Precision Agriculture

Precision Agriculture is available at the Western Center in Baileyville and the Technical Center in Atchison.  

What is Precision Ag?

Precision Agriculture is a study of the basic principles of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Position System (GPS) and how the systems, along with the currently available and emerging technologies, are applied to the site-specific management of production agricultural resources, as a producer, advisor, or technician in the Precision Agricultural Field. 

Program content includes:

  • GPS Soil Sampling
  • Remote Sensing Technology
  • Computer-Based Applications
  • Variable Rate Technology
  • Hands-on Learning

 

Why consider Precision Ag?

Precision Ag is used more and more in local farming operations. With the increasing availability of such mapping technologies as GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems), Precision Ag technicians will install, operate, troubleshoot, and repair precision ag systems. Technicians will also use advanced processing software to collect, visualize, and analyze data.

Students completing a certificate or degree program in Precision Ag will be more competent in their own farm operations or obtain positions such as Precision Ag Technicians (implement dealers), Crop Specialists, Nutrient Management Specialists, Precision Ag Department Managers, Precision Agronomists, and Precision Farming Coordinators.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in Precision Ag are expected to grow 10-19% from now through 2020. The average salary for someone working in this field is just over $40,000 per year.

 

What degrees are offered?

HCC offers a certificate program and an AAS degree in Precision Agriculture. 

 

Helpful Resources

 

First Semester

Course Name

Credits

SGE

AB 114

Agriculture Orientation

2

 

AB 116

Applied Agronomy for Precision Ag

3

 

AB 130

Precision Farming Systems

3

 

AB 118

Agricultural GIS

3

 

AB 138

Remote Sensing

3

 

AB 148

Positioning Systems Management    

3

 
 

Total for First Semester

17

 
Second Semester

Course Name

Credits

SGE

AB 128

Agriculture Electronic Devices & Systems

3

 

AB 132

Agricultural Data Management Systems   

3

 

AB 134

Precision Farming Hardware  

3

 

AB 142

Field Mapping for Decision Making 

3

 

AB 146

Aerial Systems Management

2

 

AB 244

Precision Agriculture Capstone

3

 
 

Total for Second Semester

17

 

 

Total Credits for Certificate

34

 

 

Systemwide General Education (SGE) Key
010 English 050 Social & Behavioral Sciences
020 Communications 060 Arts & Humanities
030 Math & Sciences 070 Institutionally Designated
040 Natural & Physical Sciences

 

For more information

Cara Baker, Western Center Director, Baileyville, KS 785-442-6240 cbaker@highlandcc.edu

Amy DuLac, Technical Center Director, Atchison, KS 785-442-6180 hcctc@highlandcc.edu

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