BC Agriculture Laboratory Provides Students a Unique Learning Environment

Thursday, December 5, 2024

By Deanna Rea

The Bakersfield College Agriculture Laboratory is home to much more than crops and farm animals – it is a bustling, hands-on learning environment where students can roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and discover the wonders of farming. Located on the northwest end of the Panorama campus, the Agriculture Farm is a cornerstone of the college’s agricultural program, offering students an invaluable learning experience.

Whether it is wrangling baby calves or solving unexpected water leaks, the program’s Animal Science instructor, Julie Beechinor, collaborates with other members of the Agriculture Department to guide students through these real-world challenges, offering valuable life lessons along the way.

Having been born and raised in Bakersfield and coming from a family deeply rooted in agriculture, Julie Beechinor brings a wealth of insight and understanding shaped by her upbringing and firsthand experience in the agricultural industry. Her educational journey began at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where she studied Agricultural Education with an emphasis in Animal Science. After finishing her studies, she made the transition to BC, where she began working in the fall of 2021.

Professor Beechinor teaches a diverse range of courses on the farm, each delving into a unique aspect of animal production, such as Introduction to Animal Science, Livestock Evaluation, Beef Production, Animal Nutrition, Swine Production, and Large Animal Diseases. “I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family that was involved in production agriculture, so I grew up getting my hands dirty,” Julie says. “I knew where my food and fiber came from, [and] I knew the value of hard work. I knew the value of raising livestock, and it was important to me to be able to educate students who don’t have that connection.”

When asked to describe the agriculture program in one word, Julie replied, “Inspiring,” reflecting a deep appreciation for its impact on her students. Her commitment to shaping their understanding of agriculture extends beyond technical skills, aiming to foster a deeper appreciation for the origins of their food. She expresses, “That’s my goal for every student. I want them to know where their food comes from, and how hard those people have worked to get it on their plate.”

As Julie reflects on the evolution of the Agriculture Farm, she emphasizes that enhancing the educational experience for students has consistently been the primary focus. “There’s a huge history of Bakersfield College and the Agriculture Program,” she says. Over the years, this commitment has driven a series of improvements, all aimed at providing students with the most relevant, firsthand learning opportunities. Whether it involves upgrading facilities or incorporating industry-standard practices, the goal has always been to ensure that students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the field of Agriculture and Animal Science. “[The farm] needed an update,” she says. “It needed to be in a position where students could have animals that were accessible and raise them just as we do in the industry. The Agriculture Program is getting an entirely new building.”

“The herd of animals you see now arrived this August, but they won’t be staying on campus for long. Right now, I have forty-six animals, but it always changes,” Julie says. She recognizes the popularity of the animals on campus, commenting on the number of onlookers who are eager to come into contact with them. “They all have questions,” she says.

The animals come and go with the seasons, as part of an ongoing partnership with local ranchers within the community. These ranchers provide the animals for the Agriculture Program, and in return, the program cares for them during their time on campus. As the seasons shift, new groups of animals arrive, while others are sent back to their home ranches. In the spring, we can expect to see a new herd of baby calves and pigs.

She highlights how the farm’s evolution extends beyond animal care to the cultivation of crops, where students engage in practical research. As Julie explains, “And it’s the same on the farming side. All those crops that they’re growing - the students are using as research projects. They’re testing fertilizer, insecticides – they’re collecting data for research.”

Makayla Maston, a student of Professor Beechinor’s, is currently majoring in Business but is making the exciting transition to Animal Science. She has been a student since August and is set to graduate in 2026. When asked what inspired her to make this bold transition, Makayla replied, “Professor Beechinor. I’ve never had a teacher [who] does as much hands-on work.”

Her experience in the program so far has been extremely positive. Makayla describes the program in one word: “Incredible.” She explains, “There’s always laughing, and there’s always learning. It’s so cool to feel what you’re learning and know what you’re learning.”

From soil science to the care and breeding of farm animals, the Agriculture Laboratory provides the tools and resources necessary for students to gain in-depth knowledge while contributing to the constantly evolving agricultural industry. Through its innovative approach and emphasis on real-world application, the Agriculture Program motivates its students to pursue meaningful careers dedicated to shaping the future of food production. “To somebody who doesn’t know the program,” Julie says, “I would say get yourself to Bakersfield College –the campus itself is amazing. If you compare it to [other] junior colleges, it just shines.”