October 29th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College in conjunction with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, Marshall University's Robert C. Byrd Institute and the West Virginia Department of Education will hold the annual Ag Innovation Showcase on November 14 at the WV Army National Guard Armory, 157 Freedom Way in Moorefield.

Now in its fourth year, the Ag Innovation Showcase will bring together attendees from the Potomac Highlands Region and beyond to highlight new technologies, offer informative speakers and serve as a general meeting for interested parties to collaborate in an effort to ensure that Ag-Innovation is at the forefront of West Virginia economics.

With morning hands-on sessions geared toward students and afternoon break-out sessions focused on adults, the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will spur innovation and foster excitement among West Virginia's youth while improving agriculture opportunities throughout the state.

"The Biological and Environmental Technology Program organized through Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College is proud to be a leading partner in community integration as well as advancement in STEAAM professions," said Biological and Environmental Technology Program Coordinator Amo Oliverio. "Learn about the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia, including some fun face time with local and exotic critters, environmental games and activities, as well as a splash of watershed fun."

Sessions currently scheduled include: West Virginia's Department of Agriculture, Marshall University's Robert C. Byrd Institute, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Workshops, West Virginia Department of Education, USDA Grant Workshop, Poultry Innovation and Information, Farmbot, Robotics, Watershed Environmental Programs, West Virginia Extension, Butchering, Simulated Welding, 3D Printing, Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), Dart Gun Medication, Drone demonstrations, Tourism Cluster Development, Natural Resources, Solar, Wind Technology and Commercial Driver's License Training.

Additionally, the Ag Innovation Showcase will include a West Virginia Student Ag Challenge pitch contest where WV AG Challenge Finalists will pitch their ideas for a chance to be a category winner and travel across the state to compete in the Ag Challenge Final at Marshall University on December 13.

For additional information, contact Tina Metzer, tina.metzer@easternwv.edu or Nathan Bergdoll at (304) 538-2397.