The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Agronomy Club hosted Experience Agronomy Day for high school students and FFA chapters on Feb. 25 in the Nebraska East Union. This event was open to all Nebraska high school students.
This annual workshop is for students with interest in developing and growing plants. Students learn the basics of insect, disease, plant and seed identification. Sessions also prepare students for the FFA Agronomy contest with an opportunity to learn and ask questions from undergraduate and graduate students.
This year, Tyler Quick, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture undergraduate recruitment specialist, presented information on areas of study in the department and specialized options within the major to prepare for various dynamic careers in agronomy. Current officers of the Agronomy Club were introduced and shared what educational and leadership opportunities the club offers. Finally, three representatives from Central Valley Ag Cooperative presented what they do and potential job opportunities as agronomists in the future.
The morning agenda included the following breakout sessions:
• Insects and disease: Students learn about pests and how to identify them.
• Live plant and seed identification: Students study plants and learn species identification characteristics.
• Mini test with live plants, similar to the FFA Agronomy contest.
The Agronomy Club strives to provide educational and leadership opportunities and training outside the conventional university classroom and stimulate interest in agronomic work among university students. Email the club at unlagclub@gmail.com to join or ask for more information.
Go to agronomy.unl.edu/experience-agronomy for more information on this annual event.
