By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Few things beat hands-on experience when it comes to learning a new trade. That's why Innovative Livestock Services (ILS) is hosting its first-ever Farm Immersion Day near Great Bend for local high school students on Nov. 2.
ILS Communications Specialist Lauren Akers said approximately two dozen students will take part.
"We contacted the local high schools and asked them to each bring three students that wanted to learn more about farming and agriculture," she said. "Maybe some of those ag students or high school students that have never had the opportunity to learn about farming."
At Farm Immersion Day, students will learn how to operate combines and grain carts with the assistance of BTI. They will learn about irrigation, seed sales, the use of drones to monitor crops, and how to calculate crop yields. Prizes will even be available for the winners of the "nozzle changing relays."
"Hands-on learning, for us, we feel is the most important because it gives you a real-life experience on what you do," Akers said. "Driving a combine, actually getting in there, steering, pushing all the pedals. It really gives kids a chance to really understand so, if someday they are interested in a career, they have a little bit of experience of knowing what even the physical demands are of the job."
ILS previously hosted a Feedyard Immersion Day to give students hands-on experience with that side of the industry, including how to mix a ration, drive a feed truck and front-end loader, and market live cattle. Another Feedyard Immersion Day is scheduled for the spring.
"We're super excited to have all of these students out," said Akers. "Really, this is just a chance for us to help teach about agriculture in general. We're looking forward to the opportunity to have more in the future."
Farm Immersion Day will be a full-day event Wednesday, Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the ILS Farm located five miles southwest of Great Bend.