Cuesta’s new ag program would benefit from a donated tractor

I have the privilege, along with local agriculture representatives, to serve on Cuesta College’s Agriculture Business Advisory Committee. Along with our industry folks, SLO County teachers are closely involved in the teaching and training of students in Cuesta’s agriculture program.

Under the leadership of instructor Amy Stapp, Cuesta launched the agriculture business program three years ago. Impressive progress has been achieved. With preparation for an agriculture business college degree, or certificate programs from Cuesta, students graduate ready to take on ag opportunities.

The expanded ag program focuses on agriculture business, agriculture plant science and mechanized agriculture. These disciplines are suited for high school graduates and people wanting more training, giving them a solid start to future employment and/or transfer to a four-year institution.

The mechanized program needs a tractor for training. If there is someone in farming that could donate a tractor to Cuesta, not necessarily in perfect working order, it would be a huge training benefit.

I would encourage high school students who are not sure about college to meet with a counselor at Cuesta to explore their agriculture program.

Local agriculture businesses in search of workers should contact the college’s ag program for trained candidates.

This story was originally published December 16, 2017 at 12:11 PM with the headline "Cuesta’s new ag program would benefit from a donated tractor."