Precision Agriculture
Precision Agriculture is a new program at Highland Community College
What is Precision Ag?
Precision Agriculture is the practice of using remote sensing, soil sampling and information management tools to improve production. Precision agriculture is about whole farm management with the goal of optimizing returns on inputs while preserving resources. It relies on growing technologies like satellite imagery, information technology and geospatial tools.
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 (Geographical Information Systems), Precision Ag technicians will install, operate, troubleshoot and repair precision ag systems. Technicians will also use the 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 an 19-hour certificate, 34-hour certificate, and an AAS degree in Precision Agriculture.
Get Started on your Precision Ag Degree! Choose the program that fits your needs.
19 Hour Certificate A |
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Course # |
Course Name |
Credit |
AB 130 |
Precision Farming Systems |
3 |
AB 132 |
Agricultural Data Management Systems |
3 |
AB 134 |
Precision Farming Hardware |
3 |
AB 136 |
Introduction to Agricultural GIS |
3 |
AB 142 |
Field Mapping for Decision Making |
3 |
AB 148 |
Positioning Systems Management |
3 |
AB 199 or |
Individual Study Project in Agriculture |
1 |
AB 244 |
Precision Agriculture Capstone |
3 |
34 Hour Certificate B |
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| All courses included in the Certificate A are marked with an asterick | ||
Course # |
Course Name |
Credit |
AB 114 |
Agriculture Orientation |
2 |
AB 128 |
Agriculture Electronic Devices & Systems |
3 |
*AB 130 |
Precision Farming Systems |
3 |
*AB 132 |
Agricultural Data Management Systems |
3 |
*AB 134 |
Precision Farming Hardware |
3 |
*AB 136 |
Introduction to Agricultural GIS |
3 |
AB 138 |
Remote Sensing |
3 |
*AB 142 |
Field Mapping for Decision Making |
3 |
AB 144 |
Intermediate Agricultural GIS |
3 |
AB 146 |
Aerial Systems Management |
2 |
*AB 148 |
Positioning Systems Management |
3 |
AB 244 |
Precision Agriculture Capstone |
3 |
Precision AG AAS Degree (65 Hours) |
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AAS degree in Precision Ag students complete the Cert B (34 hours, course listed above) plus the courses listed below |
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AB 140 |
Introduction to Arcview |
3 |
AB 203 |
Soils and Soils Lab |
4 |
AB 227 |
Agriculture Microcomputer |
3 |
AB 224 |
Range Management |
3 |
ENG101 |
College English |
3 |
ENG102 or SP 106 |
College English II or Public Speaking |
3 |
PE |
Any PE course |
1 |
PS 107 |
General Chemistry w/ Lab |
5 |
Humanities and Fine Arts |
Any course listed on degree sheet |
3 |
Social & Behavioral Science |
Any course listed on degree sheet |
3 |
| 1 |