Parkersburg, W.Va. (July 18, 2022) – “Agriculture, being one of the largest industries in the world, keeps food on our tables and clothes on our backs. It is essential that we take the proper steps to ensure that our agriculture system is secure for generations to come,” said John Riggs, Agriculture Director at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

WVU Parkersburg’s Agriculture department is doing its part in broadening the knowledge of interested agricultural professionals through several agriculture workforce trainings.

“After speaking with local producers, it was clear that a trained workforce was needed. WVU Parkersburg’s Agriculture department took the information given by agriculture professionals and developed this plan to help and assist with local operations need for trained help,” Riggs said.

Trainings will run from Aug. 1 to Nov. 4, 2022, at various times and locations. Each training will give participants hands-on experience they can use on their own farms.

“The Agriculture Workforce program was designed to give the students hands-on training from industry professionals in a range of different agricultural fields. Not only will the students leave with a better understanding of a variety of topics, but can also use this new-found knowledge to find a job in agriculture or maximize profits in their current operation,” Riggs said.

Courses will be taught during the following times:

How to Start a Farm
Aug. 1, from 1 – 3 p.m., at WVU Parkersburg’s Workforce and Economic Development Building with WVU Extension Specialist Dr. Dee Singh-Knights

Beef Quality Assurance
Aug. 3, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Pleasant View Farm with instructor J.J. Barrett

Agribusiness Marketing
Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at WVU Parkersburg’s Workforce and Economic Development Building with instructor John Riggs

Beginner Beekeeping
Aug. 9, 16, 23 and 30, from 6 – 8 p.m., at WVU Parkersburg’s Workforce and Economic Development Building with instructors from the Mountaineer Beekeeping Association

Poultry Production and Processing
Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., at WVU Parkersburg’s Riverhawk Farm with instructor Dr. Joe Moritz

Turf Management
Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Woodridge Golf Course with instructor Don Gibson

Small Ruminant Production
Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., at WVU Parkersburg Workforce and Economic Development Building with instructor J.J. Barrett

Irrigation Management
Sept. 7, from 1 – 3 p.m., at WVU Parkersburg’s Riverhawk Farm with instructor Dr. Lewis Jett

Intermediate Beekeeping
Sept. 13, 20, 27 and Oct. 4, from 6 – 8 p.m., at WVU Parkersburg’s Workforce and Economic Development Building with instructors from the Mountaineer Beekeeping Association

Bovine Artificial Insemination
Nov. 1 and 2, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Haught Farm (Five Star Polled Hereford Smithville, WV) with COBA Sires Reproductive Specialist Dave Watt

Integrated Pest Management
Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at WVU Parkersburg’s Riverhawk Farm with instructor Dr. Carlos Quesada

Soil Health
Nov. 4, from 1 – 3 p.m., at WVU Parkersburg’s Riverhawk Farm with instructor Dr. Lewis Jett

Students can use the Agriculture Workforce program as a stepping stone to pursuing a degree in Agriculture from WVU Parkersburg. Offering both workforce and academic credits allows degree-seeking students to utilize this program as their “Intro to Agribusiness” class.

“WVU Parkersburg felt that a program of this diversity would be an excellent way to introduce students into the real world of agriculture while also gaining industry certifications in multiple trainings,” Riggs said.

For more information or to register for a course, contact Agriculture Program Coordinator Amy Wilson at 304.420.8618 or Amy.Wilson@wvup.edu.