An Innovative Approach: My Ground-breaking Experience

Ever wonder why you see green in corn and bean fields after harvest or before planting? Although some may be wheat, it may also be a cover crop. Whether you believe so or not, planting cover crops has been a major agronomic topic of discussion among the many innovative agricultural practices of nutrient management today. Especially here in Illinois, where our fertile soils are one of the best in the nation, let alone in the entire world.

Basically, the idea behind cover crops is for the purpose of keeping roots below the surface year-round, while establishing a source of living soil cover in the winter and early spring. As a result, over time it can essentially build the soil organic matter (SOM) and better the overall soil structure, thus allowing the soil to retain water and nutrients for the crop more effectively. Additionally, the whole purpose of the word ‘cover’ in ‘cover crops’ is the concept of covering bare soil to prevent soil erosion, which is one of the leading causes of soil depletion.

In October of 2021, I was fortunate to gain a new innovative experience by planting cover crops for my cousin, Jason Boehler. A fellow WIU grad, Jason farms roughly 500 acres of half and half corn and soybeans with his father Joe (my great uncle), and makes all agronomic decisions for every acre. Being an innovative farmer, Jason’s goal is to seed every acre with a cover crop every year, to not only achieve higher yields each year, but better the soil as well. In addition, he no-tills all his soybeans while strip tilling all his corn.

“We try to cover crop every acre every year”

Jason Boehler

After each corn harvest, he seeds cereal rye with his drill. After the soybeans are cut, he then drills a barley and crimson clover mix into bean stubble. Barley will grow deep roots to better the soil and the clover is there as a legume to convert valuable nitrogen from the air and to the soil through the process of nitrogen fixation. This process allows for Jason to apply less anhydrous ammonia (NH3) in the spring ahead of the corn as a source of nitrogen fertilizer. Ground going into corn gets a burndown spray application roughly a week or two before planting to terminate the barley and clover, while the beans get planted into green rye and are later treated with a postemergence herbicide when the beans are at VE to V1 growth stage.

Spring ’22 Barley & Crimson Clover – photo taken by Jason Boehler

Through my experience, I was able to seed the barley and clover mix into bean stubble while Jason and Joe finished up on cutting beans. This was also when I was first introduced to using GPS autosteer. In their John Deere 4430, they had previously set up an autosteer system capable to adapt to older model tractors. Not only was I able to let autosteer lead me in a straight line throughout the field, with the GPS screen monitor I was able to track what I planted and follow along to what had already been planted, to make sure I didn’t overlap any. It took a little bit to get used to, but I mastered it pretty quickly.

John Deere 4430 and drill I operated – photo taken by CW

GPS screen monitor in the cab – photo taken by CW

Overall, I profoundly enjoyed drilling the barley and clover for my cousin. Along with driving row after row in an enclosed tractor cab with A/C, a radio, and autosteer, I enjoyed learning about the process of his cover cropping operation. Although I feel any experience is valuable in the field of agriculture, I like this one in particular because it was innovative. And we all know innovation is part of the future.

About the Author

Hi, my name is Clayton Walch and I’m a junior at Western Illinois University. My home base is Litchfield, IL. I am majoring in Agriculture Science and double minoring in Agronomy and Precision Agriculture. Aside from school work I am involved in many campus clubs and organizations such as Alpha Gamma Sigma, Agronomy Club, Collegiate FFA, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and Ag Mech Club. My plan after graduation is to start a career in the field of Agronomy. Hope you enjoyed reading my blog and thanks for stopping by!

The Dairy Industry: more than just milk.

Little did I know that moving to Missouri for three months would change the way I viewed a part of the agriculture field for the rest of my life. I have always grown up around agriculture, from having two brothers that row crop farm, and a dad who has worked in a confinement hog building for most of my life, I was no stranger to the industry. At the age of fourteen I would ride to work with my brother where we both worked at our local, family owned farm supply store.  This job is where I learned the basics of what people need in order to successfully run a farm. What I had never thought about at that age is how people who didn’t grow up how I did, viewed the agriculture industry. 

