Midwest Livestock Service

The George-Little Rock High School ag education program is serving as a test plot of sorts for a new class developed by the National Association of Agricultural Educators.

George-Little Rock ag instructor and FFA adviser Miranda Dreesen was one of just 33 teachers from across the nation who was trained this summer in a new Precision Ag curriculum. Officially known as “Mechanical Systems in Agriculture,” it’s the latest in a series of new agriculture, environment and natural resource courses developed through an initiative called Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education, developed with funding from the National Science Foundation.

The Precision Ag course is in just its second year of field testing. “Hopefully, we’ll help them get all the kinks worked out,” she said. New curriculum units previously introduced were food science and safety, animal science, plant science, animal and plant biotechnology, natural resources and ecology, environmental science, and ag power and technology. Miss Dreesen said Precision Ag was developed because the industry is in need of more technicians for machinery and other technology. “We’re looking at all the different schematics of equipment, including electrical systems, hydraulics, fuel, and fuel systems. In some ways, the course is trying to bring back some of the hands-on equipment repair skills that used to be taught. It will help build some basic skills in preparation for going to a technical college.” Throughout the course, students apply technical skill while becoming competent in the processes used to operate, repair, engineer, and design agricultural tools and equipment. Areas of study include electrical, structural and energy systems;

Ashton Gierhan

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Josh Hansmann machine service and maintenance; Global Position Systems; and mechanical design and management. “I love the new class. It’s great. I’ve always been a fan of technology,” said Ashton Gierhan, a senior at George-Little Rock High School. “It’s helped me bring new ideas to the farm like GPS systems, helping to increase our yields and protect the soil. I think it will help us with equipment decisions. Machinery’s getting real high and it’s nice to do some of the maintenance yourself. It’ll probably help me with livestock, too – making sure we’re measuring the best rations for feed.” Ashton lives with his grandparents, Mark and Ruth Dickmann, who farm near George. “I’m big into hogs. It keeps you busy when you’re not in the field, that’s for sure.” He’s planning to attend Iowa Lakes Community College to major in agribusiness technology. After college, his plan is to come back to the farm and build his own hog barn. The GLR Precision Ag class recently toured AgriVision in Sioux Center. Miss Dreesen said, “The kids heard how the dealership listens to customers and what process they use to then diagnose what’s wrong. We also talked to their H.R. department about what they’re looking for when they hire technicians.” According to senior Josh Hansmann, “The tour of AgriVision showed the opportunities you have off the farm. I like the class because its helping us understand the basics of farm equipment.” Josh and his parents, Mark and Darcy Hansmann, live on an acreage near George. After graduation, he’s planning to move to Faith, S.D., to work on a ranch and get calving experience. Junior Emily Winkel is the vice president of the George-Little FFA chapter. She said the ag classes are fun and interesting even though she’s planning to study radiology at Northwest Iowa Community College. Her parents are Jeff and Karen Winkel of Ashton, who have a cow-calf operation and custom-finish hogs. Hard work and humor are the life lessons Emily is planning to take with her from growing up on farm. Senior Tyler Greve is also an FFA officer. “FFA helps teach both teamwork and leadership. Leadership is needed for everything out in the world today.” Tyler and his parents, Aaron and Jen Greve, live in Little Rock. He’s planning to attend Iowa Lakes Community College to study agricultural production technology. After college, he hopes to farm and truck for his uncles, who operate Odens Brothers outside of Little Rock. In addition to hauling grain, Odens Brothers also haul machinery for companies such as C&B Operations. Tyler appreciates the value of living in small, quiet community. “Everybody knows everybody. If you’re broke down, somebody will stop by.” Ashton agreed: “Yeah, you always have that neighbor who will come by and help you if something goes wrong. That’s what’s nice about living in a rural area.”

The small town benefits extend to the small school. “I think it’s easier to talk to people at a smaller school. At a bigger school, you’re not going to know everybody. Teachers are able to reach out better to students here than at bigger schools. They can make sure you’re getting what you need,” Ashton said.

A unique aspect at George-Little Rock is that the FFA chapter owns a farm north of George. Tyler said they usually have cattle at the farm.