By Sydney Peterson
In a collaborative effort to showcase agricultural practices and technology, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach hosted several Precision Agriculture and Animal Science Days across the state in September and October. These events aimed to bring together farmers, agronomists, researchers and industry experts to explore the latest precision agriculture innovations while engaging high school students in hands-on education. Youth participants also connected with local collegiate, business and industry leaders, creating awareness of the ever-evolving agriculture industry and exploring collegiate and job opportunities in Iowa.
Precision agriculture, biosecurity and the poultry industry were the focuses of this year’s event. Over 580 youth participants engaged in sessions across Iowa.
“Precision Ag and Animal Science Days encourage Iowa high schoolers to look at the many career avenues agriculture offers in Iowa and nationwide,” said Beth Bunkers, youth program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Students take part in real-life career exploration and make connections with individuals who can help them after high school, whether that be in college or the job market. The connections students make can guide them in career choices and even finding a full-time job or internship.”
Students took part in a variety of activities. In northeast and northwest Iowa, youth engaged in 12 hands-on activity sessions, with a keynote speaker during lunch at each event. Participants also heard from ISU Extension and Outreach Vice President Jason Henderson.
In southeast Iowa, youth engaged in five hands-on sessions, a career panel and a college fair. Each participant worked through a journal to allow more intentional learning throughout the day by recording their reflections, questions and future goals.
Experiential learning sessions ranged from understanding how GPS systems work, crop marketing, egg grading, farm health and aquaponics to drones, tomato grafting, autosteering equipment, carcass fabrication, learning to estimate corn yields and insect pest management.
Many youth reported enjoying learning about and trying their hand at controlling drones in a session with ISU Extension and Outreach digital agriculture specialist Doug Houser. They learned about the numerous benefits of drones to the agricultural industry, enhancing efficiency, productivity and sustainability.
Participants also engaged in a GPS scavenger hunt with partners from Ellsworth Community College and sessions on Sprayer Technology and GPS Mapping with Nic Uilk, lecturer in precision agriculture at South Dakota State University.
Other event presenters included several ISU Extension and Outreach staff; Iowa State University College of Agriculture faculty; Wartburg College; Syngenta/Golden Harvest; Hy-Line North America; Kirkwood Washington County Regional Center; ISU Extension and Outreach agronomists Terry Basol, Josh Michel and Leah Ten Napel; and other local business owners, farmers and volunteers.
“I had always enjoyed working with GPS systems in tractors and thought it was amazing what they could make a tractor do all by itself. Precision Ag and Animal Science Day helped me to find my perfect fit for my college education, as I’m sure it has for many students,” said Mitchell Stief, a past participant. “After coming back home to Cherokee, I [now] run a small ag retail business, selling after market and repair/replacement parts for planters and combines through a company called Copperhead Ag.”
Precision Agriculture and Animal Science Days received the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council Seal of Approval in 2017. Each year, event coordinators strive to make improvements and changes to the event.
“Precision agriculture is becoming increasingly common in production agriculture, which in turn enhances productivity, sustainability and profitability for farmers, making it a crucial component of modern agricultural practices,” said Amy Powell, 4-H animal science specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
“Agriculture is ever changing, which means that ag careers are constantly changing also,” said Kendra Crooks, 4-H youth specialist. “Traditional agricultural careers have evolved with developments in technology, marketing, biosecurity and more. We strive to show students that no matter their strengths, interests or skillsets, they can find a great job in agriculture or a related field, and they can find it here in Iowa.”
Precision Agriculture and Animal Science Days are hosted for participating schools and students at no charge, thanks to generous community partners and volunteers. “We could not host this event without our collegiate and industry partners who volunteer their time to come and host educational sessions for students,” Bunkers said. “A sincere thank you to all of them.”
For more information on your community’s Precision Agriculture and Animal Science Days, please contact your county ISU Extension and Outreach office or visit the Iowa 4-H website at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h.
Source : iastate.edu