better decisions in the field
Precision Agriculture Technology
The Precision Agriculture Technology program at Lake Area Tech prepares you to work at the intersection of farming and technology. You’ll learn how to use data, equipment, and digital tools to improve efficiency, increase yields, and make more informed decisions in the field.
Hands-on training includes GPS and GIS systems, drones, variable rate technology, remote sensing, and precision data management, along with core knowledge in agronomy, soil health, and crop inputs. You’ll also build practical skills in equipment operation and maintenance, understanding how technology connects directly to day-to-day farm performance.
Through supervised occupational experience, you’ll apply what you learn in real-world settings, developing the ability to troubleshoot systems, interpret data, and optimize results. Graduates are prepared for careers as precision ag specialists, equipment technicians, crop consultants, drone operators, and ag technology professionals, or to continue into related four-year programs.
Students may also prepare for Commercial Applicator Certification, with guidance from instructors throughout the process.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Precision Agriculture Technology Highlights
- Hands-on experience with GPS, GIS, VRT, and drone (UAS) technologies
- Training in precision mapping, remote sensing, and ag data analysis
- Real-world fieldwork through supervised occupational experiences
- Instructors with extensive experience in precision ag systems
- Pathways for university transfer or immediate employment in the ag tech industry
Precision Agriculture Technology Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate proficiency in troubleshooting precision agriculture equipment and technology.
- Utilize precision mapping, and variable rate technology.
- Interpret precision agriculture data to support decision-making and profitability.
- Apply agronomy fundamentals to optimize field-level management and operations.
- Communicate effectively using agricultural terminology and data interpretation skills.
- Demonstrate agricultural retail management and selling principles.
- Implement agricultural laws, compliance regulations, and safety protocols.
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Precision Agriculture Technology Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Precision Agriculture Technology degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Precision Agriculture Technology sector.
Precision Agriculture Specialist
Graduates of the Precision Agriculture Technology program can pursue careers as Precision Agriculture Specialists, helping producers use technology to improve efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. In this role, you'll work with GPS guidance systems, field mapping software, data analytics, and precision farming tools to help farmers make informed management decisions. This career is ideal for individuals who enjoy both agriculture and technology.
Where you might work:
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Agronomy retailers
• Precision agriculture service providers
• Farm management companies
• Agricultural consulting firms
Precision Equipment Technician
As a Precision Equipment Technician, you'll install, maintain, and troubleshoot the advanced technology systems found on today's agricultural equipment. Graduates can expect to work with GPS guidance systems, monitors, sensors, and automated equipment that help producers maximize productivity in the field. This role combines mechanical aptitude with technical problem-solving.
Where you might work:
• Equipment dealerships
• Agricultural equipment manufacturers
• Precision ag service companies
• Farm equipment service centers
• Agricultural technology providers
Crop Technology Specialist
Crop Technology Specialists help producers use data and technology to improve crop performance and maximize yields. In this role, you'll analyze field data, support variable-rate application programs, monitor crop health, and provide recommendations that support efficient crop production. This career blends agronomy, technology, and customer service.
Where you might work:
• Agronomy companies
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Crop consulting firms
• Seed companies
• Precision agriculture service providers
Agricultural Drone Operator
As an Agricultural Drone Operator, you'll use unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to collect field data and provide valuable insights that support modern farming operations. Graduates can expect to capture aerial imagery, monitor crop conditions, identify field variability, and help producers make data-driven management decisions. This role places professionals at the forefront of emerging agricultural technologies.
Where you might work:
• Precision agriculture companies
• Crop consulting firms
• Agricultural service providers
• Agronomy organizations
• Independent drone service businesses
Precision Ag Data Analyst
Precision Ag Data Analysts help transform field data into actionable information for producers and agribusinesses. In this role, you'll manage digital records, analyze yield data, create field maps, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability. This career is ideal for graduates who enjoy technology, data analysis, and agricultural decision-making.
Where you might work:
• Precision agriculture companies
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Agronomy retailers
• Farm management organizations
• Agricultural technology providers
Ag Technology Sales Representative
Ag Technology Sales Representatives help producers evaluate and implement the tools that drive modern farming operations. In this role, you'll build customer relationships, demonstrate technology solutions, provide technical support, and help producers improve productivity through precision agriculture systems. This career combines agriculture, technology, and business development.
Where you might work:
• Precision ag technology companies
• Equipment dealerships
• Agricultural software providers
• Agronomy retailers
• Agricultural equipment manufacturers
Degree Pairings
Explore relevant classes and certificates below to see how they can increase hirability post-graduation.
Precision Agriculture Technology+ Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Drones) Certificate
August start only.
There is a fast-growing demand for workers who can operate and maintain uncrewed aircraft systems in our region. The Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Drones) Certificate coursework will equip students with the necessary skills to be employed as uncrewed aerial system operators/pilots and technicians. Graduates will learn the laws and ethical procedures for operating Uncrewed Aerial Systems and will have the knowledge and skills to become a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificated Remote Pilot (Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate). Beginning fall 2025, Uncrewed Aerial Systems is an 18-credit, two-semester certificate delivered in a hybrid format with both online and on-campus components.
