Agriculture is an essential part of life especially in Kansas, providing the majority of the food we eat across the globe; consequently, teaching college students about agriculture is essential to ensure we have the people to harvest the world’s crops and plant the future. Hutchinson Community College is doing just that and promotes the Kansas State Fair.

      “Agriculture is how all of us thrive, there are so many industrial uses to what farmers farm. Agriculture truly touches all parts of life.” Paul Becker, an academic adviser of HCC, said.

      HCC has two agriculture programs. One focuses on farming equipment while the other focuses on planting and harvesting. The program mainly focuses on teaching students how to fix and utilize diesel engines. It is a workshop, using machines and solving problems that local farmers face. 

      “They can get the real ins and outs of what students can expect once they exit the program,” Becker said. “College freshman and high school students can do the program, and it typically lasts about one week. There are two different times, one in the morning and in the afternoon.” 

      The engine found inside the showcase is found on a Caterpillar 3516. They typically teach on older machinery and engines because local farmers in the area typically have older engines and equipment. 

      “With the program, they learn, get right to work, and start earning money,” Becker said. “The program also provides certification, providing a route to work at dealerships and/or starting their own businesses.”

       The other part of the agriculture program at HCC particularly focuses on plants. Plants are scattered throughout the exhibition, some are found outside while others are inside. 

       Inside, you find a hydroponic planter, that is holding a variety of plants. The hydroponic planter highlights industrial usage; it can be even more sustainable than current farming practices, allowing for new farming practices to be brought to light for smaller farmers in Kansas. 

       HCC provides new opportunities for students to flourish in the agriculture field.

       “These planters draw people in, allowing younger generations to see the possibility of farming and technology in the future,” Becker said. 

*This story was written as part of the Kansas Scholastic Press Corps competition at the Kansas State Fair. South journalists competed at the fair on Monday, Sept. 11.*