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Developing a 21st century workforce
New Digital Agronomy program equips students for new agriculture technology careers
| Story by Morgan Graham Photos by Morgan Graham and Tennessee College of Applied Technology |
12/23/2020 |
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Covington started its new Digital Agronomy program Sept. 11 with the goal of helping students gain a foundation in conventional and regenerative agricultural practices with a focus on 21st century technology.
“This class is a flagship program for the state of Tennessee, and we are excited to bring this new curriculum to students,” says course instructor Louis Gaither. “We have a great group of 14 students from diverse backgrounds that are looking to apply what they learn here in many different fields within agriculture.”
The new 3-trimester program covers 1,296 hours of coursework and teaches students about GIS mapping, precision agriculture, crop management and irrigation practices, and drone piloting. Unlike traditional college classes, this program offers 60 percent of its class work as in-field training.
“The hands-on experience the students receive through this program is invaluable,” says Louis, a long-time instructor for the TCAT system. “For them to see a real-life scenario instead of a control example, will only better prepare them for working with farmers in many different areas.”
During the program, students will receive a certificate after completing each trimester. After completion of the entire 3-trimester program, students will have a Digital Agronomy Helper Certificate, Digital Agronomy Junior Assistant Certificate, Digital Agronomy Assistant Diploma, and an FAA Drone Pilot License, allowing students to fly drones under the federal mandate.
The Digital Agronomy class room is equipped with the latest technology including three drone simulation stations where students can practice using a drone controller, soil analyzing equipment, four digital microscope stations that allow students to analyze soil they have collected from field assignments, an operator interface that allow students to become familiar with the newest technology for planting, harvesting, and fertilizing. Additionally, each student has access to a new iPad that will be used in coordination with one of the four drones while practicing flying exercises.
The new program was funded by a Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) Grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development in the amount of $978,813 over three years for personnel, purchase of classroom technology and equipment, and two 15-passenger vans for travel to and from work-based learning sites. In addition to the GIVE Grant, the program was also awarded another $79,705 from a Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Grant for retrofitting and modernization of the TCAT Digital Agronomy classroom.
“With ag technology and sustainability at the forefront of our industry, it's a great asset to have the Digital Agronomy Program at TCAT building a foundation for individuals looking for a career in agronomy, says GreenPoint AG’s Marketing Manager of Digital Experience Julia Austin.
For students like Luke Alstine, who have been around agriculture but not directly involved, the program provides an opportunity to sharpen his knowledge and understanding of agriculture and agricultural practices.
“The amount of knowledge, I’ve gained through this program has truly shocked me,” says the 19-year-old Oakland resident. “I knew I would learn some, but the hands-on experience has really helped me tie all the pieces together, especially with GIS mapping and soil sampling.”
With the strong start, there is talk of expanding the program into a two-year associates degree at Motlow State Community College by Fall of 2021. The program also hopes to begin a dual enrollment process with Lauderdale and Shelby County schools to cultivate student’s interest in agriculture.
For more information on the program and how to apply visit www.tcatcovington.edu or email Derravia Rich at derravia.rich@tcatcovington.edu
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