Agriculture 6 to 12

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Annotated Bibliography

The annotated bibliography that follows includes basic references that you may find useful in preparing for the exam. Each resource is linked to the competencies and skills found in Section 3 of this guide.

This bibliography is representative of the most important and most comprehensive texts as reflected in the competencies and skills. The Florida Department of Education does not endorse these references as the only appropriate sources for review; many comparable texts currently used in teacher preparation programs also cover the competencies and skills that are tested on the exam.

  1. Biondo, R. J., & Schroeder, C. B. (2003). Introduction to landscaping: Design, construction, and maintenance (3rd ed.). Danville, IL: Interstate Publishers.

    Introduces various aspects of the landscape industry from a horticultural perspective. Emphasizes plan selection and care, and contains information on landscape design, construction, and maintenance. Useful for review of competency 3.

  2. Brase, Terry. (2005). Precision Agriculture. Delmar Cengage Learning.

    Provides an overview of precision farming concepts and the tools of precision farming. Covers methods of using spatial analysis in decision making and ways of modeling prescription maps for variable rate applications, soil amendments, pesticides, and herbicides. Useful for review of competencies 3 and 4.

  3. Burton, L. D. (2003). Fish & wildlife: Principles of zoology and ecology (2nd ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning.

    Puts the principles of biology in the context of the relationship of science to the survival of fish and wildlife. Integrates the principles of zoology and ecology with the lives of wild animals in North America and includes descriptions of the lives, structures, growth, and classification of species in their natural habitats. Useful for review of competency 2.

  4. Camp, W. G., & Daugherty, T. B. (2002). Managing our natural resources (4th ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning.

    Explores issues in agriculture and natural resources, including topics such as solid waste disposal and wetland preservation. Also includes information on career opportunities related to agricultural and environmental issues. Case studies explore some of the more difficult issues in resource management and conservation. Useful for review of competency 6.

  5. Cooper, E. L., & Burton, L. D. (2007). Agriscience: Fundamentals & applications (4th ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning.

    Addresses environmental technology, plant sciences, integrated pest management, interior and exterior plantscapes, animal science, food science, and agribusiness. Also includes information about integrating science into agricultural curriculum and introduces National FFA Organization programs related to agriscience and technology. Useful for review of competencies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10.

  6. Coyne, M. S., & Thompson, J. A. (2006). Fundamental soil science. Albany, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning.

    Relates basic soil concepts to practical experience. Examines soils as dynamic, living, natural resources. Emphasizes the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Useful for review of competency 3.

  7. Cunningham, M., & Acker, D. (2001). Animal science and industry (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

    Emphasizes the principles of animal science and their relationship to livestock and poultry production. Focuses on biological principles of animal function and management; characteristics of animal species production systems; production of high-quality animal products; the use of the horse for work and pleasure; and systems and concepts in the marketing of animals and the processing of animal products. Useful for review of competency 2.

  8. Drummond, H. E., & Goodwin, J. W. (2004). Agricultural economics (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

    Provides an overview of the food system, with an emphasis on the links between financial institutions, the macroeconomy, world markets, government programs, farms, agribusinesses, food marketing, and the environment. Takes a macro-to-micro approach to illustrate the economic concepts of supply and demand, opportunity cost, diminishing returns, marginality, measuring of costs and returns, and the externalities of transactions. Useful for review of competency 7.

  9. Gillespie, J. R., & Flanders, F. (2004). Modern livestock & poultry production (7th ed.). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning.

    Covers all types of farm animals and provides detailed information on each species. Specifics for each species include information on the characteristics of the industry, breeds, selection of breeding stock, feeding and management, common diseases and parasites, and marketing principles. Also explores current issues such as animal rights and animal welfare, food safety, environmental issues, and biotechnology. Useful for review of competency 2.

  10. Herren, R. V. (2004). The science of agriculture: A biological approach (2nd ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning.

    Approaches agricultural science from a biological perspective. Topics include environmental concerns, food spoilage and safety, the life processes of plants and animals, and how attention to these concepts increases efficiency in agricultural production. Also discusses new directions in agriculture and agricultural career choices. Useful for review of competencies 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and 10.

  11. Herren, R. V., & Cooper, E. L. (2002). Agricultural mechanics: Fundamentals & applications (4th ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning.

    Provides instruction on basic mechanical skills and applications, as well as information about career opportunities. Topics include tool identification and maintenance, small engines, electricity, electronics, and construction and masonry. Useful for review of competency 5.

  12. Jackson, N. S., Greer, W. J., & Baker, J. K. (2000). Animal health (3rd ed.). Danville, IL: Interstate Publishers.

    Provides basic information on animal health and disease prevention. Aims to enable animal owners to play an effective role in the prevention of disease in farm animals. Useful for review of competency 2.

  13. Kohls, R. L., & Uhl, J. N. (2002). Marketing of agricultural products (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

    Uses economic, marketing, and institutional approaches to introduce the facts, principles, and values involved in agricultural marketing. Includes contemporary issues such as biotechnology, direct farmer marketing, risk management, and the growing role and effective use of the Internet in the industry. Useful for review of competency 7.

  14. Lee, J. S., Hutter, J., Rudd, R., Westrom, L., Patrick, A. R., & Bull, A. M. (2004). Introduction to livestock & companion animals (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

    Explores veterinary technology, management techniques, and biotechnology in the animal agriculture industry. Introduces traditional production agriculture practices and the biology of animal growth and development. Includes information on animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, health, reproduction, and biotechnology. Useful for review of competency 2.

  15. Lee, J. S., Patrick, A. R., Vaughn, R., Vaughn-Randel, S., & Murphy, E. (2003). Agriscience discovery. Danville, IL: Interstate Publishers.

