Precision Ag News

IvyTech opens new center of excellence for precision ag

Students interested in careers in precision agriculture equipment technology or diesel technology now have the opportunity to pursue certificates, technical certificates or associate of applied science degrees at the Ivy Tech Community College Terre Haute Campus.

The facility celebrated its opening and ribbon cutting today (Aug. 8). The Center of Excellence for Ivy Tech’s Precision Agriculture Equipment Technology program includes a 26,000 sq. ft. laboratory space housing a wide variety of agricultural equipment like tractors, combines, planters, spreaders, and drones, all incorporated with precision technologies for hands-on education for students. It also includes Diesel Technology equipment and training, and lecture and computer lab space for both programs.

Lea Anne Crooks, chancellor of Ivy Tech Terre Haute, said excitement for the programs and the new facility is high at Ivy Tech. Students from throughout the area, and even well beyond have shown interest, she said, adding that the Center of Excellence would not have been a reality had it not been for the many who have provided funding. “Thank you to those who have made this happen like our top donors which include the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Vigo County Redevelopment Commission, Bane Welker Equipment LLC, the United States Department of Agriculture, Waltrin Truck Repair, and the Harlan Family.”

Ellspermann said she was pleased to announce the Terre Haute campus as the Center of Excellence for Precision Agriculture Equipment Technology in Indiana. “This Center will immediately meet the workforce development needs of not only the Terre Haute service area and the entire state – but also the entire region.” She added that there are only five sub-baccalaureate programs in the nation, and Ivy Tech’s Precision Agriculture Equipment Technology Center of Excellence is one of them.

Senator Joe Donnelly, current member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said this program and new lab space is going to be the start of “so many great jobs for years to come.

“I was proud to be able to help kick start this with support during the EDA grant application. Now the beneficiaries (of the funding) will be the workforce,” he indicated.

“This is the future, and this is also the present. You’ve hit a grand slam on this one.”

According to David Will, dean of the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Applied Science, at the Center of Excellence, students can earn one or more of the following stackable degrees:
Technical Certificates
Agriculture Equipment Service Technician
(34 credit hours = 3 semesters)

Precision Agriculture Specialist
(34 credit hours = 3 semesters)

Precision Agriculture Technician
(34 credit hours = 3 semesters)

Associate of Applied Science
(60 credit hours = 5 semesters)

Ellspermann said these technical certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees uniquely prepare students for career fields currently in high demand with over 3000 job openings predicted annually through 2020. She added that Terre Haute is a great location in Indiana to have this Center of Excellence, as it is in the middle of the Corn Belt, and near major transportation systems.

The need for new agriculture training is great. Indiana is seeing an increase in the average age of its farm workers from 49 in 1950 to now approaching the age of 60. U.S. Department of Agriculture data indicates that farm output over roughly that same period of time increased 2.7 times.

Source :https://www.ivytech.edu/