Northwest student Holly Hatfield takes a photo of her group during a GPS challenge that was part of last summer's AgriVision Equipment Group Precision Agriculture Summer Academy. The annual academy brings together 24 high school students and their high school agriculture teachers to learn about precision agriculture. (Photo by Brandon Bland/Northwest Missouri State University)

March 22, 2019

Agrivision, Northwest to host fourth annual ag summer academy

Northwest Missouri State University and Agrivision Equipment are partnering again to offer a three-day summer academy to introduce high school students and agricultural educators to the ever-changing world of precision agriculture technologies.

Now entering its fourth year, the Agrivision Equipment Group Precision Agriculture Summer Academy, June 18-20, on the Northwest campus, incorporates hands-on activities with state-of-the-art equipment and networking with industry professionals to advance the knowledge of students and agricultural educators in precision agriculture technologies. Students will explore the use of global positioning systems (GPS), auto-guidance technology, precision application, remote sensing, geographic information systems and data collection and management.

Up to 24 high school students who are completing their sophomore or junior year this spring and are active members of a 4-H club or FFA chapter will be selected for the summer academy. High school agricultural educators from schools where students are selected also are invited to participate.

The cost to attend is free. Selected students and their high school educators will receive a scholarship that covers the cost of lodging, food, materials, supplies and tuition during their participation in the summer academy.

Interested students must submit an application with signatures and two reference letters by Friday, March 29, via email to agsciences@nwmissouri.edu or U.S. mail to School of Agricultural Sciences Attn: Precision Agriculture Summer Academy, 800 University Drive, Maryville, MO 64468. Participants will be announced Friday, April 12.

For more information about the Agrivision Equipment Group Precision Agriculture Summer Academy, contact Northwest agricultural sciences instructors Matt Bax or Jackie Lacy at 660.562.1155 or agsciences@nwmissouri.edu, or visit www.nwmissouri.edu/ag/academy/.

Northwest began its partnership with AgriVision Equipment in 2015 to enhance the profession-based experiences agriculture students receive at the University and in the region. AgriVision Equipment proactively collaborates with Northwest by participating in its Career Day and Mock Interview Days, and its employees serve on advisory committees.

To learn more about Northwest’s School of Agricultural Sciences, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/ag/.