RLC Agriculture class teams up with Syngenta in the field

INA, Ill. – Four Rend Lake College Agriculture students got their hands dirty today with representatives of Syngenta agribusiness company during a class that combined textbook learning with real-world applications.

Taking a break in the corn field, RLC students and representatives from Syngenta posed for a quick picture before jumping into more field scouting. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, Syngenta Development Sales Representative Hunter Hollis, Anna Kistner of Sesser, Syngenta Agronomist Phil Krieg, Mackenzie Trader of Scheller, Ashley Robert of Dahlgren, Chad Barnard of McLeansboro, Chase Ragland of Sesser, RLC President Terry Wilkerson, Syngenta Representative Barry Beaupre, and Syngenta Representative Tim Walsh. Not pictured is Elijah Lueke of McLeansboro.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

The students started the morning at RLC’s new radio control airfield learning about the use of unmanned aircraft systems from RLC Computer Networking Instructor Chris Edwards. They had the chance to fly the college’s drone to learn how the aircraft helps farmers in the field and professionals, like those at Syngenta.

RLC Computer Networking Instructor Chris Edwards, BOTTOM RIGHT, gives RLC students and Syngenta representatives some hands-on experience working with unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, during a short presentation Wednesday morning. Edwards spoke to the new technologies available to farmers and the agriculture industry to assist with crop scouting. Also pictured is, FROM LEFT, Anna Kistner of Sesser, Syngenta Representative Barry Beaupre, Chase Ragland of Sesser, and Chad Barnard of McLeansboro.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

Syngenta Agronomist Phil Krieg then spoke directly to the students, explaining the different job opportunities in the agriculture field and addressing their concerns. The students spoke about where they wanted to go after RLC and internships while also asking about career advice and changes in the industry.

In the heat of the day, the students wrapped up the class in RLC’s test farm, located east of the Ina campus, doing some field scouting and weed identification with the Syngenta representatives.

In the middle of RLC’s test farm on the Ina campus, Syngenta Representative Barry Beaupre, LEFT, tests the students with weed identification. Using knowledge learned in the Pest Management class, the students helped to categorize the plants and talk about solutions for farmers. The students are, FROM LEFT, Chad Barnard of McLeansboro, Chase Ragland of Sesser, Mackenzie Trader of Scheller, Anna Kistner of Sesser, and Ashley Robert of Dahlgren.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

The class, AGRI 1213 Pest Management, is taught this summer by RLC President Terry Wilkerson. He thanked Syngenta for spending time with the students.

“Having the Syngenta representatives on campus provides the students with learning opportunities involving the latest agronomic technology, and also the opportunity to network and discuss employment possibilities for their future,” said Wilkerson.

To learn more about RLC’s Agriculture program, visit www.rlc.edu/programs-and-degrees/332-agriculture, call 618-437-5321, Ext. 1261, or email AppliedScience@rlc.edu.