Agronomy e-Learning Academy Courses

The business of growing crops has become increasingly complicated in recent years, as agriculture has been challenged with growing demands to increase production while minimizing the environmental impact. New technologies and a knowledge-based future will demand a more thorough understanding​ of the entire crop production system.

Advances in technology h​ave also expanded Purdue University’s educational outreach. Courses offered through Purdue’s Agronomy e-Learning Academy are designed to meet the educational needs of professionals in all areas of agriculture. Two courses are available, and additional courses are being planned for future release. Our two current courses are designed to follow a 12-week schedule. Because the pre-recorded course content is housed on Purdue’s Blackboard site and is accessible 24 hours per day/ 7 days per week, busy professionals can plan their study time according to their individual schedules.​

Course graduates receive a certificate of completion. Those who complete all three courses will receive a Crop Professional Certificate in addition to the course certificates.

Our past students have given us high marks. Of all 237 respondents on our anonymous end-of-course surveys for both courses over the past year:

97% Said They Would Recommend or Highly Recommend the Course.
98% Agreed or Strongly Agreed that they Improved Their Understanding of the Subject.
99% Agreed or Strongly Agreed that the Course Content Was Appropriate to the Aims and Objectives.​​

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2016-2017 Course Schedule

Agronomy Essentials

• September 21 through December 14, 2016
  
• January 18 through April 12, 2017
• June 14 through September 6, 2017
• September 20 through December 13, 2017

Precision Agriculture

• September 21 through December 14, 2016
• January 18 through April 12, 2017
  
• June 14 through September 6, 2017
• September 20 through December 13, 2017​

Nutrient Management

• January 18 through April 12, 2017
• June 14 through September 6, 2017
• September 20 through December 13, 2017
  

Agronomy Essentials

Recipient of the 2015 Award for E​xcellence in Distance Learning For Professional Development

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Overview and Syllabus​

Agronomy Essentials, the inaugural course within Agronomy e-Learning Academy, was designed by Bruce Erickson, PhD, to meet the needs of professionals in all areas of agriculture. The course provides a comprehensive baseline understanding of agronomy for growers and employees of agricultural service and supply companies. Agronomy Essentials promotes important knowledge that will expand the learner’s understanding and communication skills.

Recognized for quality teaching and professional presentation, Agronomy Essentials was the 2015 recipient of Purdue University’s Award for Excellence in Distance Learning for professional development.

Over the twelve weeks of the course, Agronomy Essentials covers six major units of study, each with multiple modules that delve into the specifics within the major topics. The course begins with a detailed study of soil and proceeds by following the growing process from soil preparation and seed selection through harvest and utilization. To provide this core knowledge, Agronomy Essentials presents through 100 high-definition video lessons, supplemented with reading, graphics, downloadable slides, tests, and additional reading resources. This multiple pronged approach aims to appeal to different learning styles and maximizes retention of the knowledge.

A small sampling of statements by graduates on the anonymous end-of-course survey:

"I found the entire course covers crucial knowledge that is necessary to have to be successful in any agricultural work field."
"Each section went in depth enough to get a reasonable understanding. Well laid out and great to follow along. I believe it is a must for anyone who is getting into the wholesale or retail side of the farm equipment business."
"The course is well organized and very flexible for a professional’s schedule."

Agronomy Essentials is designed for participants to complete one unit every two weeks, but students can work ahead as they choose. Each unit requires approximately four to five hours of study. Once a student completes a module, the next one opens. Once opened, the 26 modules remain open for review throughout the course.

Course graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from Purdue Digital Education that is suitable for framing. Certified Crop Advisers also receive 25 continuing education units.

For answers to your questions about Agronomy Essentials content, contact berickso@purdue.edu. For all other questions, including early registration discounts, contact janblack@purdue.edu. Tuition is listed on the registration site.