In 2020 there was a video that came out titled “Dairy: Dead on Arrival”. This was posted by Animaloutlook.org and showed gruesome footage from a certain dairy farm that was mistreating their herd. This post prompted people to believe that all dairy farms were like that. I did not think much about this post since I had no idea how the dairy industry worked, until I worked in one. 

In the spring of 2021, I was finishing up my education at the John Wood Community College Agriculture Center located near Perry, Il. In order to graduate from JWCC, each student is required to complete two spring internships before obtaining their degree. My second year internship, I chose to intern at Purina Dairy Research Center in Grey Summit, Missouri. Luckily, I knew one person who also worked at this facility so I was not going into this new place alone, but that does not mean I was not nervous to move away from my family and everything I knew for the first time. I moved a couple days before I was due to start my first day at Purina, so I could unpack my things and figure out where I needed to go before I started. I had worked with cattle before so I was fairly comfortable with being around them, but I could not tell you one thing about dairy cows. All I knew was these cows are where my daily glass of milk comes from.

I quickly learned that this internship was not going to be an easy one. I was to show up at 9am everyday and would get off around 6pm, obtaining around 25,000 steps a day according to my watch. By the end of the first day I was exhausted but excited to head back. I had learned so much my first day and was constantly ready to learn the next day no matter how tired I was. I trained with different people each day for about a week before they sent me off on my own. Now I was still no expert and definitely had to search for people to ask questions but eventually I felt like I had mostly everything figured out. Since I was an intern I was able to learn how each part of the unit works, from milking cows, running cows to the parlor, working in the heifer, steer and calf barns, learning how to take blood samples and administer IV medications and much more.

As I worked here I thought about that article I had seen about the dairy industry, and how much of a lie it was. Not only did the workers I was surrounded by give 110% every day, they loved their jobs and loved the animals even more. During this internship is when I started to realize how many people look down on the agriculture industry based on false information they read on the internet. But I knew nothing about how to talk to people about one of the biggest issues affecting agriculture. 

Photo from Landolakesinc.com. This is the barn I interned in.

The fall of 2021 I transferred to Western Illinois University and had my first day of classes. I quickly realized how much the school of agriculture was an advocate for educating people who know nothing about the industry. From posting on social media what Ag students do throughout their days, having events that invite the public to teach them about our industry and much more. Looking back on my internship with Purina, I never thought I would have learned as much as I did, not only the hands-on stuff that will help me with my career, but also just learning about teaching people how important the industry that feeds the world really is. 

About the Author

Hello my name is Leah Dorothy and I am from Carthage, Il.  I am a senior studying Agricultural Science here at Western Illinois University. I have always enjoyed learning and working with livestock, having experience in working with dairy cows, beef cattle, and swine. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog and I hope you enjoyed it!

Finding the Faith in Farming and the Muck of Life

The work of tending to the Earth, the creatures on it, and growing the food it provides for us is a calling that was given to humans as early as in the Garden of Eden in the first chapter of the Bible. Faith and farming are intricately woven together as God’s hand is directly seen in farming and agriculture. We pray over our crops for growth, success, and nutrients. We pray over our livestock for health and protection. Agriculture is my roots, my livelihood, and a huge part of who I am today. Agriculture is something that we can all ultimately connect with even if we have never stepped foot on a farm: we all eat food, wear clothes, and fuel our vehicles. Agriculture and farming have been around for decades and maybe your end goal is not to be a farmer but there is something we can all learn from the faith in the roots of American agriculture. 

Photography: Kirsten with A Camera (Kirsten Johnson)

Farmers are constantly faced with challenges that are beyond their control: inflation, weather, prices, moisture availability, just to name a few. These challenges make them incredibly adaptable. In my statistics class we were taught the simple, yet complex concept of “always account for variable change” A change of variables is a basic technique used to simplify problems in which the original variables are replaced with functions of other variables. Variable change is something that applies not only to mathematics but to agriculture and life in general. It is the element of change that requires us to be adaptable. We may think we know how something will go but then “the variable changes” and we feel like our worlds have been flipped upside down. 

