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West Hills College Coalinga
New Program Packet
Program Name: Agriculture Science and Technology
Instructional Area: AG/BUS/CIS/CWEE
Faculty Originator: Clint Cowden Date: 2/24/06
Checklist:
New Program Proposal
New Course Proposal Packet (if necessary)
Course Revision Packet (if necessary)
Supporting documentation
List: Advisory Committee Minutes
Signatures:
__________________________________ __________________________________
Date_________ Date_________
Curriculum Instructional Area Representative (required) Articulation Officer (required if transferable)
__________________________________
Date_________ __________________________________
Consulting Department Curriculum Instructional Area Date_________
Representative (required when overlapping course content) Associate Dean of Vocational Education (required if Voc Ed)
__________________________________ __________________________________
Date_________ Date_________
Chief Instructional Officer (required) Dean of Learning Resources (required)
__________________________________ __________________________________
Date_________ Date_________
College Curriculum Committee (approved) West Hills Community College District Board of Trustees (approved)
New Course Proposal
West Hills College Coalinga
Title of Precision Agriculture Certificate
Major/Certificate:
Instructional Agriculture
Area:
Faculty Clint Cowden
Originator:
Date 2/20/06
:
Voc Ed Programs Advisory Committee
Approval- (Attach copies of minutes)
Date: December 7, 2005
Articulation with Transfer
Institution- (Attach copy of
agreement) Date:
Program Prerequisite(s):
A. Courses - (Indicate clearly whether it is a “prerequisite”, “co-requisite”, or “advisory
None
B. Skills and/or Knowledge - (Specific skills and/or knowledge a student must possess in order to be ready to
begin the program)
None
Program Course Requirements:
This certificate program will prepare students to work in the precision agriculture
industry, including: precision farming, geographic information system (GIS) analysis,
and equipment manufacturer technician and sales. Specific job responsibilities would be
GPS mapping; GIS database management, precision agriculture equipment installation,
maintenance and repair, precision agriculture consulting and applications in variable rate
application technology.
A total of 17 units will be required to complete this certificate. Required courses are as
follows:
Required Core Courses:
Course Number Title Units
AGBUS 15 Computer Application to Agriculture 3
CRPSCI 1 Introduction to Plant Science 3
CRPSCI 6 Applications of GPS Technology in Ag 4
CRPSCI 7 GPS Crop and Yield Monitoring 4
CRPSCI 19 Water Management 3
Total 17
Justification:
Background and Rationale
West Hills Community College has conducted a program of instruction in Agriculture
since 1948; with changes made in the curriculum, faculty, facilities, and equipment as
appropriate, to promote quality student learning experiences. The design and
development of the state-of-the-art farm, Farm of the Future at West Hills College, was
crystallized during a July 2000 planning retreat involving 35 representatives of
agriculture, industry, government, public school and university educators, community
leaders, and selected college faculty and administrators representing a combined 723
years of agricultural and education experience. We tried to vision what the needs will be
in agriculture 15 years out and what will help us be prepared for those expected changes.1
Like most industries, California agriculture has become highly developed, high-tech and
specialized; loaded with career opportunities -- despite the current tough economic times
facing today’s farmers and agribusinesses. The future remains bright as the agricultural
industry makes its way through the present down cycle. The use of technology and smart
business practices can make the difference today and will become the norm for
tomorrow.2
The U.S. food and natural resources system is a dynamic industry that employs more than
20 percent of our nation’s work force and generates one-sixth of the nation’s income. It is
currently the leading positive contributor to the U.S. trade balance at thirty billion dollars.
In California, agriculture contributes 13 percent of the nation’s gross cash receipts with
27.7 million acres in production. Over $6.5 billion of the state’s food and agricultural
commodities are shipped around the world every year. Modern agricultural practices in
the U.S. have greatly increased the productivity of an acre of land. One acre can produce
42,000 pounds of strawberries, or 25,400 pounds of potatoes, 11,000 heads of lettuce or
640 pounds of cotton lint Twenty percent of America's workforce-or 21 million people-is
employed in the agricultural industry.3
1
Dr. Larry Rathbun – Farm of the Future Planning Retreat, July 25-25, 2000.
2
Farm of the Future article-WHCCD Annual Report
3
California Farm Bureau – Available At: http://www.cfbf.com/info/ff_ag_day_03.cfm
Articulation
CRPSCI 1- Introduction to Plant Science and SLSCI 21- Soils, transfer to both California
State Universities and Universities of California.
