Field Crop Scout Certificate

The sustainability of people and our planet relies on continued innovation in the way we grow food. Farming faces numerous complex challenges, as we need to feed a growing population, enhance the efficiency of agriculture, while addressing issues of pests, diseases, soil degradation, and pollution. With a Crop Field Scout Certificate, students gain a solid foundation of agronomic principles and practices to achieve economic and environmental sustainability while helping minimize the detrimental effects of weeds, insects, disease, and other factors affecting field crops. Students build practical knowledge of farming systems, scouting methods, and utilize advanced technologies to drive decision-making in locating and identifying pests that impact yields, make recommendations in control methods, and perform yield estimates, while maintaining or improving soil health.

Learning Outcomes:

Active Thinking

• Reasoning
• Creativity
• Analysis
• Problem Solving
• Responsible consumption of information

Communication

• Written
• Oral
• Interpersonal

Successful students will achieve:

1. Technical competencies, including knowledge and understanding of soil and crop science principles, the ability to apply these principles to specific issues, and the ability to synthesize information (both technical and non-technical) to meet identified needs.
2. Problem solving skills, such as identifying a problem, collecting data, summarizing information, and drawing conclusions.
3. Professional interpersonal and communication skills, such as presenting a topic with logical development, technical understanding, mechanical and technique correctness, and accurate documentation of sources.