AgFirst partners with Piedmont Tech to send students to national landscaping competition

Agriculture drives South Carolina’s economy, generating $34 billion annually and supporting nearly 200,000 jobs statewide. Behind those numbers are educators, students and institutions working every day to shape the future of this vital industry. Piedmont Technical College’s Diversified Agriculture program – the only two-year program of its kind in South Carolina – plays a pivotal role in educating youth to enter the ag industry. 

The program offers a comprehensive study of modern production agriculture, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in an industry marked by shifting consumer preferences, fluctuating market dynamics and changing weather conditions. 

To support aspiring agricultural students, AgFirst partnered with the school to provide scholarships for four students to attend the National Collegiate Landscape Competition in Fort Collins, Colo. The students who attended the competition and their areas of focus were Andrew Jewell, diversified agriculture; and Ian McCoy, Thomas Booth and Emma McCaffrey, horticulture technology. 

The competition offered much more than just awards, it also provided students with critical industry insights, new connections, enhanced skills and real-world experiences. 

This year’s event attracted over 700 college students and more than 450 industry professionals. It featured a variety of competitions, career fairs and workshops, giving students a comprehensive view of the industry and its career possibilities. The students excelled in several categories: 

• Winner of the #REALSTIHL social media competition.
• Second place (out of 40) in the irrigation assembly competition.
• Fifth place (out of 39) in the mini track loader competition.
• Tenth place (out of 40) in the truck and trailer operation competition. 

Their success reflects the high caliber of education and training at Piedmont Tech, as well as the talent and determination of these aspiring students. The experience was a launching pad for them to discover what’s possible in their careers. 

The partnership between AgFirst and Piedmont Technical College’s Horticulture and Diversified Agriculture program exemplifies a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders. Supporting students through experiences like this helps ensure a stronger, smarter and more connected future for agriculture. We are proud to support the school’s work, providing students with the tools they need to succeed in the industry.