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Precision Agriculture

Understanding the Science of Site-Specific Agriculture

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Overview and Syllabus​​​

Applying technology to crop production through mechanization, fertilizers, crop protection chemistry, genetics, and other innovations over the years has resulted in multiple-fold gains in productivity and efficiency. The application of information technology to crop production, known as precision agriculture, has already transformed many aspects of crop production and promises even more. Today’s precision farming era took root in the 1990’s, but its origins go back further from advancements in computer processing, data storage and transmission capabilities, global positioning systems, robotics, and much more.

While the capabilities of precision agriculture have progressed dramatically in recent years, an inability to understand and apply these to benefit crop production can greatly limit utility. Change has come so fast that many involved in crop production are unfamiliar with, or uncomfortable working around, an often intimidating array of sensors, controllers, monitors, and computer programs. Variability within a field can be quantified, but what is its cause and what remedies will allow us to reduce inputs or increase yields?

Precision Agriculture is a fully online 12-week course that provides knowledge from which practitioners working in agriculture can better understand the science of site-specific agriculture to help themselves, their customers, and their companies succeed. Designed for working professionals who must mix continuing education with work, family, and other responsibilities, participants in the course can access content at their convenience on their computers, tablets, and mobile devices.

The foundation of the twelve weekly modules are dozens of high-definition video lessons featuring leaders in precision agriculture, along with supplemental reading, graphics, glossaries, and tests. Participants will want to plan on one to two hours of study each week. Through the combination of teaching techniques, this course connects with a variety of learning styles and was specifically designed to meet the needs of off-campus learners. Course graduates receive certificates of completion. Certified Crop Advisers also receive 18 continuing education units.

For answers to your questions about Precision Agriculture, contact berickso@purdue.edu. For all other questions, including early registration discounts, contact janblack@purdue.edu. Tuition is listed on the registration site.

A small sampling of statements by graduates on the anonymous end-of-course survey:

“It (the course) was well put together and managed.”
“I enjoyed it very much & would be keen to take the next advanced version.”
“It was a great course. I will use this knowledge in my career. Thank you!”

Nutrient Management

Announcing January 2017 release

Overview and Syllabus (Draft)​​

Agricultural nutrient applications are associated with some of today’s most concerning environmental issues, including impacts on water quality and contributions to greenhouse gases. In addition, crop nutrient expenses are second only to land costs as an overall expense for farmers. Managing nutrients is one of the more complicated aspects of producing crops, as considerations vary by nutrient source, placement, timing, the rate of application, and are dramatically affected by the weather. Professionals in many areas of agriculture depend upon understanding soil chemistry and how nutrient management can increase the health and bounty of crop production. Knowledge of nutrients and their management can allow individuals involved in better setting strategies and improving recommendations.

Topics will include the elements essential for crop production; soil pH and soil amendments, how soils supply nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients; nutrient transformations and movement in the soil and water; quantifying nutrient needs and availability; modifying crop nutrient amounts through the use of fertilizers and manures, supplying crop nutrients from the correct source, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place, and the many differences that occur amongst soil situations, weather, and cropping systems. Whether you are personally involved in production agriculture, advising farmers as an agricultural retailer or consultant, a representative for an agricultural business or government agency, or just looking to build your expertise, this course will cover topics that should be of direct interest to you.

Nutrient Management is a 12-week fully online course that provides advanced knowledge from which practitioners can help their customers benefit and their companies succeed. Designed for working professionals who have a basic understanding of agronomy and want to expand their knowledge of nutrient application and management. Participants in the course can access content at their convenience on their computers, tablets, and mobile devices. The foundation of the lessons are dozens of high-definition videos featuring the leaders in nutrient management, along with supplemental reading, graphics, glossaries, and tests. Course graduates receive certificates of completion as well as continuing education units for Certified Crop Advisers.

For answers to your questions about Nutrient Management, contact berickso@purdue.edu.Tuition will be listed on the registration site in late 2016. Early registration may mean discounted tuition. To learn more, contact janblack@purdue.edu.

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