Hands-on field day connects students with the skills, technology, and industry partnerships shaping the future of farming
Agriculture continues to evolve, and the next generation of producers, researchers, and industry professionals will play an important role in meeting the challenges ahead. From labor shortages and rising input costs to the adoption of new technologies, today’s farmers are looking for practical solutions that improve efficiency while supporting sustainable operations.
Through education, outreach, and industry collaboration, Clemson University’s Center for Agricultural Technology (CU-CAT) is helping connect students with real-world experiences that prepare them to support the future of agriculture.
Students from across South Carolina recently gathered at Clemson University’s Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville for an Agricultural Technology Student Field Day focused on exploring how innovation is being applied in the field. High school and college students, including participants from Clemson University, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe, and the Barnwell County Career Center, participated in hands-on demonstrations highlighting irrigation technology, precision agriculture, drones, planting systems, and modern farm equipment.
Building the Future Agricultural Workforce
As farms become more advanced, the agricultural workforce must continue to adapt. Modern farming requires knowledge of equipment, data, automation, and technology alongside traditional agricultural skills.
At the same time, many areas of agriculture are experiencing workforce challenges, including fewer people entering agricultural careers and increasing demand for employees trained to operate and maintain advanced systems.
For students, early exposure to these opportunities is essential.
“Agriculture is our number one industry… and we need younger people involved,” said Russell Abrams, an instructor at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe.
Connecting Students with Research, Technology, and Industry
Through events like the Agricultural Technology Student Field Day, Clemson and CU-CAT bring together students, researchers, Extension specialists, and industry partners to demonstrate how technology can help address challenges facing farmers.
Industry professionals provided demonstrations in areas such as irrigation management, spray drones, precision equipment, fertilizer systems, and agricultural machinery. Partners included Broadwater Irrigation, Carolina Agri Power, Carolina Eastern, Michelin Ag Division, Palmetto Agri Spray, and W.P. Law.
Students had the opportunity to interact directly with professionals working in agriculture and explore career pathways connected to emerging technologies.
“This gives them an opportunity to talk to alumni, see what they’re doing in their careers while learning about different aspects of agriculture,” said Hunter Massey.
Putting Technology to Work for Farmers
While technology continues to advance, the goal remains focused on supporting producers.
During the field day, students learned how tools such as automated irrigation systems and agricultural drones are helping farmers manage operations more efficiently.
Broadwater Irrigation demonstrated remote-controlled irrigation systems that allow farmers to monitor and adjust equipment from their phones—helping reduce unnecessary trips across increasingly spread-out operations.
“We’re automating these guys and saving them a lot of trips,” said Mark Davis with Broadwater Irrigation.
Palmetto Agri Spray also showcased spray drone technology, demonstrating how new tools can help address challenges such as labor shortages and limited equipment access in certain field conditions.
These technologies are not replacing the knowledge and experience of farmers—they are providing additional tools to help producers make informed decisions and operate more efficiently.
The Impact: Growing Tomorrow’s Agricultural Leaders
Hands-on learning experiences help students better understand the opportunities available in agriculture and prepare them with skills needed by farmers, businesses, and communities.
Students are gaining experience with equipment operation, field mapping, maintenance, and other practical skills that directly connect classroom learning with real-world agricultural needs.
By connecting research, education, outreach, and industry partnerships, CU-CAT is helping strengthen the bridge between today’s agricultural challenges and tomorrow’s solutions.
The future of agriculture depends on prepared, innovative leaders—and opportunities like the Agricultural Technology Student Field Day are helping ensure students are ready to continue supporting South Carolina’s producers for generations to come.
