Strengthening Undergraduate Training through Experiential Learning Opportunities in Applied Agronomic Research and Extension

Ensuring the next generation of field agronomists is adequately trained is imperative for sustainable agricultural production. Many undergraduate students majoring in Agronomy have limited or no experience with modern agronomic practices outside the classroom. Upon graduation, these agronomists often struggle to confidently communicate with their clientele and stakeholders. In addition, they often have no exposure to applied field research, which can make it difficult to interpret and communicate results of replicated field trials, unreplicated demonstrations, or producer testimonials. All successful field agronomists must understand the differences between these field research methodologies and the limitations and benefits of each. Further, undergraduates often have limited knowledge or understanding of the Cooperative Extension Service. This is partly because of the national trend to reduce or even eliminate Cooperative Extension Services and partly because most undergraduates lack exposure to the Extension Service.