Tifton Scene May 2022 | Page 22

Dr . Mary Ellen Hicks with an interested observer .
“ We usually take some ABAC students to Iowa on spring break every year ,” Hicks said . “ We have visited the large processing facilities . We go to feed yards . Then we go and eat steak at a nice restaurant .
“ The students get the pasture to plate experience . They see it from start to finish . In fact , they visit the feed yard where our
ABAC calves are located .”
Hicks said the students on the trip come to realize that unbelievable opportunities exist in agricultural careers .
“ Seeing the big picture is important ,” Hicks said . “ The diversification of jobs in agriculture these days is quite amazing . Vermeer , who the students also visit with in Pella , Iowa , on the spring break trip , is an ABAC partner , and that gets these students into the equipment side of the industry . “ The job opportunities out there are more than anyone could imagine . A lot of our students come in and want to be veterinarians because they like animals . They don ’ t realize there are many other opportunities out there besides being a vet .”
22 TiftonScene | MAY 2022