an industry speaker showing students a large spray rig in the field
group of students and instructor in front a large combine
industry speakers showing students field data on a large screen
a student holding a cucumber growing on a vine in a greenhouse
students in a hydroponic greenhouse
students digging in the ground looking for seeds that the planter planted
Farmer in tractor looking at GPS equipment and computer screen
students speaking with industry representatives next to a crop field and tractor
Students and faculty next to the main office sign at the AREC Office
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Students from Virginia Tech’s Agricultural Technology Program recently traveled to Eastern Virginia to deepen their understanding of concepts taught in the Precision Agriculture and Data Management course. The trip gave students the opportunity to see equipment, techniques, and crop systems not commonly found in the Blacksburg area.

The group visited Cloverfield Farm and Thomas Neck Ag, both located in Champlain, Virginia. At Thomas Neck Ag, students met with Benjamin Ellis and Hunter Sanders as they prepared for corn planting using a strip-till rig that both conditions the seedbed and applies granular fertilizer with precision. At Cloverfield Farm, Jay Hundley and Ian Watkins discussed irrigation and precision planting methods used in their operation.

Students also attended a dinner and networking event hosted by Benjamin and Shannon Ellis at their farm, with support from Thomas Neck Ag and Three Rivers Soil and Water Conservation District. The gathering included several Agricultural Technology alumni and industry professionals:

  • Trevor Guy, Precision Ag Specialist, Three Rivers SWCD
  • Ian Watkins, Cloverfield Farm
  • Hunter Sanders, Thomas Neck Ag
  • Logan Ellis, local producer
  • Berl Jastram, AgriGold
  • Robbie Longest, Essex County ANR VCE Agent
  • Chris Conway, AgriFocus LLC
  • Erin Hardin, Coastal AgroBusiness
  • Tammy Cole, Director of Operations, Healthy Harvest Fresh
  • Ben Lewis, Greenhouse Manager, Healthy Harvest

The group visited Healthy Harvest Fresh, a nonprofit aquaponics operation in Warsaw, Virginia. The facility supplies fresh produce to a six-county food bank region and raises tilapia for local markets. The visit highlighted the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and community service.

“Trips like this help students connect classroom learning to real-world applications,” said Advanced Instructor Wesley Gwaltney, who led the trip. “It’s especially meaningful when they get to learn from alumni who are working in the field and willing to share their experiences.”

The Agricultural Technology Program appreciates the support of all who made this trip possible. Experiences like these are often supported by donors and industry partners who value hands-on learning and student engagement. To learn more about how you can help support our students, visit https://agtech.vt.edu/Engagement.html