THE FOLLOWING MUST BE COMPLETED:
1. Attached the typed program as it is to appear in the college catalog.
Include a catalog statement
2. Submit a new course proposal packet for any “new” courses.
No new courses
Program Name : Precision Agriculture Certificate
Associate Degree Certificate X
CATALOG STATEMENT:
The Precision Agriculture program prepares students to work with global positioning
satellite (GPS) systems, geographic information system (GIS) software, automatic tractor
guidance systems, variable rate chemical input applicators, surveying equipment and
related computer software. Students will learn in hands-on, real-world applications.
Completing the certificate qualifies the student to enter the professional job market in the
public sector as well as the agriculture industry. Units for the Precision Agriculture
Certificate apply to the Associates Science and Technology Degree in Agriculture.
MISSION
1. Statement of Program Goals and Objectives
The Agriculture Department at West Hills Community College proposes a new
certification program for Precision Agriculture. The new program’s primary goal is to
train students to work in the precision agriculture industry, including: precision farming,
geographic information system (GIS) analysis, and equipment manufacturer technician
and sales.
Currently the mission statement of the Agriculture Department at West Hills Community
College (WHCC) is:
West Hills Community College, Farm of the Future and related agriculture program,
provides exemplary education and training for students and the community – in and
about agriculture – capitalizing on regional strengths and hands-on resources, enabling
those we serve to be competitive in the global economy.
Consistent with these goals, the Farm of the Future at WHCCD, proposes to expand the
existing Agriculture program to include a Precision Agriculture curriculum that will train
tomorrow’s technicians for the ever expanding agriculture industry. Students enrolled in
the new program will participate in fieldwork experiences where they must apply learned
theoretical methods in real-life inclusive education settings. They will gain hands-on
experience, in an instant-immersion, ten month certificate program. In addition to the
coursework, students will gain on-the-job training, participating in work experience with
local industry leaders in the area of the students’ interest.
Students who complete this program will:
Be familiar with GPS global positioning system
Be versed with current industry GIS
Interact with industry professionals through class projects, conference attendance
and work experience
The new program will further allow students to transfer units from West Hills
Community College to institutes of higher education through a career ladder, and thus
allow for life-long learning for those who wish to acquire new skills and improve existing
knowledge.
2. Catalog Description
The Precision Agriculture certificate program prepares students to work with global
positioning satellite (GPS) systems, geographic information system (GIS) software,
automatic tractor guidance systems, variable rate chemical input applicators, surveying
equipment and related computer software. Students will learn in hands-on, real-world
applications. Completing the certificate qualifies the student to enter the professional job
market in the public sector as well as the agriculture industry.
Course Number Title Units
AGBUS 15 Computer Application to Agriculture 3
CRPSCI 1 Introduction to Plant Science 3
CRPSCI 6 Applications of GPS Technology in Ag 4
CRPSCI 7 GPS Crop and Yield Monitoring 4
CRPSCI 19 Water Management 3
Total 17
3. Program Requirements
This certificate program will prepare students to work in the precision agriculture
industry, including: precision farming, geographic information system (GIS) analysis,
and equipment manufacturer technician and sales. Specific job responsibilities would be
GPS mapping; GIS database management, precision agriculture equipment installation,
maintenance and repair, precision agriculture consulting and applications in variable rate
application technology.
Required Core Courses:
Course Number Title Units
AGBUS 15 Computer Application to Agriculture 3
CRPSCI 1 Introduction to Plant Science 3
CRPSCI 6 Applications of GPS Technology in Ag 4
CRPSCI 7 GPS Crop and Yield Monitoring 4
CRPSCI 19 Water Management 3
Total 17
4. Background and Rationale
West Hills Community College has conducted a program of instruction in Agriculture
since 1948; with changes made in the curriculum, faculty, facilities, and equipment as
appropriate, to promote quality student learning experiences. The design and
development of the state-of-the-art farm, Farm of the Future at West Hills College, was
crystallized during a July 2000 planning retreat involving 35 representatives of
agriculture, industry, government, public school and university educators, community
leaders, and selected college faculty and administrators representing a combined 723
years of agricultural and education experience. We tried to vision what the needs will be
in agriculture 15 years out and what will help us be prepared for those expected changes.4
Like most industries, California agriculture has become highly developed, high-tech and
specialized; loaded with career opportunities -- despite the current tough economic times
facing today’s farmers and agribusinesses. The future remains bright as the agricultural
industry makes its way through the present down cycle. The use of technology and smart
business practices can make the difference today and will become the norm for
tomorrow.5
The U.S. food and natural resources system is a dynamic industry that employs more than
20 percent of our nation’s work force and generates one-sixth of the nation’s income. It is
currently the leading positive contributor to the U.S. trade balance at thirty billion dollars.
