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Vincennes University opens new agricultural center
Jul. 26, 2019
Agriculture is evolving rapidly to meet consumers' changing needs, address rising environmental challenges, and adapt to a technological revolution that will transform the industry.
At Vincennes University, the next generation of farmers and agriculture professionals are preparing in the classrooms and in the fields for the challenges posed by climate change, an uncertain economy, increased use of automation and technology, and a massive transfer of land and resources from the baby boomer generation.
On August 5, Vincennes University will showcase its new Agricultural Center, which will foster innovation and collaboration among the Agribusiness program, Horticulture program, John Deere Agriculture Tech program, Precision Agriculture program, and VU/Purdue Cooperative Agriculture Transfer program.
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch will be the keynote speaker as the University highlights the modern, technology-filled facility with a ribbon-cutting and grand opening. VU President Chuck Johnson, Purdue University Dean of Agriculture Karen Plaut, and VU students, faculty, and staff also will participate in the day's events.
"The new Ag center will help all our students by providing exposure to activities and learning experiences across majors," said VU/Purdue Agriculture Program Coordinator Chuck Mansfield. "We have a state-of-the-art teaching lab with the capability for doing tissue culture, growth chamber for differential growth environments, lab equipment for soil chemical analysis and determination of water quality parameters. The outdoor space will lend itself to experiential learning activities. The close proximity to Southwest Purdue Ag Center will provide opportunities to students to interact with Purdue research activities."
The VU Agriculture Center also will house the John Deere TECH Program, which enables students to learn using the latest technology. VU is one of 16 colleges in the country with an exclusive John Deere partnership.
"Students learn on the latest equipment and will be career ready when they complete the program," VU Diesel Program Coordinator Tim Hale said.
One of the fastest rising trends in farming is the growth in urban agriculture, including in cities such as Indianapolis. Adapting to that trend, the University will launch an Urban Agriculture concentration for the fall semester.
"The concentration includes hydroponics, aquaponics, gardening, and soil health," Agribusiness Program Chair Susan Brocksmith said. "The new area will be perfect as we start our new drone class, which includes the study material for certification."
The 45,000-square-foot Vincennes University Agricultural Center sits on 13 wooded acres along U.S. 41. Students will have access to cutting-edge laboratories, Purdue's food safety hub, a greenhouse, and bee colonies.
"Plants in general impact everyone's daily life," Horticulture/Agriculture Coordinator Jennifer Nettles said. "Trying to get students to understand the link between humans and nature is a daily topic because that link had faded. We discuss topics such as food security and what that means for Indiana."
Source: Vincennes University
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