Fall & Spring 2026 Newsletter
Dear alumni and friends,
As we begin a new academic year, we are proud to celebrate 42 Agricultural Technology graduates that achieved degrees in May and excited to welcome 44 new students this fall. This is a big year for Ag Tech as we mark its 40th anniversary; we will be reflecting on our past while preparing for an exciting future. As many of you have likely heard, we are working to offer degrees remotely in Abingdon at the Southwest VA Higher Education Center in cooperation with Virginia Highlands Community College starting in the Fall of 2028. More details to follow; please let us know if you have any questions, are interested in applying for admission or want to partner with us in offering tours or internships.
This issue highlights many of the hands-on learning experiences, industry partnerships and internships, and student achievements that make Agricultural Technology unique. Through national competitions, industry tours, and guest speakers, these opportunities continue to prepare students for rewarding careers while strengthening connections with our industry partners. I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of our students and the effectiveness of instructors.
Our alumni and industry partners remain an important part of the Ag Tech community. Whether through our new Community Ambassadors program or other volunteer and engagement opportunities, we appreciate the many ways you help support our students and program. I have met many new faces in my first 6 months as director and I look forward to meeting many more of you, never hesitate to reach out.
As we prepare for this special anniversary year, we invite alumni, students, industry partners, families, and friends to share their connection to Ag Tech. Every Ag Tech story matters, and your experience may be featured as part of our anniversary celebration.
Thank you for being part of the Agricultural Technology family and for helping us build on 40 years of success while looking ahead to the future.
Warm regards,
Steve Rideout
Director, Agricultural Technology Program
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Featured Articles
We want your Ag Tech Story
We Want Your Ag Tech Story! Ag Tech turns 40 this year, and we're celebrating the people who made the journey possible. Alumni, students, industry partners, families, and friends are invited to share their memories and experiences for a chance to be featured during our anniversary celebration. Every Ag Tech story matters—and we'd love to hear yours.
Help Us Spread the Word About Fall Open House Events
Know someone exploring college options? Invite them to attend our Fall Open House on November 7 in Blacksburg, VA, or watch for details on a second event in Southeast Virginia. Both offer a great opportunity to learn more about the Agricultural Technology Program.
Community Ambassador Program
Built on the enthusiasm of alumni and industry friends, our Community Ambassador Program is expanding opportunities to support recruitment, outreach, and engagement. We invite you to get involved and help connect future students with Agricultural Technology.
Guest Speakers and Field Trip Hosts From the Year
Industry partners and Agricultural Technology alumni play an essential role in enriching student learning through guest lectures, field trips, and shared expertise. We are proud to recognize those who generously supported AT students throughout the past year and invite others to become involved.
Student Awards
We celebrated graduating students whose dedication, leadership, service, and scholarship have made a lasting impact on the program.
Friend of the Industry Award
Ruppert Landscape has been named the 2026 Agricultural Technology Program Friend of the Program Award recipient, recognizing decades of support for students and the program.
New Director Announcement
Longtime Virginia Tech faculty member Dr. Steve Rideout has been named the new director of the Agricultural Technology Program.
National Collegiate Landscape Trip
Supported by generous industry partners, Agricultural Technology students traveled to Michigan State University to compete in the National Collegiate Landscape Competition and gain hands-on experience that will benefit them throughout their careers.
Northern Neck Trip
Students explored cutting-edge agricultural operations across Virginia's Northern Neck while learning from industry leaders, researchers, and several Agricultural Technology alumni working throughout the region.
Middle School Students Explore the Future of Agriculture Through STEM
Instructor Wesley Gwaltney teamed up with John Deere partners to give middle school students a hands-on introduction to precision agriculture, showcasing the innovative technology shaping today’s farms.