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces” (Matthew 7:6). This bible verse has powerful meaning when you take a closer look. “Do not cast your pearls before the swine,” do not offer something valuable to someone who does not understand its value. Do not put the idea of your own self worth or your purpose in someone else’s hand because they do not value you as much as the Lord does.

So, how do we keep our faith through variable change, a modern world, and the “muck of life”? The reality of living in the world we do is that inevitably there will always be sickness, suffering, and trials. The enemy will continue to try to tear us down but this cannot be done unless we let it happen. Developing your faith is a journey that takes time but it is rewarding when it provides a sense of purpose, hope, and belonging. Just like a plant having to adapt and change to its soil, environment, and nutrient availability. We, as Christians, have to continue to adapt to draw nutrients from the Word of God to grow spiritually. It is important that we find and keep the faith, courage, and discipline to the Lord and the plan He has for us, even when it seems like life is not following a straight line. 

“If God sends you to it, He will see you through it”

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Meet The Author

Photography: Kirsten with A Camera (Kirsten Johnson)

Hello! My name is McKenna Merritt and I am from Carthage, Illinois. I am a Junior at WIU studying Agriculture Science with a minor in Chemistry on a Pre-Veterinary Science pathway. At Western, I am involved in the Centennial Honors College, Sigma Alpha, Hoof N’ Horn, Ag Vocators, and the Pre-Veterinary Science Club. I grew up on a fifth generation diversified livestock and row crop farm. After WIU, I hope to attend veterinary school to obtain my doctorate in Veterinary Medicine to become a mixed animal practitioner. In my spare time, I enjoy working with my show stock, swine and cattle, and spending time with my family and friends.

Youth Involvement in Agriculture

codytcornell

“No race can prosper till it learns there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem.”

Booker T. Washington

Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity’s 30th Annual Smokin’ Hog with guests Mayor Mike Inman and country singer Dylan Wheeler

According to NewsNation, the average farmer in the United States today is 60 years old. That is five years away from the average age of retirement. Are we making progress as a society to ensure that a future of young generation farmers are taking over the future of agriculture?

There are many ways in which young America is able to get involved within agriculture both within large cities and small rural communities. FFA, 4-H, urban agriculture programs, and many other forms of involvement are all over the country just waiting for young adults to become involved.

An Inside Look

The National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils is an organization based out of Ozark, AL. The purpose of the NARCDC is to build relationships, cultivate partnerships, and designate resources to enhance the ability of Resource Conservation and Development Councils across to the country to provide leadership, education, conservation, and the development of natural and human resources to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of the communities they serve.

This summer I have the great opportunity to work with the National Association in Ozark, AL. My first interaction with the organization was with the Executive Director Colton Buckley. Colton, being the Executive Director, was able to give me a great answer to what youth/student involvement in agriculture looks like.

“Youth involvement in agriculture is not only important for sustainable food production and environmental stewardship, but it also has implications for national security. By encouraging the participation of students and young people in agriculture, nations can strengthen their food systems and reduce their reliance on imports, which can be disrupted by natural disasters, conflicts, or other crises. Moreover, involving young people in agriculture can help ensure that the next generation has the skills and knowledge needed to address food security challenges, which are becoming increasingly critical in the face of a growing global population and climate impact.”

Colton Buckley | Executive Director, NARCDC

Farm children in Sheridan County, Kansas, ca. August 1939
Source:https://modernfarmer.com/2013/11/old-time-farm-kids/

February Internship Orientation for NARCDC in New Orleans with NRCS Chief Terry Cosby

Moving Forward in Agriculture

At the top of the blog, there was an image of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity’s 30th Annual Smokin’ Hog. The organization was able to raise $30,000 for local charities and community businesses. It has been such a big success in the past that Macomb, IL Mayor, Mike Inman, named October 29th “Macomb Smokin’ Hog Day.” Being an agriculture fraternity, these are the sorts of opportunities our young generation has with getting involved in agriculture.

Agriculture is continuing to expand further then our traditional grain farming. We are seeing new industries in cannabis, vertical farming, no-till planting, large conservation efforts, and many other forms of modern technology improvements. This constant evolution within agriculture sparks the time for when young “new-age” farmers need to be brought into the picture.

