Conservation Agronomist

Explore your passion for the environmental and land management aspects of agriculture with this specialized certificate program. Designed to equip you for roles in conservation with a focus on farming and sustainability, this certificate provides diverse classes and experiences. You’ll explore areas such as nutrient and pest management, crop production, plant and weed identification, as well as soil conservation and water quality. This training also helps you prepare to take the Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) exam. Elevate your career prospects through hands-on learning and practical expertise.

COURSE LIST

Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

Technical Studies (19 Credits)

Course Title
Course Number
Credits
Instructional Hours
Outside Effort Hours**
Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
• Integrated Pest Mgmt & Weed Identification

  10-006-102

  3Credit

  72

  90

  N/A

  • Instructional Hours: 72
  • Outside Effort Hours: 90
  • Course Number: 10006102
  • Credits: 3.00

  Acquaints students with the general use, safety, laws and regulations for chemical application in Wisconsin. Completion of the Wisconsin Commercial Applicators Certification is an optional portion of the course. Identification of the major weeds found in Wisconsin crop lands is emphasized.

• Agricultural Crop Production

  10-006-119

  3Credit

  72

  90

  N/A

  • Instructional Hours: 72
  • Outside Effort Hours: 90
  • Course Number: 10006119
  • Credits: 3.00

  Prepares students to recognize and implement basic crop production management techniques for corn, soybeans, alfalfa, small grains and general forages used on Wisconsin farms. Field preparation, fertility, seed selection, planting and in-season management of specific crops will be emphasized.

• Nutrient Management Principles

  10-006-155

  3Credit

  72

  90

  N/A

  • Instructional Hours: 72
  • Outside Effort Hours: 90
  • Course Number: 10006155
  • Credits: 3.00

  Focuses on balancing commercial crop nutrient products and on farm nutrient credits to formulate economical and environmentally safe crop nutrient recommendations. Students will learn how to complete a nutrient management plan utilizing real farm data.

  Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

  • 10006119 Agricultural Crop Production

• Soil and Water Conservation

  10-057-134

  3Credit

  72

  90

  N/A

  • Instructional Hours: 72
  • Outside Effort Hours: 90
  • Course Number: 10057134
  • Credits: 3.00

  Examines the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil in relation to water and wind erosion. The identification, planning and use of soil and water conservation practices are examined, and students study the relationship of soil fertility to conservation and management.

  Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

  • NATURE 10057109 - Ecology

  • NATURE 10057143 - Natural Resources Common Topic

  • NATURE 10057183 - Exploring Natural Resources

  • COMMUNIC 10801195 - Written Communication

  • MATH 10804107 - College Mathematics

  OR ALL of the following:

  • Student is in progress in Conservation Agronomist (20-057-6) Program of Study

• Soil and Water Conservation/Engineering

  10-057-135

  3Credit

  72

  90

  N/A

  • Instructional Hours: 72
  • Outside Effort Hours: 90
  • Course Number: 10057135
  • Credits: 3.00

  Explores in greater detail soil and water conservation practices including planning, design, quantities, cost lists and field layout. Auto level, theodolite and laser level will be used throughout class. Field locations will help familiarize students with the standards and specifications used in the design of structural and vegetable erosion control practices. Proper construction and maintenance of these practices are stressed.

  Prereq: Student has completed or is process of completing ALL of the following:

  • NATURE 10057106 - Surveying 1

  • NATURE 10057134 - Soil and Water Conservation

  OR ALL of the following:

  • Student is in progress in Conservation Agronomist (20-057-6) Program of Study

• Environmental Water Quality

  10-057-136

  3Credit

  72

  90

  N/A

  • Instructional Hours: 72
  • Outside Effort Hours: 90
  • Course Number: 10057136
  • Credits: 3.00

  Examines the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of surface and groundwater. Water quality standards and regulations are discussed. Surveys of the various forms and sources of water pollutants are conducted, and water quality assessments, using biological indicators and chemical tests, are covered. The course includes a brief overview of the treatment process.

  Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

  • NATURE 10057109 - Ecology

  • NATURE 10057143 - Natural Resources Common Topic

  • NATURE 10057183 - Exploring Natural Resources

  • COMMUNIC 10801195 - Written Communication

  • MATH 10804107 - College Mathematics

  Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

  • SCIENCE 10806134 - General Chemistry

  OR ALL of the following:

  • Student is in progress in Conservation Agronomist (20-057-6) Program of Study

• Plant Identification

  10-057-140

  1Credit

  36

  18

  N/A

  • Instructional Hours: 36
  • Outside Effort Hours: 18
  • Course Number: 10057140
  • Credits: 1.00

  Provides a basic study of the trees, grasses, herbs and aquatics of Wisconsin. The class focuses on the principal species of seven major plant communities: forest, bog, agriculture, prairie, marsh, shrub and beach.