Lake Area Technical College students get hands-on harvest practice

As the sun peeks over the horizon on a crisp October morning, the sound of engines roaring to life fills the air at the CHS farm in Watertown, South Dakota. Students from Lake Area Technical College (LATC) are buzzing with excitement as they prepare for a day of hands-on learning that will shape their future careers in agriculture. With combines ready to roll and the scent of freshly tilled earth wafting through the air, these young scholars are not just learning about farming; they are living it.

What Happened

Lake Area Technical College has teamed up with CHS, one of the largest farmer-owned cooperatives in the United States, to provide students with invaluable harvest crew experience. This partnership allows students to gain practical skills on real farmland, enhancing their education with hands-on opportunities that are crucial for their future careers in agriculture. The collaboration is especially beneficial since LATC has its own farm, but working on CHS-owned ground gives students a broader perspective on agricultural practices.

Cody Sasker, the precision agriculture instructor at LATC, emphasizes the importance of this real-world experience. “We do like soil samples and stuff like that and build variable rate maps for our school farm,” he explains. “When we are here [the CHS farm], it’s hours in the combine, hours running machines. You notice something doesn’t sound right or it could be a whole range of things.” This hands-on experience is vital for students who are preparing to enter the workforce in a field that is constantly evolving.

Students like Adam Mages and Wyatt Osland, both first-year precision ag students, have already begun to appreciate the value of this partnership. Mages notes, “We’ve done some demonstrations in the lab about setting boundaries for fields and setting up autosteer on tractors.” Meanwhile, Osland shares the excitement of problem-solving in real-time, stating, “It’s been really fun. It’s been enjoyable to learn and do teamwork with people that you’ve never met.”

Learning Through Challenges

As the day progresses, the students encounter a common hurdle in agriculture: equipment breakdowns. These moments, while frustrating, serve as critical learning opportunities. Mages reflects on the challenges they face, saying, “Breakdowns are always frustrating, but we learn how to work through them and how to get things done right and keep the operation moving.” This hands-on problem-solving experience is invaluable, especially for those who may one day run their own farms.

Osland, who comes from a farming background, understands the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations. “That way when my dad is trying to make the four-hour phone call to John Deere, we don’t have to just sit there and twiddle our thumbs. We can actually figure it out and go out to the field when stuff is ready,” he explains. This proactive approach to learning equips students with the skills they need to navigate the complexities of agricultural work.

For students without prior agricultural experience, this hands-on learning is crucial. Sasker points out that the diversity of skill sets among students enhances the learning environment, stating, “That’s the other cool aspect is we get to work with kids of all different skill sets.” This variety not only enriches the educational experience but also prepares students for the collaborative nature of the agricultural industry.

Community Impact

The collaboration between LATC and CHS is more than just an educational endeavor; it’s a commitment to building a stronger agricultural community. Tanner Skattum, a seed product portfolio specialist for CHS, highlights the importance of nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders. “At CHS, we hope that we’re building the stronger workforce, the next future generation of ag leaders,” he says. This initiative not only prepares students for their careers but also ensures that the agricultural industry has skilled workers to rely on in the future.

The skills learned in this program extend beyond the classroom and into various agricultural careers. Sasker emphasizes the versatility of the training, noting, “This is something they can take with them no matter where they end up. If they’re an agronomist, if they do end up being an ag banker or something like that, and helping pull data off a combine, helping a farmer with those different things, or if they go run an operation.”

As these students immerse themselves in the intricacies of agricultural technology, they are also fostering a sense of community. The collaboration between LATC and CHS reflects a shared commitment to supporting local agriculture and ensuring its sustainability for future generations. With each student gaining hands-on experience, the community is investing in its agricultural future, one harvest at a time.

Broader Implications for Agriculture Education

The partnership between LATC and CHS serves as a model for agricultural education across the country. As the industry continues to evolve with advancements in technology and sustainable practices, hands-on learning experiences like these are essential for preparing students for the challenges ahead. The agricultural sector faces increasing demands for efficiency and innovation, making it crucial for educational institutions to equip students with the skills they need to succeed.

Moreover, this initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders. By working together, they can create programs that not only enhance student learning but also address the needs of the agricultural community. This synergy ensures that students are not only prepared for the workforce but also equipped to drive the industry forward.

As students at LATC gain experience in the field, they become part of a larger narrative that emphasizes the importance of agriculture in our society. The lessons learned extend beyond technical skills; they also encompass teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability—qualities that are essential in any career.

Looking Ahead

As the harvest season progresses, the students at Lake Area Technical College are not just completing a course; they are laying the groundwork for their futures in agriculture. The hands-on experiences they are gaining through the partnership with CHS will undoubtedly shape their careers and contribute to the broader agricultural community.

With the agricultural landscape constantly changing, the skills and knowledge gained during this program will empower these students to tackle challenges head-on. Whether they return to their family farms or step into new roles within the agricultural industry, they will carry with them the lessons learned from their time in the field.

As we celebrate the dedication of these young learners, we are reminded of the vital role that agriculture plays in our lives. The commitment of institutions like LATC and companies like CHS to foster the next generation of agricultural leaders is not just an investment in education; it is an investment in our communities and our future.