Wesley Gwaltney

My teaching is driven by a passion for seeing my students become leaders in their fields.  I have a lifetime of practical, on-farm experience as well as academic and industry experiences that I share in my classes and labs.  I utilize a variety of teaching styles to connect with students’ unique learning styles.  I utilize traditional lecture coupled with class discussions, hand-on labs where students learn the latest tools and techniques used in agronomy, and both independent and group projects.  My proudest moments as an educator are when I see recent graduates use the knowledge and skills gained in the AT Program to excel in their careers.

My expertise is focused in conservation agronomy in row crop and forage systems.  My experiences on my family’s farm and graduate degree are rooted in the cropping systems of the Coastal Plain of Virginia.  I grew up on a farm that raised peanuts, cotton, corn, soybeans, small grains, and hay; we also had small farrow to finish hog and cow/ calf operations.  I credit my A.A. degree from AT as the catalyst for becoming a lifelong learner.  My work with USDA NRCS and Montana State University Extension were focused primarily on soil and water conservation in forage systems, weed control, and hay production.  My undergraduate degree in education and six years teaching high school has given me a knowledge of various teaching and learning styles that help my reach a diverse group of students.