Summer program offers area high school students an opportunity to broaden understanding of agriculture

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has named Noble Foundation scientist, Lloyd Sumner, an AAAS Fellow.

Students interested in agriculture-industry jobs have an array of options, ranging from traditional choices such as farming or ranching to careers in agricultural research. During AgVenture 2006 – a unique, intense, hands-on agricultural experience sponsored annually by the Noble Foundation – high school students can learn about the variety of agricultural job fields by interacting with working agricultural professionals.

This year's free program is set for June 13-16 at the Noble Foundation's Ardmore campus. Students will be housed at the Noble Foundation's Conference Center and all meals and transportation will be provided.

"Students should come to AgVenture to broaden their exposure and increase their awareness of different segments of agriculture," said Shan Ingram, education and special projects manager in Noble's Agricultural Division. "We have had several past participants in AgVenture come back to us and say AgVenture helped shape their career and influenced what they are doing vocationally."

During the program, Noble Foundation staff and other experts will teach students about:
  • grazing management,
  • commercial fish farming,
  • deer management,
  • use of good livestock management techniques,
  • intensive vegetable production,
  • fencing materials and methods,
  • pecan propagation,
  • livestock marketing and farm management,
  • ag career paths and opportunities
  • soil conservation

"Perhaps one of the biggest benefits to participants is getting 'out of their shells' and meeting new people with different backgrounds and experiences," Ingram added. "We all have a tendency to judge the whole world by our backyard. AgVenture helps expand the backyard."

About 20 high school students (applicants must have completed their sophomore year prior to AgVenture 2006 to be eligible for participation) with a demonstrated interest in agriculture will be selected to participate.

Applicants must live or go to school in the following counties: Oklahoma – Atoka, Bryan, Caddo, Canadian, Carter, Choctaw, Cleveland, Coal, Comanche, Cotton, Garvin, Grady, Hughes, Jefferson, Johnston, Lincoln, Love, Marshall, McClain, Murray, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Pittsburg, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Pushmataha, Seminole, Stephens, Tillman; Texas – Archer, Clay, Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Delta, Denton, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt, Jack, Lamar, Montague, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wichita, Wise.

To get an application for AgVenture 2006, go to www.noble.org/Ag/AgVenture/2006/index.html or call (580) 224-6411. Completed applications should be sent to P.O. Box 2180, Ardmore, OK 73402 and must be postmarked no later than May 1. Applicants will be notified of the committee's decisions by May 12.

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News Release Issued: Apr. 20, 2006

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (www.noble.org), headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs; and providing grants to nonprofit charitable, educational and health organizations.