Precision agriculture is revolutionizing the way we farm — making operations more efficient, sustainable, and data-driven. As this high-tech wave sweeps through the industry, there’s a growing demand for skilled professionals who understand both the tools and the technology behind them. Bridging that gap between classroom learning and real-world application is where partnerships between industry and education shine.
At Riverland Community College in southeast Minnesota, that collaboration is taking root. For the past four years, Chad Stensrud, a fourth-generation farmer and territory manager at Ag Leader, has been visiting Riverland’s Precision Agriculture Program to speak with students about careers in ag tech and demonstrate the latest tools in the field.
Riverland, an accredited two-year college serving nearly 5,000 students annually, launched its Precision Agriculture certificate program in 2015. The program is designed for students who want to use cutting-edge technology to improve agricultural practices and production.
Stensrud’s presentations are part of the college’s Introduction to Precision Agriculture (AGSC2010) course, which covers everything from the basics of GPS and GIS systems to the operation and troubleshooting of precision ag equipment. Students learn how to interpret field variability data, create spatial maps, and apply agronomic inputs in a way that maximizes productivity.
“It’s a perfect fit for me,” says Stensrud, who farms corn and soybeans with his family in Freeborn, Minnesota. “We’ve always been early adopters of ag technology starting with the Yield Monitor 2000, adding autosteer, and then upgrading our planter tech as soon as it came out.”
Internship Serves as a Launchpad
While his farm background gave him a strong foundation, Stensrud points to a summer internship in 2010 as the real launchpad for his ag tech career. “I interned with Ag Partner in Calumet, Iowa, doing installs, troubleshooting, and inventory work. That’s where I really dove deep into Ag Leader products.”
After graduating from South Dakota State University with a degree in General Ag and a minor in Ag Systems Technology, Stensrud began working as a technician at L&D Ag in Minnesota. He eventually moved into a combined sales and technician role, and in 2021, he became Ag Leader’s territory manager for that region — a role he hadn’t initially considered until a customer encouraged him to apply.
Now, he shares that real-world experience with students, offering not only insight into the technology, but also advice on career paths and success in the precision ag field. During a recent classroom visit (pictured above), Stensrud provided a hands-on demo of Ag Leader’s InCommand® display, walking students through equipment configurations, run screens, guidance lines, and summary data. He also introduced them to the benefits of Ag Leader’s Smart Report™.
His impact is already being felt.
“One student took a Smart Report to an interview for a wildlife-focused position to show how precision ag can benefit habitat,” Stensrud recalls. “Another student came back to tell me how he convinced his family to upgrade their monitor after I visited the class. They’re now exploring even more upgrades like SteadySteer® and planter clutches.”
Industry Partnerships Vital to Program Success
Riverland instructor Nick Schiltz, part of the college’s Center for Agriculture and Food Science Technology, says industry partnerships like the one with Ag Leader are vital.
“Students get to see how what they learn in class translates to real-world farming,” says Schiltz. “Chad’s experience and the resources Ag Leader brings make a huge difference.”
Using Ag Leader’s SMS™ Advanced software, students practice importing yield data, creating management zones, building prescription maps, and analyzing soil test results. They even learn how to develop algorithms for variable-rate applications of fertilizer and lime.
Schiltz, a lifelong farmer himself, understands the power of connecting theory with practice. He grew up farming near the college and now raises corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and cattle with his father.
“I love that I can take what we do on the farm and bring it into the classroom,” Schiltz says. “Precision agriculture is the future of the industry. It’s going to help us feed, fuel, and clothe the world. There are so many opportunities for students in this field.”
As the program at Riverland continues to grow, so does its impact. Through engaging instruction, hands-on learning, and strong industry connections, the college is helping cultivate the next generation of ag tech leaders—ready to take farming into the future. •
About Riverland Community College
Riverland Community College has been delivering quality higher education for over 80 years. Serving southeast Minnesota and beyond, the college offers flexible, student-centered learning that helps individuals reach academic and career goals in a changing world. Riverland empowers equity-minded learners of all ages with programs that prepare them for success in today’s dynamic workforce.