GREENSBORO, N.C. (February 22, 2023)—Rend Lake College and Syngenta are solidifying their partnership to provide leading-edge agricultural training to RLC students. Details of the partnership were discussed during a meeting held in Greensboro, North Carolina, between several members of RLC's leadership team and representatives from Syngenta.
During the meeting, RLC officials in attendance, including President Terry Wilkerson, VP of Instruction & Student Affairs Lori Ragland, Associate VP of Career Technical Education & Student Support Kim Wilkerson, and the Director of the Agronomy Innovation Center & Land Lab Supervisor Blake Patton, discussed training options for RLC students and how the partnership could be expanded in the future.
Syngenta representatives present for the meeting were Global Agronomist Grant Ozipko, Agronomist Phil Krieg, Technical Training Lead Robin Thomas, Research & Development Scientist Scott Cully, Agronomy Service Manager Leon Hunter, and Head of North American Digital Ag Solutions Ron Cowman.
"Syngenta proved to us why they are a leading worldwide company, keeping in mind the needs of students, industry, and local farmers," RLC's Patton said. "The main categories discussed during the meeting were pesticide mixing and handling, spray mix and formulations, sprayer settings/nozzle selection, and seed care, which will aid those who require certifications for future or existing workforces.
The training offered to students will also cover Syngenta Digital, a platform that will aid RLC's Agronomy Innovations Center. This certificate will allow students to develop farm plans, create variable rate prescriptions, analyze harvest data, and compile data to understand the return on investment when comparing different farming practices."
Rend Lake College President Terry Wilkerson believes that the extensive training offered will provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the agriculture industry. He also expressed his excitement about the partnership creating even more internship opportunities and providing exciting career prospects. "I'm confident that we're on the right track for the future of agronomy," he said.
To learn more about Rend Lake College, please visit rlc.edu.