Agriculture took center stage at Danville Area Community College Friday as the college hosted its 40th Annual Ag Day events. Craig Potter, a DACC Ag instructor, is pleased that many young students are pursuing careers in agriculture. And Potter notes there are many ag opportunities as technology advances.
‘’We’re getting into this new millennial…where we use more data-driven things and more information-driven things. So there’s research, data, collection, dissemination, genetics, marketing, equipment development…just new technology. There’s just tons of new technology out there,’’ said Potter.
Potter also notes there are new opportunities being explored in agriculture.
‘’One of the big areas we’re trying to investigate is food science. Obviously the United States is one of the safest places to eat – whether it be for your home. You go to the supermarket and you never worry about whether something is good or bad. It’s got an expiration date,’’ said Potter, ‘’and USDA inspectors have inspected it. We’re also getting that clear down into the pet food industry and the livestock industry for food safety as far as their levels.’’
DACC Ag Day activities attracted thousands of children and adults as they view agricultural displays and took part in other activities…including a barnyard petting zoo and pedal tractor pulls for children. Area FFA chapters, the DACC Ag Club, and area agriculture related businesses helped DACC students and staff with the event.
[Dacc Ag Club students Zach Birge and Jonathan Hudson, both of Potomac, were among those letting children get up close to the animals.]