In California, agriculture contributes 13 percent of the nation’s gross cash receipts with
27.7 million acres in production. Over $6.5 billion of the state’s food and agricultural
commodities are shipped around the world every year. Modern agricultural practices in
the U.S. have greatly increased the productivity of an acre of land. One acre can produce
42,000 pounds of strawberries, or 25,400 pounds of potatoes, 11,000 heads of lettuce or
640 pounds of cotton lint Twenty percent of America's workforce-or 21 million people-is
employed in the agricultural industry.6
Agri-science education must be responsive to agriculture’s needs. Education today must
meet the needs of students to prepare them for the information age and a global
marketplace. Agri-science education will focus on the specific, current needs of schools
and communities. It has an important role to play in strengthening education across the
nation.7
Planning for future employment needs of California’s agriculture is the driving force
behind West Hills College’s Farm of the Future. Global change is taking place in
agriculture and natural resource management. New technologies, and the innovative
application of existing ones, continue to propel American agriculture toward a more
integrated food and natural resources system. The United States must take steps to meet
these changes through a highly-skilled corps of agricultural professionals and
entrepreneurs, technicians, and workers ready for the challenges of the 21st century.
One of the challenges agriculture will face in the 21st century, will be the management of
agricultural inputs. As environmental concerns intensify and agriculture’s water
4
Dr. Larry Rathbun – Farm of the Future Planning Retreat, July 25-25, 2000.
5
Farm of the Future article-WHCCD Annual Report
6
California Farm Bureau – Available At: http://www.cfbf.com/info/ff_ag_day_03.cfm
7
Delaware Dept of Ed – Available at: http://www.doe.state.de.us/Standards/AgriScience/WhatsAgriSci.html
allotment decreases, the demand for total production optimization, including precise input
distribution, will escalate. Through recent developments in satellite global positioning
systems (GPS), on-the-go sensors such as combine yield monitors, computer mapping
and GIS software, and variable rate applicators the new science of Precision agriculture
has been born. Precision agriculture or site specific management involves breaking an
agricultural field into different zones with different soil characteristics and production
potentials, and tuning the inputs for each zone to optimize total production and economic
returns, and minimize environmental impact.8
In addition to managing ag inputs, another challenge will be preparing students for the
rapidly changing precision agriculture industry. As technology advances, so does the
learning curve.. The need for well-trained employees, familiar with current technology
and versed in agriculture is at an all-time high. Employers can not keep experienced
employees, because once someone has experience with precision agriculture there is
always another company willing to pay more. Due to the rapid increase in precision
agriculture technology, there is a lag in the equipment being used and the material being
instructed at the community college and university level. This program is designed to
bridge this gap.
In addition to managing ag inputs, another challenge will be to prepare students for the
rapidly changing precision ag industry. The technology is advancing so quickly that the
need for well-trained employees, familiar with the current technology is at an all-time
high. The Precision Agriculture Certificate is designed to prepare students to meet this
need.
NEED
5. Enrollment and Completer Projections
Courses in the new certificate program will be offered by Agriculture faculty. Students
will be recruited from high school and existing heavy equipment and rodeo programs
Courses are currently being taught for this program, which was approved by the
curriculum committee on February 24, 2006 as a local certificate. These numbers are
based on the estimates of enrollment of similar certificate programs with adjustments
made for college size and scheduled course offerings. It is anticipated that these numbers
will remain constant year to year based on the experience of other colleges in the state.
Approximately 20 students will be enrolled in each course.
6. Place of Program in Curriculum/Similar Programs
This proposal creates certificate program in Agriculture Science and Technology. Others
under consideration include Farm Management/Ag Business, Crop Science, Irrigation
8
Eastern Seed and Oil Research – Available at: http://res2.agr.ca/ecorc/section3/precision_e.htm
Technology and Embryo Transfer Technology. The new program will be housed in the
Farm of the Future facilities on Gale Avenue.
