Jenna Cain and Brycen Sheets are the 2023-2024 recipients of the John Lee Pratt Agricultural Technology Animal Nutrition research scholarship.  Jenna and Brycen completed a yearlong research project titled, Stockpiled Tall Fescue Yield and Quality Responses to Nitrogen Fertilizer.  Their research examined if there is a response to N on stockpiled fescue pasture, or if there may be enough residual N from animal excretion to meet crop need.  Their plots were at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va and the Shenandoah Valley AREC in Raphine, Va.  Their research found there was a positive response in yield, crude protein, and total digestible nutrient to N fertilization.

Jenna

Jenna is from Suffolk, Virginia and has made the Dean’s List during all her semesters at Virginia Tech.  She has received the George R. Pulley Jr. Memorial, John Lee Pratt Research, Whaleyville Ruritan Club, and Holland Ruritan Club Scholarships.  Advanced Instructor Wesley Gwaltney noted, “While Jenna did not initially have a strong interest in livestock nutrition, I have really enjoyed watching Jenna approach this project from the soil science and research methodology point of view.  Jenna really enjoys the analytical side of agriculture, and I am sure she will have a bright future in the lab and field.”

Brycen

Brycen is from Glade Spring, Virginia and has made the Dean’s List for three semesters.  Other than the John Lee Pratt Research Scholarship, Brycen received the Virginia Produce Scholarship through the FFA and is an AT Ambassador.  Additionally, he is a member of both the Young Farmers of Virginia Tech and the Beef Leadership Council.  Wesley said; “I have really enjoyed mentoring Brycen through the Pratt undergraduate research project.  He has shown genuine interest throughout the project and has done great work in setting up the project and collecting, preparing, and analyzing data.  His practical experience has been an asset to the research.”

Pratt poster
The final poster