When we say our students get "into the field," we usually mean it quite literally.
This past autumn, the 2025 cohort of HCS 3100: Intro to Agronomy traded the lecture hall for the rows out at Waterman Farm, getting a firsthand look at what drives agricultural production in Ohio and beyond. Led by instructor Bruce Ackley, this course serves as the gateway to the world of agronomy, offering students a comprehensive overview of row crop and forage production.
While the curriculum covers the essential science, familiarizing students with common crop species, site preparation, seasonality, and the fundamentals of nutrient and pest management, the real magic happens when boots hit dirt.
Getting Hands-On at Waterman Agronomy is a discipline best learned by doing. Throughout the semester, the 2025 class headed out to the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory to put theory into practice. Students conducted stand counts on corn and soybeans, learning how to assess crop health and population density which are critical skills for any future agronomist or farm manager.
High-Tech Agriculture Modern farming is increasingly driven by technology, and HCS 3100 ensures students stay ahead of the curve. This semester featured a dedicated module on agricultural technology, where students gathered to watch a large-scale drone flight demonstration provided by Corteva. Seeing how aerial imagery and data collection integrate with traditional farming methods provided a glimpse into the future of crop management.
The End Product: Ohio Crops in Action Understanding how to grow a crop is one thing; understanding where it goes is another. To close the loop on the supply chain, the class took a field trip to Land Grant Brewery. There, students learned how the very agronomic crops they studied in the field are utilized in the production of locally brewed beers. It was a perfect (and popular) way to illustrate the connection between raw agricultural commodities and the consumer market.
Looking Ahead HCS 3100 remains a cornerstone for students looking to grow their careers in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
Check out the gallery below for highlights from the 2025 semester, including weeds, weeds, more weeds and the team at Land Grant.
