Students Learn About STEM-related Careers in Ag on Tour

Alexis Camberos and Joshua Klockman at a tour of the Yuma Desalting Plant

Eleven Cal Poly Pomona students had the opportunity to learn about STEM-related careers in agriculture during a three-day tour of farming and technology operations last month in Arizona and Southern California.

The Careers in Ag tour took place Dec. 12 to 14 -- after finals week -- and was sponsored by Western Growers. Among the places the students visited were

  • the University of Arizona’s Yuma Ag Center, a facility that researches insect biology and control, plant disease, soil and water management and other issues;
  • the Gowan Company, a Yuma-based business the makes herbicides and pesticides;
  • Vessey & Company, an Imperial Valley produce grower in the Imperial Valley;
  • and Prime Time International, a Coachella Valley produce grower.

Among the career topics covered were crop science, breeding, genetics, soil science, and engineering and robotics, all of fall under the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) heading.

“Being able to listen and learn about current ag issues like labor and food safety directly from farmers was extremely valuable,” says plant science major Timothy Batz. “It helped place my ag skills and concepts from the classroom into a real-world context.”

The students submitted applications to go on the tour. They were accompanied by Assistant Professor Steve Archambault of the agribusiness and food industry management department.

In addition to the Cal Poly Pomona group, three students from the University of Arizona and 12 from UC Davis also participated in the tour.

Nine Cal Poly Pomona students went on a similar Western Growers tour of the Salinas Valley and Northern California last June.

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