Livestock Technician

Why Livestock Technician?

Livestock professionals play an important role in modern agriculture by helping animals stay healthy, productive, and well cared for. In this program, you will build hands-on skills in animal care, herd health, feeding practices, and livestock management while learning how data and technology support today’s farms.

At Mid-State, you will gain real-world experience working with livestock and industry tools used in dairy, beef, hog, and sheep operations. You’ll learn from instructors with agricultural experience while developing the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to support successful farm operations and animal wellness.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

27 Credits

Degree Type

Technical Degree

Program Length

One Year

Delivery Method

Hybrid

Location

Marshfield

Start Dates

Fall, Spring

Estimated Program Cost

$5,160.61

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Herdsperson

Livestock Technician

Animal Care Technician

$32k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $32,117. Source: Lightcast Data Set

$1,577

Average Monthly Hires

$1,577 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See below for full course details or talk with your advisor.

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Teri Raatz, BS, MS
Teri holds a BS in agricultural education from UW-River Falls and a master’s in agriculture/ag sustainability from Murray State University. Her love agriculture started in childhood—she grew up on a diversified livestock farm and showed/owned registered dairy cattle. Prior to her 15 years of teaching at Mid-State, Teri taught middle school and high school agriculture for six years. She has also worked at Wisconsin's first ethanol plant in Stanley, Wisconsin, where she was involved in grading and purchasing corn. Teri is actively involved in the Colby FFA Alumni and Supporters, volunteers with the Clark County 4-H, and serves as advisor for the Clark County Jr Holstein Association, and her family owns a small herd of registered dairy cattle that her kids show across the state. She also serves as a member of the City of Colby Board of Appeals.

“I am passionate about all areas of agriculture and bring vast experience in agriculture into the classroom. I enjoy teaching students about the many opportunities available today in the world of agriculture.”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Apply principles of animal anatomy, physiology, behavior, and welfare to support safe and effective livestock care.
Evaluate livestock health, identify signs of disease or stress, and implement preventive herd health and biosecurity practices.
Demonstrate foundational knowledge of animal nutrition, including nutrient functions, feed classification, deficiency signs, and species differences.
Analyze genetic and production data to support breeding, selection, and herd improvement decisions.
Develop and communicate integrated livestock management plans that support productivity, sustainability, and sound on-farm decision making.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.

Mid-State Grad

“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.

Mid-State Grad

“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.

Mid-State Grad

“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.

Mid-State Grad

“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.

Mid-State Grad

“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.

Mid-State Grad