Precision Agriculture Program

Precision agriculture has moved traditional farming to an increasingly higher level of sophistication due in large part to the use of the global positioning system and other digital systems in day-to-day farming operations. Information technology has made the role of precision agriculture technicians indispensable to successful agricultural producers. Information technology has allowed these professionals to help food and feed producers make better decisions leading to lower production costs, higher levels of productivity and higher yield, while minimizing environmental impact. If blending an outdoor career with today’s IT system relates to your career aspirations, let the Precision Agriculture Program at Lansing Community College provide you with the academic preparation and training you need to pursue a successful career in the agribusiness industry.

Precision agriculture technicians are employed by agricultural cooperatives, agribusiness consultants, farm chemical firms and vendors, farm associations and other industries related to agriculture. The average starting salary for precision agriculture technicians is between $28,000 and $38,000 per year depending on the technician's employer and his/her level of experience, proper certification and licenses.

LCC offers both the Precision Agriculture Associate in Applied Science Degree and a certificate of achievement in the same area. We have an outstanding curriculum and an equally outstanding team of faculty members who know the industry and take pride in the opportunity to teach you the latest information and techniques used today. They care about you and want you to succeed.

Courses are offered throughout the year. Many are offered evenings as well as days to accommodate your schedule. Spring semester begins in January, summer semester begins in June, and fall classes begin in August.

We want you in our classroom next semester. If you need direction on how to begin at LCC, let us know what’s on your mind and what you need from LCC to get started. We’ve got a place waiting for you in our classroom that can lead you to a great career start. For specific information about our Precision Agriculture Program offerings, contact us online.
 

Landscape, Horticulture, Agriculture Programs
2007 Advisory Board

Career Facts
Precision Agriculture Technician

What does a precision agriculture technician do?
A precision agriculture technician is involved in applying the latest technologies such as geographic information systems and global positioning systems to the agricultural production and business management of today's agribusiness.  The technician will be involved with pest scouting, pesticide application, custom application, computer mapping and remote sensing as well as computer analysis of soils, fertilizers, pests and weather related activity.

What types of skills are required?
Precision agriculture technicians need to understand basic plant functions and growth as well as be able to identify insects, diseases, micro-organisms  and their control.  Integrated pest management and monitoring, plant identification of agronomic crops and weeds, computer technology, global positioning systems, yield monitors, weather satellites and geographic information systems are also becoming increasingly important in the agriculture industry.  Knowledge of this technology and how it applies to business management is critical.  Related areas include crop biotechnology and food systems.

Where are they employed?
Precision agriculture technicians are employed by agricultural cooperatives, agribusiness consultants, farm chemical firms and vendors, farm associations and industries related to agriculture.

What do they earn?
The average starting salary for precision agriculture technicians is between $28,000 and $38,000 per year depending on the technician's employer and his/her level of experience, proper certification and licenses.

What degrees are available?
An associate in applied science degree is available in Precision Agriculture and Sustainable Development as well as a Certificate of Achievement.

Career Pathway
Agriculture Technology is part of the Engineering/Manufacturing and Industrial Career Pathway of the Michigan Career Preparation System.

Faculty / Staff
Agriculture Technology Program

		JaNice Marshall, Department Chair
		pittsmoj@lcc.edu
		(517)483-1346
		Ellyn Meyers, Coordinator
		meyerse@lcc.edu
		(517)483-1336
		Katherine Hanson, Academic Advisor
		hansonk@lcc.edu
		(517)483-7083
		Robert Gardner, Instructor
		garnder@lcc.edu
		(517)483-1336

Related Links
Precision Agriculture Program