The Ag 450 Farm class allows Iowa State University students to manage a working farm while learning about sustainable production, farm management and agricultural technologies.
Skyler Rinker, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Agricultural Education and Studies, explained the types of hands-on farm experience students get by taking this course.
“We operate through six committees that manage all aspects of the farm,” Rinker said. “Students are actively involved in day-to-day responsibilities such as marketing commodities, handling finances, running machinery, collaborating with seed and grain partners and caring for the farm’s buildings and equipment.”
Taylor Krueger, a junior studying agricultural studies, described what makes the Ag 450 Farm different from a traditional lecture-based agricultural class.
“The course emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing me to combine my knowledge with the experiences and skills of others to build a successful team,” Krueger said. “I also value learning from Rinker’s expertise and observing how he approaches tasks.”
Zoe Webb, a senior studying agricultural studies, described how taking this course will prepare her and other students for future careers in agriculture.
“By navigating the successes and setbacks of farm management, it allows us to gain practical skills, resilience and a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed in the agricultural industry,” Webb said. “The class not only teaches technical knowledge but also develops leadership, communication and organizational abilities that are essential for building a career in agriculture.”
Rinker explained the practical skills students gain from this course.
“Students leave the course having had the opportunity to not only have participated in managing a row-crop and swine farming operation, but to have evaluated and reflected on what they learned, the impact of their decisions and how they can apply their learning experience to their future careers,” Rinker said.
Webb later explained what benefits she has seen come from giving students control over a real farm.
“One of the greatest benefits is that it prepares students for the real world by providing hands-on experience and setting them up for success in the agricultural industry,” Webb said. “Managing an actual farm teaches responsibility, decision-making and problem-solving in ways that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom.”
Krueger described her personal experience with the course and how it has shaped her confidence in agriculture.
“At first, I was nervous going into it,” Krueger said. “For example, I do not yet know how to drive a tractor or a combine or how to determine the right time and price to buy or sell corn and soybeans. Those unknowns initially made me hesitant. However, that is exactly why I chose to take this class, to fully immerse myself in those experiences and step outside of my comfort zone.”
To learn more about the Ag 450 Farm, click here.
