U of A agriculture dean tours Yuma, highlights future of desert farming
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The University of Arizona's new agriculture dean is getting a firsthand look at the research, technology and people helping shape the future of farming in the desert.
Dr. George W. Smith, the Charles-Sander Dean of the University of Arizona's College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, recently spent three days in Yuma meeting with local farmers, students, researchers and agricultural leaders.
Smith took over as dean in August, and Yuma was his first regional visit since taking the position.
During his visit, Smith toured research fields at the University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center, where researchers are working on some of the challenges facing desert agriculture.
The research includes irrigation management, food safety, weed control, pest management and tree fruit production.
Smith also met with local growers to hear about the challenges facing Yuma's agricultural industry and learn more about how university research can support farmers in the field.
"I am just blown away by what I've been able to witness and experience here," Smith said. "My interactions with the local growers, the local farmers...really makes a difference for agriculture in Yuma and for agriculture in the state of Arizona."
The three-day tour also highlighted the next generation of agricultural and health professionals.
Smith visited the University of Arizona Yuma Academic Center, where he met with students and faculty. University officials say 98 percent of Yuma graduates find employment in their field within six months of graduation.
Smith also learned more about the campus' Nutritional Sciences program and its Dietetics emphasis, which prepares students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists.
Another focus of Smith's visit was the future of agricultural technology.
At the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, Smith received an update on the region's "Smart Farm" initiatives.
One project includes a dedicated 5G network designed to support real-time data, automated machinery and others.
