May 1st, 2018
Jackson State Dual Enrollment student Hunter Goodman recently won first place in the Agriscience essay for the State of Tennessee through Future Farmers of America (FFA). Goodman is a senior at Henry County High School in Paris.
Goodman's essay, "Effects of Corn Variety Comparisons on Migrating Waterfowl", stems from an experiment he developed with his father. He says they worked with the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Association (TWRA), who supplied the two with supplies and a place to plant the crop. The experiment consisted of field evaluations to check for insect infestations, crop yield, and plant height.
Ultimately, Goodman's experiment revealed that controlling corn ear heights could help control the duck migration. He also says the experiment can also be applied in conservationism. "You can put more food on what land you've got, and the waterfowls can stay there longer during the season," he says.
After his essay was chosen as a first place winner in the state, Goodman had the opportunity to present it at the national convention in Nashville last month. He is still deciding between colleges but plans to pursue a degree in agronomy, the study of soil and plants.