Our Ag Voices series focuses on young people preparing for a career in agriculture. The series highlights what the students are learning in the classroom and how they plan to apply those lessons to future challenges in the agriculture industry.
We recently sat down with our Ag Voices students to talk about their semester, classes and summer plans. We also asked Daniel, Matthews and Alycia about their thoughts on agricultural education. When we first met the group last fall, all three were majoring in agricultural education and planning to become ag teachers after graduation. Now, they are exploring other opportunities and options. In the video below, the group shares their thoughts on the value of agricultural education.
Note: If video doesn’t play, try refreshing browser
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxa2UmeuEGE
What are your thoughts on the value of agricultural education? Were you an ag-ed major in college? How has that foundation served you in your current job?
The three students value their agricultural education, but are looking for ways to expand their knowledge. One way they’re doing that is through summer internships and educational programs. They’re not even halfway through their spring semester, but all three have started making plans for the summer.
Alycia secured her first sales job with an agribusiness company. She has a part-time internship with the company this semester and will do even more work with it this summer. She’ll work closely with vegetable growers and hopes to secure her own clients by the end of the summer.
Matt has applied to be a counselor for the Institute for Future Agriculture Leaders program sponsored by N.C. Farm Bureau. The week-long program is open to high school students in the top third of their class and interested in agriculture. As a counselor, Matt will help facilitate discussions and give the students a firsthand look at the agriculture industry in North Carolina.
Daniel is applying for an international agriculture experience sponsored by National FFA. The International Collegiate Agricultural Leadership program, or I-CAL, sends college students on a two-week educational trip to learn more about agriculture in other countries. This year, the I-CAL program will focus on Southeast Asia. Students will be able to tour feed mills, open-air feed and animal markets, livestock operations and food processing plants throughout Asia.
Stay tuned for more updates from Daniel, Matthew and Alycia as they finish up their sophomore year at N.C. State University and get one step closer to a career in agriculture.