Examines proven strategies designed to help learners achieve greater personal, academic, and professional success. Learners will apply personal responsibility thinking and behaviors; self- management, awareness, and motivation strategies; as well as interdependence skills to develop a proactive life plan.

Familiarizes learners with the Agriculture Center of Excellence and standard operating procedures. Learners will begin to develop a strategic college plan. Learners will be exposed to the various opportunities available throughout their program of study. This course will acquaint students with basic agronomy practices and learners will begin the process of managing acres of cropland that will continue throughout the program.

Examines basic soil and plant relationships. Soil fertility is important in considering the role that the soil plays with regard to the availability of nutrients to plants. Learners will study nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as other macro and micro nutrients. Learners will practice appropriate sampling, analyzing and interpretation of soil sample results. Various soil management practices will be discussed, along with soil physical, chemical and biological properties. The soil profile will be examined.

Explore the work environment of an agriculture equipment technician. Learners will practice safe use of basic hand and power tools. Additionally, learners will cover various types of equipment safe operation in both a shop and farm environment. Learners will complete an agriculture equipment driving examination. 

Introduces learners to the fundamental concepts and technologies used in precision agriculture through hands-on, experiential learning. Students explore the role of GPS/GNSS, basic mapping tools, remote sensing imagery, and field data collection in modern crop production. Activities include using GPS devices to collect georeferenced points, interpreting simple agronomic maps, and conducting basic crop scouting observations. Emphasis is placed on understanding how technology improves production efficiency, sustainability, and farm decision-making.

Provides an in-depth study of precision agriculture systems, data management tools, and site-specific crop management strategies. Learners examine the operation and accuracy of GPS/GNSS systems, yield monitors, grid and zone soil sampling, remote sensing technologies, and autosteer guidance and implement rate control systems. Students analyze agronomic data, interpret aerial imagery, create management zones, and develop variable-rate prescriptions using precision agriculture software. Hands-on lab work supports skill development in equipment operation, software use, and data interpretation for modern agronomic practices.

Prepares learners for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, the credential required for commercial drone operations. Students develop foundational knowledge in aviation regulations, airspace classifications, weather impacts, crew resource management, radio communications, and emergency procedures. Although this course has limited hands-on flight time, learners build essential decision-making skills for safe and compliant UAS operation and are fully prepared to take the FAA Part 107 exam.

Provides hands-on training in the operational use of drones for agricultural production systems. Learners develop practical piloting skills through basic flight operations designed to build control familiarization and safe aircraft handling. Students perform agricultural videography and photography, create remote sensing missions for generating digital aerial maps and topographic models, and design flight plans that adapt to landscape terrain. The course emphasizes precision agriculture techniques, including targeted applications to specific crops or pest zones. Learners will also explore and practice unmanned aerial applications such as overseeding cover crops and forages, as well as workflows related to fertilization, fungicide, and herbicide treatments.

Explores grid sampling sizes, plant nutrient analysis, CEC, base saturation and nutrient management planning. Learners will apply classroom theory through hands-on activities such as grid sampling, plant identification and pest identification. Furthermore, learners will gain a greater understanding of plant nutrient testing and the implication of soil sampling test results. Learners will examine soil conservation practices, soil nutrition and pesticide application.

Examines natural resource management, using remote sensing and GIS for mapping resources. Learners will gather and analyze data with the help of remote sensing technology. Data can be collected using ground or aerial photographs or satellite photographs of the land area being studied. With this data, learners will be able to create various land cover maps, vegetation maps, soil maps and geology maps.

Introduces students to the use of agronomic data technologies to support precision agriculture decision-making. Students learn to manage, analyze, and interpret spatial agronomic datasets using industry-standard software such as SMS AgLeader, GIS platforms, and aerial imagery tools. Emphasis is placed on understanding field variability, developing management zones, creating data-driven prescription maps, and evaluating economic outcomes.

Familiarizes learners with pest management practices. Pest management requires modern equipment to apply a variety of pesticides, and there is a vast array of equipment on the market. Learners will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to make an effective, safe and efficient application following label instructions. Learners will examine methods of application, equipment choices and calibration and cleaning. Learners will be prepared to take the pesticide applicator exam upon completion of this course.

Implement use of precision agriculture technologies used in modern crop production. Students will prepare, calibrate, and operate precision equipment to carry out planting, spreading, and spraying operations using both tractor-mounted and UAV-based systems where appropriate. Emphasis is placed on executing prescriptive applications accurately, monitoring performance in real time, and verifying results using field-based and digital evaluation methods. By the end of the course, students will complete full-process precision agriculture projects that mirror professional workflows used in production agriculture.

Introduces key principles of plant biology and taxonomy, emphasizing practical applications in horticulture and agriculture. Students will learn to categorize common plant species within the Plant Kingdom using taxonomic classification systems and will explore the major garden, specialty, and agronomic crops grown across Wisconsin. Through hands-on activities, learners will diagram the anatomical structures of seeds and develop a clear understanding of the biological and environmental requirements for successful seed germination. Provides students with essential plant science knowledge applicable to gardening, crop production, and environmental studies.

Introduces students to the essential principles of plant biology and growth. Students will conduct a plant-based research project using the Scientific Method and explore plant cell structures, functions, and the stages of mitosis and meiosis. The course examines major plant organs and tissues, key metabolic processes such as photosynthesis and respiration, and the roles of plant vitamins, hormones, and nutrients. Learners will also outline water and nutrient transport, investigate plant-environment interactions, and gain foundational knowledge in plant genetics and plant breeding.

Examines the principles of farm crop production, including classification, growth and management of corn, soybeans, alfalfa, barley, as well as other Midwest crops. Learners will explore soil preparation, plant physiology, planting dates, planting depths and seeding rates for various types of crops. Furthermore, learners will engage in the study of plant structure identification. Different types of equipment used in planting and harvesting will be explored and discussed during the course.