7. Similar Programs at Other Colleges in Service Area
To date, West Hills Community College is the only institution to offer a training program
in Precision Agriculture. While other colleges are expected to offer Precision Agriculture
courses in the future, this is a new and coming technology that requires a large initial
equipment investment that West Hills Community College has already made.
8. Labor Market Information
Labor market data for agriculture is always difficult to quantify in large part because the
Standard Job Classification system seldom includes anyone other than “farmer” or “farm
worker”. The agricultural education profession generally recommends that labor market
data be a beginning point to postulating about future job opportunities and training needs.
The Fresno County Westside Economic Development Project 9 reports on Key Industry
Sectors important to the Westside 2000-2020. The data indicates an expected increase in
agricultural employment of 0-1,653 positions and an increase of 683-866 jobs in food
manufacturing. The report does not identify the specific job titles or classifications within
each industry sector.
The Fresno and Kings County Employment Development data reports the following areas
of growth:
Area July, 1991 July, 2001 Wages ‘01
Total Agriculture 194,400 225,500 $ 8.18
Grapes 19,100 25,500 8.07
Ornamental & Nursery 3,100 4,600 7.88
Dairy Farms 8,700 11,900 8.83
Total Agriculture Services 90,900 123,800 8.29
Crop Services 23,400 29,200 8.75
Farm Labor & Management 66,800 93,900 7.87
The Fresno County Occupational Employment Projections for 1999-200610 indicate the
following agriculture related classifications:
Occupation New Openings due Total
Positions to separations Demand
Ag Technology & Science 10 20 30
9
Fresno County Westside Economic Development Project “Working Draft”, Task 2, County of Fresno August
19, 2003
10
Kings County Employment Projects very similar to Fresno County including expectation of 1100 jobs in
Nutrition and Food.
Forestry 20 20 40
Ag Power Equipment 10 40 50
Animal Science 80 70 150
Ag Business 90 130 220
Diesel Technology 220 260 480
Ornamental Horticulture 420 680 1100
Careers related to Ag Technology and Science are reasonably new in California. This is one
reason that more community colleges have not implemented a program similar to the one
being proposed here. With Western San Joaquin Valley agriculture operating farms often
exceeding 5,000 acres, the adaptation of this new technology in a cost efficient manner is
very appealing to growers who have large 160 acre fields but wish to manage the field as
though there were 80 – 2 acres plots. This provides better response to soil and environmental
variability, and helps in minimizing chemical use, a cost saving benefit and better for the
environment,
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the current median income for farming, fishing
and forestry occupations in California is $16,240. (Bureau of Labor Statistics Information in
Appendix A.) Through the Precision Agriculture Certificate program students will be
escalated from farm laborer to a status more similar to Computer and Mathematical
Occupations with a median annual income in California of $70,160. Some of the areas more
similar to a Precision Agriculture technician are as follows:11
STATE OCC_CODE OCC_TITLE TOT_EMP A_MEDIAN
Computer
California 15-1041 support 54780 43770
specialists
Computer
California 15-1051 systems 50070 68220
analysts
Database
California 15-1061 12560 64610
administrators
Urban and
California 19-3051 regional 4660 63800
planners
Avionics
California 49-2091 2120 48590
technicians
Electrical and
electronics
repairers,
California 49-2094 7480 43990
commercial
and industrial
equipment
7. Job Market Analysis
The Precision Agriculture Technician position is new to agriculture with identified
employees active since 1990. As the industry and technology have evolved, clarification
11
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Available at: http://www.bls.gov/oes/
of need and job entry requirements is still being determined. Industry first pursued
graduates with a baccalaureate degree, however, as the technology has evolved and
simplified, recruitment of community college individuals is in full swing.
Companies currently in dialog with the college regarding employment of graduates
include:
Precision Farming Enterprises, Davis
Top Con of California, “West Sacramento
Trimble Navigation LTD, Sunnyvale
Golden State Herbs, Indio
J. M. Lord, Fresno
Farm Works Software, Hamilton, IN
Precision Agri-Lab, Madera
Netafim Precision Irrigation, Pismo Beach
SEBAL, North America, Davis
UAP West, Firebaugh
Integro Inc., Helm
Helena Chemical, Fresno
USDA Soil Survey, Hanford
John Deere, Dos Palos
Britz Fertilizers, Inc. Five Points
Big W Sales, Stockton
In-Time, Cleveland, MS
Representatives of each of the above companies are cooperating with the college in new
student recruitment, internship possibilities, and employment opportunities. In-Time is in
a fast growth mode and needs 4 persons for the west coast who are not available at any
other college or university.
