  feed rations to meet the nutritional needs of animals
10.7   Develop  a plan to treat animal ailments
10.8   Differentiate between animal selection, reproduction, breeding, and genetics
10.9   Demonstrate animal selection based  on reproduction, breeding, and genetics
10.10   Explore how  animals are evaluated for breeding readiness and soundness
10.11   Create a sustainable reproduction management plan
10.12   Demonstrate proper methods to clean and disinfect animal equipment and facilities
10.13   Demonstrate proper use of animal medications following established withdrawal protocols

STANDARD 11.0 ANALYZE PRINCIPLES OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) IN PLANT AND ANIMAL SYSTEMS
11.1   Identify pests and  signs of  pest damage (i.e., parasites, rodents,  weeds, insects, etc.)
11.2   Identify pest control methods used to manage pest damage (i.e., cultural, mechanical, biological,  chemical, etc.)
11.3   Evaluate the economic impact of pests on production
11.4   Discuss biosecurity measures utilized to protect the welfare of animals on a local, state, national, and global  level
11.5   Read and interpret pesticide labels
11.6   Investigate safe pesticide application practices
11.7   Apply pesticides safely according  to good  manufacturing practices (GMPs)

STANDARD 12.0 EXAMINE FOOD SAFETY AND PROCESSING PRACTICES
12.1   Investigate government agencies that impact agriculture and  food production
12.2   Analyze food product labels
12.3   Evaluate food processing best practices (i.e., HACCP, quality assurance, food safety standards, etc.)
12.4   Develop a plan to prevent foodborne illness in agricultural products

STANDARD 13.0 APPLY PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES FOR PLANNING, BUILDING, AND MAINTAINING STRUCTURES
13.1   Identify legal land descriptions
13.2   Investigate techniques used to survey land
13.3   Create sketches and plans for structures
13.4   Determine structural requirements, specifications, and estimate costs for structures (i.e., bill of materials)
13.5   Follow architectural and mechanical plans to construct, maintain, and/or  repair agricultural structures (i.e., material selection, site preparation and/or  layout, plumbing, concrete/masonry, electrical wiring, wood  fabrication, etc.)
13.6   Design animal, plant, and mechanical facilities including equipment
13.7   Manage basic facility maintenance, installation, or repair

STANDARD 14.0 DEMONSTRATE OPERATION OF TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND INSTRUMENTS
14.1   Demonstrate safe operating instructions and procedures as recommended by the manufacturer
14.2   Utilize service manuals to perform preventative maintenance and  determine scheduled service on tools, equipment, and instruments, including small engines
14.3   Maintain hand tools and power equipment (i.e., hand saws, power  saws, welders, leaf blowers, etc.)
14.4   Demonstrate a variety of metal fabrication, welding, soldering, cutting, and finishing processes (i.e., SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, fuel- oxygen,  plasma arc torch, etc.)
14.5   Demonstrate a variety of wood fabrication and finishing processes
14.6   Service electrical systems and components of mechanical equipment and power systems using a variety of troubleshooting and/or diagnostic methods
14.7   Utilize manufacturers’ guidelines to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair machinery, equipment, and power source systems (i.e., hydraulic, pneumatic, transmission, steering, suspension, etc.)

STANDARD 15.0 DEMONSTRATE AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT, FINANCE, AND MARKETING SKILLS
15.1   Define basic business terminology (i.e., entrepreneurship/placement, capital, budget, solvent,  management, assets, liability, economics, etc.)
15.2   Differentiate between macro- and  micro-economics
15.3   Identify financial records important to business management
15.4   Use management software and information technology  [i.e., spreadsheets, databases,  presentation software, record-keeping software, electronic record book,  agriculture experience tracker (AET), etc.]
15.5   Analyze business records and record-keeping procedures
15.6   Identify the tax structure of agricultural business (i.e., property  tax, intangible taxes, income taxes, etc.)
15.7   Apply  the decision-making process for budgeting  issues
15.8   Identify methods of obtaining capital resources
15.9   Explain the purposes and structures of contracts, leases, deeds, and  insurance policies
15.10   Compare types of  markets and influence factors (i.e., commodity markets, foreign markets, competition, etc.)
15.11   Identify methods of managing risk
15.12   Describe the purpose and importance of marketing
15.13   Develop a marketing plan
15.14   Create a business plan

STANDARD 16.0 EXAMINE TECHNOLOGY TOOLS AND SYSTEMS USED TO ACCESS, MANAGE, INTEGRATE, AND CREATE INFORMATION AND SOLVE PROBLEMS
16.1   Use industry-relevant software and internet applications
16.2   Use collaborative and virtual meeting software
16.3   Analyze the benefits and limitations of emerging technology  such as geospatial, online mapping systems, drones,  and robotics
16.4   Explain the benefits of computer-based and  mobile application equipment
16.5   Apply computer and other technologies to solve problems and  increase efficiency [i.e., LabQuest, programmable logic controller (PLC),  Geospatial Information System (GIS), Computer  numeric control (CNC), Unmanned  aircraft system (UAS), etc.]