Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Adam Darden

Agriculture Student/Farmer

High School: Southampton High School ('05)

Career & Technical Ed. Program Studied: Agricultural Mechanics/Basic Plant Science

Additional Studies/Training: Ferrum College

Cultivating a Career

“I would never want a desk job.” Adam Darden is clear about that. That’s why he has pursued agricultural studies from high school into college that will keep him working outdoors. In his high school classes, he learned about plants and soil chemistry, and acquired practical skills needed in operating a farm (such as carpentry, welding, and machine maintenance). In college, he’s been working on a research internship studying the effects of acid rain on crops.

Looking back on his high school studies, Adam observes that “everything was definitely useful. The classes help you learn the basic ‘book knowledge’ of agriculture, and further your education. Everything you learn gives you a heads-up.”