Community members are invited to learn more about the diverse career opportunities available in agriculture and the science and technology behind the industry during an Agriculture Open House at Yakima Valley College’s Grandview Campus on March 21.

Representatives from the local agriculture industry and YVC faculty will cover topics such as crop sensor technologies, automation and mechanization, winemaking and sensory training, agronomy and crop advising, and more. The event, taking place 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., will also provide an opportunity to learn about YVC’s agriculture degrees and certificates and services for supporting student success.

Several hands-on workshops during the event will give community members of all ages a chance to meet YVC agriculture faculty members and representatives of local agricultural businesses.

“People will have an opportunity to rotate through various interactive learning stations and meet professionals who have a variety of roles in the region’s agriculture industry,” said YVC Agriculture Instructor Stacey Gingras. “Whatever age you are, this open house is a great chance to learn more about the wide variety of careers available in agriculture and how to get started.”

Open House Schedule

  • 4:30 p.m. – Check-in and meet YVC faculty
  • 4:45 – 5:15 p.m. – Workshop 1
  • 5:20 – 5:50 p.m. – Workshop 2
  • 5:55 – 6:25 p.m. – Workshop 3
  • 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Yakima Valley Vintners Tasting Room Open, YVC faculty on hand to answer questions

Workshop activities will include:

  • Yakima Valley Vintners, the college’s award-winning teaching winery, will lead a hands-on activity exploring the science behind aroma.
  • Sunnyside RDO will show off multiple pieces of large cultivation and harvest equipment, such as an automated orchard/vineyard/hops sprayer, that play an essential role in the future of the high-value crop industry. They’ll also offer a scavenger hunt to learn more about the equipment on display.
  • TrellX will show off a specialized excavator used in the installation of orchard trellising systems.
  • Soiltech will give participants an opportunity to use their wireless crop sensor equipment in samples of different types of soil to determine which needs to be irrigated, then get a real-time look at the change in soil moisture.
  • Valley Agronomics will provide a presentation on how they help farmers maximize their yields by drawing on a variety of data sources and implementing new technologies.
  • YVC Agriculture faculty will present an Integrated Pest Management Discovery Lab, with stations to identify important agricultural pests and diseases, as well as beneficial insects. Use microscopes to get a close-up view of tiny insects, fungi and plant structures.

Come anytime during the open house to learn more about how YVC prepares agriculture students for success and career advancement in the number one employer in central Washington. Families are welcome.

The YVC Agriculture Department offers six associate and associate-transfer degrees, five certificates and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Agricultural Sciences. Its Vineyard and Winery Technology Program operates Yakima Valley Vintners, an award-winning teaching winery, on the Grandview Campus with tasting rooms on both the Yakima and Grandview campuses.

Additional Admission Events

Community members looking to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree also are invited to upcoming information sessions that will provide more information about YVC’s programs in Agricultural Science, Business Management, IT Network – System Administration and Teacher Education.

No appointment is needed to participate. Information sessions will take place:

  • March 1 – 5 p.m., Join online via Zoom
  • May 3 – Noon and 5 p.m., Yakima Campus, Deccio Higher Education Center (Building #8), Parker Room, South 16th Ave and Nob Hill Blvd.
  • August 9 – 5 p.m., Join online via Zoom

The college’s BAS programs are designed for individuals who have earned their associate degree or 90+ college-level credits and are looking for an affordable pathway to complete their applied bachelor’s degree.

Anyone interested in beginning studies at YVC also can contact the college’s Admissions Office for assistance at admission@yvcc.edu or 509.574.4712. New students must complete their application online by February 20 for spring quarter admission; spring quarter classes begin March 29. Search for Spring Quarter 2023 classes online.