15 AG and turf schools partnered with John Deere nationwide. Through this partnership, John Deere’s innovations find their way directly into the classroom at FSCC.“We teach things like See & Spray™, which uses AI and cameras to instantaneously distinguish between crops and weeds and control spray nozzles accordingly,” Griffiths explains. Such lessons are embedded in the college’s Ag Management Systems (AMS) class, where students master field computers, auto-steer technology, and AI-driven crop management. In addition to spraying technology, the AMS class introduces students to other advanced equipment, such as the Combine Advisor, an integrated system that adjusts the combine for optimal performance in real time, analyzing inputs with infrared cameras. While coding isn’t a primary part of the coursework, electrical skills, and critical thinking are heavily emphasized. “We’re focused on teaching electrical at a very high level,” Griffiths says. The program encourages the analytical skills needed to diagnose complex issues, ensuring that graduates are not just mechanically inclined but intellectually equipped for the nuanced demands of modern agricultural technology.“Critical thinking is what tends to shine in this,” Griffiths adds. SHAPING AGRICULTURAL LEADERS AND SKILLED TRADES EXPERTS Fort Scott Community College continues to make waves with its multifaceted agriculture programs and growing skilled trades offerings. Conner Vernon, the Agriculture Instructor and Livestock Judging Coach, highlights the unique nature of FSCC’s agriculture curriculum. “Our program is very unique. We have competitive teams in livestock judging, meat judging, and even a rodeo team,” he says. Beyond these competitive aspects, the college focuses on two primary pathways: the farm and ranch certificate and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Both options provide students with evolving courses tailored to market demands and real-world applications. Customizing education to student backgrounds and goals is at the heart of the FSCC experience. “I try to cater it to the students we have in class,” Vernon 100 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
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