BRTC’s Ag Precision Class Goes on “Field Trip” to Smith Family Farm

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BRTC students visit Smith Family farms ( L to R): Smith Farm’s Cori Smith, Smith Farm’s Clay Smith, BRTC agriculture student Macy Harrelson, BRTC agriculture student Logan Hickox, BRTC agriculture student Price Thurman, BRTC agriculture student Matthew Exum, and Smith Farm’s Terry Smith

Black River Technical College’s (BRTC) precision agriculture class recently visited the Smith Family Farm in Walcott.

The Smith family was the 2022 Northeast District Farm Family. They farm row crops and cattle.

Students were able to witness first-hand the practical implementation of data management, variable rate application, and remote management.

During the discussion about farm technologies, the Smiths briefly touched upon several key topics. Data Management, which improves application rates, fuel economy, input placement, and land stewardship by using displays and receivers. Remote Management, which enables monitoring the performance of machines, progress of jobs, and all data management tools, anytime and anywhere. Guidance, which utilizes inputted data to steer tractors through a field. Lastly, Variable Rate Application, which ranges from seeding, fertilizing, and irrigation.

“It was an extremely informative experience as Terry, Clay, and Cori shared valuable insights regarding the technologies they use on their farm and how they benefit from them,” said BRTC Agriculture Instructor Ronnie Hinson.

BRTC’s agriculture program provides students with experience in practical, theoretical, and technical applications of agriculture and promotes environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Courses include lecture and lab components, providing students with hands-on applications of classroom skills and knowledge. An education in agriculture prepares students with a general knowledge of potential food sources, life cycles, and care of various animals/technology in the field.

For more information about the BRTC agriculture program, contact the Agriculture Instructor Ronnie Hinson at (870) 248-4032 or ronnie.hinson@blackrivertech.edu.