According to the USDA, there are many ways for someone to get involved in agriculture at a young age:

1. Get Involved in USDA Program Delivery
   • Farm Service Agency County Committees
   • Conservation Districts
2. USDA Advisory Committees
3. Connect and Learn with Partners
   • Cooperative Extension Offices
   • Farmland Information Center
   • Your State Department of Agriculture
4. Lead Locally
   • Research and Promotion Program Boards
   • 4-H
   • FFA
5. Find a Mentor

Source: https://www.usda.gov/youth

*To find out more about getting involved in your local Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) please use the following link: https://narcdc.org/

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Cody Cornell is a current Junior at Western Illinois University studying Agriculture Science and minoring in Pre-Law Honors. Cody serves as Western Illinois University’s Student Representative to the Board of Trustees. He has a strong passion for student representation and the student voice. Cody is highly efficient, timely, and dedicated worker ready to take on any task. He is driven by a love for politics, law, and agriculture. Cody currently servers as the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity Noble Ruler (President),

is a member of the Honors College SWOT Analysis Team, the Academic Calendar Committee, and also the St. Francis Catholic Newman Center. Cody also played a heavy role in produce consumerism, both wholesale and retail while working on a small produce farm in Columbia, IL. This summer Cody is excited to be working with the National Association for Resource Conservation and Development Council in Ozark, AL as a Government Relations & Community Outreach Intern.

The Power In Farming

“We Do what we can, to keep doing what we love.” – Ryan Schlipf

Long days, hard work, and tough times make some people wonder why we do it. In my opinion, there’s simply no other way. For many years farming has been a way of life for so many. Not only has it been a way to provide a steady and genuine lifestyle for the direct family, but to supply the nation with the necessities to keep an economy stable. More importantly from my experience, it’s about the work ethic, morals, family, and mindset instilled from generation to generation to make a positive impact long term.

I grew up in El Paso Illinois and have been a part of my family’s operation ever since I was born. Tree Lane Farms was established by my great grandfather Loren Schlipf, who had worked hard to build the next generation of farmers. People with the mindset like my great grandfather saw the future in not only building a lifestyle but building the youth of America with the right tools and mindset to be successful and contribute the best they can in society. Looking back, I wish I was old enough to know Loren a little better, but I’m well aware that he didn’t leave me with just anything. Today I stand as the 4th generation, and Tree Lane Farms is managed by my grandpa, and dad, alongside two brothers and a sister. This shows me that what was started generations ago was all part of a bigger plan.

In 2022, farming may be perceived as one of the toughest if not the toughest jobs that a person could have. Fighting a government or a society that pushes back against farming practices such as GMOs or animal rights activists trying to display our wrongdoing to livestock just sniffs the surface of that topic. The truth is, farmers, happen to be one of the biggest stewards of the land and the best caregivers to animals there are. Farmers live with the land and not on it, livestock is in our best interest to take care of and provide for. Countless hours, late nights, and longer days are spent to not only care for the land and livestock but providing for the world which might even be against the local farmer.

What keeps a farmer going? Every day creates a new challenge. Cows need feed, calves need vaccinated, fields need work, and fence needs mending all just make up a short list of things that are necessities that rarely go as planned. To some people, I know this lifestyle wouldn’t fit, so why do we do it? Thinking about my past, I know that there is a big picture. Farmers, put on this earth by God to mend strong relationships with great people, build morals, and great personalities, as well as stand for something that means so much more than just the job, and that, is The Power in Farming.

Ag Career Fair fall 22 300.5523

Hello everybody, I am Sawyer Schlipf a senior Ag Transfer from Lake Land Community College. I am an Animal Science major and have had the great opportunity to be on the livestock judging team and also serve as a member of the Hoof and Horn Club. After graduation, I plan to still be a part of Tree Lane Farms, and search for new opportunities as they come to me. I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog.

Where are all the Ag Teachers?