8. Employer Survey
Beginning with our program development advisory committee, we have consistently
questioned our industry partners regarding the suggested content of our instruction,
number of job openings expected, internship possibilities, and willingness to be class
speakers.
9. Explanation of Employer Relationship
Rarely does a day go by that one or more industry partners are not calling or stopping by
to visit and articulate their current needs. The college has received donations of
equipment, technical assistance in implementing the various precision agriculture
instrumentation, and assistance with program publicity and recognition.
10. List of Members of Advisory Committee
Brock Taylor, Sheely Farming
Kurt Quade, Quade Consultants
Bob Viets, West Hills Farms
Rich Hilliker, Trimble
Michael Gomes, Precision Farming
Tony Griffin, Golden State Herbs
Mike Illia, Netafim
Tim Stone, Integro
Mark Layman, Helena Chemical
Mathew Russow, John Deere
11. Minutes of Key Meetings/Recommendations
West Hills Community College
Farm of the Future
Advisory Committee Meeting
December 7, 2005
Present
Brock Taylor
Kurt Quade
Nate Rutterbush
Russell Hansen
Scott Yeager
Dave McGlothlin
Merlin Welch
Larry Rathbun
Frank Gornick
Clint Cowden
Joe Barcelles
Francis Squire
Jack Ramsey
Ken Stoppenbrink
Sam Johnson
Steve Cantu
Bill McDermott
Nina Oxborrow
WELCOME
Dr. Frank Gornick thanked everyone for coming and stated the importance of their
involvement in the committee. He stressed the importance of the committee and how far the
college has improved.
INTRODUCTIONS
Dr. Larry Rathbun made introductions around the table.
PROGRESS REPORT
Recruitment-Clint
Last year approximately 10 students completed the entire program. Felipe earned $5,000.
from planting and selling oat hay. We now have 60 acres of oats. We recruited to more than
20 schools in the past two years with 16 remaining. We have taken our recruitment in a
different direction; spending the entire day with a power point presentation and hands on lab
exercises. We are getting our best response from family members of those who have already
attended West Hills.
Ag. Ambassadors/Conferences-Clint
We have a great Ag. Ambassadors! They have been going to many, many shows. We have
been given free tuition for next years Central Coast Cotton Conference from our helping of
this year.
Placement-Clint
After attending our program at West Hills, students have gone on to the Ag. Engineering
Dept. of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, to work in higher pay scales, one was accepted to Fresno
& Chico state and decided to return to West Hills.
Trimble Engineering Group is donating $8,000-$10,000. of equipment in easy steer system
for talking to their program and recommending new items to their engineers.
Vegetable Project-Larry
We planted 2 acres of donated tomatoes an introduction to a plant science project. Tomatoes
grew well.
Almonds/Pistachios/Angus/Bees-Larry
Our Angus herd is doing well. We own ½ of a two year old hiefer $15,000. We have 1,500
bees hives for the winter that pays us $2./hive. Almonds will gross $30,000. Pistachios have
two more years. Pleasant Valley has veered away from planting vegetables because of our
water and ours are all doing very well.
Farm Service Agency-Larry
The Farm Service Agency will pay us $1,000./mo not to grow cotton on our farm. We are
looking into beets making us money.
U.C. Riverside-Larry
In Mendota and Firebaugh we would like to set up computer labs and hold classes this
summer on farm safety and irrigation. We are working with good kids that come from poor
homes encouraging them to stay in the farm business.
Coalinga Enterprise Community-Larry
We have an agreement with the CEC – a USDA self help organization working closely with
farm workers and their families. CEC pays us $800 per month.
Sports Complex-Merlin
We are conducting a heavy equipment class of approximately 20 students on 90 acres of land
building a soccer complex. The drainage is complex and the land leveling phase is next. This
class teaches aspects of construction. The students are able to get “real” jobs immediately
after graduation. Allen Clark donated a laser GPS survey system worth approximate $50,000.
Our Field Day was a huge success. Surrounding high school students came out to our
construction site and were able to mingle and test drive heavy equipment.
Frank mentioned that we can accept donations of equipment and can provide documentation
for the tax benefits.
Larry- CHRPD is bank rolling the construction costs of the sports complex. By having our
class do the work the CHRPD is saving 70 – 80%.
