Precision Farming
Managing agricultural land in a resource-efficient and economically viable manner—that is the goal of “precision farming.” This field calls for your expertise in agriculture, IT, digitalization, and automation. As a precision farmer, you will work in a forward-looking, sustainable field at agricultural operations, consulting firms, service providers, or agricultural machinery manufacturers.
Until further notice, the program’s courses will take place in Höxter. In the medium term, instruction is scheduled to move to Lemgo. Specific information regarding the relocation of programs will be announced several months before the start of the semester.
Your heart beats for...
A Degree Program with a Future
Many students come from an agricultural background, which is helpful, but not required.
You will bring one of the following educational backgrounds:
- General university entrance qualification (Abitur)
- Specialized university entrance qualification
- Advanced technical college certificate (Fachhochschulreife)
- Vocational qualification
German language level: C1
1. Semester
- Mathematics
- Computer science
- Agricultural sciences
- Chemistry and soil science
- Mechatronics and automation
2. Semester
- Mechatronics and automation
- Environmental data collection
- Agricultural sciences
- Academic work and technical English
- Remote sensing, satellite image analysis and surveying
3. Semester
- Agricultural sciences
- Programming
- Mechanical engineering in precision farming
- Geoinformation systems
- Projects, organization and ethics
4. Semester
- Agricultural processes and sustainable farming
- Analysis of agricultural data
- IT security and data protection
- Interdisciplinary application project
5. Semester
- Modeling in an agricultural context
- Modeling in crop production
- Big data and image analysis
- Precision farming transfer process
- Start-ups, innovation management and transfer
6. Semester
- Internship semester/semester abroad
7. Semester
- Interdisciplinary research project
- Bachelor thesis
The Precision Farming program combines agriculture with digitalization and agricultural machinery technology. Biochemical processes in the soil, crop production, modeling, and programming are therefore just as much a part of the curriculum as AI and field robots. Two extensive projects and the practical or study abroad semester allow students to tailor their focus to their individual interests.
As a graduate of the degree program in Precision Farming, you will combine your expertise in the areas of agriculture, IT and digitization and automation and field robotics. You will
- understand key crop production processes and be able to represent these as a model
- automate processes through programming technology
- evaluate large quantities of data directly or via data science approaches
- collect and analyze spatial data
- identify and plan appropriate digitization approaches, support or design their implementation
As a precision farmer, you will
- work in agricultural operations and at agricultural contract producers, and support the processes digitized there or the transfer process there.
- advise on agricultural chambers or in private consulting firms with a focus on precision farming.
- support agricultural machinery manufacturers in their broad range of expertise in developing new machines, technologies and software products or services.
The Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences collaborates with agricultural businesses in Germany and abroad, with agricultural machinery manufacturers, with farm contractors, agricultural associations, and chambers of agriculture. We also maintain close partnerships with both national and international agricultural research institutions.
- Plant nutrition, modeling in crop production
- Soil analysis processes
- Field robotics
- Use of drones
- Danger of erosion in an agricultural context
... the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations
- directly to zero hunger
- directly to good health and well-being
- directly to decent work and economic growth
- directly to responsible consumption and production
- directly to climate action
- directly to life on land
Studying at Sustainable Campus Höxter
Sustainable Studies at the Höxter Campus
At the Höxter campus, much revolves around the environment, sustainability, and digitalization—for example, in the environmental engineering and landscape architecture programs, or in the field of precision farming. Projects like the 2023 State Garden Show demonstrate that sustainability can be exciting, practical, and innovative. This is made possible by modern laboratories, our own botanical garden, and close collaboration with local governments and businesses.
Important Note: Mid-term relocation of degree programs from the Höxter campus
The Sustainable Campus Höxter is one of the three locations of TH OWL. In the future, the degree programs at the Höxter location are to be relocated to the Kreativ Campus Detmold or the Innovation Campus Lemgo. A timeline will be announced as soon as possible. Currently, enrollment in the degree programs offered at this location is still possible. TH OWL will ensure that all students are informed several months in advance and can continue to study and complete their degree programs successfully. You can find all relevant information here.
Information
- Application and Enrollment
- Dates and Deadlines
- Tuition
- FAQs on Application and Enrollment
- Study Plan
- Module Handbook
Only the information contained in the currently valid examination regulations for the program, as published in the official bulletin, is authoritative and legally binding. You can find the official bulletins here.
Voices from academia, teaching, and professional practice
Jonas Hilkemeier, Precision Farming student:
“In my studies, I’m learning about comprehensive and exciting methods that can help make agriculture more sustainable without sacrificing productivity.”
Professor Dr. Anna Gunina, Soil Biogeochemistry:
“Precision Farming combines modern technologies with a deep understanding of natural processes. It is important to me that students learn not only to measure soil and environmental data, but also to interpret it and use it to make sustainable decisions.”
Professor Dr. Burkhard Wrenger, Precision Farming:
“Crop production, soil biogeochemistry, and digitalization are very important fields for the agriculture of the future. With our program offerings, we help ensure that our graduates can contribute to sustainable and future-proof solutions. Graduates are in high demand in the job market.”
Luis Schnepel, Precision Farming graduate:
“Water, AI, and automation are the most important topics and trends in agriculture in the coming years—not just in Germany, but worldwide. That’s why the Precision Farming program was my first choice.”
Contact and Counseling
- Our Central Student Advisory Service answers questions about studying at the university
- Offers for study orientation
- Get to know your faculty!
- Click here to go to the subject-specific student advisory service of the faculty
- Apply via our KIS portal!
- Information on the enrollment procedure is available from the Enrollment Office
- Studying abroad? Our International Office is there for you!
Still unanswered questions?
Our Student Service Center will answer all your questions about studying at TH OWL as well as about application and enrollment:
Phone: +49 5261 702 2534
E-mail: studierendenservice(at)th-owl.de
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.