From the earliest stages of life, we are all asked as kids one main question. What do you want to be when you grow up? People often have mixed responses to this question. Some know what they want their future to look like, others have zero idea on what they want to do. When I was asked this question, I thought I had a pretty good idea from a young age, the answer was always to be a veterinarian. However, like many high school and college aged students, I too changed my mind and landed on the profession of becoming an Ag teacher. Agriculture Education was never part of my high school plan unlike many other students. I didn’t have access to an FFA program, this caused me to miss out on many of these great opportunities that were presented by the FFA organization that I never knew were possible.

Throughout my college education I was blessed with numerous opportunities to get involved in the FFA program and assist with many chapters in my own county as well as neighboring counties surrounding central Illinois. Growing up on my family’s farm raising and showing competitive livestock allowed for me to have a passion for the industry that many of us cherish so deeply. Being able to be involved in these FFA programs made me realize that I could infact make a difference in so many people lives. So many students across the state as well as the United Sates have little to know knowledge of the agriculture industry as a whole. It is important to educate the public on the practices that are done as well as the numerous opportunities that can present themselves in this ever-growing industry that is so rewarding to many.

Illinois is seeing a major shortage in Agriculture Educators across the state. This particularly sparked my interest due to the overwhelming number of subject areas and why agriculture is at the bottom of many peoples lists. “Over the past 5 years in Illinois alone there have been over 80 openings for Agriculture educators with only slightly over 20 qualified graduates to fill these openings on a yearly basis” according to Illinois Farm Bureau Partners. Agriculture programs are plentiful across most of the state. Across Illinois alone outside of the states Cook and other collar counties 82% of schools have an Agriculture program according to Ilaged’s official website.

Hello, my name is Alex Bruno I am From Rochester IL. I grew up on my family farm raising and showing competitive livestock on the state and national levels where we currently specialize in Registered Boer Goats and Club Lambs. I am currently a Senior at Western Illinois University where I am studying Agriculture Education. I hope this blog can provide some insight into the states need for more agriculture educators as well as my goal of becoming a future educator.

The Future of Agriculture

Bound to be challenging, the next five years are extremely important for the agriculture industry. Last summer I had the opportunity to work at one of the nation’s leading animal science programs. Ten weeks working alongside researchers solving today’s issues and tomorrow’s concerns amounted to an invaluable experience. The world population is growing which means food, water, education, housing, and everyday technologies must continue to develop to meet human needs. Efficiency is the key for agriculture producers to keep up.

Livestock are a significant source of protein and byproducts. My internship at the University of Illinois helped me better understand ruminants. Most of my time was spent between the world-class metabolism barn and animal science lab studying acidosis—a major problem in feedlots. Prioritizing animal health is ideal for progressing agriculture. When ruminants thrive from pasture to plate, we are taking the right steps to sustainably feed the world. Any cause of death is a loss of a food source in addition to blood, bones, and tendons used as by products for everyday human products such as shampoo and conditioners. Acidosis is caused from the production of lactate from a poor diet. The goal of the summer was to test and compare the recovery of lactate adapted steers to a control group of non-lactate adapted steers. Promising results suggest lactate adapted microbes in the rumen are better prepared to handle and control the effects of acidosis in an animal. With these kinds of results agriculture producers have a sense of direction to put each animal to its best use.

The agriculture industry gains a bad reputation from activists removed from the farm for generations. Indecisive teenagers are known for making bad decisions that they will cling to for a lifetime. Agriculture producers take on many roles on a daily basis and educating the next generation must be one. Growing up on a family-owned Angus cattle operation, I balanced roles as a farm hand, salesmen, agvocate, and graphic designer. Producers must be willing to reach out to schools and youth where agriculture isn’t admired. Through the ability of upcycling, cattle are capable of amazing things. Little do most athletes realize what balls and equipment are made of. Continuous research is helping producers make choices for the better of the industry.

Pictured Above: Samples collected from the rumen and tested for lactate.

Efficient choices will be the difference between sink or swim for most agriculture producers over the next five years. By trusting in science and technological advances, agriculture producers can feed the world. Mating animals for maximum potential is one way producers can create a brighter future for mankind. Educating anti-agriculturists may open doors no one knew existed.

