Agricultural/John Deere Technology program, on the Senatobia campus, is a five-semester, two-year program designed to upgrade the technical skills and professionalism of new John Deere service technicians. Preparing students to excel in today’s high-tech, fast—paced field of agricultural mechanization—a career path with excellent employment opportunities.

Click here for course listings and details (Major 6010).

Students learn in an environment that stresses a balanced rotation of classroom theory and hands-on labs outfitted with advanced training aids and the latest ag equipment. Students gain valuable practical insight and real-world experience by applying what they’ve learned working as paid interns at John Deere dealerships-a wonderful opportunity for students to “earn while they learn.” Students who complete the two-year program are awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree and have an opportunity to leave the program with their certifications in hand and a job waiting for them.

The John Deere Tech curriculum, designed by John Deere and Northwest Mississippi Community College, addresses the full range of technological advances in agricultural mechanization, focusing on both John Deere’s Agricultural and it Commercial & Consumer Equipment product lines. Students learn about diesel engine systems, powertrains, hydraulics, machine setup and adjustment, as well as high-tech AMS electronics, schematics and diagnostics computers. Students also gain practical experience and expertise working with the computer-assisted resource materials used throughout the John Deere service network, such as Service ADVISOR. The program also emphasizes communication skills and other non-core disciplines essential to a successful career in ag service.

This is an instructional program that prepares individuals to select, operate, maintain, service and use agricultural power units, machinery and equipment. The program covers internal combustion engines service and overhaul, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, power trains, air conditioning, grain harvesting equipment, spray equipment, row crop planting systems, cotton harvesting equipment, hay harvesting equipment, compact engines equipment servicing, cutting and welding, and service repair center management and operations. The Associate of Applied Science degree will be granted to students who complete the curriculum.

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Admission Requirements

To be considered for the Ag/John Deere Tech Program you must:

Meet all Northwest Mississippi Community College admission requirements. The following must be on file in the Registrar's Office before registration:

• A completed application for admission
• An official copy of ACT or SAT scores (ACT required for Mississippi residents)
• An official copy of a transcript from an accredited high school that includes a graduation date; or an official copy of GED scores; or   an official copy of college or military transcript(s) from all colleges attended; or if attending another college full-time and attending     Northwest part-time, attending an evening class or during a summer semester, a letter of good standing from the full-time college     attended.

Take and pass all required mechanical ability entrance tests

Meet the ACT requirement of 15.

Obtain and maintain sponsorship with a qualified John Deere dealership *

* Please contact one of the instructors for details about sponsorship.

Meet the Instructional Team

The instructional team of Jeremy Massey and Shane Louwerens offers experience coupled with a personal, hands-on approach to meeting the needs of students. The offices are located in the Agriculture Technology/John Deere building.

Freshman Instructor: Jeremy Massey

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Phone: 662-560-4185

Sophomore Instructor: Shane Louwerens

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Phone: 662-560-4184

Current Program Forms

1. Application for admission

2. Application for housing

3. Dealer Approval

4. Tool list

Careers

• Service Technician
• Agriculture Equipment Operator
• Heavy Equipment Mechanic
• Agriculture Equipment Sales

What can I expect from a career in Agricultural Technology?

Farm equipment mechanics service, maintain, and repair farm equipment, as well as smaller lawn and garden tractors sold to homeowners. What once was a general repairer's job around the farm has evolved into a specialized technical career. Farmers have increasingly turned to farm equipment dealers to service and repair their equipment because the machinery has grown in complexity. Modern equipment uses more computers, electronics, and hydraulics, making it difficult to perform repairs without specialized training and tools.

Agricultural equipment operators use a variety of farm equipment to plow, sow seeds, and maintain and harvest crops. Equipment may include tractors, fertilizer spreaders, haybines, raking equipment, balers, combines, threshers, and trucks. These workers also operate machines, such as conveyor belts, loading machines, separators, cleaners, and dryers, used in moving and treating crops after their harvest. As part of the job, workers may make adjustments and minor repairs to equipment.

Sales representatives, sometimes called manufacturers’ representatives or manufacturers’ agents, generally work for manufacturers, wholesalers, or technical companies. Some work for a single organization, while others represent several companies and sell a range of products. Rather than selling goods directly to consumers, sales representatives deal with businesses, government agencies, and other organizations.

How much can I earn?

The median annual wage of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians was $42,630, or $20.50 per hour, in May 2010.

Reference:
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition
Bureau of Labor Statistics