The Precision Agronomy associate degree introduces students to the principles of precision agronomy, emphasizing the use of advanced technologies like GPS, sensors, and satellites for site-specific crop management. The course curriculum covers efficient utilization of inputs like soil, water, and nutrients, and how these practices lead to improved sustainability, productivity, and economic returns in agricultural operations. Graduates will be equipped with the skills to implement precision agronomy techniques, analyze agricultural data, and make informed decisions that enhance both sustainability and profitability in farming. Students will be prepared for careers in on-farm data management, agronomic consulting, and technology implementation in agriculture. This program structure offers a comprehensive view of precision agronomy, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills and emphasizing the economic benefits of adopting these advanced agricultural practices.
- Overview
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Is This Program for You?
Do you have a passion for business, technology, and agriculture? Do you excel both independently and as part of a team? Are you driven by innovation, with strong problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and excellent communication abilities? If so, the Precision Agronomy program could be the perfect fit for you
Students entering the Agribusiness, Science & Technology - Agronomy program should:
- Have a strong attention to detail.
- Enjoy working with people.
- Be willing to try new and innovative ideas.
- Have a good understanding of agriculture.
- Enjoy science and mathematics.
Program Basics
- Associate degree - requiring a minimum of two years to complete
- Classes are offered daytime, face to face, and on campus
- Fall or Spring Start
- Financial aid eligible
- Credit for prior learning may be available
- High school articulation courses accepted
Related Degrees
- Curriculum & Costs
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Cost of Attendance (COA) 24-25
Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.
Category Amount Tuition and Fees $4,820 Living Expenses (Housing and Food) $9,148 Books and Supplies $1,466 Personal Expenses $3,608 Transportation $4,018 Charger Tech 360 Fee $600 Loan Fees $84 Yearly Total (Living Away from Home) $23,744 1 Semester Total (Living Away from Home) $11,872 Based on Wisconsin Residents.
Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.
Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.
These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.
- Requirements
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Admission and Program Requirements
- Submit Application
- To make sure your classes are the right fit, we consider any previous college credit you've earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
Helpful Academic Background
- High school agriculture
- Communication skills
- Science
- Math courses
Program Fees
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
- Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.
Additional requirements
Students must have eye wear protection (safety glasses with side shields or wrap around safety glasses over prescription glasses) and must meet OSHA Z87.1 or greater while they are conducting operations that are deemed hazardous in nature. These glasses can be purchased at the College Bookstore.
- Outcomes
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Program Outcomes
At the completion of this program, students are expected to be able to:
- Analyze opportunities in agriculture.
- Apply relevant technologies.
- Demonstrate professionalism skills within the agricultural career areas.
- Develop a management plan in agriculture.
- Develop a crop management plan.
Related Degrees
- Career Opportunities
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Graduates obtain positions in a wide variety of specialty areas, and there is a vast amount of potential for those who have mid-management or upper-management career aspirations. The demand in this field is expected to remain high for several years in such jobs as:
- Sales Representative: Solicits and communicates with potential customers and follows up to assure customer satisfaction.
- Service Representative: Samples and analyzes soils and feeds and recommends corrective measures.
- Manager Trainee: Works in areas of sales, promotion, personnel, and administration.
- Crop Specialist: Works with farmers in evaluating crops, recommending alternative practices and chemicals.
Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.
- Transfers
- Prior Learning
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Credit for Prior Learning
Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!
Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.
For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.
At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.
Agribusiness Science & Technology - Agronomy Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:
Course # Course Title Challenge Exam
(Demonstration)Challenge Exam
(Standard)CLEPCredentialPortfolio10-006-113 Precision Ag Technologies 
10-006-116 Introduction to Soils 10-006-124 Pesticide Applicator Training Pesticide Applicator 10-006-125 Crop Protection Products CCA Certification 10-006-126 Pest ID & Mgt/Crop Scouting CCA Certification 10-006-127 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers 10-006-132 Spatial Data Collection in Agriculture 10-006-160 Plant Science 10-006-197 Agribusiness Experiential Learning 10-070-101 Field Application Equipment 10-103-106 Beginning Microsoft Excel Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL 10-801-136 English Composition 1 CLEP Test - College Composition 10-801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication 10-804-123 Math with Business Applications 10-809-172 Introduction to Diversity Studies