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
Getting all of this straight can be tough – but you're not alone. Our representatives are here to help.
"I appreciated the smaller class sizes. I felt that was more conducive to my learning style as I was more comfortable asking questions and meeting with instructors outside of class."
Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $9,648 |
| State Fees | $3,240 |
| Departmental Fee | $2,516 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,232 |
| Uniform Fee | $100 |
| Books | $1,100 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $20,026 |
We know that college is a significant investment in your future. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate. You can find these estimates and a semester breakdown in the PDF cost breakdown worksheet.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Precision Agriculture Technology FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
What is precision agriculture?
Precision agriculture is a data-driven approach to farming that uses technology such as GPS guidance, variable rate application, drones, sensors, and farm management software to improve crop performance, reduce input costs, and increase sustainability. Instead of treating every acre the same, precision ag allows farmers to make site-specific decisions based on real-time and historical data.
What careers can I pursue with a precision agriculture degree?
Graduates of a precision agriculture technology program can pursue careers such as:
- Precision agriculture technician
- Ag technology specialist
- Farm or ranch operations manager
- Agronomy and crop consulting technician
- Precision equipment and GPS support specialist
- Data and farm management technician
- UAS (drone) operator for agriculture
- Variable rate and soil mapping specialist
- Precision irrigation and water management technician
These roles are in demand across production agriculture, ag retail, equipment dealerships, and ag technology companies.
How does the precision ag technology program prepare students for modern farming?
The program prepares students by combining agronomy fundamentals with advanced technology training. Students learn how to:
- Collect and interpret field data
- Operate GPS-guided equipment
- Apply precision farming tools in real farm scenarios
- Use digital platforms to support management decisions
- Integrate technology into whole-farm operations
This ensures graduates are ready for modern, technology-driven agriculture operations.
What skills will I learn in a precision agriculture associate program?
Students gain both technical and practical skills, including:
- GPS and auto-steer systems setup
- Variable rate application and prescription mapping
- Soil sampling and fertility mapping
- Crop monitoring and yield data analysis
- Remote sensing and drone-based imagery
- Precision irrigation and water management
- Equipment calibration and ag-tech mechanics basics
- Farm management and ag business decision support
Is hands-on training included in a precision agriculture technology degree?
Yes. Lake Area Tech emphasizes hands-on, applied learning. Students work directly with:
- Precision-equipped tractors and implements
- GPS displays and controllers
- Drones and remote sensing tools
- Field data collection equipment
- Industry-standard ag software
Lab work, field exercises, and real-world scenarios are a core part of the program.
Can I use drones and GPS systems after completing a precision ag certificate or degree?
Yes. Graduates are trained to operate GPS-guided farming systems and drone technology for agricultural applications such as crop scouting, field mapping, and data collection. The program provides foundational training in UAS agriculture and uncrewed aerial systems, preparing students for industry use and further certifications if desired.
How does precision agriculture technology help improve sustainability on the farm?
Precision agriculture improves sustainability by:
- Reducing fertilizer, chemical, and water overuse
- Improving soil health through targeted applications
- Increasing yields while lowering environmental impact
- Supporting conservation and resource efficiency
Data-driven decisions lead to more profitable and environmentally responsible farming.
What equipment and software tools are used in precision agriculture training?
Students train with industry-relevant tools such as:
- GPS guidance and auto-steer systems
- Variable rate controllers
- Yield monitors and soil mapping tools
- Drone platforms and remote sensing software
- Precision ag displays and data management platforms
- Farm management and agronomy software
This mirrors what graduates will encounter in the workforce.
Are there internships or field experiences in a precision farming degree program?
Yes. The program emphasizes real-world experience through:
- Field labs and applied coursework
- Industry partnerships
- Internship or cooperative learning opportunities
- Exposure to ag retailers, producers, and equipment dealerships
These experiences help students build industry connections and job-ready skills.
How much does the precision agriculture program cost and what financial aid is available?
Program costs follow Lake Area Technical College’s standard tuition and fee structure. Students may qualify for:
- Federal and state financial aid
- Scholarships
- Workforce and technical education grants
- Veteran and employer-sponsored funding
The admissions or financial aid office can provide personalized cost and aid estimates.
What makes Lake Area Tech’s precision agriculture technology program unique compared to other schools?
Lake Area Tech’s program stands out because it offers:
- Hands-on training with modern ag technology
- A strong balance of agronomy, technology, and business
- Industry-aligned equipment and software
- Small class sizes and individualized instruction
- Strong ties to regional agriculture and employers
- Career-focused education designed to get students job-ready quickly
Graduates leave prepared to step directly into precision farming, ag tech, and modern farm management roles.
Precision Agriculture Technology Staff
Field-tested. Student-ready. Our esteemed staff is prepared to walk with you through every step of your collegiate career.