Scott added the Coalinga Youth Sports Foundation is a non profit organization.
Dave thanked the college for their help and noted the sports complex could not have come as
far without them.
Larry emphasized we are spreading the word/knowledge to farm workers regarding advanced
irrigations and drip systems.
Sale of “old” farm-Larry
We are in the last stages of the sale of the old farm escrow will close in April. Proceeds will
generate 2 million. 1.2 million will go back to the district to repay monies spent. We would
like to generate income from crops to build a farm laboratory.
Bill McDermott-The “old” farm property has been sold to Rising Star a company out of
Orange County. We have a MOU that states they will take the school farm and transport it in
total and will build a new modernized farm w/pens, classrooms, bathrooms, etc. The
architecture will replicate old farm, only modernized and enhanced.
Joe stated he was encouraged by the advancement of our college and high school vocational
programs i.e. GPS, advanced math, and the modernization of our buildings.
Bill stated the emphasis is on learning and not money. When students graduate they must be
able to enter college at university level due to the no child left behind act.
Joe replied that West Hills board has historically stayed on course to promote advancement
in technology and vocation even when it was not popular, and how well our high school and
college work together.
.
CIRRICULUM
Ag. Careers Learning Center-Clint
WHC math teachers are adding agriculture to their math, English, and science classes. We
challenge all to get to non-farming aspects of our community.
Our goal in 08/04 was to introduce 10 months of technical learning and then have them get
jobs. We did not/do not have an associates degree for agriculture. We would like approval for
the following courses.
Francis suggested adding water broker subsidizing to our curriculum.
Joe moved motion to approve course CRSCI 19.
Larry and Bill second.
Motion approved.
Steve moved motion to approve course AG 16.
Larry and Frank second.
Motion approved.
Joe moved motion to approve course AG 11.
Steve second and added it sounds exciting.
Steve second.
Motion passed.
Our goal is to have an Ag. Science and Technology Associate Degree with an emphasis on
embryo in order to offer a certificate course without having to go to Sac.
COMMENTS
Bill complimented the college for getting the interests of students in precision agriculture.
Steve mentioned that WHC was great at the cotton conference and had heard good things
from other sources.
Steve asked if the committee could provide a quarterly report of their progress.
Larry adjourned meeting
12. Recommendation of Regional Consortium
QUALITY
13. Display of Proposed Sequence
Students, enrolled full-time, 15 units per semester, can complete the Certificate program
in one year, or two semesters. All coursework will be offered within a one year
framework. The courses will be taught in the following framework:
Fall Semester
CRPSCI 6 Applications of GPS Technology in Ag 4
CRPSCI 1 Introduction to Plant Science 3
AGBUS 15 Computer Application to Agriculture 3
General Education or Electives 3
12
Spring Semester
CRPSCI 7 GPS Crop and Yield Monitoring 4
CRPSCI 19 Water Management 3
General Education or Electives 6-9
16
14. Outlines of Record for Required Courses
The Precision Agriculture Certificate course outlines are shown in Appendix B.
15. Transfer Applicability
General agriculture courses approved by the curriculum committee are sent to the CSU
articulation office for approval. Currently, CRPSCI 1- Introduction to Plant Science and
SLSCI 21- Soils, transfer to both California State Universities and Universities of
California as general education and elective credits.
16. Program Evaluation Plan
The Agriculture faculty at West Hills College will use the Program Review: Self study
process as part of the evaluation plan for the proposed new Precision Agriculture
Certificate Program. The evaluation plan will incorporate student exit surveys and course
evaluations, instructor self-evaluations, institutionally-based-peer-team review instructor
review and a student tracking component. The student tracking component will evaluate
the successfulness of the students’ ability to obtain and maintain jobs in the industry after
completion of their certificate program at West Hills College. Data will also be
developed collecting the number of students enrolled, dropped out, incompletes and
number of graduates. The program will be reviewed in accordance with the review cycle
for the department.
FEASIBILITY
17. Library and/or Learning Resources Plan
The West Hills College Farm of the Future resource library has resources (books) for
Precision Agriculture majors. The Farm of the Future has many books on every aspect of
agriculture including: Precision Agriculture, Agronomy, Soil Science, Irrigation, Ag
Business, Animal Science and others. The library is constantly being updated as new
material becomes available. Cooperating industry professionals provide the Farm of the
Future with real-world data to use in course material. There is currently a four station
student computer lounge available to students anytime. There is a 21 station computer
laboratory, running current industry Precision Agriculture software, available to students
during class and for class projects. Additional materials and resources (revised, up to
date, and supplemental) can be accessed at the West Hills’ College library sites in
Coalinga, North District Center and Lemoore. Library staff is available to assist students
in their research for projects.
