Glass-Bottom Boat Tour of Sustainability
Sophomore Kenny Yamauchi (Agricultural Economics; Bryan, TX) traveled to San Antonio, TX, in mid-February to attend the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Sustainability Institute. The three-day institute focused on conservation and natural resources. Kenny connected with industry leaders through company tours, career roundtables and company-sponsored meals.
He shared, “The AFA Sustainability Institute in San Antonio, Texas, helped me connect and reconnect with like-minded individuals who are pursuing careers in conservation. The event was a hub for networking, especially because it was in conjunction with the 80th Anniversary National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Annual Meeting. We learned about the problems they’re facing in their communities. The insight was valuable given my farming background. I learned that communication is crucial for developing constructive methods that support sustainability. The institute also taught me that if you implement a change, then you need to record the impacts on the status quo.”
When asked about the institute’s schedule, Yamauchi added, “I arrived at 2 pm and by 4:30 I was working on case studies that simulate real-world problems pertaining to sustainability. The presentations on these problems taught me that sustainable solutions require creative approaches. We also had industry tours where I bonded with other attendees as ~4,000 fish flopped in large tubs. I also visited The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment and embarked on a glass-bottom boat tour of the clearest and cleanest bodies of water in the state of Texas. Lastly, we stopped at the Luling Foundation Farm and learned about how they employ regenerative agriculture stewardship on 1,100 acres.”
He concluded, “I will definitely be applying for the Sustainability Institute and other AFA opportunities. I highly recommend it to students looking for a supportive space with like-minded individuals who are concerned about issues similar to yours. I’m grateful I was able to attend through an AFA Leaders Fast Pass and MANRRS x AFA Core Synergy. The opportunity reconnected me with MANRRS students and old AFA friends I’ve made through previous institutes and the AFA Leaders Conference.”
