Osmond FFA Students Visit Bayer Crop Science’s Water Utilization Learning Center in Gothenburg, NE
Gothenburg, NE - A group of eager Osmond FFA students recently had the opportunity to visit the Bayer Crop Science Water Utilization Learning Center in Gothenburg, Nebraska. The trip provided invaluable learning experiences for the students, giving them insight into the latest agricultural innovations and the critical role water management plays in modern farming.
The Water Utilization Learning Center, located in the heart of Nebraska, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to research and education on sustainable farming practices. It focuses on optimizing water usage in agriculture to improve crop yields and ensure environmental stewardship. The center serves as a hub for developing solutions to the pressing challenges faced by farmers, such as water scarcity, climate variability, and the need for sustainable practices.
During the visit, students were given a tour of the facility, where they learned about various cutting-edge irrigation technologies and sustainable farming practices. The center’s experts demonstrated how precision agriculture and data-driven techniques are utilized to enhance water use efficiency. Students were able to see firsthand how different irrigation methods, soil management strategies, and crop varieties can influence water utilization and crop health. They even got the chance to examine root health in the soil pit on site.
The FFA students were allowed to engage in hands-on activities, such as peeling and examining a cotton pod for seeds and observing different varieties of corn and soybeans. This interactive approach helped them understand how water management is essential to crop production, impacting everything from plant growth to soil health. For many of the students, it was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the importance of using innovative technologies to ensure a sustainable future in agriculture.
In addition to learning about irrigation and water management, the visit offered students a broader perspective on careers in agriculture. Representatives from Bayer Crop Science shared insights into various roles within the company, including agronomy, research and development, and agricultural technology. This exposure aimed to inspire students to consider pursuing careers in agriculture, a field that is rapidly evolving and increasingly reliant on technology.
FFA advisor, Jessica Evans, emphasized the significance of such trips for young students. “This visit to the Bayer Crop Science Water Utilization Learning Center was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see the real-world applications of what they learn in the classroom”, she said. “It’s important for them to understand the future of agriculture is about more than just traditional farming - it’s about using science and technology to solve big challenges like water scarcity.”
The visit not only deepened the students’ understanding of sustainable agricultural practices but also underscored the critical role that education plays in preparing the next generation of farmers and agricultural professionals. For FFA members, experiences like this are more than just educational field trips - they are opportunities to see the potential for growth and innovation in agriculture. The visit to the Bayer Crop Science Water Utilization Learning Center was an inspiring look at how the agricultural industry is embracing sustainability and technology to secure a more efficient and environmentally friendly future for farming.
This trip would not have been possible without the help of Justin Koehler for coordinating details with Bayer and the Channeling Good Grant.