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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
    • Admissions Preference Policy

      Priority for program acceptance will be given in this order:

      1. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College District Residents (permanent address is in one of Southwest Tech’s 30 school districts the College serves) Southwest Tech District Information
        • January 1 for the following fall semester
        • May 1 for the following spring semester
        • October 1 for the following summer semester
      2. After the dates specified in (1) for District Residents, Non-District State Residents have priority equal to District Residents.
      3. Out-of-State Residents will be admitted after District and Non-District State Residents, as spaces remain available.

    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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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)
    CLEP
    Credential
    Portfolio
    10-006-113Precision Ag TechnologiesYes
    10-006-116Introduction to SoilsYes
    10-006-124Pesticide Applicator TrainingYes
    Pesticide Applicator
    10-006-125Crop Protection ProductsYes
    CCA Certification
    10-006-126Pest ID & Mgt/Crop ScoutingYes
    CCA Certification
    10-006-127Soil Fertility and FertilizersYes
    10-006-132Spatial Data Collection in AgricultureYes
    10-006-160Plant ScienceYes
    10-006-197Agribusiness Experiential LearningYes
    10-070-101Field Application EquipmentYes
    10-103-106Beginning Microsoft ExcelYes
    Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
    10-801-136English Composition 1Yes
    CLEP Test - College Composition
    10-801-196Oral/Interpersonal CommunicationYes
    10-804-123Math with Business ApplicationsYes
    10-809-172Introduction to Diversity StudiesYes