Printed on 4/30/2025

Precision Agriculture Technician

31-092-1 Technical Diploma (TD) Part Time, Full Time 30 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

The Precision Agriculture Technician technical diploma will introduce you to systems used in the high-tech industry of precision agriculture. You’ll learn how Global Positioning Systems (GPS) works and how it is used in farming. Through the coursework, you’ll gain the necessary skills to set up and properly operate high-tech equipment using today’s modern technology. In addition, you’ll gain basic knowledge in crop production to help in the selection of management practices within precision agriculture.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Occupational Specific (30 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Agriculture Internship
    10-006-115
    2Credit
    144
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 10006115
    • Credits: 2.00

    Provides students the opportunity to complete 144 hours of work experience in cooperation with an employer and FVTC. Students will give weekly work experience reports. Work Experience site visits will be completed by FVTC staff.Â

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 10006117 - Agriculture Career Preparation

  • Agriculture Career Preparation
    10-006-117
    1Credit
    18
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 18
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10006117
    • Credits: 1.00

    Assists students with career planning and business skills related to obtaining employment. An independent work experience is planned with each student in cooperation with an employer and FVTC staff.Â

  • Agricultural Crop Production
    10-006-119
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10006119
    • Credits: 3.00

    Prepares students to recognize and implement basic crop production management techniques for corn, soybeans, alfalfa, small grains and general forages used on Wisconsin farms. Field preparation, fertility, seed selection, planting and in-season management of specific crops will be emphasized.

  • Agronomy Equipment
    10-006-150
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10006150
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides students with an overview of various types of agronomy-related equipment including chemical and fertilizer applicators, planters and grain drills. Equipment operation, maintenance, calibration and safety will be emphasized. Both large and small equipment will be operated during the class.

  • Precision Ag Overview
    10-006-154
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10006154
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides an overview of precision farming concepts and the tools of precision farming (GPS, GIS and VRT). Covers the introductory use of each of these tools in the processes of a precision farming system. Hands-on activities with real farm data will provide an initial experience in the use of these tools. Economic and environmental benefits will also be discussed.

    PRECISION AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY (10-092-1) OR PRECISION AGRICULTURE TECHNICIAN (31-092-1)

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in the Program of Study of Precision Agriculture Technology (10-092-1) OR Precision Agriculture Technician (31-092-1)

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 94092001 - Precision Agriculture Shirts

  • Precision Agriculture Advanced
    10-006-159
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10006159
    • Credits: 3.00

    Explores future trends in the precision agriculture field. This course will expose students to new and emerging trends as they become available to the agriculture and precision farming industry. Students will learn how the technology works through hands-on activities and will also learn how to adapt the technology to current practices. Students will learn about unmanned aerial vehicles and FAA rules and regulations.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 10006154 - Precision Ag Overview

  • GIS Applications
    10-006-163
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10006163
    • Credits: 3.00

    Prepares students in the use of various Geographic Information Systems utilized in precision farming. Students will learn how to install and set up GIS software, transfer data, process field data, and create reports and/or prescription maps. Students will utilize hands-on computer exercises with real farm data to provide a practical experience.

  • Intro to Service Maintenance & Principles
    10-070-103
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10070103
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces students to service department functions, service related programs, and principles. Exposure to compact equipment with attachments. Students will learn assembly, pre-delivery, preventative maintenance inspection, along with basic maintenance techniques.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • COMMUNIC 10801195 - Written Communication

    • Student is in progress in Precision Agriculture Technician (31-092-1) Program of Study

  • Ag Planting Equipment
    10-070-120
    3Credit
    90
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10070120
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides a comprehensive study of planting equipment. There will be extensive coverage of planting and seeding equipment. Units to be covered will include no-till drills, corn planters and seed metering units. Students will work with the seed metering test stand to rebuild and calibrate the seed meters.

  • Ag DC Electrical Systems
    10-070-131
    3Credit
    90
    72

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10070131
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on DC electron flow theory, different types of circuits and troubleshooting the circuits. Students will also use schematics to diagnosis problems. Starting and charging systems will be covered.

  • Precision Equipment Systems
    10-070-137
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10070137
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces the student to the different precision farming GPS systems used on agriculture equipment. Students will learn proper set-up and installation of the systems. Students will work in the field with adjustments and settings as well as the GPS display and the different functions.

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Expected Competencies


For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

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Recommended Start College Now Course


What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:


What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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N/A


This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.