Primghar, Iowa — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting Precision Agriculture and Animal Science Days now through Thursday at the Northwest Iowa Research Farm near Sutherland.
Extension experts tell us that Precision Agriculture and Animal Science Days engage high school students in hands-on agriculture education while also showcasing careers in agriculture and connecting students with post-secondary opportunities and business and industry leaders.
Beth Bunkers, Youth Program Specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach says that Precision Ag and Animal Science Days encourage Northwest Iowa high schoolers to take a look at the many career avenues agriculture offers in Iowa and nationwide. She says that students take part in real-life ag career exploration and make connections with individuals who can help them after high school, whether that be in college or the job market. According to Bunkers, the connections students make during this event can guide them in making career choices and even finding a full-time job or internship.
Precision Agriculture and Animal Science Days received the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council Seal of Approval in 2017 and each year, event coordinators strive to make improvements and changes to the event.
Kate Stewart, K-12 Program Coordinator with ISU Extension and Outreach in O’Brien County, who coordinates the event says that agriculture is ever-changing, which means that ag careers are constantly changing also. She says traditional ag careers have evolved with developments in technology, marketing, biosecurity and more.
According to Stewart, “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 Northwest Iowa.”
One hundred fifty high schoolers are invited to attend the event each day, for a total of approximately 450 youth participants during the three-day period. Precision agriculture and animal science – specifically the equine, goat, and small animal industries – are the focuses of this year’s event.
Students take part in a variety of science, technology, engineering, and math activities. Each day, there are 12 different presentations between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., with a keynote speaker during the noon lunch.
Extension experts tell us Precision Agriculture and Animal Science Days are hosted for participating schools and students at no charge thanks to generous community partners and volunteers. And they wish to thank them for their generosity.
