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By Ena Sellers
Duplin Journal
MOUNT OLIVE — More than 2,500 students participated in the 2024 AgFEST last week held at Mount Olive University. The event featured interactive exhibits and informational booths highlighting careers in agriculture peppered throughout the campus.
Students had the opportunity to learn about some of the newest technologies used in today’s agriculture including tools used in precision ag, livestock management and crop production.
Participants had a chance to interact with live animals, learn about drone technology, forestry, greenhouse management and watch live demonstrations.
According to Edward Olive, Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center director, many exhibitors were returning UMO alumni.
“It is very rewarding to see so many of our graduates who are now agricultural education teachers come back to AgFest year after year and bring their FFA chapter,” said Edward Olive, Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center director about the event.
The day was buzzing with excitement, as students lined up for the different activities offered throughout the campus, from mechanical bull riding and ax throwing to corn hole. Large groups gathered by the stage as they waited for their favorite performers, while others danced, or joined their friends for selfies at the various tractor exhibits.
Kraig Westerbeek, Smithfield Foods Production president, presented the Smithfield Endowed Scholarship — a $250,000 scholarship for agriculture students at UMO.
“We’re proud to be able to make these scholarships available to give dedicated young men and women the resources they need to succeed,” said Westerbeek.
Dr. Edward Croom, UMO president, expressed his appreciation for the company’s continued support to UMO’s agricultural programs, adding that “Recruiting top talent is a priority not only for the university, but also for the business community at large that experiences the workforce shortage. This Smithfield scholarship is the newest partnership that will impact our future students and further impact the communities of our graduates.”
The scholarship, which will be administered by UMO, will be awarded to one rising junior and one rising senior each year.
According to Smithfield Foods, the scholarship will be available for students pursuing a career in agriculture, engineering, operations, or supply chain. One of the scholarship requirements is that the recipient completes a paid summer internship with Smithfield Foods.
“Rising seniors must plan to work for the company full-time following graduation or be employed full-time by a current hog producer for Smithfield,” stated Smithfield Foods in a media release.
“Following graduation, interested students may enroll in Smithfield’s Career Foundations Program, which provides high-potential candidates with critical training and career mentorship resources at the onset of their professional careers.”
AgFEST concluded with a performance by country music artist Eli Winders.
To view photos of the event, visit our Facebook page.
