Garden City Community College is launching a new Crop Production Technology program set to begin in Fall 2024. Located within the college’s Agriculture department, this program offers students the opportunity to earn an Associate in Science degree, an Associate in Applied Science degree, or one of three specialized certificates. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and provides students with practical experience in crop management, weed control, water usage, soil fertility, and crop scouting.
Students will receive training in GCCC’s advanced on-campus greenhouse, allowing for year-round practical experience in the field. The greenhouse will primarily focus on corn production, giving students the opportunity to observe different growth stages by planting at various times. It will also allow for demonstrations of nutrient deficiencies based on fertilizer rates and placement, providing students with a thorough understanding of crop nutrition. Elisa Mai, Assistant Professor of Crop Production Technology, shared her vision for the program, emphasizing the goal of equipping students with real-life experiences in crop production technology to prepare them for the workforce or managing their own farms.
The Crop Production Technology program is part of GCCC’s Title III Hispanic Serving Institution STEM Grant and offers multiple educational pathways to cater to different career goals. These pathways include Certificates A, B, and C