Hi! My name is Bree Gaffney. I am a senior at WIU with a major in Ag Business and minor in Supply Chain Management. I am also a pre-MBA student. Next year I will complete my Masters of Business Administration with an emphasis on Agriculture at WIU. Over the past four years I have participated in various extracurricular activities including the Livestock Judging Team, Hoof n’ Horn club, Ag Business club, Alpha Zeta Honors Fraternity, and Collegiate Farm Bureau. I’m beyond thankful for all of my experiences at WIU and can’t wait to see what’s next!

My Path to Agriculture

Growing up, I had no background in agriculture. Little did I know that agriculture was my dream field. When people think of agriculture they probably imagine farmers, farm animals, and food crops. When I was younger, I would have definitely agreed that was the scope of agriculture, but agriculture is a much broader field than that.

Since I was little, I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. I had a profound love of animals from a very young age. I would always tell my mother that I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up. In fact, I would bring home animal fact books in kindergarten to be read to me as bedtime stories. Fact books that most children would find boring and monotonous, I found absolutely perfect. I remember in middle school I started running out of new books to read because I would read so many in a short amount of time.

When I got to high school, I noticed that I could sign up for an animal science class-but first I need to pass an introduction class. At first, I did not understand why I needed to take the course in order to take the animal science class. The class was an introduction to agriculture class and it was my first real experience learning about agriculture and its components like the FFA. One of the things that struck me in this class is how diverse the agriculture industry is. While farmers, farm animals, and growing crops make up a sizeable part of agriculture, most jobs involving work with animals, plants, and food all fall under agriculture. My dream of being a veterinarian is a job under the scope of agriculture. Without taking that introductory course, I likely would not have realized that for a while.

At Western Illinois University, I got to experience many firsts. I learned how to handle hogs, cattle, and sheep. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far at college and all the new experiences it as brought me. Going off to college I knew that I was going to be majoring in agriculture in order to achieve my dream, and while going off to college was a big step for me at first – as it is for most people – I always remember a quote I heard a long time ago. “You will never know how far you can go by staying where you are”.

By: Alyssa Ring

Hello, My name is Alyssa Ring. I am a junior here at Western Illinois University. I am majoring in Agriculture Science with a focus on animals and a minor in chemistry. Once I earn my bachelor’s I hope to head off to an accredited vet school to become a veterinarian. I grew up in a small town in Illinois. In my free time, I enjoy reading and hanging out with my friends.

An Ag major without the Ag in it

Growing up I always had a passion for loving and caring for animals. I always thought taking care of them would be fun. I never grew up on a farm or around animals. I told my parents I wanted to be a veterinarian and be involved with animals. I felt like if I became a vet, I was giving back by helping the community with something they loved. While being in school, others tried to change my mind but I had a mindset of what I wanted to do. I then got to high school and realized that being involved in FFA and agriculture classes was something that I loved. Being in FFA, I got told I wouldn’t make it because I didn’t grow up with that type of background. My mom always told me, “If I dreamed of doing it, go for it.” Taking those classes made me learn more on the agricultural side of things. I then decided I wanted to go to college for agriculture.       

      This is my FFA chapter and I at the Section 13 FFA Banquet.

While starting my first semester of junior college at John Wood Ag Center, I had to learn more about what the farming community and ag life was about while not living on a farm. I took many classes involving animal science, breeding livestock, and some ag business classes as well. As I kept learning more about what agriculture was, it made me really interested in helping with animals. I took some hands-on classes which taught me more on how animals lived, were taken care of, and what made them so important. I then did a clinical at Cass Veterinary Clinic and it made me feel more fascinated in pursuing my dream. I then knew I wanted to continue my passion for agriculture. I found out about Western Illinois University through some friends who went to John Wood Community College and knew it was the place I needed to be.

