Plotting ag education

With the assistance of a neighboring farmer, Summerland FFA members will chart corn growth and yields on a test plot.

Located north of the school, on land owned and farmed by the Napier family, the area was planted with 24 different seed varities, last Friday.

Bob Napier said six different companies - Pioneer, Channel, Brevant, Golden Harvest, DeKalb and NC+ - are represented.

Of the 24 varieties, 16 are new hybrids. Napier planted varieties with 103- to 112-day maturity rates.

"That's how I learn how to plant the next year," Napier said.

Having FFA members involved in the test plot has been his vision since the Summerland School bond vote passed in 2019.

The idea for a test plot for agriculture-based classes and FFA members finally took root earlier this year, following discussions with FFA advisor, Jacob Goldfuss. It seemed like a natural fit, especially considering field is located in the school's back yard.

"I turned this one over to FFA. I told them, "This is your plot."

The Ewing-based farmer said he lined up Friday's planting event, but next year, students will play a more active role.

"From here on out, I've been telling them they're going to start taking over a bit at a time," he said.

The learning possibilities are endless.

Prior to planting the test plot, Napier and several district seed representatives visited ag classes, sharing how technology is utilized to make fertilizer recommendations and check crops.

A group of approximately 20 students visited the plot, Friday. Napier and seed company reps explained the process for planting different varieties.

On Friday, after planting, Jeremie Jensen, an agronomist from Creighton, had students dig in the dirt to see how seeds are sown.

"Now, when it comes up, they'll get to see the plants. Some of them will never see that, otherwise. It's a good opportunity for them," Napier said.

Students will work with Napier on several projects involving the test plot.

"We're going to have them come out when the corn comes up and count the populations for each number," Napier said.

Some FFA members will visit the test plot throughout the summer. When school starts in August, ag classes will meet with Napier and seed companies' district representatives.

"Each rep will explain their hybrids, the types of ears and differences in hybrids. We'll be able to tell students a lot of different information," Napier said.

In the fall, Napier would like to host a field day and invite community members to view agriculture education at work.

"It will get the kids more interactive with it," Napier said. "It's something I hope they realize how important it is to farm."

Another lesson will be to calculate yields. Napier said students will be involved with harvesting the plot.

The seed company reps will be on hand, too.

"That's when the competition starts," Napier said chuckling.

Napier would like students to select yield winners prior to harvest

"I think it would be good for the kids. There's a lot of things I'm trying to work in this year. A lot is going to happen," he said.

Napier's ultimate goal is to plant the seeds for students to consider farming as a career choice and get them to return to the area.

"Somebody's got to feed the world. If nobody comes back, we won't have food," Napier said.