“ Each degree requires courses that will utilize farm property and operations for hands-on learning ,” says Donna Ballard , Ph . D ., professor of agriculture at WVU-PSC . “ Various labs meet at the property to learn skills from animal handling techniques to woodlot management .”
The farms also offer student work positions directly alongside farm staff , where they learn the ins and outs of farm management and operations .
WVU-PSC farms are helping get the community involved in agriculture by offering workshop property to local farmers and gardeners as well as presenting West Virginia beef producers a heifer feed test , which help farmers track the health and weight gain of their heifers .
In the future , the university plans to continue providing academic opportunities while incorporating new farming technologies and working with community members .
“ The land grant university system was created to educate students and extend that education to the population of the state its university serves ,” Ballard says . “ As a campus in the WVU system , we
fully intend to continue this mission by using the farms as living classrooms for our courses and community workshops .”
At WVU Parkersburg , Riverhawk Farm is dedicated to enhancing production efficiency for both new and established producers , providing locally grown produce to Mid-Ohio Valley residents , fostering student success through hands-on education and supporting the less fortunate through food hub donations and charity .
“ The Riverhawk Farm strives to be a
Photo by Shepherd University .
self-supporting , education-driven enterprise that uses sustainable farm practices to advance environmental conservation while promoting best agricultural practices ,” says John Riggs , director of agriculture at WVU Parkersburg .
The farm serves as a key space for classes related to WVU Parkersburg ’ s Associate of Applied Science in agribusiness , which is a gateway to the Bachelor of Applied Science in business administration of supervisory management degree . This degree allows students
Grea t leaders think o utside the hexagon .
When you spend your days making a difference , people notice . Huntington congratulates Zach Sensabaugh for being named a 2025 Young Gun . Thank you for inspiring us to look out for each other , our customers , and our communities , every day .
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