In mid April, students in the Agricultural Technology Precision Agriculture and Data Management class traveled to Virginia's Northern Neck to see firsthand how producers are using technology and data-driven decision-making to improve their operations.

Led by Wesley Gwaltney, Advanced Instructor in Agricultural Technology, the trip focused on how producers utilize precision agriculture practices to reduce costs, improve yields, and serve as better stewards of their land. Students also explored the role of cover crops in improving soil health and reducing fertilizer costs, learned about Virginia's largest aquaculture facility, and visited Virginia Tech's Eastern Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC) to learn about ongoing agricultural research.

Students in the field
AT students receiving a lecture in a field

Throughout the two-day experience, students met with industry leaders, producers, researchers, and alumni working across agriculture-related fields. Stops included:

  • Healthy Harvest Fresh, hosted by Tammy Cole 
  • Eastern Virginia AREC, hosted by Joseph Oakes and AT alumnus Austin Gulasky
  • Thomas Neck Ag, hosted by Benjamin Ellis, Shannon Ellis, and AT alumnus Hunter Sanders
  • Cloverfield Farms, hosted by Jay Hundley and AT alumnus Ian Watkins
  • Brandon Farms, hosted by Bob Waring
  • Three Rivers Soil and Water Conservation District, hosted by AT alumnus Trevor Guy
  • Stephen Ellis Farms, hosted by AT alumnus Logan Ellis

The Agricultural Technology program extends its sincere appreciation to all of the hosts who shared their time, expertise, and operations with students. Special thanks also go to Chris Conway, Precision Ag Coordinator at AgriFocus LLC, and Erin Hardin, Agronomist with Coastal AgroBusiness, for helping make this educational experience possible.

Experiences like these connect classroom concepts with real-world applications, allowing students to gain firsthand insight into the technologies, research, and management practices shaping the future of agriculture. If you are interested in getting involved with the Agricultural Technology program, contact our faculty or complete the Industry Engagement Interest Form

A group photo of AT students in the field

A group photo of AT students in the field