Understanding the Science of Digital Agriculture
Certified Crop Advisers receive 18 continuing education units.
Designed for working professionals, this course allows participants to access content 24/7 at their convenience on their internet-connected computer, tablet or mobile device.
Course materials are presented in an interactive web format rich in pictures and graphics where learners progress at their own pace. Modules are organized by topic and include glossaries, links to more information and self assessments.
Learners will want to plan two to three hours of study each week. They may work ahead if desired. Through leveraging a combination of teaching techniques, this course connects with a variety of learning styles.
After completion, course graduates receive a personalized certificate from Purdue University suitable for framing.

Digital Badge
Earn a digital badge for each course you complete. Use the badge to set yourself apart and share your verifiable new skills on social media platforms and add it to your LinkedIn page.
Course Syllabus
Mastery of each module is demonstrated by passing a quiz each week. Learners may work ahead to finish early, if desired.
- Definitions, innovations in agriculture, digital ag applications around the world, applications in crops, forestry and livestock.
- How GPS/GNSS works, GPS accuracy, differential GPS, using guidance systems, GPS applications.
- How sensors work, data sources for soil, plant and environmental characteristics, remote and proximal sensing, UAV flight and operation.
- Sensor signal processing, data connectivity/telematics, data assessment, data completeness/accuracy/precision, continuous vs. discrete values, data cleaning.
- Effective communication methods, table formatting, types of graphics, best practices for presentations, significant digits, interpolation.
- Types of AI, applications in agriculture, section controllers, robotic weeding, automated implement operation and coordination, automated grain management, robotic dairy systems.
- Understanding and characterizing soil differences, precision drainage, precision irrigation, soil health, water and air quality.
- Soil and plant nutrient assessment, precision liming, precision N management, predictive vs. reactive approaches, variable rate technology.
- Yield monitoring systems, yield data cleaning, grain quality sensors, using yield maps, precision weed technology, precision management of insects and disease.
- Costs of implementing digital agriculture, economics and adoption of various technologies including guidance, section controllers, variable rate applications, robotics and UAV’s.
E-Learning Environment
Explore how online courses will fit into your professional schedule.
Learn More