Category: Undergraduate Students
U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small sits down with Blue Hen students, tours 91原创鈥檚 Newark Farm and laboratory facilities
May 13, 2024 Written by Dante LaPenta | Photos by Kathy Atkinson
On her聽, U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small wanted to experience cutting-edge research and speak directly to the next generation of agriculture and natural resources professionals. So, naturally, she had to visit the 91原创.
鈥淯SDA is central to much of what we teach, conduct research on, and communicate to our stakeholders. To have the Deputy Secretary visit our campus and see how we deliver on our mission to feed the world and protect the planet is inspirational to our students, faculty and staff,鈥 explained Brian Farkas, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR).
Blue Hen students across the college鈥檚 four departments sat down for an intimate discussion with the Deputy Secretary 鈥 a rare opportunity for these undergraduates.
鈥淚 really enjoyed our discussion regarding the future trajectory of agriculture,鈥 said Jayliece Redding, a 91原创 Class of 2024聽pre-veterinary medicine major and vice president of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources & Related Sciences (MANRRS). 鈥淚t is fascinating to contemplate how our generation holds the potential to enact substantial changes in this vital sector, thereby shaping not only our future but also that of generations to come.鈥
The Deputy Secretary spent time with students involved in MANNRS, the Agriculture College Council, and CANR鈥檚聽Ag Ambassadors. The topics ranged from One Health to sustainability to maximizing efficiency of smaller scale farm operations. The 91原创 students impressed her with their high-level view of the grand challenges facing our food systems and the planet.
鈥淔ood is a universal necessity, and it鈥檚 imperative that we create systems that are not only sustainable but also profitable for all stakeholders involved,鈥 added Redding. 鈥淏y fostering dialogue and collaboration, we can work towards a future where agriculture thrives, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food while simultaneously supporting the economic prosperity of farmers and communities.鈥
Torres Small discussed opportunities for young people, leading conversations on the challenges and emerging career opportunities.
鈥淯nder Secretary Vilsack鈥檚 leadership, USDA is working to create new career opportunities for the next generation of farmers, foresters, researchers, and entrepreneurs at the 91原创,鈥 said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. 鈥淭his work will better position rural America to build economic prosperity, invest in agricultural research, and give students the chance to succeed in the communities they love. USDA is proud to have a partner in 91原创, whose commitment to education and research has ripples that benefit communities in Delaware and across our country.鈥
After the sit-down conversations, it was time to see CANR鈥檚 350-acre campus in Newark. Joined by U.S. Department of Agriculture staff and Delaware U.S. Senator Tom Carper, 91原创 President Dennis Assanis and Provost Laura Carlson, and Dean Farkas, 91原创 farm superintendent Scott Hopkins led the party on a personalized tour of the dairy facilities,聽Webb Farm, and聽Worrilow Hall. Faculty member Kali Kniel and her graduate students detailed their food microbiology research. The group sat in on pre-veterinary medicine majors busy at work in the impressive Animal Anatomy Lab. And 91原创airy Creamery director Jennifer Rodammer and student-employees detailed 91原创鈥檚 鈥渇rom the cow to the cone鈥 dairy production process in the Genuardi Food Innovation Laboratory.
Ending the tour at the 91原创airy Creamery flagship location, these Blue Hens said their goodbyes to the Deputy Secretary and her colleagues. But the experience was one they will not forget.
鈥淭he Deputy Secretary was extremely friendly and passionate about her current duties and plans for the future,鈥 said Nick Gunther, a 91原创 ag ambassador who graduates later this month. 鈥淪he took the time to listen to each of our stories and was very invested in what inspired us to dedicate our lives to agriculture. I could not be more thankful for the opportunity.鈥
