Area high school students attend first-ever Agriculture Olympics

Clark State College welcomed area high school students to campus for its first-ever Agriculture Olympics on March 20 at the main campus in Springfield. The interactive event was designed to spark interest in agricultural careers while showcasing the college’s agriculture programs.

Student teams of five from Springfield Career Technology Center, Northeastern High School and Tecumseh High School competed in a series of hands-on challenges including a wheelbarrow race, tool competency, puzzles, egg collecting and more.

First-place and second-place honors went to Northeastern High School and third-place went to Tecumseh High School.  Northeastern also took home “Best Dressed.”

“Our goal is to raise awareness of Clark State’s agriculture programs and connect with passionate students who are interested in agriculture,” said Avery Davison, assistant professor of agriculture.  “Our programs offer pathways to in-demand careers that involve innovation in science, problem-solving, technology and more.”

Clark State College, a founding member of the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement and the hub for the Ohio Center for Precision Agriculture, offers a range of agriculture programs designed to prepare students for careers in the modern agricultural industry. Degree and certificate options include agricultural business, precision agriculture, horticulture, turf and landscape management, greenhouse operations and golf course operations. Programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on learning experiences and industry partnerships aligned with current technologies and workforce needs.

“Agriculture influences every aspect of our daily lives,” Davison said. “From the land we manage to the food we consume, this industry requires skilled professionals prepared to lead. Clark State equips students with practical experience and a strong academic foundation to succeed.”

In 2024, Clark State announced a $9 million initiative with the United States Department of Agriculture to create a national agriculture center for two-year colleges and expand access to agricultural careers. Through this partnership, students benefit from applied research, internships and direct connections to USDA professionals while working on real-world challenges such as soil and water quality, sustainable farming practices and advanced agricultural technologies.

“As agriculture continues to evolve, students need both technical knowledge and real-world experience to be successful,” said Arly Drake, associate professor of agriculture. “Events like the Agriculture Olympics introduced students to the breadth of opportunities in the field and showed how technology, innovation and hands-on skills come together to shape the future of agriculture.”

Fall classes begin August 17. To learn more about Clark State agriculture programs, visit clarkstate.edu/programs/#agriculture-trades. Students can enroll now at clarkstate.edu. Financial aid and scholarships are available.