Agricultural Innovations at Lakin Farm
Photo by WVU Parkersburg .
a space for military training and public engagement . J . W . Ruby ’ s Equine Unit focuses on equine science education , offering interactive experience and studying out in the field .
Reymann Memorial Farm works to enhance animal performance , integrates with academic programs and conducts public events while also collaborating with community leaders and the U . S . Army on environmental initiatives . Kearneysville Farm supports fruit production and research and advocates for sustainable pest management that controls external threats without harming crops .
The Morgantown farms provide teaching , research and community engagement opportunities , while the Evansdale Greenhouse offers advanced facilities and public tours and collaborates with entities such as the U . S . Forest Service .
“ The operations of the facilities align seamlessly with academic programs , enhancing education through hands-on learning and practical application ,” says Hubbart .
Reymann farm ’ s model of predicting the dry matter intake of animals grazing in a field is being implemented by environmental programs like the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and Natural Stream Restoration . Additionally , the equine unit at the J . W . Ruby Research Farm is scheduled to be a first-time host for the 2025 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Zone Finals .
The Morgantown farms also received a notable Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International accreditation and are currently developing the first professional soil judging contest specifically for Natural Resources Conservation Service and Forest Service members .
The WVU-PSC farms are working to promote the health of the state ’ s livestock through horse , goat and cattle operations as well as sustainably producing the food that feeds them . The farm also contains breeding programs that supply animals for food production , addressing the challenge of ensuring a steady supply of high-quality meat .
WVU-PSC utilizes its farms for teaching opportunities and is home to academic programs focusing on animal science , horticulture , pre-veterinary medicine and sustainable agriculture entrepreneurship .
While West Virginia State University ( WVSU ) does not host a farm on its campus , the school does not lack agricultural opportunities for its students .
WVSU partners with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture ( WVDA ) to use around 10 acres of Lakin Farm in Mason County , WV , to grow crops . Zachary Perry , agricultural facilities manager , explains that these crops are mostly melon accessions used for genomic , metabolomic and breeding trials .
The university also grows garden vegetables such as tomatoes , peppers , sweet corn , squash and cabbage to supply to WVSU ’ s Stinger Market . Sweet corn from the garden is used to test the cultivar plant ’ s susceptibility to corn earworm by the WVSU Extension Service .
“ We facilitate the implementation of growth plans in the field to allow researchers and extension agents ’ projects to come to fruition , providing crops and data that benefit both research projects and the local community ,” Perry says .
WVSU utilizes Lakin Farm for hands-on laboratory field experiences in courses like Fundamentals in Soil Science , where students assess soil profiles through pits dug across diverse landscape features . The soil science class allows students both at WVSU and high school interns to gain field experience .
“ These roles allow students to be hands on with the work in the field and allow them to learn cutting-edge research techniques ,” Perry says .
WVSU research at Lakin Farm focuses on developing resilient crops and understanding how biochar can enhance soil health , improve water retention and support sustainable agriculture through organic waste utilization .
Through its partnership with Lakin Farm , WVSU empowers students and researchers to advance sustainable agriculture while making a tangible impact on the community .
Photo by West Virginia State University .
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