Precision agriculture encompasses a set of related technologies aimed at better utilization of crop inputs, increasing yield and quality, reducing risks, and enabling information flow throughout the crop supply and end-use chains.  The most widely adopted precision practices have been automated systems related to equipment steering and precise input application, such as autoguidance and section controllers.  Once installed, these systems are relatively easy for farmers and their supporting agribusinesses to operate and to benefit from.  But a more information-intensive set of technologies that are less automated and more knowledge-based will require a higher level of human capability in order to maximize benefits.  All of the parameters that lead to yield, such as soil, weather, genetics, nutrient management, and pests/crop protection must be characterized both spatially and temporally, interpreted, and then managed accordingly.  As agricultural businesses invest in precision offerings, their capacity to provide these products and services will depend on their ability to hire and retain employees with appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s). 

A 2015 survey of agricultural retailers was part of a USDA-NIFA Higher Education grant to examine the minimum educational requirements that retailers were seeking in their hires, along with the importance of a list of KSA’s for the various positions that they customarily fill.   The positions included equipment operators, sales specialists, technical support, and agronomists.  KSA’s included specifics such as the ability to install, calibrate, troubleshoot and repair equipment, knowledge of precision agriculture software, and also more broad skills such as effective written and verbal communication and abilities related to making agronomy recommendations.  As expected, the retailers expressed different educational minimums and different levels of importance for KSA’s for the various positions.  The retailers indicated that a high school diploma provided a sufficient education base for an equipment operator, a two-year associate’s degree was the preferred minimum for tech support and equipment technicians, but a bachelor’s degree was preferred for precision sales specialists and agronomists. Overwhelmingly the retailers indicated difficulty in finding qualified candidates, and a predominance of candidates/interviewees with low or deficient capabilities in areas they rated important.  The survey was accomplished using email lists from both CropLife and the American Society of Agronomy/Certified Crop Adviser program.

An accompanying survey of educators at universities and community colleges that offer courses, certificates, or degrees in precision farming provides information on how academics are working to address these educational needs related to precision agriculture.