Ohio Corn & Wheat made it possible for Laura Ringler, an ag science instructor at Plymouth HS, and Josh Jennings, Director of Global Impact STEM Academy, to attend Commodity Classic 2019 in Orlando, Florida. This was a great opportunity for them to increase their agriculture knowledge and to network with the most innovative industry in the US.
Ringler, Jennings, and other teachers attending were challenged to create three problem-based learning scenarios or case studies related to ag that they could use in their classrooms and also share with Feed the World. Teachers were able to meet small and large industry partners and find the answers they were looking for. They met with both Jonathan Riley of AGCO and Dale Ireland, PhD, of Syngenta for an in-depth tour of what each had to offer. AGCO revealed their new Ideal Combine and Syngenta showcased new pesticides that will be released to market next year.
The group also met with Anne Dorrance, PhD, from The Ohio State University and had the opportunity to discuss her research projects currently in field trials. US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue delivered the keynote address on Friday with an exciting focus on STEM in ag. Attendees ended up excited about bringing all of their new knowledge and information about career possibilities back to their students.