    Introduces the connection between science and agricultural concepts such as natural resources and the environment. Focuses on the application of science concepts through agricultural practice and the use of science to meet the needs of the world's inhabitants. Useful for review of competencies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10.

  16. Morgan, E. M., Lee, J. S., & Wilson, E. (2004). Agriscience explorations (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

    An introduction to the agriculture industry. Includes information on mechanical areas as well as career skills and leadership development. Useful for review of competencies 1 and 5.

  17. National Council for Agricultural Education, & National FFA Organization. (2002). A guide to local program success (2nd ed.). Indianapolis, IN: Authors.

    Introduces Local Program Success, a national initiative to build quality agricultural education programs. Includes tools and strategies developed by teachers and other agricultural education professionals to help strengthen local programs. Useful for review of competency 8.

  18. National FFA Organization. (2005). National FFA agriscience handbook. Indianapolis, IN: Author.

    Aims to help teachers and students develop supervised agriculture experience programs, to supplement the instruction of agriscience teachers and FFA advisors, and to provide guidance in completing applications for various FFA events, scholarships, and awards. Useful for review of competencies 7 and 8.

  19. Nelson, G. (2003). Florida's best native landscape plants: 200 readily available species for homeowners and professionals. Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida.

    Provides technical information on the design and maintenance of Florida gardens and landscapes using native plants. Details provided for each species include size and form, uses for landscaping or gardening, best features, range and distribution, physical appearance, culture, best companion plants, allergenic properties, cultivars, and similar species. Useful for review of competency 4.

  20. Olson, S. M., & Simonne, E. (Eds.). (2007). Vegetable production guide for Florida. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

    Covers all aspects of vegetable production in Florida. Includes information on soil management, fertilizer use, selection of plants, pest control, worker protection, weed management, disease management, and the harvesting, handling, and marketing of crops. Useful for review of competency 4.

  21. Parker, R. O. (2002). Aquaculture science (2nd ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning

    Covers the history, potential, descriptions, management, feeding, marketing, and diseases of aquatic animals and plants, as well as water and chemistry requirements for successful aquaculture. Offers information on careers in the aquaculture industry and includes information on chemistry, biology, and anatomy and physiology. Useful for review of competency 2.

  22. Parker, R. O. (2003). Introduction to food science. Albany, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning.

    Includes sections on basic chemistry and nutrition, food composition and preservation, environmental concerns, and world food needs. Also includes information on career opportunities in food science industries. Useful for review of competency 10.

  23. Parker, R. O. (2008). Equine science (3rd ed.). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning.

    Contains numerous tables, graphs, charts, and lists of critical information. Includes a comprehensive glossary and chapters on the horse industry, breeds and types of horses, and equine anatomy. Useful for review of competency 2.

  24. Phipps, L. J., Osborne, E. W., Dyer, J. E., & Ball, A. L. (2008). Handbook on agricultural education in public schools (6th ed.). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning.

    Addresses effective middle school and high school agricultural education in the context of national educational trends and policies. Emphasizes approaches to developing and delivering agricultural education programs, with a focus on strategies for enhancing learning in the core subjects, experiential learning, laboratory instruction, and problem solving. Useful for review of competency 8.

  25. Plaster, E. J. (2003). Soil science and management (4th ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning.

    Approaches soil science from the perspective of humans' interaction with soils, examining the essentials of soil science for farmers, horticulturists, environmentalists, and others. Emphasizes management and sustainable use of soils and water and includes information on nutrient management, best practices, and relevant legal issues and government programs. Useful for review of competency 3.

  26. Porter, L., Lee, J. S., Turner, D. L., & Hillan, M. (2003). Environmental science and technology (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

    Promotes foundational knowledge of scientific topics that influence the condition of the environment. Has a strong basis in the physical sciences and in the scientific principles that affect natural resources. Useful for review of competency 6.

  27. Powers, L.E., & MacSorley, R. (2000). Ecological principles of agriculture. Albany, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning.

    Introduces ecological principles and the practical application of these principles in agriculture. Aims to help readers understand the ecological processes inherent in agricultural systems as well as their implications for agricultural management. Useful for review of competency 6.

  28. Ricketts, C. (2003). Leadership: Personal development and career success (2nd ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning.

    Emphasizes training for leadership, personal development, and career selection and success. Explores the relationship of learning styles and personality types to career choices. Includes rules and score sheets for career development related to FFA Creed speaking, public speaking, and parliamentary procedure. Useful for review of competency 1.

  29. Ricketts, C., & Rawlins, N. O. (2001). Introduction to agribusiness. Albany, NY: Delmar Thomson Learning.

    Details the fundamental principles and applications of agribusiness. Topics include commodity marketing, international agriculture marketing, and food and fiber processing channels. Discusses employment opportunities, and includes information on starting, running, and managing an agribusiness. Useful for review of competency 7

  30. Talbert, B. A., Vaughn, R., & Croom, D. B. (2005). Foundations of agricultural education. Caitlin, IL: Professional Educators Publications.

    A foundational handbook that introduces the elements necessary to be a teacher of agricultural education. Explores current content, terminology, practices, and theory while providing information on the historical and philosophical foundations of agricultural education. Useful for review of competency 8.

  31. Theiman, W. J., & Palladino, M. A. (2008). Introduction to Biotechnology (2nd ed.). San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings.

    Provides coverage of basic molecular biology and applications of biotechnology. Includes sections on genes and genomes, recombinant DNA technology, forensic analysis and applications in agriculture and medicine. Useful for review of competency 9.

 

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