Precision Agriculture

Precision Agriculture is a new program at Highland Community College and is available at two HCC locations - the Technical Center in Atchison and the Western Center in Baileyville.  

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

 

• Wage Survey & HCC Completer Employment

 

First Semester		Credits
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
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

 

For more information

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

Amy DuLac, Technical Center Admissions/Student Services Representative, 785-442-6180 hcctc@highlandcc.edu