Here is me in front of Knoblauch Hall which is the Ag and Engineering building at WIU

 While continuing my studies at WIU, it made me realize that this is definitely something I loved. I felt that by helping animals and the community, I was doing something good for the future. Throughout all of this schooling, it takes a lot of courage to take these difficult courses to become a veterinarian. Here at WIU, I have taken multiple gen-ed classes which included Chemistry, Biology, and multiple agriculture classes as well. However, I am still learning more about the agricultural life, it makes me so interested for new things with animals. After I get done at WIU, I plan to fulfill my dream by then finishing with vet school. Since I didn’t grow up nor raised around a farm, it is a huge challenge to take some ag classes not knowing what I am going to learn about. One of the biggest challenge I am facing is completing the studies I need to have to get to being a vet. I may have many challenges, but I still make sure to overcome them while studying agriculture. I love all kinds of animals and that is why I think agriculture is so interesting. If I didn’t get involved with the school of agriculture, I would not be where I am at now to pursue all of my dreams on becoming a veterinarian. Although, I may not have not grown up on a farm or know any knowledge about agriculture to begin with, I love everything about the agriculture field. If you are passionate for something, strive for that and see if it has what you want to do next with your goals. 

Hello, thank you for taking the time to read my life learning about Agriculture. My name is Hanah Pullon. I am a junior studying Agriculture Science with a minor in Chemistry. I grew up in Jacksonville Illinois, a town an hour and a half southeast of Macomb. To any of my classmates, I hope you choose something that you are passionate on learning about. WIU makes me feel like I have another family in my life. I am happy I chose to get involved with the Ag life here at WIU.  

Small School Meets National Agronomy Conference

Throughout my college career I have been actively involved in many different clubs. Agronomy club is one of the first clubs that I joined as a freshman and have stayed involved to this day. One of my favorite things about agronomy club is the opportunity to attend SASES, which I have attended each year. SASES is a national agronomy meeting for the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) that takes place at universities across the country. Myself and nine other students attended this year’s meeting which was held in Baltimore, Maryland with our advisors Dr. Mark Bernards and Dr. Joel Gruver.

Logo picture from http://www.agronomy.org

My favorite part of the annual SASES meeting is the industry tours that we get to visit. This year I participated in the Agriculture on the Hill tour with Reed Yung and Tyler Barrington where we got to tour Capitol Hill and learn a little bit about ag policy from people within the industry. I really enjoyed this tour because we not only got to learn about ag policy, but we got to visit the local memorials including the Lincoln memorial, Korean War memorial, Vietnam War memorial, World War II memorial, capitol building, Library of Congress and the Washington monument.

Pictures taken by Tyler Barrington

Another great thing about SASES is the competitions that you can compete in to either show off the skills you have learned in classes or even research projects. As a whole, myself and other teammates competed in the crops judging event, pedology contest, quiz bowl, extemporaneous speech contest, and poster presentations. It was also very exciting that my teammates Dustin Steinkamp and Alivia Lantz placed first in the crops judging contest and second place in the extemporaneous speaking contests! I asked Dustin for a quote about the crops judging contest and he said, “The crops judging showcase at SASES provides an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students to not only further their agronomic education, but it also allows students to compare to other agriculture leaders at other universities”.

Picture taken by another member of the WIU Agronomy club

The final part of the annual SASES meeting includes an awards dinner for all of the undergraduates and advisors. The awards dinner includes a nice dinner and then the announcement of results for each of the competitions. This year our dinner was held on the Spirit of Baltimore cruise ship. It was an awesome experience to see the inner harbor of Baltimore from the ship and exciting to hear some familiar names called out for awards. Our dinner was also very good. I would highly recommend students within our agronomy club as well as agronomy clubs at other schools to get involved and participate in SASES. Even if you don’t compete there are a variety of networking opportunities involved. I have personally met many new friends from various schools through my participation in SASES.

Picture taken for us by student from another school

Picture taken by Dr. Bernards

Picture taken by Hannah Carlock

Ag Career Fair fall 22

Hello, my name is Avery Yung. I am currently a senior at Western Illinois University studying Ag Science with a minor in Agronomy. I have been involved with many clubs on campus throughout my college career which I believe has led to a lot of success and personal development. After Graduating in the spring, I hope to go into a career in agronomy as well as help on my family’s farm. Thank you for reading my blog.