EWING, Ill. – Agriculture is a major industry in Illinois in terms of economic impact, contributing more than $8.85 billion to the state’s economy annually.[1] Illinois Extension is connecting local students directly with higher education and career opportunities through the Agricultural Careers and Technology Student Field Day.

Local high school and community college students are invited to the event at Ewing Demonstration Center to meet with universities and employers to learn more about the field of agriculture. Since its launch seven years ago, Extension has hosted nearly 800 students at this annual event.

Each year, industry leaders attend the event to answer questions and talk to students about what they look for in potential employees. Representatives from Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners - John Deere, USDA-Agricultural Research Services, and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program shared information about the many job opportunities in agriculture.

Students interested in pursuing higher education spoke directly to recruiters from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Southern Illinois University. Student ambassadors from these universities were on hand to answer questions and share their experiences. High school students interested in attending a local community college could also collect informational resources and speak with instructors from Rend Lake, Kaskaskia, and John A. Logan community college ag programs.

Ewing Demonstration Center has been a staple of Southern Illinois since 1910 and drives research in the areas of cover crops, pumpkins, insecticide and herbicide trials and other agronomic trials with corn, soybeans, wheat, and sorghum. Students had the chance to view the 80 acres of research plots as they traveled to each presentation station through “people movers” pulled by tractors. Commercial Agriculture Educator Talon Becker was excited to host students for this year’s event.

“This local event is a great way to expose students the diverse career opportunities in the field of agriculture,” said Becker. “We also connect them with local universities and community colleges that provide quality ag education right here in the Midwest.”

To learn more about upcoming events hosted by Extension, please visit extension.illinois.edu/fjprw.

SOURCE: Talon Becker, commercial agriculture educator, University of Illinois Extension, tbecker2@illinois.edu, (618) 439-3178

WRITER: Heather Willis, marketing and communications coordinator, hdwillis@illinois.edu, (618) 357-2126

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.