18. Facilities and Equipment Plan
The Farm of the Future, Allen Farm, currently has facilities and equipment sufficient to
properly support the Precision Agriculture Certificate’s requirements, with plans to
increase in the future. The Farm is currently in the process of moving campuses. The
current facilities include offices, two classrooms, one computer laboratory and a farm
maintenance shop. A fully functional chemistry laboratory is available for use on the
main campus. Faculty has “sketched” the plans for facilities at the Allen Farm including
classrooms, shops, barns, and fences. A large pavilion approximately 175’x300’ is
desired to anchor the development. Discussions continue with the college architect
regarding details of construction.
The Farm of the Future operates a 230 acre diversified farm including classrooms and
laboratories on which more than $600,000 has been invested in irrigation technology and
management equipment. We also have a Precision Agriculture inventory (Appendix C)
exceeding $300,000 of computers, software, and field data loggers, which will have
supporting use in this new program.
During the past four years, West Hills Community College District has invested in excess
of $2.1 million in resources for the Farm of the Future. Furthermore, the District is
committed to utilizing the estimated $2.5 million proceeds derived from the sale of the
old campus farm to further develop the new farm. Local donations and federal and state
grants have generated and additional $4.7 million for a total investment approaching $9.3
million. The Board of Trustees has consistently adopted resolutions expressing strong
programmatic and budget support for the Farm of the Future.
We have developed strategic public and private sector partnerships with 49 companies
and corporations in formal and informal agreements to enhance and extend our resources.
In the past four years, we have received in excess of $646,000 of in-kind donations.
19. Financial Support Plan
The college was able to begin the Precision Agriculture Program with funding provided
by a USDA Hispanic Serving Institution grant. Since then, the following grants have
been received:
Received $1,064,289 in Federal and State funds grants including:
o IDRC – Workforce Development Grant - $300,000
o Irrigation Technology – Department of Water Resources - $99,999
o Precision Ag Outreach – CCCCO - $313,901
o Ag Chemistry – USDA - $150,000
o Irrigation Technology – CCCCO - $99,663
o GPS Equipment – CCCCO - $29,255
o Firebaugh Technology Alliance – Community Dev. Corp. - $50,000
o Special Populations Recruitment – CCCCO - $16,475
Acceptance of the 230 acre Allen Farm as a gift from the Allen Family Trust.
Planting of 22 acres of Almonds trees donated by Burchell Nursery
Planting of 10 acres of Almond trees donated by Woolf Nursery
Planting of 22 acres of Pistachio trees donated by S&J Nursery.
Planting of 12 acres of Almond trees donated by Fowler Nursery.
Purchase of purebred Angus herd.
Purchase of two new pick-ups
Purchase of two 8 passenger vans.
Received in-kind donations valued at $630,782
Operation costs of the program are provided by district and state FTE allocations
supplemented by net income from the farm. Student field trips including meals and
lodging are provided to all participants. Equipment repair and replacement is funded by
new grants or donations.
.
20. Faculty Qualifications and Availability
West Hills College Coalinga presently conducts instruction in each of the subjects related
to Precision Agriculture including crop science, GPS mapping, GIS modeling, variable
rate applications, and yield monitoring and the integration of this data for optimum
production efficiency. These subjects are provided through a learning community
approach in which the instructors of mathematics, English, agriculture, science and social
science plan and coordinate their lessons to optimize student learning outcomes. These
instructors have been hired according to the Minimum Qualifications as defined by the
California Community College’s Board of Governors.
COMPLIANCE
21. Model Curriculum
Not applicable
22. Licensing or Accreditation Standards
There are no special licensing requirements for the courses listed for the Precision
Agriculture Program.
23. Student Selection and Fees
In keeping with the open enrollment policy of West Hills Community College, the new
certification program is open for enrollment to all students. Agricultural consultants and
industry professionals will also receive information regarding the new program. The goal
is to offer training to agriculturalists that will enable them to compete in the constantly
evolving Precision Agriculture industry.
No additional fees are required for enrolment and completion of the proposed
certification program
24. Programs Provided by Contract
Not applicable
