Program Coordinator/Contact
Van Kelley, Department Head
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Agricultural Engineering 105, Box 2120
605-688-5666
E-mail: van.kelley@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/agricultural-and-biosystems-engineering
Click here for additional information.
David Wright, Department Head
Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science
Berg Agricultural Hall 244, Box 2207
605-688-5123
E-mail: david.wright@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/plant-science
Click here for additional information.
Program Information
The Precision Agriculture major prepares students for careers that bridge the gaps between agronomy, agriculture machinery management, and data sciences caused by the rapid evolution of high-speed sensor technology.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Precision Agriculture major, students will:
- make effective agronomic recommendations for crop management, soil management, pest management, and environmental stewardship.
- have general knowledge of precision agriculture technology.
- demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of precision agriculture.
- produce accurate digital maps of fields using spatial information within specialized software.
- solve complex agronomic and environmental problems using precision agriculture tools.
- operate precision agriculture equipment (monitors, controllers, etc.), operational knowledge of precision agriculture software (database query, interface, and mapping) and computer spreadsheet applications to record and analyze agricultural field data, understand statistical standards to produce meaningful management recommendations.
- be able install, calibrate, troubleshoot and repair precision agriculture hardware and equipment, including electrical/mechanical/ hydraulic/software systems.
- effectively communicate within precision agriculture activities.
Academic Requirements
Students must earn at least a C grade in each major required class and must earn at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA in the major required classes including PS 213-213L and ABS 475-475L .
Course Delivery Format
Instruction will occur through a combination of traditional classroom methods, laboratory exercises using current agricultural production technologies, and agricultural mapping software.
