AFA participants standing in a field for a session

AFA Plant Science Institute

Sophomore Brooklynn Bledsoe (Agribusiness; Hamilton, IN) traveled to the Ag Future of America (AFA) Plant Science Institute this past July in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her first- generation ag mentor, Berenize Perez, encouraged Brooklynn to take the leap and apply for the conference. She booked her first plane ticket and planned her first stay in the eastern United States.

Bledsoe in front of the BASF sign outside

Brooklynn shared, “Despite the challenges and nerves that came with stepping outside of my comfort zone, my experience at the AFA Plant Science Institute in Raleigh, North Carolina was well worth the time, effort and challenges it took to get there!” During the 3-day conference, she expanded her knowledge of corn, soybeans and alfalfa to learning about the management and growing practices of peanuts, tobacco, cotton and cucumbers.

Brooklynn visited the BASF Pine Level Research Farm in Princeton, NC. She summarized the tour: “We gained hands-on experience viewing and comparing the showcase plots that contribute to the farm’s success. We saw firsthand how BASF’s renowned crop protection products perform under real-world conditions, and they certainly lived up to their reputation! We also had the opportunity to see how drones are being utilized for field applications and surveying, which was incredibly informative and expanded my understanding of precision agriculture and its growing role within the industry.”

Bledsoe standing in front of BASF and AFA promotional signage AFA participants listening to a session

She also enjoyed the Ted X: Executive Session with Todd Spivey, Kevin Donohue, and Daniel Sanchez. “I will forever hold on to the quote, ‘Your career is a pyramid, not a ladder,’ from Dr. Donohue. While that statement may sound simple, it is really important for young students like me to hear that careers are not purely vertical paths to success. Obstacles occur, and you may not know exactly where you are going, but as long as you are willing to learn and to stay curious, you can accomplish amazing things!”

Brooklynn concluded, “I will carry this experience with me moving forward and continue encouraging other students who may feel nervous, just as I once did, to take that same leap and to embrace the opportunities that may surface!”