Do you break out in a big smile when you see a sea of teenagers excited to attend an agriculture event? More than 500 students recently participated in Terre Haute’s Ivy Tech Community College annual Cob and Cog program. Students attended to explore opportunities in agriculture and engineering.

Hosted as a “challenge” by the college’s School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Sciences, the event was sponsored by a $10,000 gift from Duke Energy.

Students could explore the college’s cutting-edge facilities and engage with staff and faculty. The day included a series of competitions designed to test students’ skills in areas including agriculture sales, horticulture, biotechnology, drones, livestock management and coding. Students, many of them members of 4-H or FFA, had chosen their respective areas to explore, and once the announcement was made to begin, they bolted for the program leader of their choice.

“This event gives students a hands-on experience in agriculture and engineering, sparking curiosity and potential career paths in these fields,” said David Will, dean of the school. “We are thrilled to provide this opportunity for students and are grateful for Duke Energy’s commitment to supporting education and workforce development. We also appreciate the other 14 sponsors.”

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Students were treated to special guest Ted McKinney, former undersecretary for trade and rural affairs at the USDA from 2017 to 2021. McKinney, a former member of 4-H and FFA, talked about his ag background and reminisced on participating in similar events in high school.

“Ivy Tech’s Cob and Cog program is a tremendous event for high school youth interested in the agriculture workforce,” McKinney said. “These types of programs helped me discover my paths and passions that led me to today. Seize every opportunity like this one.”

These are encouraging words for all of us in agriculture.