Is This Program for You?

The Precision Agronomy program is perfect for individuals passionate about agriculture who are ready to embrace the future of farming. If you’re curious about using cutting-edge technology to improve crop management, want to make data-driven decisions, and enjoy working hands-on in the field, this program is for you. Ideal candidates are those who have a strong connection to rural life, a desire to contribute to the sustainability and profitability of farming in Southwest Wisconsin, and an eagerness to lead agriculture into a new era.

Students entering the Precision Agronomy program should:

• Have an interest in combining traditional farming practices with innovative technology.
• Be excited to learn about GPS-guided equipment, soil analysis, and crop management tools.
• Enjoy hands-on learning experiences, including working on our newly acquired 80 acres of cropland.
• Have a strong commitment to supporting the agriculture industry in rural communities.
• Be motivated to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and productivity in farming.

Program Basics

• Length: Two-year associate degree
• Format: Combines classroom learning with hands-on fieldwork on 80 acres of cropland
• Focus Areas: Precision farming technology, soil science, crop management, and sustainable agriculture practices
• Career Outlook: Graduates will be prepared for careers as precision agronomists, crop consultants, farm managers, or ag-tech specialists, with opportunities to work in agricultural cooperatives, private farms, or agribusiness companies
• Location: Southwest Tech, situated in the heart of Wisconsin's agricultural region, providing real-world learning in a rural setting

Cost of Attendance (COA) 25-26

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.

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.

Admission and Program Requirements

• Submit Application
  
Admissions Preference Policy
Most programs admit students as applications are completed. For certain high-enrollment programs with limited space, applications are reviewed in order of residency and review dates. Programs currently in this category include Radiography, Electrical Power Distribution, Midwifery, Cosmetology, and Nail Technician. Learn more about our Admissions and Wait List Policy.

Academic Preparedness Requirements

Log in to your MySWTC account, go to My Profile → Document Center → All Programs to complete the following:


• Send your transcripts and scores to Southwest Tech: While not required, sending your transcripts and test scores helps us 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 your high school transcripts, college transcripts, and test scores by emailing admissions@swtc.edu, or mailing them to Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
• Career Assessment Plan
  Start your Student Success Plan by exploring your career interests, talking through your program choice, and confirming your path feels like the right fit. This step can be completed either by setting up a One-on-One Career Assessment Meeting with a recruiter or as part of your Student Success Plan Meeting with an advisor. Schedule a Student Success Plan Meeting by clicking “Make an appointment” with your program advisor.
• Academic Map + Supports & Services Plan
  Continue building your Student Success Plan by planning your courses, reviewing funding options, and connecting with resources. To complete this step, schedule a Student Success Plan Meeting by clicking “Make an appointment” with your program advisor.

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

• Agribusiness Science & Technology – Agribusiness Management
• Agribusiness Science & Technology - Agronomy Technician
• Animal Science

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:

• Precision Agronomist: Specializes in applying precision agriculture technologies to optimize crop production and resource management.
• Crop Consultant: Advises farmers on crop management practices, including the use of precision agriculture techniques
• Precision Agriculture Technician: Performs systems/ equipment installations and provides technical support for assigned product lines.
• GIS Technician: Uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map and analyze spatial data for precision farming applications.
• Farm Manager: Oversees farm operations, including the implementation of precision agronomy practices to enhance crop production.
• Agricultural Technology Sales Representative: Sells precision agriculture products and solutions, such as software, sensors, and machinery, to farmers and agribusinesses.
• Soil Scientist Technician: Studies soil properties and their impact on crop growth, often using precision agriculture tools to collect and analyze soil data.
• Entrepreneurship: By applying innovative business strategies and technical knowledge, you can identify new income streams, optimize resource use, and increase the overall efficiency of your farm.

Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

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.

Agronomy Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

Course #	Course Title	Challenge Exam (Demonstration)	Challenge Exam (Standard)	CLEP	Credential	Portfolio
10-006-197	Agribusiness Experiential Learning
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
10-809-196	Introduction to Sociology